Yes, I will admit that I am a peripatetic person.

Try as I might, I cannot help it — even as I get older. I was dubbed the nickname “Stray” by family and friends as a child because I was always off to some scenic spot. People could never track my next move.

I love international travels and the people of those varying cultures. Whether it’s in the countryside of France, on the floating market in Thailand, or the Pampas of Argentina, you will always find me in my elements.

I like living in Washington state because it gives me the experience of being in various countries and cities at once. Every time I watch the classic “The Sound of Music,” filmed in Salzburg, Austria, I am looking at the picturesque backdrop of Mt. Rainier.

Some parts of the state remind me of the Caribbean, while other parts remind me of South America, Europe and Asia.

One of the breathtaking sights I cannot seem to resist is Redondo Beach. Formerly known as Stone’s Landing, this little paradise had some setbacks in 1906, when 13 died after the dock collapsed. It was renamed Redondo to avoid the stigma of a disastrous past.

Ever since I moved to Federal Way, I have made every excuse in the book to drive by Redondo Beach as often as I can. Who needs the “real” Redondo Beach in California?

Whenever I have guests visiting from out of town, it is the preferred route to and from the airport. In frigid winter and scorching summer days, I’m known to roll down all four windows to get a good whiff of the Puget Sound while driving way below the 25 mph speed limit. I cannot seem to get enough.

My fascination with the area is shared by the Russian-Ukrainian community. In recent times, I have been noticing an influx of our Slavic friends frequenting the boardwalk — especially in the late evening: Lovers, pastors, businessmen and housewives.

I wanted to ask these habitués why the obsession with Redondo, and I braved myself to do so a few weeks ago.

I met up with Roman Kozlov, Vadim Gozhiy, and Nick Shkibera — all 18-year-old men — at the parking lot just as they were about to depart the area. They told me that the area reminded them of Odessa in the Ukraine as well as Moscow, Russia.

They frequent the area to look at “pretty girls, eat sunflower seeds and chill with friends,” they said. When not visiting Redondo, they eat out at Applebee’s, Mongolian Grill, Olive Garden, Black Angus and other chain restaurants.

There are no Russian or Ukrainian restaurants in the area. The only Ukrainian restaurant is in Kent. They would like to see an outdoor-like cafe where they could while away and eat lots of sunflower seeds.

Like most assimilated teenagers, they listen to techno, rap, R&B, reggae, just to name a few musical genres.

I spoke with some older natives, and they told me that they visited the area sometimes after church to meet up with friends and reminisce about home. One gentleman told me that the waterway reminded him of Truskavets, a resort location known for the medicinal properties in its water.

Still hungry for more things Russian and Ukrainian, I was driving past a church the following evening on 21st Avenue, near Fred Meyer, and spotted a large crowd. I surmised that it was a Ukrainian gathering, and in I went.

They were having their weekly prayer meeting. I stayed for the duration of the service, not understanding a word, save for the gentleman who felt obligated to translate for me in the best English he could master.

Ironically, I never felt out of place. Every groan and moan echoed from the praying throng resonated with me. I left there feeling a sense of brotherhood. It adds new meaning to what America is all about: E Pluribus Unum — “Out of Many, One.”

I Celebrate You

Write A Blessing Media will present “I Celebrate You” at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road. The event is free and open to the public. Food, motivational speeches and entertainment will be available, including the Federal Way Harmony Kings. The event is a way for the community to say thank you to its people for being positive role models, dedicated parents, wonderful spouses, caring teachers, selfless doctors and benevolent human beings.