Seattle is a beautiful city, situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with a metropolitan area population of more than one million people. It has many places of interest, excellent restaurants, and good public transportation.

The climate in August is moderate with temperatures in the 65-75 degree F. range (18-24 C.) and low humidity.

The program is held on the campus of the University of Washington, the state’s largest university having over 34,000 students. It is situated just 10 minutes north of downtown Seattle. Its beautiful views of Lake Washington and its many parks and trails have made UW a Seattle landmark in itself. The University of Washington web site www.washington.edu offers a look at the campus.

In addition, Seattle is a city filled with beautiful sites and lush parks. Therefore, when you need a break from studies, the city has many things for you to see and do. Very close to the UW campus is the Washington Park Arboretum, home to one of the largest collections of Japanese maples, and a wonderful destination for those who like to stroll. For golfers, the area boasts some of the finest golf courses in the Pacific Northwest. For more information visit www.seattlegolfguide.com.

Other things to see and do in the city include visiting the Seattle Center, which houses the Space Needle built for the World's Fair in 1962, taking a trip to the Pike Place Market for some delicious pastries or to watch shopkeepers hurl fish from 10 feet away! There is also Pioneer Square where you see how Seattle got its beginnings. Take a walk on the waterfront bustling with shops, seafood bars and a world-class aquarium or shop upscale downtown, glittering with names such as Tiffany, Cartier and Coach. For details about tours visit www.cityofseattle.net/html/visitor/points.htm.

San Francisco, California

The program in San Francisco will consist of two days of seminars and guest speakers from major, cutting-edge banks, including the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.

Plus free time to explore this exciting City by the Bay: Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, Golden Gate Park, the largest Chinatown on the US West Coast and some of the most exquisite restaurants. For more information visit www.sanfranciscoonline.com.