HEMISPHERES Magazine - www.hemispheresmagazine.com
ThreePerfectDays / Seattle
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Article by: Lisa K. Fann / Photography by: Todd Pearson
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Seattle summers are as near perfection as you can get this side of Paradise. With temperatures in the 70s and 80s and a golden sun shining 16 hours a day, the city constantly woos you outdoors.
Photos by Todd Pearson; toddpearsonphotography.com
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The monsoon season plus summer heat equal dog days in August. In July and August, thunderstorms douse the city with almost two-thirds of its yearly rainfall. There are ample rain-free periods, but rain gear is a must. Typically, six August days are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). Fall is pleasant, and winter is cold and dry. In spring, strong winds can bring dust from the Gobi Desert.
The Weather ChannelWeather information is provided by The Weather Channel. For more Beijing climatological details, visit weather.com.
Beijing Capital International Airport’s new Terminal 3 is getting rave reviews. The terminal, where United and other Star Alliance carriers are located, eases arrivals and departures, especially valuable during the Olympics. The airport is 25 kilometers (16 miles) from downtown. By taxi, the trip takes about an hour (RMB80–RMB100, US$11–US$15). The airport shuttle bus, found in front of domestic arrivals, stops near major hotels (RMB16, US$2.30; you’ll still need a taxi from your stop to your hotel).
Blue Zoo Beijing (blue-zoo.com) Sharks, stingrays, and scuba diving.
Goose ’n’ Duck Ranch (gdclub.net.cn) Swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and paintball in the countryside
Happy Valley Amusement Park (bj.happyvalley.com.cn/park, in Chinese only) Themed areas with rides, games, and Imax
Ritan Park (6 Ritan Beilu,
Chaoyangmenwai, Chao Yang
District) A playground, a
carousel, a climbing wall,
minigolf, and kite-flying
