????????? ??????????
FINALLY I was able to successfully install the Windows Chinese input! Don't think my Chinese is that grammatically correct either... but anyway. It's been a LONG time... and slightly too late, but at least I can do it now.
It's actually quite interesting that the pinyin is different between the PRC and Taiwanese Chinese selections... and is dependent on either simplified or traditional.
Anyway, I am back in Toronto and I've been swamped. Busy season has officially started for our teams... and it seems as though every team is having a rough ride. Sigh.. we'll get through it though! Go team! Haha...
It's also refreshing to come back to Tyndale class... I catch the last two classes. I really missed them.
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Friday, November 18, 2005
Ah! I'm on the road and my computer has broken down! Thank goodness for business centres where I can catch up with email (both work and personal) at night. This is quite ridiculous!
Although, it's been a good test... especially our last assignment that focused on Psalm 73.
Anyway, I'm really looking forward to coming back home, after living out of a suitcase for about four weeks straight.. hope to catch up with everyone when I get back.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Although, it's been a good test... especially our last assignment that focused on Psalm 73.
Anyway, I'm really looking forward to coming back home, after living out of a suitcase for about four weeks straight.. hope to catch up with everyone when I get back.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Friday, October 28, 2005
I'm back in Lincoln, Nebraska for a few days. Despite the travelling (including the fact that I need to connect in Chicago to get here,) I do look forward to coming here because it gives me some space and some quiet time. Not that I come here a lot (and much less now that I'm in a different role,) but some some reasons it feels like "home" here. Haha, perhaps it's the quiet midwestern hospitality, perhaps it's the quiet time which I really welcome, but it could also be the following letter, which is written on a card placed on our cards every day. It's a great greeting and definitely makes me feel at home. I posted this last year when I came here for the first time, but it has since been a whole year... so here it is again. I really like it. =)
To Our Guests
In ancient times there was a prayer for
"The Stranger within our gates"
Because this hotel is a human institution to serve people, and not solely a money-making organization, we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof.
May this suite and hotel be your "second" home. May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house.
May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe.
We are all travellers. From "birth till death" we travel between the eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
To Our Guests
In ancient times there was a prayer for
"The Stranger within our gates"
Because this hotel is a human institution to serve people, and not solely a money-making organization, we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof.
May this suite and hotel be your "second" home. May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house.
May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe.
We are all travellers. From "birth till death" we travel between the eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Thank God for getting through these past two weeks... it has been nonstop, but "full" in a great way. Despite once again experiencing the anxious last minute assignment crunch for school, I had a great time the weekend before teaching a Bible Study workshop for the UWCCF retreat.
It was encouraging to receive positive feedback and to know that at least some students were empassioned and motivated to do more Bible studies in order to apply the theories, and in general, read God's living word. I was also asked to facilitate a strategic analysis of the fellowship, which turned into a visioning session --> action plan brainstorming session for them. Yu-ling was also there to lead a workshop on small groups, which was useful and insightful. He also shared some good material for visioning which immensely supplemented my very standard structure for the session... It also helps me think about what I want to do with fellowship at church.
As usual, CCF reminded me about the passion for serving Christ... It's unfortunate to know that I really enjoy doing Bible studies, yet don't spend that much time on them. So, I really need to *make* those opportunities to get me to do them. The next question is... "how?" I have envisioned a number of new things to start... the harder thing is to follow them through.
Just a quick update for now -- I'm finally experiencing a wireless hotspot that works (now that E&Y has changed our wireless software) at a Markham library. Back to writing for my Tyndale assignment!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
It was encouraging to receive positive feedback and to know that at least some students were empassioned and motivated to do more Bible studies in order to apply the theories, and in general, read God's living word. I was also asked to facilitate a strategic analysis of the fellowship, which turned into a visioning session --> action plan brainstorming session for them. Yu-ling was also there to lead a workshop on small groups, which was useful and insightful. He also shared some good material for visioning which immensely supplemented my very standard structure for the session... It also helps me think about what I want to do with fellowship at church.
As usual, CCF reminded me about the passion for serving Christ... It's unfortunate to know that I really enjoy doing Bible studies, yet don't spend that much time on them. So, I really need to *make* those opportunities to get me to do them. The next question is... "how?" I have envisioned a number of new things to start... the harder thing is to follow them through.
Just a quick update for now -- I'm finally experiencing a wireless hotspot that works (now that E&Y has changed our wireless software) at a Markham library. Back to writing for my Tyndale assignment!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
[A quick post while I have time before I go to bed... by 12!]
Project "Get Organized" has been quite successful so far!
