Winter Zests

Cold temperatures, snow day, winter zest, Jesse Tam. The winter months create unexpected  temperatures to dip below freezing and snow forecast snarled Seattle, northwest traffic. Bellevue's eastside higher elevations received more snow. Start early and check the treads on those tires so it will be safe on the road during rainy and snowy weather.  The colder night temperature makes the windshield scraping important to get frost off the windows so there is better vision when we drive off to work, school, shopping or meetings.

Make a list and start gathering some items to leave in your truck in case of stormy weather or traffic delays.  Changes in weather can occur quickly with fog, snow, less daylight and lower temperatures making conditions hazardous.

Here are a few handy items to carry:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Windshield scraper
• Comfortable boots or walking shoes
• Extra coat or blanket, hat, gloves, scarf
• Small portable shovel
• Snacks and/or water
• Emergency kit
• Safety flare
• Booster cable
• Fire extinguisher

Snow has blanket the foothills in many regions and the sports enthusiasts welcome the snow for snowboarding, skiing and winter fun in the mountains.  Looks a good year to spend time in the mountains and purchase a season pass for the lifts...have fun on the slopes, stay safe. Thanks for staying connected, Jesse https://jesse-tam28.blogspot.com/

Windy City Highlights and Cruise

We are familiar with the Windy City in Chicago, Jesse Tam visiting sites and highlights.  Here are some landscapes of the city in September along Lake Michigan and the downtown river cruise.  The Navypier is a must see for tourist and locals for strolls and activities.

An afternoon stroll in Chicago's Navypier for local cruise on Lake Michigan, dining, music, shops and enjoying the city.

There's great river cruises in downtown Chicago to view the buildings and historical places.  

Highrises and condo living along the city skylines on the river.  The Merchant Mart, Boeing Headquarters, Willis Tower, Marina City,Aqua, Wrigley Building and many others.

Thinking About A Visit to Seattle?

Thinking about visiting Seattle, Jesse Tam.  The long lists of places to discover is west coast city of Seattle with downtown skylines filled with tall buildings, cranes and the Space Needle.  Spring is the beginning of cruise ships in our region with several ports ready for the tourists to arrive as they begin the week long journey to Alaska.  The cruise season begins around early April to October creating additional passengers arriving and departing at Seattle Tacoma International Airport.

Spend the weekend with a pre or post day to explore the waterfront, Pike Place market, International District or tour Boeing.  There are things for the whole family with parks, ride the Big Wheel on the waterfront, walk or bike along  Alki Beach.  There are more activities for those interested in the arts and musical performances.

The light rail link from the airport will take you to downtown Seattle and a quick ride to the University district and University of Washington.  Rent a canoe at the boathouse for a few hours when the weather permits and see Lake Washington.   Jesse   spend time to explore the outdoors.  

Seattle Seahawk Division Round

Division Round, predictions and more Jesse Tam, Bellevue. Seattle fights to continue in the race, here are places to watch the Seahawks and Atlanta Falcon game. Plan ahead for pregame highlights and events on your local channel or radio station. What's your  prediction on score and weather? More from Seahawks.com


"The Seahawks face the Falcons on Saturday, January 14 in the Divisional Round of the NFC playoffs. Kickoff is set for 1:35 p.m. PT at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Here's a look at where you can watch, listen to, and follow the action as it unfolds:"

Read

TV: FOX

The game will be broadcast on FOX (channel 13 in Seattle) with Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), John Lynch (analyst), Pam Oliver (sidelines), and Peter Schrager (sidelines) on the call. Read

Radio: 710 ESPN Seattle, KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, Westwood One

Former Seattle wideout Steve Raible will be in the radio booth for his 13th year as 'Voice of the Seahawks.' He's joined by Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, who's in his 13th season as analyst, and broadcast veteran Jen Mueller, the Seahawks' sideline reporter. Click here for a complete list of Delta Air Lines Radio Network affiliates broadcasting Seahawks games across Washington, Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon..."

http://www.seahawks.com/news/2017/01/13/where-watch-listen-follow-seattle-seahawks-atlanta-falcons

Thanks for visiting  https://jesse-tam28.blogspot.com/ follow blog

Fridge Temperatures and Winter Blast

Winter temperatures and flight plans from Bellevue or Seattle, Jesse Tam. Driving or flying this time of year from Seattle northwest to east coast? Check with the airlines for delays and de icing due to weather or fog.

The cold winter days and snow are upon us as we are hit with another arctic cold across the Northeastern United States.  The Midwest remains frigid through the work week, northeastern states will stay cold for the next few days.

