The first leg of our great adventure started in the colorful metropolis of San Francisco where our adventure included the sights of arches of the famous Golden Gate Bridge, walking through the many districts of the city and tasting the famous sourdough bread of the state. It was possibility to continue our travelling after the stay in the attractive atmosphere of the Bay Area driving north along the fabulous Pacific Coast Highway. We pulled over several times to gaze at magnificent sea sceneries, to take a stroll along sandy shores with not a soul in sight, or to just be enthralled by the symphony of the surfs.
After that, instead of the sea breeze, we continued on and entered the Redwood National Park and got to see some giant redwoods. After being surrounded by these colossal trees, which are estimated to be over 2 millennia old, there is almost an eerie sense of serenity. We dedicated a day to a lovely hike amidst ferns and trees and then proceeded to the delightful city of Portland where we walked through strange and interesting districts, visited vendors’ stalls for food and other interesting souvenirs, and shopped at modern and contemporary shops and stands that represent the unique energy of Portland.
Our next shoot took us from the world of the new millennium back to the middle ages as we toured a Bavarian style town of Leavenworth, in central Washington’s Cascade mountain range. It was as if we were taken right into a German village while walking through the markets, tasting sausages, and even interacting with some locals in their traditional Bavarian attire. We moved an hour south and were treated to a beautiful view of mountains and clear blue alpine lakes in the Lake Chelan region.
Traveling eastwards, we crossed into Idaho state and ended up in the tourism capital of Boise. We took mountain bikes through the picturesque trails for some thrilling experience, went on a Boise River kayaking trip, and topped the day’s adventure with some fine craft beers. When it finally came to the next item on the list – star gazing in the extraordinarily dark skies of central Idaho with no light pollution whatsoever – it was more than expectations could ever meet. To be lying in the sweet, crisp night soil, gazing up at the Milky Way in wonder, waiting for a shooting star in particular was pure enchantment.
One final stop before heading back west was to the Grand Teton National Park we felt like small lumps when standing in front of the severe Teton Range that rises more than a mile straight up from the valleys. We went for relaxed game viewing drives and relatively more vigorous nature walks on tracks through the acacia woodland, through the picturesque wildflower plains and through the pine savanna. The last memorable was the light of the sun on the peaks in the early evening of the first day, which was reflected in a bright coral, rose, and violet color.
When we returned to the Interstate heading back east toward the Pacific coast which was two weeks of varied and eye-popping sights and scenes, we knew that this grand western ramble was now firmly cemented in the realm of fond reminiscence and future myth. Flitting from city to city, from the diverse ethnic neighborhoods of San Francisco to the rough wilderness of central Idaho, the 2024 trip offered a microcosm of urban and rural American West with its crescendo of the outdoors and activity.
Offering a picturesque route was the way that the journey began and it allowed the viewers to take the chance of seeing nature at its purest. The sceneries in the Pacific Northwest we reached while driving through the winding roads included great forests and rocky coastal lines. We happened to pass tall trees with their leaves never falling off meaning the trees might be conifers and we accidentally got into an attraction spot where the mother nature was in high gear. At times, the trees were through the forest and one could occasionally see the blue of the sea shining through the trees as the road twisted through the mountains above the ocean below. The sound of seagulls was as loud as the noise produced when the sea kept hitting the jagged cliffs.
We continued the same direction and then we saw the green moss that was just too much covered the ground and the top of the trees had to fight over the green color. The lianas hung from the trees, and the little waterfalls of the clear water by the vertical cliffs sparkled as they gained the basins. We crossed bridges after bridges which appeared like Rivers and those were the first to be full of the highest water due to the melting of the snow and the speed of the stream that was actually the rapid ones. The more we traveled, the thicker the wood became, and by the time we noticed the sky through the tall trees, it was hard to tell that they were all douglas firs and only existed in Pacific Northwest Rainforests.