The first week back to work was great. I was sleeping at around midnight and getting to work earlier than 8 in the morning!
Having been rejuvenated from my vacation, with a relatively clean plate [I was thankful that many things were put to bed before I left for Asia,] stepping into a new role as manager and now going into my main October-December client, I really felt the need to "get organized", in all aspects of my life. =p
So, from now, I am actually motivated to sleep early and get in early in order to be more on top of things before everything comes (crashing?) down.
Of course, the firm is preparing for our busy season as well and training has made everything more busy -- me being in training and also teaching -- but so far it's been manageable. Going back to school for Tyndale has been great too.. but really need to keep up with the readings.
Anyway, I'm thankful for rest and strength -- these two weeks have been really long, although they've all been really worthwhile, but I'm really looking forward to this long weekend. ;)
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Project "Get Organized" has been quite successful so far!
The first week back to work was great. I was sleeping at around midnight and getting to work earlier than 8 in the morning!
Having been rejuvenated from my vacation, with a relatively clean plate [I was thankful that many things were put to bed before I left for Asia,] stepping into a new role as manager and now going into my main October-December client, I really felt the need to "get organized", in all aspects of my life. =p
So, from now, I am actually motivated to sleep early and get in early in order to be more on top of things before everything comes (crashing?) down.
Of course, the firm is preparing for our busy season as well and training has made everything more busy -- me being in training and also teaching -- but so far it's been manageable. Going back to school for Tyndale has been great too.. but really need to keep up with the readings.
Anyway, I'm thankful for rest and strength -- these two weeks have been really long, although they've all been really worthwhile, but I'm really looking forward to this long weekend. ;)
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Same question that Anita has posed in the past...
Today was my first official day back from work, aside from our work retreat last Thursday and Friday, and since last thursday, I've been getting a lot of comments:
"You look really refreshed!"
"You're so relaxed! -- Good vacation??"
So how did I look before?? Haha...
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Today was my first official day back from work, aside from our work retreat last Thursday and Friday, and since last thursday, I've been getting a lot of comments:
"You look really refreshed!"
"You're so relaxed! -- Good vacation??"
So how did I look before?? Haha...
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Don't know why blogger was messing up the Chinese.
Hopefully this works now: the poem written by one of our students. Anyone care to do a translation for me? =p
Hopefully this works now: the poem written by one of our students. Anyone care to do a translation for me? =p
Friday, September 09, 2005
I am home! I love the feeling of stepping back into YYZ... every single time! It feels great to come home.
I arrived on Tuesday night at midnight -- so really, in the end, I was only delayed for about 2 hours... which means I was getting worked up over nothing! Things always work out in the end!
Sorry I still haven't been around yet, I've been occupied with Tyndale and Ernst & Young activities so far, which has been nice to come back to many exciting things. Unfortunately, 3 weeks also seems like a long time to see so many things happen to the people around me and to the rest of the world...
Such great distress, of illness, pain, suffering, violence... there is so much more than this life!!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
I arrived on Tuesday night at midnight -- so really, in the end, I was only delayed for about 2 hours... which means I was getting worked up over nothing! Things always work out in the end!
Sorry I still haven't been around yet, I've been occupied with Tyndale and Ernst & Young activities so far, which has been nice to come back to many exciting things. Unfortunately, 3 weeks also seems like a long time to see so many things happen to the people around me and to the rest of the world...
Such great distress, of illness, pain, suffering, violence... there is so much more than this life!!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Delayed! Guess I was jumping the gun in thinking that my trip would be hassle-free -- my flight out of Beijing is delayed for 4 hours, which means that I will very likely miss my scheduled flight out of Vancouver to come home.
Anyway, I've come to accept that I will return home half a day or one day later. Oh well... there is probably a reason for this, if even, just to spend some quiet time (which I did pray for ... haha..) and catch up on some reading. For the first hour, though, I was frantically running around looking for a ticket counter while speaking my very broken Putonghua. Finally found and spoke to the right person at the right place though (very mah fan... entailed going back out of the China immigration departure checkpoint) but at least I'm thankful that I was able to ask the Air China rep to at least try *something*, even if to no avail... although I realize this is for my own satisfaction to say that I did exhaust my own avenues to try and change my flight.
Just another example of wanting to remain in control and do stuff on my own, rely on my own strength. On the plus side though, at least I'm on stranded in Beijing for one night, and I did get in reading time. I also finished "Return of the Prodigal Son" by Henri Nouwen which directly speaks about human weaknesses and our inadequate self-sufficiencies.
