It's Seafair and Torchlight Parade

 A family favorite to look forward to is the Seafair's Torchlight Parade in Seattle.  Jesse Tam, marching and participating in the last past few years is a wonderful way to celebrate summer days. Free activities for all ages with over 100 entries from drill teams, marching bands, prancing horses, Seafair pirates and cultural diversity.  This year's parade will be kicking off at 3:00 pm, July 29th including your favorite sports teams, military bands, grand marshall and more.

The festival event is free and will start with entertainment and food trucks at Westlake Center at 1:00pm.  Come early and prefer reserves seats tickets are available to buy for best viewing selection for the Alaska Airlines Torchlight parade.  Don't miss this great event filled with culture, leadership, community, heritage and fun.  Stay connected https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/  Let's support our local businesses and communities.

Changing Season and Fall Activities

 It's that time of year when the leaves are changing colors with a chill in the air and supermarkets are packed with pumpkins products. Jesse Tam, a short drive from Seattle is the frun day trip on Highway 2 to see the fall colors and landscapes to Leavenworth and Wenatchee.  Check our the town and join the activities to celebrating fall. 

 Here are some ideas for the whole family and age groups.  

• Go on a nature hike and make a game out of your hike with a ntaure bingo sheet. 
•  Support the local farms and business, go pick pumpkins and corn maze.
• Carve jack-o-lanterns
• Make your own local fun with finding fall leaves.
• Create an outdoor activity around the fire pit, share stories
• Visit and pick apples from an orchard or farmers market.
• Bake a apple or pumpkin pie.
• Make a list of spring bulbs to plant for next spring.
• Pack a picnic and visit the local parks.

Spend time outdoors and have fun while the days are longer and temperature is mild.  The local library may have maps for hiking trials. https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/

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Explore the Trails

It's not too early to start planning for outdoor activities and leave greater Seattle's urban life to discover the various trails on the eastside. Jesse Tam, no problem to reach the trailheads without a car.  Did you know Metro created a program Trailhead Direct as a seasonal service to designated trails to help elevate congrestion and parking as well as those who do not drive. Check out these places on your next trip to help you plan https://trailheaddirect.org/ 

 Here are some things to remember when you ride the bus or take public transportation:

• Masks are required onboard and while waiting for your Trailhead Direct vehicle at transit centers.
• Please ensure you wear your mask over your nose and mouth and keep it on for the duration of your trip. Help us protect the vehicle operators and one another while en route to the trailheads.
• Respect the passenger limits onboard Trailhead Direct vehicles, and please observe the signage onboard to block seats to support physical distancing.
• King County Metro is disinfecting vehicles daily, and has installed safety partitions.

Plan ahead and check the schedules for updates and changes.  Take warm clothing as weather can change, water to stay hydrated and keep the surrounding area and trails clean.  Pack out everything that you bring in.  https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/ Thanks for reading, relax and enjoy the trails.

Sunset Sky

Clouds come floating into life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to the sunset sky.  Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.  Jesse Tam, an amazing time to step back and away from the hustle and bustle of daily tasks.  A view at Long Beach to explore the most beautiful and opportunity to reset.  The horizon changes but the sun does not.  

Get outside.  Watch the sunrise. Watch the sunset. How does that make you feel?  There's something special and good feeling when you hear the sound of ocean waves and the breeze.  

"Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully."

"Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Stay in touch - Jesse  https://jesse-tam.blogspot.com/  

Thanks for reading

Seattle Cruise Season Returns

The long awaited return to cruising has arrived beginning in July from  Seattle to the beautiful  Alaska  with Royal Carribean, Holland American and serveral other cruise lines.  Jesse Tam, it make a big impact for local businesses and tourism for the downtown core and economic recovery for our region.  We've all waited for the return to everyday activities and being able to get out to dining indoors and return to attending events in person.  We are ready to transition to a road of back to work in person, spending time with others and more travel ahead.

It's important to still remain cautious with indoor activties, large crowds and gatherings outside your familiar group.  Recommendations to continue with wearing face coverings indoor in public places while dining or shopping and wash hands frequently.

"The Port of Seattle is expecting its first cruise ship arrival June 29th, with Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas docking at Terminal 91 to ready the ship for the season. Pending U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorization of cruise lines’ applications for a Conditional Sailing Certificate, passenger cruises are expected to start July 19th with Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas.