The journey through the Rockies featured the sight of magnificent peaks to go with the lovely lakes at every stage and so every turn was worth the fun and creativity! There were unmistakable chunks of rocks that jutted out above the skyline and were clothed in continuous snow; there were large, solid, vertical rock structures some uniquely caused by ancient volcanic eruption, others like vaults of nature where no human dared to climb; everything was rather remote and isolate that some mountains had glaciers even in the summer; those created new U-shaped valleys; -convex slopes curved alongside the inclines shredding peaks shimmering to the base of the mountain which, in its own way developed, quite the scene. Below the gorges there was just water the same deep blue as the sky above with some parts of it being ever-changing, creating the reflections of the cliffs above on the water being churned by the wind. During June, we did not only traverse through towering mountains’ snow ridges but also snow was everywhere, it was all summer but still, the high mountains remained the white caps of the mountain. Water was abundant and was constantly moving; it was either running down a mountain in a waterfall or slowly flowing through the meadows of the highlands.
One can hardly have insights into the wonderful and massive panoramas but only did so through the goal of wants to interact
The modern and diverse cities that we toured provided our group with wonderful experiences and exploration of unique cultures at every turn. Our story started in Portland, an art and music hub that has embraced unique cultures and ideas. We strolled through the Pearl District, appreciating the vibrant murals and the artistic galleries that made up the soul of the Pearl District. We met people who cooked various dishes, starting with the fresh creation of Korean tacos in a mobile kitchen and ending with the luxurious dishes of farm-to-table restaurants. During the night, we would pub crawl hitting the local indie bands and analyzing artworks while sipping on local microbrews till late into the night.
The next destination was San Francisco, in which the group went to places such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. As for the physical environment and the surroundings, the land was hilly, which provided beautiful scenery and an opportunity to walk for miles to reach other districts every day. The famous Cable Cars relieved our tired feet and offered us a beautiful sightseeing tour of the city. It had a really good foodie moment when it was all about the seasonal, locally sourced and sustainably sourced seafood that was as fresh as could be. The produce was organic and cheeses were sourced from farms. For even the simplest of cafés and food trucks, the tomalley was presented as high-quality West Coast ingredients with novel interpretations.
In Chicago, for instance, one gets the impression of modernity in aspects such as skyscraper buildings but at the same time, there is culture and history. Great city structures and overviewing monuments characterized the broad city streets, especially the ones in the business district. The highlight of this area was in the details of the Art Deco in metalworks and stone as we walked through Millennium Park. All-sided Chicago style hot dogs and the famous deep dish pizza were enjoyed as between meals snacks while museum hopping. At night, we attended stand-up comedy performances and watched live blues, then proceeded to late-night eateries.
The last stop, New York City, does not leave the expectations of tourists indifferent due to its vast size, active rhythm, and the highest concentration of famous attractions. While moving around the crowded streets, one gets the atmosphere that made NYC known for being an unfathomable city that ceaselessly buzzes. We quickly realized that many of the sights provided us images that were immediately recognizable even if we had not personally been to these locations. A broad range of museums, thematic shows, restaurants, and colorful nightlife was a clear demonstration of the cultural and creative potential of the city. We endeavored ourselves in numerous cities and we were impressed, fascinated, and eager to discover again such unique places.
Food and drink was also a very enjoyable part of the vacation and trying out the different foods of the countries that were visited. Every area had its own food traditions and novelties; for instance, seafood in Seattle or Chicago deep-dish pizza. We ate lots of fish, whether grilled or baked, salmon, halibut, oysters, and of course, the Dungeness crab. We had the opportunity to observe vendors at the popular Pike Place Market where fish sellers playfully threw fish, particularly salmon. We then ate tasty fish at an outlet nearby the Puget Sound which was also beautiful to behold. Significantly, the sweet taste of the crab and the charring of the wild salmon was particularly appealing to the taste buds.