And I suppose it's also a blessing that internet is so expensive (despite any bargaining I tried =p) that I did not feel right to pay 100RMB for one hour of internet (paid 20HKD for 15 minutes now...) in order to kill time. However, the guy let me sit on the couch in the business centre so it's been nice to read here instead of in the noisy waiting areas.
Now, an hour and a half left to kill... I'll see how much I can get through of "Out of the Saltshaker..." I always muse that I bring books with the unreasonable expectation of reading any of it -- but it is a blessing to be given the opportunity to do so now!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Anyway, I've come to accept that I will return home half a day or one day later. Oh well... there is probably a reason for this, if even, just to spend some quiet time (which I did pray for ... haha..) and catch up on some reading. For the first hour, though, I was frantically running around looking for a ticket counter while speaking my very broken Putonghua. Finally found and spoke to the right person at the right place though (very mah fan... entailed going back out of the China immigration departure checkpoint) but at least I'm thankful that I was able to ask the Air China rep to at least try *something*, even if to no avail... although I realize this is for my own satisfaction to say that I did exhaust my own avenues to try and change my flight.
Just another example of wanting to remain in control and do stuff on my own, rely on my own strength. On the plus side though, at least I'm on stranded in Beijing for one night, and I did get in reading time. I also finished "Return of the Prodigal Son" by Henri Nouwen which directly speaks about human weaknesses and our inadequate self-sufficiencies.
And I suppose it's also a blessing that internet is so expensive (despite any bargaining I tried =p) that I did not feel right to pay 100RMB for one hour of internet (paid 20HKD for 15 minutes now...) in order to kill time. However, the guy let me sit on the couch in the business centre so it's been nice to read here instead of in the noisy waiting areas.
Now, an hour and a half left to kill... I'll see how much I can get through of "Out of the Saltshaker..." I always muse that I bring books with the unreasonable expectation of reading any of it -- but it is a blessing to be given the opportunity to do so now!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Has three weeks (less two days) flown by so quickly?
I'm in the process of trying to pack all my stuff... I should have really taken up all offers for a bigger suitcase (I really have one medium-sized and one carry on). Oh well, making do with what I've got (and what other things my aunt can give me), just got to think out of the... suitcase. Just another challenge, or "game", haha! ;)
But, I am finally, done! Not a bad job, kf I could say so myself! ;) I thought I would be packing through the night; I may actually get one more hour than the trip to Asia!
Not particularly looking forward to 24 hours of travelling time, including overlays, but it will be nice quiet time -- hope that I will not be sleeping all the say through.
Anyway, I'm very thankful for this opportunity to come on this trip... and hope to share with you personally about China!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
I'm in the process of trying to pack all my stuff... I should have really taken up all offers for a bigger suitcase (I really have one medium-sized and one carry on). Oh well, making do with what I've got (and what other things my aunt can give me), just got to think out of the... suitcase. Just another challenge, or "game", haha! ;)
But, I am finally, done! Not a bad job, kf I could say so myself! ;) I thought I would be packing through the night; I may actually get one more hour than the trip to Asia!
Not particularly looking forward to 24 hours of travelling time, including overlays, but it will be nice quiet time -- hope that I will not be sleeping all the say through.
Anyway, I'm very thankful for this opportunity to come on this trip... and hope to share with you personally about China!
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
A poem that one of our students wrote for us -- really meaningful!
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Saturday, August 20, 2005
Hello! Finally, Anita and I have arrived in Hong Kong after about 24 hours of travelling. I got to my aunt's at 12:30am or so... and as a late night snack, just *had* to have fish balls noodles!
It's so weird to travel; you just eat, sleep, eat, eat, sleep... continuously. We had delays in Toronto and in Beijing, but thank goodness there were no missed connections.
The weather here isn't too hot -- it's been raining nonstop for the past three days -- which makes the weather cool, but really really wet and humid.
Well, just looking forward to meeting up with friends for the next couple of days, and spending quiet time working on our lectures, which we *did* talk about on our flights! Unfortunately, instead of having a "working" leg, all of our flight legs turned into sleeping legs. =p
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
It's so weird to travel; you just eat, sleep, eat, eat, sleep... continuously. We had delays in Toronto and in Beijing, but thank goodness there were no missed connections.
The weather here isn't too hot -- it's been raining nonstop for the past three days -- which makes the weather cool, but really really wet and humid.
Well, just looking forward to meeting up with friends for the next couple of days, and spending quiet time working on our lectures, which we *did* talk about on our flights! Unfortunately, instead of having a "working" leg, all of our flight legs turned into sleeping legs. =p
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
I passed CFA!!! Thank God for that! I was quite worried about this one because I had no idea. I felt okay coming out of the exam; of course, I felt okay coming out of it the first time through too.
