Exploring the United States: A Journey through Diverse Landscapes
My love for travel within the United States has taken me across various regions and landscapes, each with its unique charm and character. From the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest to the golden sands of the Southwest, my journeys have been nothing short of an adventure.
A Country in Diversity: The US Regions
The United States is a vast country, comprising 7 to 8 distinct regions. I reside in the Seattle area but often visit family in Wyoming, over 1100 miles away, which is just one-third of the continental US distance.
Over the past year, my wife and I have explored California, Alaska, and Hawaii. For 2024, we have a packed itinerary with visits to Florida, Oregon, and Arizona, along with additional trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Wyoming, Montana, and California. I’ve managed to visit every state west of the Mississippi River, except North Dakota, and have been to a total of 42 of the 50 states.
Exploring the East and West Coasts
While I’ve made trips to the eastern states like Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and the western states like Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and California, my experience is still rich with diversity. When traveling to Vermont, I’ve opted for the scenic and historical New England experience through Amtrak. For the western U.S, I often choose the convenience of air travel, starting from my base in New York City.
Of course, I’ve been all over the country, but this achievement means very little if you compare it to the ease of travel in a smaller country like Germany. My home in the center of the US allows me to easily travel in every direction and witness diverse landscapes and cultures. I’ve been on the North Sea coast, explored the Swiss and Austrian border in the south, and experienced the rich history and culture of places like Berlin in the east and Dusseldorf in the west.
Expanding Beyond the Country
Beyond the US, my travels have extended to neighboring countries where I’ve swept through Germany, crossing every international border—from Denmark to Switzerland and from the Netherlands to Poland. Germany offers a straightforward travel experience, enabling me to make the most of its connectivity and efficiency.
In the UK, my adventures have included extensive travel, despite my partiality towards the North East region. The variety in landscapes, history, and culture, all within a compact area, makes the UK a delightful travel destination.
My travels have been for various reasons: football, hockey, horse racing, taekwondo, holidays, work, and most importantly, visiting friends. These journeys have been fulfilling and have enriched my life.