The national weather service issued a wind chill advisory for all of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and parts of Montana, Wyoming and the plain states.  Watch for temperatures to hit below zero in some areas.

Stay safe with carrying warm clothing, food, blankets and traction devices for tires. Remember to allow extra time for traveling and watch road conditions as they change.

https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

Best Places for Fall Foliage

Looking for fall colors in the Bellevue and the greater Seattle area?  Jesse Tam places to see fall foliage. There are many parks, trails and neighborhoods within a short drive or bike to enjoy the changing leaves. Bright yellow, orange and red hues of changing leaves fill the backgrounds as night time temperatures dip to low 50 degrees. 

Washington may not be the exact fall view as New Hampshire or Vermont, but we have some of the most beautiful shades of autumn.  When it comes to fall foliage and colors, here are some easy places to enjoy and explore.

 For a pure explosion of foliage colors:

•  Bellevue Botanical Garden. Beautiful year-round, this 53-acre urban sanctuary goes wild with color in the fall, making the easy stroll around the grounds vibrant beyond belief.
•  A simple hike along the Cedar River heading west from Landsburg Park 
• Seattle's Seward Park  2.4-mile walking path
• Japanese Garden in Seattle, Montlake
• Trails of Point Defiance Park in Tacoma
• Scenic drive from Naches toward White Pass, Highway 13 and into Mount Rainier National Park

The blue skies, light filled evening and few sunny days will capture your spirits when you venture outdoors and embrace the beauty of nature's changes.  Spend an  hours alone or with your friends or family and remember to snap a few photos to capture the scenery.   Jesse  https://jesse-tam28.blogspot.com/

Seattle to Asia with Jesse Tam

Seattle to Asia with Jesse Tam, this time it was spending a few hours at the international airport in Seoul. Depending on which Asia country is your destination, the transfer makes a nice rest stop after a long 8-10 hour fight from Seattle. It's allows you time to stretch and rest before making the next connection to Nepal, Hong Kong and so forth.  

Spend a few moment and visit the shops at the terminal or take a quick walk and relax while you await the next flight.  It's a great time to recharge your electronics and grab a few snacks from from the duty free shops. Don't forget to stretch unwind during long flights.

Jesse Tam view from above

Thanks for visiting, follow and share https://jessetam.com/  Stay current, safe travels, continue to explore and Live Life!

The Olympics and Expo Reflections

 The Olympics and Expo Reflections by Jesse Tam

Traveling to China the past few years for business and leisure, I've observed many rapid changes in the people and economy.  The pacific northwest is an easy gateway for flight departing from either Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles or Vancouver, BC with nonstop daily flights. Majority of the businesses and tourists likes to go to Beijing or Shanghai. 

The 2008 Beijing Olympics opened the doors to promote China as a central player in the 21st century.  The Olympic sites such as the Bird's Nests are still popular for tourists.  The Forbidden City is a must see in Beijing which is located in the city if you have a limited schedule.  

Shanghai Skylines 

China's first world's fair was Expo 2010 in Shanghai.  It was the recorded as the largest in history by size, attendance and international participants. Expo 2010 was also the largest world's fair attendance in a single day, over one million on October 16.  The infrastructures from Expo allowed the city and central government to plan and expanded the city under urban development.

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Early morning skies of the city

Traveling throughout Shanghai on the Magley Train or Shanghai Trans rapid is fairly simple and inexpensive.  It is the first commercially operated high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world. If you are departing from Shanghai, note there are two airports; Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao Airport Terminal (local/regional). One of our friends went to the local terminal and missed the flight until the next day.  You may arrive and depart from different terminals if you have international connections. 

Did I tell you there is a portion of the city with "French Connection"?  It is truly a city with a long interesting history but changing daily in a blink of an eye,  there is another tall tower.

The rapid growth and urbanization brings higher costs of living and traffic headaches.  Jobs and education are highly competitive in the cities.  Housing and the costs of living is very expensive in the city. Shanghai is a great city for tourism and filled with rich history in China.

Harmony in Coeur d'Alene Conference

Harmony in Coeur d'Alene is the theme for District Conference this year from April 29 - May 1, 2016. Join the fun in a relaxing resort setting approximately 5 hours drive from Seattle  with spectacular lake front landscape. Jesse Tam, an opportunity for rotary fellowship with 52 clubs presidents, rotarians and our district leadership  Learn about projects, programs, inspirational speakers and using social media to build membership.