I get home at about midnight and my parents are going out... to go to the 24-hour Sobey's 15 minutes from our house (I think it's rather far)... just to go grocery shopping... at midnight. I love my family... haha...
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
I get home at about midnight and my parents are going out... to go to the 24-hour Sobey's 15 minutes from our house (I think it's rather far)... just to go grocery shopping... at midnight. I love my family... haha...
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Part of the reason of my split upbeat / solemn post on my birthday is because of an accident that happened to one of my UW Accounting classmates this week, Bonnie Ho.
No doubt, this incident has shaken many people, including many of my classmates, who may have never experienced any "young" deaths until now [she was 26]. Although most of my friends and I were not really close to Bonnie, it was inevitable to think about the past few years and about whichever encounters we had. It is very sad. Bonnie was a really nice person, very intelligent and diligent... I suppose like the rest of our class in general. =p
A bunch of my closer classmates and I went to the funeral this morning. The turnout from our class was tremendous; unfortunately it is sad that we are only brought together by this sad incident. Other than being a painful loss for her parents and sisters, she was going to be married to Jason, another classmate, in 6 weeks. I think that's the saddest part...
However, despite the grief, it is a solace to know that she is now with our Father in heaven. The funeral was a Catholic one, and even though I found the service overly solemn and monotonous, the message was clear:
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in ALLLLLLLLLLLL creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -- Romans 8:38-39.
[Probably my favourite verse. Of course, I must write the verse as I would say it; too bad I can't *really* write in the hand movement. =p ]
It is my prayer that those, especially in my class, who do not know Jesus will consider... that there is much more to this life, to this world... what is a >$100K job, when you can't bring the money anywhere? [And if you have to work so much you can't spend it anyway. =p]
It *was* joyous to see that a large number of classmates do know the Lord as they lined up for communion... but there is still much work to be done. God is sovereign -- as he has created, so he can take away. Man can only control so much...
Bonnie, may you enjoy the riches in heaven; until we meet again.
Jason, all of our prayers go out to you; may you be comforted as your mourn, and may you also one day meet us in heaven.
---------------------
On a more upbeat note though, after the funeral, Joyce and I went to Bally's for some exercise. It felt GREAT to swim again! Having missed *all* of my ultimate games this summer season, I have not exercised in a very long time! It was quite apparent last month in Yosemite walking on the trails... I couldn't believe how out of shape I already was at that time.
After our workout, I rushed home to shower in time for our "high tea" appointment! Thanks to Joyce, our social co-ordinator, we try to have a get-together every month. Windsor Arms was a great place... I highly recommend it! Better than the King Edward!
I was REALLY looking forward to this Saturday, to spend time with girls! Haha... it is so refreshing to laugh and joke, to catch up, to joke about guys ;) and (we do!) talk about other serious stuff. Especially, given the turn of events this week. Eva and Teresa also both work for PwC, Eva in the same office as Bonnie... I pray that one of the last ones of our circle will know Jesus. I'm happy that there have been some chances to share.
After eating a lot of desserts and an additional quarter of a cake (!!) [I *was* surprised...] we went to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was hilarious! Very well done! Go watch it! =)
Poor Teresa had a ridiculously early inventory count to do today, so she was beat... Joyce, Eva, and I went back uptown to [Hui Lau Saan], aka "the mango place" to the CBC world. ;) Bumped into some CCF-ers and some other classmates... I'm really thankful for these communities. =) Especially amazing how news among my classmates travelled really fast... I'm really happy to see this support among us, something that I never really felt before.
All in all, a packed day... very thankful for all of those around me, whether physically or through the cyberworld. ;)
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
No doubt, this incident has shaken many people, including many of my classmates, who may have never experienced any "young" deaths until now [she was 26]. Although most of my friends and I were not really close to Bonnie, it was inevitable to think about the past few years and about whichever encounters we had. It is very sad. Bonnie was a really nice person, very intelligent and diligent... I suppose like the rest of our class in general. =p
A bunch of my closer classmates and I went to the funeral this morning. The turnout from our class was tremendous; unfortunately it is sad that we are only brought together by this sad incident. Other than being a painful loss for her parents and sisters, she was going to be married to Jason, another classmate, in 6 weeks. I think that's the saddest part...
However, despite the grief, it is a solace to know that she is now with our Father in heaven. The funeral was a Catholic one, and even though I found the service overly solemn and monotonous, the message was clear:
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in ALLLLLLLLLLLL creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -- Romans 8:38-39.
