Freedom & Diversity
Explore the USA
The United States was one of the countries I learned the most about while studying in the 1980s. It was often described as the Land of Freedom and a melting pot, where people from different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs came together to build new lives. Those ideas stayed with me long before I had the opportunity to study there.
I spent seven years in California during my university years. Although I did not travel extensively across the country as a student, living there allowed me to experience everyday American life beyond what visitors normally see. It became a place that shaped both my personal life and my career.
Later, while working for Northwest Airlines, I had the opportunity to return to the United States more frequently. Those trips allowed me to explore more of the country, visiting places including New York City, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Seattle, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Chicago, and Austin, in addition to California.
Most of those journeys took place before the internet, smartphones, and digital photography became part of everyday travel. Nearly all of my photographs from those years were taken on film, so I have very few images available to share today. Because of that, the stories and photographs featured on Journey to Inspire mainly reflect my more recent visits, while many earlier memories remain only in photo albums and personal memories.
Why I Enjoy Travelling to the USA
The United States is unlike any other country I have visited. Every state has its own identity, landscapes, culture, and traditions, making it feel like many destinations combined into one nation. Whether exploring a busy city, driving along the Pacific coast, or visiting historic landmarks, each journey offers a different perspective.
Having lived in California for several years, I also appreciate the country differently from a typical visitor. Many of my favourite memories come not only from famous attractions but also from everyday life, road trips, university days, and later returning for work and holidays. Each visit brings back familiar memories while offering something new to discover.
Where to Visit
The United States is far too large to explore in a single trip. Based on my own travels, these are some destinations I would recommend:
- California – My home during university years, offering beautiful coastlines, national parks, diverse cities, and scenic road trips.
- New York City – Famous for its skyline, Broadway, museums, Central Park, and world-class dining.
- Washington, D.C. – Home to America’s monuments, museums, and many important historical landmarks.
- Seattle – A beautiful waterfront city surrounded by mountains with a relaxed Pacific Northwest atmosphere.
- Minneapolis – A modern Midwestern city that I came to know through my years with Northwest Airlines.
- Las Vegas – Entertainment, shows, and a convenient base for exploring nearby natural wonders.
- Reno & Lake Tahoe – Mountain scenery, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and year-round outdoor activities.
- Chicago – Outstanding architecture, Lake Michigan, and one of America’s great food cities.
- Austin – A lively city known for music, barbecue, and its creative culture.
As I continue returning to the United States, I hope to revisit familiar places while exploring many states that are still on my travel list.