Prior to sailing, cruise lines must submit to the CDC operational plans to prevent the spread of COVID or respond to any documented positive cases. The seven major brands calling the Port of Seattle will resume cruises with eight vessels, with over 80 trips scheduled, pending CDC authorization. To make the 2021 season possible, public health officials, cruise lines, and federal leaders addressed or reached major milestones, including temporary federal authorization to sail directly from Seattle to Alaska without a stop in Canada."

Seattle Fans At the Park

The long awaited new season of the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park allowing fans in the stands is here. Jesse Tam, we're ready for the start of baseball and the open roof at the park with tickets available for single tickets online or as season holders. There are many things to do at the ball park so make plans to arrive early and check out the kids area, enjoy the players prior to the game. It's a nice day to spend with friends and family of all ages. 

Sign up and join the Kids Club for Mariner fans up to age 14  Kids Club | Seattle Mariners (mlb.com)  the kiosks can be found near sections 190 & 329, check it out next time you're at the game.  Free membership includes monthly newsletter, birthday card from The Moose, Mariners Team Store coupons and a choice of drawstring backpack, kids club badge and lanyard depending on local and safety guidelines.

Plan your summer and join the fans for a day at the ball park and cheer on the team. On the deck show will give you a live look in the Mainers batting practice where you'll hear special guest players and more throughout 

On Deck Show presented by T-Mobile gives you a live look-in at Mariners batting practice. Plus, hear from special guests including players, front office staff and more throughout the show.

People Make a Difference

It's the little things that make big days.  Jesse Tam, here's a thought and quote to think about.  People make a difference and we remember the simple things.  Make yourself the best and the rest will follow. 

National Parks Free Fee Entrance

 Greetings to all the nature and outdoor explores who want to visit our National Parks. Start planning and save these dates for the fee free entrances dates, Jesse Tam.  Mt Rainier, near Seattle is a must see destination for hiking and outdoor exploring. A fantastic way to spent time on a day hike or road trip to a few of the local parks in your region.  Six days in 2021 will be entrance-fee-free days in the National Park System.

Places to see and travel ideas are many, such as:  Mt Rainier National ParkCrater Lake, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Everglades, Hot Springs National Park, Grand Sand Dunes, Gates of the Artic and others.

The dates for 2021 are:

Monday, January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Saturday, April 17 – First Day of National Park Week

Wednesday, August 4 – One year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act

Wednesday, August 25 – National Park Service Birthday

Saturday, September 25 – National Public Lands Day

Thursday, November 11 – Veterans Day 

Visiting Seattle and the Free Shuttle Service

Here's a great way to visit downtown Seattle.  When you have an opportunity, try the free hop on free shuttle.  Jesse Tam, the waterfront shuttle runs from Pioneer Square to the Seattle Center along the waterfront on Alaskan Way S.  Buses will run seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through October 1.  It's a great way to get around town without the hassle of finding parking.  The shuttle runs approximately every 20 minutes.

The North and South Loop connects Seattle Center at the Space Needle to Chinatown/International District. Enjoy the waterfront and views of Seattle!
  https://downtownseattle.org/parking/#!/shuttle

NORTH & SOUTH LOOP STOPS

A	-	Seattle Center/Space Needle Connect to Monorail
B/C	-	Victoria Clipper/Sculpture Park
D/E	-	Pier 66
F/F2	-	Historic Piers/Seattle Aquarium/Pike Place Market Transfer to East Route
G/G2	-	Ferries/Water Taxis
H	-	Pioneer Square Connect to Light Rail
I	-	Stadiums/King Street Station Connect to Sounder/Amtrak/Light Rail (Northbound Only)
L	-	Seattle Aquarium/Pike Place Market
M	-	Chinatown/International District

New Light Rail Link

 Exciting new link will connect light rail from University through Capitol Hill to downtown Seattle and Sea Tac airport. Jesse Tam, visitors will have easy access to the city and university. Leave the driving to others and reach your destination in 8 minutes without the worry of traffic or high price of parking.  Photos of land bridge and transit platform at Husky Stadium station,  The new route will provide ease for visitors arriving at the airport to reach downtown and the university.

Seattle New Rail Link, Jesse

The service will open by the end of March after years of planning and construction for quick travel between the University, Capitol Hill and Sea-Tac Airport.  The 3.15 miles extension from HuskyStadium to the Capitol Hill station is expected to serve 71,000 passengers by 2030. https://jessewa28.wordpress.com/

The $1.9 billion project was funded by sales tax and other fees with a large portion of the funding also from federal grants. 