In Chicago, you had to try their style of pizza, deep-dish pizza, with sections of thick chunky tomato sauce, stringy mozzarella, and a buttery biscuit dough base. The portions we were served were quite large, and so by the time we were done with the pizzas at the pizza restaurant, all was full to the brim. Another experiment was made to taste Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs which are dragged through the garden, and Chicago-style hot dog stands. The living standard depicted the kind of foods that were available in the mid-West region.
Our search for more of the most delicious regional foods and dishes went on all through Louisiana, Texas, as well as Tennessee. This was an opportunity to taste truly Cajun and Creole dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, or blackened redfish. During the trip to Texas, we tasted fantastic barbecued brisket and ribs with various kinds of dry spices and tasty sweet and sour sauces. And we hit the bars and listened to live bands as we feasted on Nashville’s hot chicken, which really made our lips tingle and eyes water.
In addition to the varied tastes, visits to crowded farmer’s markets, cafeterias, and local food fairs allowed for communication with the owners and clients, as well as to get acquainted with the local gastronomic traditions. It was quite pleasant to see different types of performers on the streets of New Orleans while having snacks at Café Du Monde and having beignets. Many memorable food moments and tastes were revealed for our senses, and our trip was a perfect example of the tastiest journey. The food that we tried across the cities added a layer of taste to the journey and made linkages to the places and people we interacted with.
It was an educational tour in the literal sense of the word because historical landmarks were a part of the tour and they show the historical backgrounds of the areas we visited. Sights at National Monuments, Historically Significant Areas, and Museums enabled us to learn more about the history of the places being visited. Exploring Gettysburg and imagining Pickett’s Charge; viewing the existing bullet holes at the stone wall in front of Bloody Lane at the Battle of Antietam; and witnessing the inside of the courthouse during the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates gave me real-life feelings of history.
One was able to feel the history better and get a closer contact with early America by visiting such places. It would be emotional to know that I walked across the field where Washington accepted Cornwallis’s sword, symbolizing the triumph of America over the British Empire. While visiting colonial Williamsburg we were able to get an understanding of what life was like in the 18th century by walking through homes and other building which have been reconstructed and maintained from the ground up and by talking to the tradesmen who continue to work in the ways of the old world as if it were yesterday. We were in the corridors of Independence reading with deep attention the flow and structure of type that outlined our liberties in the very cornerstone of the nation.
Unlike statues of historical figures, seeing objects that were touched by the struggle in this country such as the bus, which Rosa Parks did not surrender her seat on and the motel balcony where Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, made some of the more recent moments I think more tangible. The depressing and informative presentations showing the Trail of Tears and internment of Japanese Americans during World War II to name a few, depicted somewhat bitter and still relevant history lessons that still need to be learned.
Each time I stopped and I thought on how lucky I am to be living in a nation whose foundations were established by these monumental figures, this outstanding people, and these remarkable principles. Traveling to specific locations made me realize that great strides have been made, and many lives were lost to build the future we have today. I am indebted to all who contributed to building it [the nation] and being among the structures which is a testament to their existence and hard work motivates me to contribute in a small way in the ever growing narrative of our country.
Recreational activities can be considered as some of the most memorable experiences during the trip due to the contrast between the outdoor activities and visits to cities. The first few days were spent hiking through Yosemite National Park, meandering amid the giant sequoia trees and gazing at the grandiose waterfalls from the vantage points perched high upon granite faces. The enormity of the scene was beyond understanding as there were very many variations of light and terrains to explore and they can be seen at every turn of the trail. One felt like developing a facial ache from the kind of grinning that went on during those days in the midst of nature’s beauty.
And thus after the mind making climb up Yosemite we moved a little north and went kayaking in Lake Tahoe which provided the perfect backdrop to our kayaking session – crystal clear waters with pine trees lining the shore. We were able to take a glimpse of the lake bottom where there were big rocks which were relatively far from the boats we hired. While canoeing, the requirement to paddle had a positive effect in offering a change from the mere gazing at views within the national park. When we cut through the calm waters and looked for secluded bays, we felt that affiliation with the environment that is often sorely lacked in our concrete jungle.