[Probably my favourite verse. Of course, I must write the verse as I would say it; too bad I can't *really* write in the hand movement. =p ]
It is my prayer that those, especially in my class, who do not know Jesus will consider... that there is much more to this life, to this world... what is a >$100K job, when you can't bring the money anywhere? [And if you have to work so much you can't spend it anyway. =p]
It *was* joyous to see that a large number of classmates do know the Lord as they lined up for communion... but there is still much work to be done. God is sovereign -- as he has created, so he can take away. Man can only control so much...
Bonnie, may you enjoy the riches in heaven; until we meet again.
Jason, all of our prayers go out to you; may you be comforted as your mourn, and may you also one day meet us in heaven.
---------------------
On a more upbeat note though, after the funeral, Joyce and I went to Bally's for some exercise. It felt GREAT to swim again! Having missed *all* of my ultimate games this summer season, I have not exercised in a very long time! It was quite apparent last month in Yosemite walking on the trails... I couldn't believe how out of shape I already was at that time.
After our workout, I rushed home to shower in time for our "high tea" appointment! Thanks to Joyce, our social co-ordinator, we try to have a get-together every month. Windsor Arms was a great place... I highly recommend it! Better than the King Edward!
I was REALLY looking forward to this Saturday, to spend time with girls! Haha... it is so refreshing to laugh and joke, to catch up, to joke about guys ;) and (we do!) talk about other serious stuff. Especially, given the turn of events this week. Eva and Teresa also both work for PwC, Eva in the same office as Bonnie... I pray that one of the last ones of our circle will know Jesus. I'm happy that there have been some chances to share.
After eating a lot of desserts and an additional quarter of a cake (!!) [I *was* surprised...] we went to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was hilarious! Very well done! Go watch it! =)
Poor Teresa had a ridiculously early inventory count to do today, so she was beat... Joyce, Eva, and I went back uptown to [Hui Lau Saan], aka "the mango place" to the CBC world. ;) Bumped into some CCF-ers and some other classmates... I'm really thankful for these communities. =) Especially amazing how news among my classmates travelled really fast... I'm really happy to see this support among us, something that I never really felt before.
All in all, a packed day... very thankful for all of those around me, whether physically or through the cyberworld. ;)
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Thank you thank you thank you!
This day is always a reminder of God's abundant gifts every single year... and counting!
Something cool that my mom got from one of her clients, I'll see where we can hang it up in our house:
Unfortunately, while I'm celebrating my birthday, many others are not in such joyous occasions... this verse is quite fitting for the times, then [the Korean one]:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."
-- John 14:1
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
This day is always a reminder of God's abundant gifts every single year... and counting!
Something cool that my mom got from one of her clients, I'll see where we can hang it up in our house:
Unfortunately, while I'm celebrating my birthday, many others are not in such joyous occasions... this verse is quite fitting for the times, then [the Korean one]:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."
-- John 14:1
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
The view from our hotel room, the Merced River [very good soundproofing, I must say! When we went into the room at night we had no idea the river was right behind us!]. The Merced River is basically the river that carved out the entire Yosemite valley over time.
Amazing morning by the river drinking (pretty good) 3-in-1 instant oatmeal (actually, very much like my barley embryo drink) courtesy of Joyce.
I think our first major stop along the Tioga Pass Road: Lake Tenaya. Simply amazing...
A rushing creek by Tuolumne [pronounced "twah-lum-ne"] Meadows. This creek was rushing pretty quickly -- so the water was REALLY COLD!!! This was the first place where Joyce made me take off my shoes to get into the water. =p
On the way back out to the Valley, we decided to stop by Lake Tenaya again and get into the water (since we had already gotten into sandals and such). The plan was to set the autotimer to take a picture. There were no flat places to put the camera; I basically used Joyce's "slipper" to keep it level, haha... as could have been foreseen, I rushed down, lost my balance, and as the Chinese would put it, "dragged her into the water" -- literally, and translated literally. =p Notice my pants were all wet!
border="0" alt="" />We hiked up for a little bit by Lembert Dome.
Joyce's pretty balanced yoga "tree pose" in such a peaceful place in front of Lembert Dome.
My attempt at the "airplane" pose...
Haha.. just a "thinker" pose...
Haha, the Chinese version of the "Thinker", although I need to refresh my memory as to its name. =p
The *main* reason why I wanted to come to Yosemite in the first place... ignorant me didn't realize the rest of the beautiful sights there!
A giant sequoia pinecone! Isn't it kind of freaky??
Friday, July 29, 2005
Second road trip!
On Sunday, we attended Teresa's church service at the River of Life Church. It is the biggest Chinese church I have seen outside of Asia! Their history is quite interesting though, just an amazing church that is rooted in prayer and missions.