Rotary conference,  leadership, cub presidents,
district fellowship Jesse Tam 

Spend the afternoon/evening free time to make new friends and  participate in social activities. Enjoy the weekend with inspiring youth, inspirational guests and renew your spirit with new ideas. Great break-out sessions, family friendly, fellowship and hospitality at Coeur d'Alene.  

Celebrate the spirit of Rotary. Make this a weekend getaway and stay connected.  It will be an amazing experience at each conference as a first timer or past time attendee.  Hear inspiring stories from your district leaders, club presidents and Rotary International rep.  Look ahead for the new rotary year and embrace the accomplishments of our district leadership.  https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

More info     http://rotarydistrict5030.org/

Building Membership using Social Meida

Visit Skagit Valley Festival

Spring is here and another recommendation with Jesse is visiting the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.  A warm winter means the tulips will bloom a bit early for the second straight year. Enjoy the colorful blooms and fields with Tam and friends in Mount Vernon. The festival runs from April 1 through April 30 depending on weather conditions.  It is a destination event for the Pacific Northwest held annually.  

Every spring thousands of people tour and visit the tulip fields in bloom.  It is a short drive from Seattle and Vancouver, BC.  The fields are scattered throughout the Skagit Valley with many local events and activities throughout the festival.  The walking or biking tours are perfect day trip or weekend with friends and families. RoozenGaarde and Tulip Town with displays in gardens for visitors to view and photograph.  Bulbs and items are available for purchase at each location.

The festival is now 32 years and welcomes people across the United States and from around the world.  This is truly a places to visit for all ages and families during the month of April and spending time with nature.  There will be traffic on weekends and long waits on the road, so biking is a great way to view the fields.  A link for more information to festival  http://www.tulipfestival.org/
Parking maps and viewing times for preparing your trip and drive.  Enjoy the colorful blooms and takes plenty of photos.  You won't forget the sights of the fields.

Pacific Northwest to Victoria, BC

Seattle waterfront - Jesse T

The Victoria Clipper recently sold to FRS, a ferry and shipping Germany global company. Jesse Tam blog, trips for summer and year round travel between Seattle's waterfront to Victoria, BC. It is a route for locals and tourists which provides transportation and tours from the Pacific Northwest and Canadian southwest.

Parking overnight or just for the day is available for a reasonable price within a block or so of the waterfront terminal. Tours or those who prefer to not hassle with driving can spend a few night in Victoria or travel to the San Juan Islands.  It's a weekend get away for the family or just to refresh and relax from the busy city life.

You may be able to encounter whales and other wildlife creatures on the open waters. Several rotary district conferences were held in Victoria and a special charter Clipper transported our attendees on the hydro vessels. A relaxing fun way to spend time on the regal waters of the sound with food on board for purchase, views on the decks and fellowship time together.

It was a fun and memorable event filled with friendship and stories on the 3 hour cruise.  Plans for future expansion would include a new route between Victoria to downtown Vancouver, BC.  FRS operates 60 vessels in 12 countries and carried more than 7 million passengers.  It hopes to open a service between Miami to Cuba by ferry with government approval.

Sunday Supermoon Eclipse

This Sunday people in the United States can see something that hasn’t happened in more than 30 years:a supermoon combined with a lunar eclipse. Jesse Tam will be viewing this special evening event of the night skies. The last time this happened was in 1982.  If you missed the viewing on Sunday, you would have to wait until 2033 for this occurrence to happen again.

 In the evening, sky-watchers will see a larger-than-normal moon begin to dim and turn red, lasting for more than an hour before returning to its normal brightness and color in the sky. The supermoon eclipse will last 1 hour and 11 minutes and will be visible to North and South America, Europe, Africa and parts of West Asia.  A rare phenomenon that occurred only five supermoon eclipses since 1900 (in 1910, 1928, 1964  and 1982)

Reaching Your Achievements

 A wise quote of reaching your achievements.  Roadblocks are detours for us to evaluate and select other choices or figure other routes.  Jesse Tam favors another quote "If you're trying to achieve...go through...."

If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it

  Michael Jordan

Typhoon Advisory Soudelor

Typhoon Soudelor moved slowly with strong winds toward the island of Taipei, Taiwan bringing heavy rain.  Jesse Tam visited Taiwan with friends early spring. The island was under an extremely torrential rain advisory on the northeast side of the island expecting more than 3 feet of rain.  Businesses and schools were closed with warnings of strongest storm on the planet so far this year.  It will peak with winds at 180 mph (290 kph).

