West Coast 2010

I have always wanted to do this trip and it finally happened. The trip took 9 days and we drove over 3000 miles. It was a lot of driving but we had enough rest when we stopped.

San Francisco: It was too touristy and I hated the facts that parking cost was outraging, and that everytime we crossed the bay, we had to pay a toll fee. However, it was still fun to watch street performers, and art show, and of course going to the Ghirardelli chocolate store.

41 Pier

The Golden Gate Bridge



The West Coast: This was a beautiful drive except I got my first speeding ticket ever in No. CA. I think it was by Eureka. I totally missed the ocean. These views were awesome.

Somewhere on the West Coast

Point Arena Lighthouse

Oregon: probably my favorite; I loved the trees and the waterfalls in this area.

Nice hikes in this forest.

Multnomah Fall

North of Seattle: This was a pretty place to camp and enjoy the northern sea. It's called Deception Pass. This picture actually portrays what deception means in my head which is different from the English meaning.

Deception Bridge

Seattle: as usual, it was cloudy but no rain. We had fun exploring the Pike Market and staying at hour Renaissance Hotel. We noticed flowers were so cheap and beautiful there. We wish we could have bought some and brought it back to Utah.

a humanitarian

Through my work being involved with youth in the community, I came in contact with Youthlinc. It is a local organization that provides youth opportunity to serve in their local communities and abroad. They send volunteers to the place I work to tutor and mentor refugee students.
Anyway, I was asked by them to be a part of the judging panel for a scholarship they offered to youth called Young Humanitarian Awards. I got to review the applications of 13 finalists and then be on the panel to interview each every candidate. This was a great experience for me! It reminded me of what I really want to do in life. I don't want to make money or help someone else make money. I want to help the community in many ways I can. Also, these candidates inspired me even more. It gave me hope for this world that there are young people who are thriving to make a difference in their world.
Although many of them (only in high school) have done service projects abroad, they said that you don't have to go to Africa or other 3rd world countries to save the world, there are needs right here in your backyard.

End of soccer and summer so far

Spain won the soccer World Cup!!!! I was going towards Germany since the beginning but well ... at least they made it to the semi-final.

Summer has been awesome although it has been so hot especially in my room upstairs. I have a swamp cooler but it's still under repair. Anyway, these pitures will tell how much I have enjoyed it so far.
This week-end I went to my first Demolition Derby in Logan. I conclude Americans are crazy! lol

I did another overnight backpacking trip with some friends in the Logan Canyons. This lake is called White Pine, so pretty! I took this picture from a cave we hiked to when we were there.

Happy 4th of July! After a BBQ at a friend's house, we went to see the Sugarhouse fireworks, the best in town.

I also hiked Bell Canyons with my Ward 2 and half weeks ago. It was a steep hike. A week later, a girl fell off this waterfall and died. Scary hein!

Waka Waka -- This Time for Africa

Guess what part of my excitements this week is? the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa! I served an LDS mission there and I also come from a family and a country who are big fan of soccer. Soccer World Cup brings back a lot of found memories in my family. My parents were some of the first people in my hometown who owned TV in color in the 80's. They would have the whole neighborhood come to our house and watch the World Cup.

And watch this clip from Shakira!