June 1 is fast approaching and with it the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative goes into effect. Follow the link for information about land, sea and air travel regulations between the USA, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Things are changing, don’t get caught without your passport or a US Passport Card.

Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia at the Pacific Science Center closes on March 8th. Lucy is a 3.2 million year old, erect-walking hominid fossil and if your curiosities include history, Africa, the human species and our origins, this show should not be missed. If your interests include gorillas, don’t miss the presentation by Thor Hanson, author of The Impenetrable Forest: My Gorilla Years in Uganda, here on March 3rd at 7pm.

A new Italian restaurant, Cantinetta, just opened down the street from us and that makes us very happy.

Rick Steves celebrates all things European at his European Travel Festival on March 7th. This free event, a series of seminars, is open to the public and includes Rick talking about his recent trip to Iran.

Chado, the Way of Tea is held the first three Sundays in March at the Seattle Japanese Gardens, and at other times throughout the year. If you’ve never been to the Tea Garden in the Arboretum it is a perfect place to spend a spring afternoon.

Curious about Icelandic music? The Nordic Heritage Museum presents Iceland Import, classical works by contemporary Icelandic composers, March 22nd at 4pm.