 It was expected to make landfall early Saturday local time, sweep across the island and continue toward mainland China.  Some train and ferry services were suspended, but flights were continuing to take off and arrive at Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport on Friday afternoon.  Taiwan had been hit hard with typhoons and earthquakes in the past.   http://jessetam.com/  

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Be A Gift to the World

Our Seattle rotary club changes presidents each July and the new RI president takes helm in Chicago with the new theme for 2015 - 2016 "Be A Gift to the World.

Jesse Tam looks back 31 years as a charter member of his rotary club and ponders, what contribution can I make to the world?  The greatest gift is the ability to adapt to changes and strive in giving back to others.

Many people I've known do give and donate to various charities and organizations with writing a check which are tax deductions, but don't give the gift of personal time or effort.  We can give to the world with volunteering our time, a friendly smile, mentoring others or just being a friend. The 31 years journeys in rotary from helping raise funds for the children in Nepal, polio immunization in Ethiopia, local community cleanup, packing and distributing books to children, helping the homeless and food packing are just of the few to mention.

There are many memories and stories to tell such as landing in Nepal on February 14 with a snowfall which usually is unheard of in that country. The women and children of Africa still carrying water buckets on their heads and walking miles to the stream. Schools in countries without toilets and limited school supplies, these are just a few...    http://jessetam.com/

Carrying Water Container 

Streets of Nepal 

Shelter Box at Gates Foundation

Shelter Box is one of the projects supported by Rotary International to help with natural disasters worldwide. Jesse Tam and RI representative David visits the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle during conference weekend.  Many of the containers provide temporary tents and shelters for those who have loss homes and are in need. Here is a display at  the Gates Foundation in Seattle. The visitor center is an amazing display of the worldwide projects in education, water technology, medical needs, health and so much more...

Remembering Nepal

The sad news of Nepal's 7.8 quake tremors brought down several buildings in the capital ancient Old Kathmandu, including centuries old temples and towers.  Jesse Tam recalls the long 20 hours flight from Seattle International to Nepal on a cold February day.  It was February 14 with a light snow to greet my arrival.  A heartfelt welcome from fellow Rotarians and friends to Nepal.  A tiny country between India and China filled with so much history.

Nepal UNESCO site

This was a trip to help promote a matching grant to help Nepal through Rotary International and partner clubs in Seattle and our district.  It was an opportunity to learn about the people and culture as well as viewing the many UNESCO  sights and Dharahara Tower. The tower was one of Kathmandu's landmarks built by Nepal's royal rulers in the 1800's.

It was the worst tremor to hit Nepal the region in over 80 years.  Our Rotary district is sending immediate relief aid using Shelter Box to help the people in desperate need with tents and etc.  Keeping our friends in our thoughts  for strength courage.  Read more http://jessetam.com/ updates and events.

UNESCO historical sites of Nepal, a country rich in ancient cultures and religions. The geographic region of Kathmandu Valley to the Himalayas mountains.

Dunbar Square, Nepal

                               Nepal, Kathmandu Valley to the Himalayas mountains.

Seattle Median Income City

Seattle real estate, Jesse Tam views the commercial and housing market as it continues to flourish in

the greater eastside.  It is a sellers market again in certain neighborhoods with limited listing and short supply of homes. Recent news and articles regarding the schools, colleges and safety of our cities created higher housing prices as we see more people move into our communities.

What does it costs for those coming to relocate in King County?  Here's a recent article on what is considered "middle class"

"So let's see what life is like in a place where a $125,000 household income is literally the middle.

I looked at the median income for all King County's nearly 400 census tracts and found the one closest to $125,000 as its median household income.
The winning tract is in Sammamish...."    

Read more  http://jessetam.com/  Jesse Tam, stories and update and learn about the latest trends and events.  Pending sales for spring are strong market for sellers.

Take the Leap and Beyond

A Thought Jesse Tam Seattle, strive beyond your personal comfort zone and discover the inner energy and strength. There is a world of opportunities and lessons to be learned, continue learning from others and education yourself. Take the leap, challenge and some risks or you will be left behind.

Remain in the shallow end or reach further into the world, across the  ocean from Seattle and beyond. Discover new cultures, volunteer, mentor and join networking groups.   http://jessetam.com/

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 Either You Decide to

 Stay in the Shallow End of the Pool or 

You Go Out in the Ocean

-  Christopher Reeve

Just a thought.  Are you ready to venture into new adventures from the shallow end into the vast open ocean?