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Creative Retirement Institute to host Rick Steves storytelling event on Jan. 22

01/07/26

Celebrated travel writer Rick Steves will recount the 1978 adventures that he turned into a memoir, “On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer,” during CRI’s Dorothy Jennings Speaker Series event on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Photo courtesy of Rick Steves)

Celebrated travel writer Rick Steves will recount the 1978 adventures that he turned into a memoir, “On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer,” during CRI’s Dorothy Jennings Speaker Series event on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Photo courtesy of Rick Steves)

The Creative Retirement Institute (CRI) is welcoming celebrated travel writer and local advocate Rick Steves to headline its Dorothy Jennings Speaker Series on Thursday, Jan. 22, for an evening dedicated to the journey of lifelong learning. 

The event, held at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, will feature storytelling from Steves’ New York Times best-selling memoir. Steves will recount the 1978 adventures in his book, “On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer,” and explore how that journey shaped his worldview and inspired a career dedicated to encouraging global perspectives.

“I'm well into the ‘life-long learning’ stage of my life, and it's clear to me that when you mix LLL with LOL and swizzle it with travel, you enjoy a kind of fountain of youth,” said Steves. “Learning, laughing, and getting out keeps us frisky. That is what CRI is all about.”

As a longtime member of the Edmonds community, Steves’ presentation will underscore how a nurtured love of discovery contributes to meaningful civic engagement at home. His message aligns with the mission of CRI, which provides affordable, quality educational opportunities for adults in a supportive, community-based environment.

“Rick Steves has inspired countless individuals to see the world anew,” said Maria Montalvo, CRI volunteer and board member. “CRI is much more than a schedule of classes—it is a place for those 55+ to grow and learn together. We are honored that Rick recognizes the immense value a program like CRI brings to our community.”

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026
  • Time: 6-8 p.m.
  • Location: Edmonds Center for the Arts (410 4th Ave. N, Edmonds, WA)
  • Cost: Admission is free; registration required.
  • Register: To reserve a seat, please visit ricksteves.com/cri.

We invite attendees to support CRI’s educational programs with a donation at the event; in appreciation, donors will receive a complimentary copy of Steves’ book, “On the Hippie Trail.” 

To learn more about CRI, please visit the website at edmonds.edu/cri.
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