Discover the Olympic National Park

Whether it is a short getaway or flight across the skies, explore and take time to appreciate nature. Jesse Tam discover the outdoors with a stroll along the river, ride your bike along the trails or take a short hike in the mountains.  A fantastic place to visit is discovering the Olympic National Park and Peninsula in the northwest.  

The Olympics mountains area is a place to visit year round from winter storm watching to the spring time flowers in the meadow and camping.  A few day to refresh the spirits in thoughts, away from the bustling crowd of the city and traffic. 
Discover the glacier capped peaks, rain forest, hot springs and rugged Pacific coastline.  

Olympic National parks offers many types of lodges from campsites, cabins to historical lodges.  It offers cultural experiences and outdoor adventures for all age groups.

Summer Travel Ahead, Jesse Tam

Sea-Tac Airport is the fastest-growing U.S. airport among the top 20 largest, with traffic up 35 percent. Sea-Tac is Delta’s eighth-largest hub.  Alaska Air Lines and Delta Air Lines are the two primary airlines serving the greater Seattle, Tacoma and becoming a hub for international travelers from Asia.  Jesse Tam suggests for visiting the northwest region. New routes to Asia were recently added or increased to several air carriers in the region.  Summer time travelers heading to Alaska during the cruise season increases traffic and visitors to our city and airports.  

Looking for a few places to see during those long layovers at the terminal?  Seattle International airport has a light rail train which you can ride to directly to downtown Seattle.  You will be in the heart of the city and no traffic congestion or delays.  Spend an hour or two in the city within walking distance to the famous outdoor Pike Place Market, shop at Nike, take a walk to the waterfront where and visit the first Starbucks store.  There are open stalls to sample the fresh food and smell the flowers from local vendors as well as crafts from local artists.

Seattle Waterfront
 Ride the Ferry and view the sites of the city

Best Airports in the World

Business or leisure travelers will peak in Seattle with the beginning of summer and conventions throughout the year.  Jesse Tam shares an interesting article for the 10 Best Airports in the World.  Seattle International will filled with first time visitors heading to the cruise ships to Alaska.  We'll see foreign visitors from Asia enjoying the fantastic weather and fresh seafood during our summer months.

There are long lines at airport terminals awaiting flights, but some of these transfer places are quite interesting and relaxing layovers. The following are the features making them unique and on the top 10 best list.  I have actually been to 9 out of the 10 airports on the list.

1)  Singapore Change' International,  placed 1st  three years in a row, filled with movie theaters, spas and corkscrew slide.

2)  Incheon International,  2nd best is just outside of South Korea with a Korean culture museum.

3)  Munich, 3rd display of historic aircraft

4)  Hong Kong, 4th is one of the busiest airports in Asia.  Play a round of nine hole golf near Terminal 2.

5)  Tokyo Haneda, 5th is a popular port of entry for business travelers and tourists.

6)  Zurich Airport, 6th is 8 miles from Zurich.

7)  Central Japan International, 7th rank

8)  London Heathrow Airport, 8th is the world's 3rd busiest airport and largest serving primary airport London.

9)  Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, 9th is one of the busiest airports in Europe.

10)  Beijing Capital International Airport, 10th rank is the 2nd busiest airport in the world and has played a major role in the Chinese capitals growth.

The Best You Can

Do the Best You Can

Take time from the daily grime, appreciate each day. Explore the outdoors of nature, see new places and continue learning.There is so much to more to see...Seattle to New York. Our lives are filled with a fast paced from sunrise until the midnight oil is burned. The important things in life is to take time for yourself and those surrounding you. Jesse Tam helps others by volunteering in the community and mentoring students by becoming involved in others. Friends and extended family can make a difference in the paths and decisions made. Learn more  http://jessetam.com  Extend a hand to others and see the results. Make a Difference, be a leader.

 Do the best you can, and don't take life too serious -

Will Rogers

Taking the Challenge

Sharing Jesse Tam's favorite quotes and thoughts throughout the years. Taking the steps to stay ahead or the decision to remain the same, that is something one must ponder.  The world is full of challenges and changes daily, it is up to us to make the choice.

Either you decide to stay in 

 the shallow end of the

pool or you go out in the ocean.

Three Types of People

Bellevue suburb to buzzing Seattle, Jesse Tam touches on those who make an impact on our career and lives. There are people in our lives that we never forget. The days of youth when we remember our childhood school mates to working colleagues creating challenges and motivating our spirit.  Do you recall your favorite teacher who helped guided your path or shared an interest in your talent?

There are individuals who create obstacles and challenges. Take the challenges or risks and  find a way to move ahead regardless of what comes forth. Then there are people in our lives who pretend to be your friends, but otherwise and those who... Never forget...      http://jessetam.com/

Regardless of the path traveled this quote is something to think about.

                      Never Forget - 3 Types of People in Your Life

                  1. Who helped you in your difficult times.

              2. Who left you in your difficult times.

      3. Who put you in difficult times.

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

.  

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.

Washington Apples Impact Overseas

 It was a privilege to see the fruit orchard and Yakima processing plant with Jesse Tam. Washington state apples are exported to 60 countries and provides jobs in the Yakima valley and eastern Washington. The apple industry exports 30 percent  (30%)  of its yearly harvest. How we engage in trade and doing business with other countries impacts our state economy.

Yakima Apple Orchard - Red Delicious Tree 

The average size of an orchard is about 50 acres, but some cover 3,000 acres and employ 300 or more employees year-round.  The Yakima and eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains is the ideal area for orchard. The fields are irrigated with mountain waters.

The growers harvest a wide variety of apples including Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonagold, Fuji, Gala and many others.  Farmers are continuing to improve growing methods to produce crisper, juicier and more flavor and to keep better in storage. Apples are hand picked and dwarf trees improve harvest efficiency because labor is reduced. 

Sorting Apples

Apple Processing

Packing and Processing

The Top 10 Countries (Export)  from Washington Apple Growers:

Mexico, Canada, UAE (Dubai) Taiwan, India, Indonesia
Vietnam, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Thailand

The containers are shipped to the Ports in Seattle and Pacific Northwest cargo will head overseas.  Asia values the fresh fruits and produces from Washington for its high quality and food safety.

Visit the processing plant and orchard

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

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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

    


Traffic Alerts

Preparing for the weekend and map those routes, Seattle and Bellevue highways will see more closures to SR520 Montlake Bridge and I-405.  Summer heat and events will bring crowds to the road and congestion

DRIVER ALERT: SR 520, northbound I-405 closed July 13-14. Take five minutes to plan your route early