Seattle is very much in FIFA World Cup mode and decorated all its statues accordingly. Even the iconic Fremont troll under George Washington memorial bridge.
We start our day by running around Green Lake with the whole team, joined by many of our local friends and Peace Run associates. It's a sunny warm day - very warm by Seattle standards! And we're loving it! :)
Seattleite Rupashi, one of our main coordinators of the US Peace Run, takes the lead cheerfully carrying the Peace Torch.
We are joined for a stretch by the Tuesday Walkers who walk around the lake every week!
As we encounter fellow walkers, runners, bikers, rollerskaters or scooter riders we pass the torch around and hand out our cards - everyone is very impressed by the little map on it showing our route through all fifty states. We'll be turning back east after Seattle to arrive back in New York by 15th of August. That's where our journey started on 16th of April.
Offering their good wishes and hopes for peace, which we'll carry along our journey. Since the founding of the Peace Run in 1987 the Peace Torch has been held by over 7 million people globally.
Peace Run executive director Salil is handing the torch to Jewel who ended up running with us quite a bit!
It was lovely meeting you, Jewel and learn a bit about the work you do with children - maybe the Peace Run can hook up in the future.
The team enjoys a peaceful moment in the Sri Chinmoy Peace Grove, dedicated in 1993.
After we completed our run around Green lake, Mother Nature blesses us with a spectacular halo around the sun.
... as two bald headed eagles look on ...
America the beautiful! :)
We are enjoying real Napolitanian pizza for lunch at Tutta bella ristorante. Grazie mille à Brian per un pranzo assolutamente delizioso!
It's arrivederci! to Ukrainian teammate Anya, who is returning to her job in San Diego today. This cup will remind her of a wonderful time in Washington state!
In the afternoon we visit the Boys and Girls Club in Edmonds. Team and kids alike enjoyed the presentation outside on the soft lawn.
The team presents some skits to demonstrate to the kids the difference between peaceful and non-peaceful behaviour. How do you rate pushing your fellow contestants out of the way during a race ?!
Who wants to hold the Peace Torch?
Here we have 3 super athletes in the making ... and their mum is a great runner too!
After holding the torch each kid gets one of our cards, showing beautiful images of the Peace Run visiting over 160 countries worldwide.
Which country card did you get? Wanna trade?
Suhasini presenting our certificate of appreciation to the staff of Edmonds Boys and Girls club. They are doing a great job!!
It's fun to watch your teachers race around the ground and cheer them on!
Even more fun it is to run around the pond yourself - Peace Torch in front. We did it three times!! :))
Local Peace Run coordinator Aparajita leads the team on his bike for a 5 mile run through forresty paths and towards beautiful sea views.
Peace is fun!!
Meeting with mayor Rozen of Edmonds at the community sport- and playgrounds. He welcomes the team with beautiful words and ponts out the significance of the run in times like these.
Peace begins with you - and me - and all of us!
Mayor Rozen wrote a beautiful proclamation for the Peace Run.
The selfless volunteers of the Edmonds Food Bank join the Peace Run for a fun-filled stroll around the grounds - passing the torch from hand to hand.
Local media is covering the event.
Edmonds' Statue of Liberty! ;)
Proud granddad with next generation volunteers!
President executive Casey Davis receives the Torch Bearer Award on behalf of the Edmonds Food Bank for their invaluable service to their community.
Casey should get an award for her shoes, too!
What a great community spirit. Way to go, Edmonds!
The runners receive an award of a different kind: home made popsicles, courtesy of Charlie Pops. They were absolutely delicious and a real treat at the end of a hot day. Thank you so much!!
We spent the evening in Aparajita's beautiful home, Shanti Loka, peaceful abode, with lush gardens granting a spectacular sea view framed by Washington peaks.
Aparajita treated us to first rate Thai Food. We went back for numerous helpings! Thank you for your generous hospitality and organization of this successful and enjoyable Peace Run day.
It was so great to see Nandita again - Seattlelite and Peace Run enthusiast of the first hour!
Also teammate Natabara is receiving a farewell gift: the caption on the T-shirt reads "An Edmonds kind of day". Wasn't it just?!
A wonderful day comes to a glorious end with a fiery sunset observed by the whole team and our friends from Seattle on Aparajita's porch.
"The truth of Joy within, without me flies. The Voice that speaks within the core of the Sun Shall love and fulfil my secret and sacred choice. In Matter's body dawns the Spirit's Height." Sri Chinmoy
