British Columbia, Canada

As we got to the international border from Washington to British Columbia, there were a flock of tourist outside their cars taking pictures of all the scenery around them.

Two sights that really stuck out were the Canadian flag made of flowers and the Peace Arch between Canada and the United States.

Soon after passing through the border and through the tunnel leading to Surrey, we could see the outline of Vancouver’s buildings nearing. Once in Vancouver, we explored the city from daybreak to nightfall. The nightlife quickly filled the streets as the sun went down, and everyone happily walked the streets enjoying various shops and eateries.

The night kept on as the citizens of British Columbia celebrated its annual Taiwanese/Chinese Culture Music Festival 2011. It was a great experience. British Columbia is home to a large Chinese population with Vancouver’s Chinatown being Canada’s largest

Through British Columbia’s many shops, eateries, and vast cultures, we experienced a fun and exciting stay in Canada with a view to remember and a hospitality to welcome us back.

Washington

As we continued to make our war up the West Coast, we stopped for a couple of days in Seattle, Washington. As we drove, the outline of Seattle’s buildings could be seen from a distance.

The first place we visited while in Seattle was Pike Place. Pike Place Market was full of different foods, unique people, and a happy/positive atmosphere.

In mentioning food, Pike Place is also home to the first Starbucks ever established and Pike Place Chowder, People’s Choice Award: Best Chowder 2011 Winner.

Besides the wonders of Pike Place, the Space Needle is another main attraction in Seattle, WA. From the 605 foot tall tower, the whole beautiful city of Seattle can be seen from as far as the eye can see.

Oregon

As we drove through Oregon, we stopped in Florence to explore the famous Sea Lion Caves in what are known as the world’s largest sea caves. Though the caves were amazing to see, the sea lions were not in them because it was mating season and during this season, they remained outside. The outside view was even more outstanding than the inside.

We then left Florence and drove through the little town of New Port. From New Port, we arrived in the largest city in Oregon, Portland. In Portland we shopped at its famous five story book store, ate around the world in street food, waited in line for Voodoo Doughnuts, and ended our day in China Town’s peaceful Chinese garden.

At Voodoo Doughnuts, I got myself a maple bacon bar. It may sound odd, but it was very tasty.

Portland, Oregon, is known for its many attractions and various cultures.

Northern California

My trip began as I traveled from Southern California to Northern California on our way to Canada.

We chose to drive by the coast to take in the whole “road trip” feel and scenery.

As we drove further north into California, we stopped at Fort Bragg to witness the amazing view of cliffs leading out into the ocean.

Before we completely left California, we stopped in Eureka to visit the world famous Redwood trees and Confusion Hill where the Gravity House resides. Once there, we were able to drive our car through one of the Redwood trees. Confusion Hill is also the home to Ripley’s Believe It or Not “World’s Tallest Free Standing Redwood Chainsaw Carving”. The Gravity House is a leveled building built on the side of a mountain; though it slopes, one can stand completely straight without tipping or falling. Water also flows up even though the building slopes down. It is really an amazing thing to experience.

On our way out of California, we saw a mountain of dunes that seemed to be randomly placed. We parked our car on the side of the road, took off our shoes, and climbed away. As we walked on, we discovered a hidden lake about 3-4 miles inward. The view was beautiful.