Then on Monday, Joyce and I headed out for our second road trip to Yosemite National Park.
Amazing -- could it really be by chance?
Distance-wise, it is not too far from San Jose, but a lot of the roads are mountainous; the total drive time is exactly 4 hours. Having slept in, we left at around noon, so we arrived to check in at our hotel right at 4pm. Every day, there is a sunset tour that leaves from our hotel at 4pm; everyone has to reserve early because a dinner is arranged. But we asked if we could join if we had our own food; there was room, so the tourguide was happy to have us join them! Timing couldn't be more perfect. [We also saved $10 because we weren't going to eat their food, haha.]
The tourguide was an amazing person, just exuding with joy and awe at nature. On the tour, we took a couple of trail hikes that most tourists don't find [but there are SO many hikes you can take at Yosemite, it's a huge park.] so it was really nice.
Here's a map of Yosemite (pdf) for reference.
The sunset walking tour took us close up to the Yosemite Falls, short hike to Bridalveil Falls, the quiet frog-singing Summit Meadow, up on the Glacier Point Road and a moderate hike atop Sentinel Dome for the sunset. After the sun went down, we hiked back to the parking area and just admired the starry, starry night sky. Our tourguide, Sarah, was incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of nature, including the constellation-laden sky... pointing out and describing the size of the Scorpio constellation (too bad we couldn't rotate the earth... it's cut off in half by the horizon) and others.
The size of the park and the sights are just incredible.
The next day, Joyce and I explored on our own, and following Sarah's advice, took the less-taken Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadow. The drive didn't take a long as we expected [it's *so* fun to drive... mastering the mountain curves, haha, despite my fear of heights. =p] Along the way or on the way back, we stopped at Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake (beautiful!), Tuolumne Meadow area, and around Lembert Dome. Finally, took a tour of the Yosemite Valley (it's the most popular place but we didn't spend too much time there), before heading down to the Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoias. All in all, we covered a *lot* of ground!
Of course, being as silly as we were, the breathtaking scenery was accompanied by silly photo-taking. =p [click on photos to enlarge]
Generic shot of "Cathedral rocks", one of Yosemite's many signatures.
Bridalveil falls from a slight distance. At its peak, it's the fifth-longest "single-stream" waterfall. We came at an amazing time! The strength of the waterfall is determined by melting snow; usually by July, the waterfalls are drying up, if not dry, but due to the heavy snowfall this past winter, the waterfalls were still going strong!
The two of us getting wet underneath Bridalveil
Summit Meadows, where we were listening for singing frogs, but some people were making a lot of noise around to distract...
Incredible sight on top of Sentinel Dome
Backdrop looks fake =p but it was amazing!
So romantic! Haha...
One day's worth of pictures first... =)
On Sunday, we attended Teresa's church service at the River of Life Church. It is the biggest Chinese church I have seen outside of Asia! Their history is quite interesting though, just an amazing church that is rooted in prayer and missions.
Then on Monday, Joyce and I headed out for our second road trip to Yosemite National Park.
Amazing -- could it really be by chance?
Distance-wise, it is not too far from San Jose, but a lot of the roads are mountainous; the total drive time is exactly 4 hours. Having slept in, we left at around noon, so we arrived to check in at our hotel right at 4pm. Every day, there is a sunset tour that leaves from our hotel at 4pm; everyone has to reserve early because a dinner is arranged. But we asked if we could join if we had our own food; there was room, so the tourguide was happy to have us join them! Timing couldn't be more perfect. [We also saved $10 because we weren't going to eat their food, haha.]
The tourguide was an amazing person, just exuding with joy and awe at nature. On the tour, we took a couple of trail hikes that most tourists don't find [but there are SO many hikes you can take at Yosemite, it's a huge park.] so it was really nice.
Here's a map of Yosemite (pdf) for reference.
The sunset walking tour took us close up to the Yosemite Falls, short hike to Bridalveil Falls, the quiet frog-singing Summit Meadow, up on the Glacier Point Road and a moderate hike atop Sentinel Dome for the sunset. After the sun went down, we hiked back to the parking area and just admired the starry, starry night sky. Our tourguide, Sarah, was incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of nature, including the constellation-laden sky... pointing out and describing the size of the Scorpio constellation (too bad we couldn't rotate the earth... it's cut off in half by the horizon) and others.
The size of the park and the sights are just incredible.