Year of the Ram

Chinese New Year Jesse Tam greetings from Seattle/Bellevue. This year on February 19th, will be Year of the Ram.  The beginning  of Chinese Lunar New Year or also referred to as  Spring Festival, a special celebration for families and relatives for many people in Asia.  This is the time when everyone will travel to their home land and spend time with their families and relatives by train, bus, automobile and plane.  Many people will use this opportunity to travel aboard with their children and families to US or Canada.  They will visit their kids who may be attending boarding school or just visit new places likes Seattle, Las Vegas or San Francisco.

Business and factories will be closed for at least a week to give workers time for celebrating and renewing the year. Homes are decorated with  lanterns, lucky quotes, candies and fresh fruits to welcome good fortune.  Children are dressed in new clothing and homes swept to rid the negative energy from prior year.  Family members will gather together for a special meal to start the year and honor their elders.  Red lucky envelopes are given to children to bring good fortune, well wishes, good health and prosperity.

 Sharing photos  of the decorations with Jesse Tam  for the coming celebration.   http://jessetam.com/

City View 

Shanghai City and Traffic

Decors for Year of the Sheep/Ram

  Lucky Tree and  Plants  

Orange Tree for Good Luck

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A New Year with Jesse Tam

Ringing in the new year with a toast and cheers to our  friends, families and colleagues.  Jesse Tam and out of town visitors kicked off the year viewing the fireworks of the  iconic Space Needle in Seattle.  The Space Needle is a favorite place for tourists and local Seattlites to celebrate year round.  Did you celebrate the start of the new year - making new resolutions, more goals, or a wish list?  I've tried all of  these things; now it's be flexible.  

Learn More  http://jessetam.com/

Fireworks - Seattle Space Needle

Every year there are targets we make and goals to reach, but that's what will keep us challenged for the rest of the year.  The bucket list for myself will be continue traveling to new places and meeting new people. Each person we meet creates a difference experience and outlook on life, how regal.  Language should not be a barrier because we all have similar goals in life -  health, happiness, family, friends, career, prosperity...

This year will be another terrific year for the real estate housing and commercial market in the Pacific Northwest region. The job market, quality of life and education are just a few reasons. Even the rain and gloomy clouds are not hindering people from moving into our area.  We complain about the Seattle gray skies and continuous rain for several months to keep our beautiful cities a hidden treasure.  Bellevue is the shopping and dining places to explore with our new friends.

Travel Nightmare, Storm Warning

This will be the busiest time traveling by planes, trains or automobiles to reach our  destinations for the family gatherings.  I recalled a storm when Jesse Tam missed his connection and was unable to get another flight to Seattle International airport until three days later.  Mother nature will always prevail,  but we can try to forecast and continue to hope for the best outcome. Make the most of what you have at any given time, keep smiling. Where will you stay, at the terminal.

Early snow fall for the east coast in Buffalo, New York and another storm will be barreling along the I 95 corridor beginning Wednesday from Virginia up to the New England states.  Several inches of snow accumulation will hamper those driving between Washington, DC up to   New York and Boston region.  Watch for the snow bank.  Poor visibility will required delays at the airport or flight cancellations

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessetam  

Snow storm and ice on tree

Winter - Stormy - Snow - Calm -









It's difficult trying to reschedule overbooked flights during the holidays.  Imagine spending your vacation sleeping at the airport terminal. No...Please! Planning to travel to your destination during the next few days or in the near future?

 Here are a few tips for the newbies and well travelers.

•  Pack light, 1 small suitcase can last 10-14 days
• Carry on luggage - it will save money and time
• No lost luggage or waiting at terminal without checked bags
• Allow additional time for traffic delays on road and near airport terminal dropoff
• Longer lines and higher security at times
• Take taxi or have someone drop you off at airport, parking can be difficult
• Bring snacks or munchies in case flights are delayed. 
• Flights can get chilly, carry a lightweight jacket or sweater on the plane or train.
• Empty water bottles or containers can be filled with water once you past TSA gates.
• Reading material or additional battery pack for your electronic items.  Planes have plug in to recharge electronics on longer flights.
• Pay attention to weather warnings.
• Be kind at the ticket counters, you may get better service.

Happy Trails ~~Home Sweet Home~~ You Made It