Seattle's New Light Rail

Seattle's regional growth in the job market, housing and companies expanding created a  traffic nightmare commuters and drivers.  Recent tolls and changes on SR 520 and I 405 added  more congestion to the new configured lanes.  The Sound Transit extension will be opening the Husky Stadium and Capitol Hill Links in early 2016.

Husky Stadium, Sound Transit's University of Washington Station will provide easy regional access to campus, UW Medical Center, other Husky athletic sites and surrounding neighborhoods.  A new pedestrian bridge allows walkers and bikers to avoid traffic and will alleviate congestion by directly connecting the station to the upper campus and Burke-Gilman trail.

This new addition will be easier for football fans and students to ride quickly and not worry about parking at the events.  It will connect the University of Washington and Capitol Hill to existing light rail service from downtown Seattle to the airport without the addition traffic jams on the freeways.

Riders will board trains underground. Ride to downtown Seattle fromthe new  Husky Stadium link in 8 minutes or to the airport in about 42 minutes.  A great mode of transportation and quickest way to get around the city once the project is completed.

Are You A Leader?

We are all leaders in one way or another, one needs to find that unique gift in themselves. You may be talented in the arts, music, creative skills, math, sales or natural athletics; remember to take the steps to follow though on an idea or project.  Success and leadership outcome results in many form.  Believe in your ability and use your instincts.  Keep a positive attitude...

How many of these qualities do you have?    

            Six Qualities of a Leader 

1. Confidence - believe in yourself
2. Commitment - follow though on your goal
3. Positive Attitude - stick with positive people
4. Intuition - trust your own judgment
5. Creativity - use your own ideas
6. Ability to Inspire - work as a team

Leadership skills and motivation - maintain a positive attitude.

The Gum Wall in Seattle

The Gum Wall In Seattle, Jesse Tam

The Seattle gum wall started years ago by audience members waiting in line for the late night show near the market. Jesse Tam tourist in the area ask about the site on Post Alley near Pike Place.  An estimated of over millions of pieces of gum are on the walls in all all forms and shapes.  

Removing and cleaning of this Seattle iconic gum wall will take place over a 3 day period near Pike Place with a crew of three steaming the walls.  The sugar and weigh on the wall was a caused of concern to the brick walls.  Once the wall is cleaned, the gum will be weighed to determine just how much was stuck to the walls. The Market has steam washed some of the walls, but this will be its first full cleaning. Workers wearing rain gear will shoot out water heated to 260 degrees to get the gum down.  

It’s a disgusting attraction, but locals and tourist make the trek to take photos and place their chewing gum on the wall.  

Changing of the Season

Fall is the changing of the season when the fields are harvested.  Do you have a favorite memory or event?  Jesse Tam, autumn season filled with crops of greens, stalks of corn fields, pumpkins, The apples are harvest from orchards ready for the cider press. Time to gather the crops from the long summer days. Oh, the cooler breeze whispering in the air.

Leaves changing colors yellow, orange and red.

The rustling leaves falling to the ground under your feet.
Days are getting shorter.
Nights are growing longer.
Fall is Here.

https://www.pinterest.com/jessetam28/

Richmond Night Market

The Richmond Night Market is located just footsteps away from the Canada Line's Sky Train Bridgeport Station and the River Rock Casino Resort. Jesse Tam, only a short 2.5 to 3 hours drive from the greater Seattle area to spend a fun cultural experience. Spend a fall day or extended weekend in this fun-filled shopping & eating paradise.  What an experience viewing the outdoor open evening market under the skies and looking at the various booths.

 This event has become an annual tradition and one of the flagship summertime events of the region. It runs every weekend starting at 7:00 pm, including statutory holidays. This outdoor event features 100 food booths (the largest international food court ever), 250 merchants & corporate sponsor booths, more than 1,000 on-site parking stalls, free live entertainment nightly on a top-notch performing stage, games & more.

Weekly on Friday-Sunday from Friday May 15, 2015 to Sunday October 11, 2015.  There is a $2.75 fee for regular admission (subject to changes)   Free admission for children 10 & under and for seniors 60 & up.

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

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

    


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