The next day, Joyce and I explored on our own, and following Sarah's advice, took the less-taken Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadow. The drive didn't take a long as we expected [it's *so* fun to drive... mastering the mountain curves, haha, despite my fear of heights. =p] Along the way or on the way back, we stopped at Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake (beautiful!), Tuolumne Meadow area, and around Lembert Dome. Finally, took a tour of the Yosemite Valley (it's the most popular place but we didn't spend too much time there), before heading down to the Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoias. All in all, we covered a *lot* of ground!
Of course, being as silly as we were, the breathtaking scenery was accompanied by silly photo-taking. =p [click on photos to enlarge]
Generic shot of "Cathedral rocks", one of Yosemite's many signatures.
Bridalveil falls from a slight distance. At its peak, it's the fifth-longest "single-stream" waterfall. We came at an amazing time! The strength of the waterfall is determined by melting snow; usually by July, the waterfalls are drying up, if not dry, but due to the heavy snowfall this past winter, the waterfalls were still going strong!
The two of us getting wet underneath Bridalveil
Summit Meadows, where we were listening for singing frogs, but some people were making a lot of noise around to distract...
Incredible sight on top of Sentinel Dome
Backdrop looks fake =p but it was amazing!
So romantic! Haha...
One day's worth of pictures first... =)
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Don't know why I've been feeling so sluggish lately. My guess is the post-vacation apathy coupled with a couple of really lax weeks at work. But still, my motivation level is usually not this low!! I've really got to get my act together though, in order to get through the upcoming four weeks. Not just in terms of physically getting through, but really striving for the excellence that I used to know in all that I do.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Road trip!
Fortunately, Teresa was able to take Friday off so the three of us head out for our road trip to Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. It was great to be pretty leisurely and spontaneous; on Thursday night, Teresa researched the directions while I researched some vineyards... but we were to leave only after we had breakfast at Cheesecake Factory (which unfortunately, was at 11am -- should have researched that one more.)
We drove pretty much over the three days, taking the scenic routes (including going around for the Golden Gate Bridge). Finally, we arrived at our chosen winery at around 4pm, Sterling Vineyards. We chose this one mainly because it was well advertised and boasted a gondola ride up to the main building for the winery tour and tasting room.
[Finally, a picture with the three of us.]
The "impressive" presentation at the bottom of the gondola ride to attract tourists.
The winery tour was... okay. It was mainly self-narrated, but the view of Napa Valley was so nice. As an aside, for winery tours, I do highly recommend the Jackson-Triggs tour (one of the bigger producers in the Niagara region). When I went we had a great tour guide -- and all of the tours are led by a tour guide! The admission is also less expensive. =p
Of course, Niagara doesn't have *quite* the backdrop as Napa Valley:
We tasted five different wines... all of which I didn't like except for one, the lightest sauvignon blanc, which I did end up bringing home! My pallet is weird -- if I don't like the taste of something, I physically can't swallow it. So that's the main reason I don't drink alcohol... and that also goes for a lot of wines. Oddly, that also goes for milk.
After the tasting, we head out for Lake Tahoe, which was a great mountain road drive. We were working the poor Pontiac Vibe pretty hard! TOO BAD I didn't have my own car, it would have been *so* great to take those turns with it. ;) I'm not sure about the elevation of Napa Valley, but Tahoe's at about 8000 ft. It was quite a drive. =) [Haha.. I love driving...] We drove into Lake Tahoe just as it got dark. Fortunately we found an open hotel room at the Best Western for a good price! Great timing!
Lake Tahoe is popular for its ski hills in the winter and watersports in the summer. The three of us, being difficult Chinese females, didn't want to get wet. =p So we mainly enjoyed the sights (including walking through some of the casinos that were right on the California / Nevada border line), [the Lake is split up the middle between the two states,] and waited to take a short boat cruise into the lake.
The boat cruise was... okay. =p The three of us also went to the Dominican with another friend, and our best boat cruise was there. Of course, *that* was labelled as a party boat and being in the Dominican, alcohol poured freely and some people were pretty crazy. =p The crowd here was more family-oriented and definitely, wouldn't be called crazy. It was a nice ride nonetheless -- just slightly windy though!
The drive back was much easier going downhill and we safely made it back to San Jose in good time. Oh yes, a picture of Teresa's one-bedroom apartment -- it was such a blessing to stay there for free, haha... very spacious with high ceilings. [I don't think either of us knew Joyce took this picture...]
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Fortunately, Teresa was able to take Friday off so the three of us head out for our road trip to Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. It was great to be pretty leisurely and spontaneous; on Thursday night, Teresa researched the directions while I researched some vineyards... but we were to leave only after we had breakfast at Cheesecake Factory (which unfortunately, was at 11am -- should have researched that one more.)