The last outdoor activity was kayaking plus the breathtakingness of the national parks – sea kayaking along the Redwood National Park. About the forests Among these giants to paddle as they go straight to the rocky cliffs and even the shores battered by waves was dream like. The fatigue of paddling through lively swells and the mental break from technology due to the immersion in a natural setting sustained sore muscles and a break from technology throughout the days spent hiking along the rocky coast.
The nights that we spent camping and listening to some weird sounds at night under the roof of starry night skies after exhausting days of travelling provided the right contrasting settings to cities that we visited. Less a matter of having physical checks to perform or sites to see, these hikes provided a measure of time for introspection and for forming richer and more meaningful bonds with awe-inspiring surroundings. When we came back from the trip, we came back fully recharged, mentally and physically, and wanting to translate at least some of this experience of living in the midst of the natural world to our daily city-centered existence.
We had more fun traveling just by choosing what sort of place to stay. For example, we might pick a bed-and-breakfast in a small town in the backcountry where there isn't much more than a convenience store and bar or else the newest four-star hotel in a booming city. Every option was carefully selected to not only make life convenient but also bring enjoyment to one's travels.
First, we picked the so-friendly bed-and-breakfast located in a small village famous for its handmade items. Its owners received us at their own magnificent Victorian home, patterned after Queen Anne, with antique wooden furniture and lovely paintings. In our room was a four-poster king-size bed, provided with robes and a gas fire for reading in the library in the evening after jaunting out throughout the scenic countryside. Each morning we thoroughly enjoyed their delicious muffins and breads made from the young couple’s own farm products. Grown on the farm that day, they prepared these treats, up bright and early for new explorations, and we sat in on shared discussions with other guests.
Having alighted in the capital, we took room service for dinner and opened our suite door in a five-star boutique hotel where everything was contemporary. The sheets, towels, jetted tub for two, and TV dinners of chocolate strawberries and champagne all surpassed our imagination. The concierge had arranged for staff to ferry guests around, book them into some of the most up-to-the-minute restaurants or clubs/lounges themed on city culture. Above the city, the rooftop bar provided a perfect place to have a drink before seeing someone perform.
The redneck appeal of the small towns seen after moving pictures gives way to the luxury and creature comforts of the big city hotels. These aspects combined have subtly helped us to reach a good understanding of the local people, food, and scenic spots around Sembawang, where we can turn homeward with memories that will live forever in our minds. The love and labor that went into every plan, every item perfect, brought out the sparkle of our whole trip.
This is one of the important factors that play into the success of the trip; the company you keep when traveling. It opens up a world of refresh and creates a new paradigm when the journey is undertaken with friends or loved ones. When traveling with friends, there is already a kind of trust and the feeling of comfort that you don’t have to worry about the adventure part of it and just go.
The particular journey that stands out for me is the two-week trip that I made across Europe with four friends from university. We had always imagined going on this trip together for years, even though we had not been specific about the activities to be undertaken or the sites and attractions to be visited. The time when I got lost in the narrow and curved roads of the Trastevere neighborhood in Rome or the time when we both could hardly ride bicycles in Amsterdam and ended up falling off the bikes was a fun time because we got to do it together.
One advantage of traveling in a group is that there is always somebody with whom one can discuss something or get an answer to a question. “What do you reckon this hostel’s like?” “Isn’t this gelato place just fantastic?” We encouraged each other to wake up to see sunrises over stunning views or to go out partying to see late-night festivals. It was a bittersweet experience to come home tired from these full days and discuss what we enjoyed the most over dinner and beers, while being wistful for the experiences we were still in the middle of having.
