Today was a very interesting and meaningful day – in an unexpected way. We took an Uber with Aurora and Lumi to the very center of Salt Lake City, at Capitol Hill. 

To my surprise, this huge – over a century old – Building, was NOT restricted. Anybody could just walk in! And to my amazement, there was also the legislation on-going. The 45-day legislative process with the new House of Representatives – and much of the old senate – had started yesterday. And the Capitol Hill was literally FULL of people. Otherwise it’s much empty.

I saw representatives, even state senators, walking through the truly splendid and beautiful Capitol halls. I got a brilliant introduction by the local guides. One of the best “tours” I’ve had. We went through pretty much everything, got an access to the house of representatives, even to the senate, and could witness the halls, the marble colours, the brown and the white… Ancient Greek and Roman cultures intertwine with British House of Commons, French-style 19th century cabinets, Italian marble… And the story of the local settlers building it up in 1910s – and keeping well until now. Salt Lake City Olympic torch was also there. And a lot of local media, a few guys with cowboy hats (from the southernmost parts of the desert Utah). Brilliant 4 floor tour. Warm recommendation for these folks! Contact the guides at the main hall at the entrance, they have tours from around 10am up to 3pm. It takes 20-45 min depending your taste and the questions of the people. If coming at a more silent time, you might even get a 1-1 introduction. “That’s Jon Huntsman, he’s such a nice and pleasant guy. Smart – like you are!” Haha, the Americans know how to flatter and make people feel comfortable… “I’ll introduce him to you, if he pops up!” Well, I didn’t get to meet Jon Huntsman, nor of course any of the Federal level senators, such as Mitt Romney or Mike Lee – they’re all in Washington D.C.

But I got to meet and talk well with Representative from Lehi, Utah – where I have been staying for the past couple of days. Mr. Christensen randomly came to help me and Aurora with taking sleeping Lumi’s trolley through the stairs. And we started talking… what an interesting discussion. He’s been already 10 years, five 2-year seasons in the House of Representatives, and one more upcoming. Like on the Federal level, the local State Legislatures are divided into two parts: Utah has 29 Senators – one for each county. And around 75 representatives from each of the counties.

Learnt a lot of new! This same system is in ALL of the 50 states of the United States of America. It’s a system that definitely has its flaws, but it has seemed to work for this nation for the past decades and centuries. 

P.S. I couldn’t try a similar kind of an open access to the legislators in Zhongnanhai, or local Double Sessions in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, or anywhere in China. That IS a big difference between the US and China. Once again reminded in a clear deep-to-the-bones example. 

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On our way to the center we were guided by a really nice American guy from the “Yankeedom”, all the way Upstate New York, small, legendary town of Woodstock. Alex was a really cool guy – but I was curious why would a New Englander come up to this very Far West? “It’s the outdoor sports and skiing. I like to get outdoors.” Cool! Many people actually seem to be attracted by that. “I also fly the planes.” Alex is not a local, so he had an interesting viewpoint to the politics and culture of Utah. “It’s really kind of unique.” The church has here a very strong position – and make all kind of interesting regulations from not having more than two alcohol beverages, unless food is enjoyed simultaneously. Alcohol limit for driving is apparently only 0.2%. Half a glass of beer and you’re busted! 

It’s also predominantly white population here – I have seen very few African American folks. 

Btw. If you want to book Alex for e.g. interesting outdoor skiing activities, feel free to contact directly! Alex contact info is here (which he allowed – and even encouraged – me to share). Really cool stories and experiences, warmly recommended.

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Finally today I had a chance to visit IDFL HQ in Salt Lake City. It felt like in a sleeping mode, or a dream, as all the old friends from Hangzhou were suddenly here in the city, which I had just entered. What a great company culture – and really successful business. IDFL have created over a 100 people team in China, with HZ as HQ, and are growing fast. Heading the company, the CEO Wilf Lieber had a 70-year birthday, and I was also invited, but couldn’t join the morning session due to late work to Finland and China last night (until 4am!). But afternoon worked well.

Visited also me and Aurora’s old friend Bryan Mortensen, who is a big Utah Jazz fan. Nice talks again about Lauri Markkanen. He seems to really be a household name. Oh, you’re from Finland? “Have you heard about Lauri Markkanen? Then you already know my name and my country. Lauri. From Finland. I’m though not as good as Lauri in netting the basketball – at least yet.” 🙂 Bryan gave me a present of his Utah Jazz flag. “Take it Lauri – and let’s go to see the match soon!” Many people tipped that Lauri might get in to the All-Star Game, but many were also skeptical. “Not this year yet.”

It was cool to see a short overview of how a Utah’n international company works in action. An interesting combination of locality and globalization. This is what America is about… 🙂 

We visited Wilf’s house, and I had a chance to sing an improvised happy birthday song on their Grand Piano. Got almost tears in my eyes. It’s so interesting to blend your personal experiences to the broader big picture and bigger story that is on-going here. It’s cool to witness both the Capitol, local folks, some old and new friends. 

Plus weather was very beautiful, if though a little cold for anybody who would come from Southern China – also for Aurora. But we survived and got back well and safe.

P.S. On the way next to Lehi we saw the fascinating TECH CITY of Utah, the “Silicon Slopes”. Adobe, Microsoft… many startups, investors… Gotta visit there soon. Silicon Slopes summit on September can be a good way to understand probably the best tech hub in the far western USA (in the area between Austen and Silicon Valley). Here’s the introduction. If Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook think it’s cool, there’s a great chance you might feel the same way… : )