We drove pretty much over the three days, taking the scenic routes (including going around for the Golden Gate Bridge). Finally, we arrived at our chosen winery at around 4pm, Sterling Vineyards. We chose this one mainly because it was well advertised and boasted a gondola ride up to the main building for the winery tour and tasting room.
[Finally, a picture with the three of us.]
The "impressive" presentation at the bottom of the gondola ride to attract tourists.
The winery tour was... okay. It was mainly self-narrated, but the view of Napa Valley was so nice. As an aside, for winery tours, I do highly recommend the Jackson-Triggs tour (one of the bigger producers in the Niagara region). When I went we had a great tour guide -- and all of the tours are led by a tour guide! The admission is also less expensive. =p
Of course, Niagara doesn't have *quite* the backdrop as Napa Valley:
We tasted five different wines... all of which I didn't like except for one, the lightest sauvignon blanc, which I did end up bringing home! My pallet is weird -- if I don't like the taste of something, I physically can't swallow it. So that's the main reason I don't drink alcohol... and that also goes for a lot of wines. Oddly, that also goes for milk.
After the tasting, we head out for Lake Tahoe, which was a great mountain road drive. We were working the poor Pontiac Vibe pretty hard! TOO BAD I didn't have my own car, it would have been *so* great to take those turns with it. ;) I'm not sure about the elevation of Napa Valley, but Tahoe's at about 8000 ft. It was quite a drive. =) [Haha.. I love driving...] We drove into Lake Tahoe just as it got dark. Fortunately we found an open hotel room at the Best Western for a good price! Great timing!
Lake Tahoe is popular for its ski hills in the winter and watersports in the summer. The three of us, being difficult Chinese females, didn't want to get wet. =p So we mainly enjoyed the sights (including walking through some of the casinos that were right on the California / Nevada border line), [the Lake is split up the middle between the two states,] and waited to take a short boat cruise into the lake.
The boat cruise was... okay. =p The three of us also went to the Dominican with another friend, and our best boat cruise was there. Of course, *that* was labelled as a party boat and being in the Dominican, alcohol poured freely and some people were pretty crazy. =p The crowd here was more family-oriented and definitely, wouldn't be called crazy. It was a nice ride nonetheless -- just slightly windy though!
The drive back was much easier going downhill and we safely made it back to San Jose in good time. Oh yes, a picture of Teresa's one-bedroom apartment -- it was such a blessing to stay there for free, haha... very spacious with high ceilings. [I don't think either of us knew Joyce took this picture...]
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
San Francisco!
Joyce and I arrived in California on Wednesday night. Teresa still had to work so just the two of us went into San Francisco as tourists. We took the CalTrain in (kind of like the Go train, but smaller) and explored the city on our own.
I like San Francisco -- it's such a laid-back west-coast city. Weather was amazing -- the Bay area gives a nice breeze. Of course, we took a tram ride, and as I mentioned before, the "conductor" Jamie gave us a short lesson how to drive it. It's pretty cool!
My "Darth Vader" friend *trying* to make it go, haha [Just put your body into it!]
No, I don't have any pictures of Darth Vader with her mask down. Of course, it doesn't matter, I could easily just post something like this and it would just as easily passed off as her. =p
Anyway, of course, we got to the Fisherman's Wharf, the piers, and expected to see the many sea lions that have taken over Pier 39. I didn't expect this!! I couldn't believe it! One lone sea lion!
We also checked out the SF Museum of Modern Art and walked around Union square for a bit before leaving for the day. All right, so I had to walk around with Darth Vader, but she had to walk around with me. Of course, a picture of me on the phone... with my big hat. =p
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Joyce and I arrived in California on Wednesday night. Teresa still had to work so just the two of us went into San Francisco as tourists. We took the CalTrain in (kind of like the Go train, but smaller) and explored the city on our own.
I like San Francisco -- it's such a laid-back west-coast city. Weather was amazing -- the Bay area gives a nice breeze. Of course, we took a tram ride, and as I mentioned before, the "conductor" Jamie gave us a short lesson how to drive it. It's pretty cool!
My "Darth Vader" friend *trying* to make it go, haha [Just put your body into it!]
No, I don't have any pictures of Darth Vader with her mask down. Of course, it doesn't matter, I could easily just post something like this and it would just as easily passed off as her. =p
Anyway, of course, we got to the Fisherman's Wharf, the piers, and expected to see the many sea lions that have taken over Pier 39. I didn't expect this!! I couldn't believe it! One lone sea lion!
We also checked out the SF Museum of Modern Art and walked around Union square for a bit before leaving for the day. All right, so I had to walk around with Darth Vader, but she had to walk around with me. Of course, a picture of me on the phone... with my big hat. =p
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
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