Friendship within the group increased significantly over the course of two weeks, which are the basis of our survival. To this day, nearly ten years later, we still remind each other of more stories and jokes from that trip. The only elements that we invoke are memories that the five of us have no way of knowing about. This aspect of traveling and working with someone is that all the trivial issues arising from one’s personality, from jokes to weaknesses, become areas of comfort, and decision-making unites the two of you. Such trips are always a good way of developing fellow feelings and gaining an understanding between trip makers. Even though we were friends prior to our Europe trip, the journey has created an amazing friendship that I still hold dear to this day.
It was an educational tour in the literal sense of the word because historical landmarks were a part of the tour and they show the historical backgrounds of the areas we visited. Sights at National Monuments, Historically Significant Areas, and Museums enabled us to learn more about the history of the places being visited. Exploring Gettysburg and imagining Pickett’s Charge; viewing the existing bullet holes at the stone wall in front of Bloody Lane at the Battle of Antietam; and witnessing the inside of the courthouse during the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates gave me real-life feelings of history.
One was able to feel the history better and get closer contact with early America by visiting such places. It was emotional to know that I walked across the field where Washington accepted Cornwallis’s sword, symbolizing the triumph of America over the British Empire. While visiting Colonial Williamsburg, we were able to get an understanding of what life was like in the 18th century by walking through homes and other buildings which have been reconstructed and maintained from the ground up and by talking to the tradesmen who continue to work in the ways of the old world as if it were yesterday. We were in the corridors of Independence reading with deep attention the flow and structure of the type that outlined our liberties in the very cornerstone of the nation.
Unlike statues of historical figures, seeing objects that were touched by the struggle in this country, such as the bus on which Rosa Parks did not surrender her seat and the motel balcony where Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, made some of the more recent moments more tangible. The depressing and informative presentations showing the Trail of Tears and internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, to name a few, depicted somewhat bitter and still relevant history lessons that still need to be learned.
Each time I stopped and thought about how lucky I am to be living in a nation whose foundations were established by these monumental figures, these outstanding people, and these remarkable principles. Traveling to specific locations made me realize that great strides have been made, and many lives were lost to build the future we have today. I am indebted to all who contributed to building it and being among the structures, which is a testament to their existence and hard work, motivates me to contribute in a small way in the ever-growing narrative of our country.
This was without doubt simply an epic road trip we did in the United States in 2024. For three weeks, we traveled through the desert, mountains, and forests, and tasted life in cities, among other things. It was the first time in my life that I had such outdoor experiences. We went to the openings of new national parks in America creating rivers; I showed my son his first real American national park and from it we got soulfulness, as if all our fatigue had evaporated.
Memorable above all else were the national parks and reservations of Utah and Wyoming: Arches, Grand Teton and so forth, with their extraordinarily shaped rocks. As we walked through that area of high red cliffs and tall pines, we were reminded time after time how grand nature alone can create things. Equally, the opportunity to sample regional cuisines was unique and wonderful—mouth-watering Texas BBQ, sweet down-home Southern soul food, and Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza. That is why tasting these local 'Gusti Desi' flavors gave us a taste of many as well as of customs and identities in the states.
In all the cities and small towns we visited, we came across people who were warm-hearted, industrious, and helpful typical Americans. Past their terrain, no matter if it was impossible to meet others the following day, these people and their stories interacting with us made our journey real. These interviews shaped our concept of modern American life, everywhere from Portland, Oregon, where the baristas are the hipster capital of the world, and Chiang-kai-shek Park Spokane, Washington’s breadbasket town, to South Dakota, a Lakota Indian tribe elder.
Looking back, we simply can't help smiling each time we remember the songs that resulted from this high road trip. The nights spent outdoors beneath the stars and in companionship during this journey make anybody lucky to have been part of it. This road trip not only provided us with memories that will last a lifetime, but which will allow us to look ahead next time we think about culture, identity, and beauty anywhere in America. It has implanted in us the scientific inquisitiveness that will outlive 2024.