Grand Canyon
Posted by WD | Under Peace Corps Romania, Personal Life, Plans Tuesday Jan 16, 2007The other night I was having a conversation with one of my sitemates about our post-Peace Corps plans. Although the matter was left unresolved, (at least in terms of the long-term picture,) the conversation was satisfying in that we both concluded that we were looking forward to building roots in the United States. As much as I criticize things going on currently, my love for the USA is true and deep. As such, I’ve decided to do a road trip this summer when I return, and I’m hoping that you guys, my faithful readers, can give me some suggestions of places to see. Part of the impetus for this is the fact that although I teach American History and Geography here, I have not seen much of my own country firsthand. I’m rather familiar with the Northeast, but other than that, I’m a bit wet behind the ears! As you, yes you, have probably been many places I haven’t, I’d love to hear about some of your favorite parts of the country and why. Consider this an assignment !
A few ideas:
-A few years ago, we drove along the Pacific coast from San Francisco to LA. It was a beautiful drive, with lots of good opportunities for hiking and the beach, such as Monterey and Big Sur. We also spent a day at the Hearst Castle (an architectual and capitalistic marvel).
-New Orleans…
-Chicago - A beautiful city with interesting history and culture.
-Minneapolis - A fun city, also check out the 10,000 lakes.
-Las Vegas…
-Kentucky - Check out the burbon
-Washington D.C. - The great temples of American Democracy. All the museums are free. And you have a place to stay
Matt–although I’m not American (duh!) I think yours is a wonderful idea. I have great memories from the time I spent in Missouri and my travels around that area. I think it helps me see things more clearly from up here in the pretentious Northeastern tower. I think you should just set out and explore. You’ll certainly have fun.
I sort of feel that you are pointing a finger at me—Andrew is right, driving up the west coast is beautiful, but i would start in San Diego, with its great zoo–up to Washington, from where you can visit the San Juan Islands of the northwest coast. There is so much more, i am down south and all of the paraphenalia concerning our travels are up north. There is a site that the federal govt. puts up which gives all sorts of various trips, with milage, sites to see—etc. Give me a little time and whenever i think of a different place we visited, and was interesting i will compile a listl and sent it to you. Take care, Be well——Love, G&G
WD - I’ve thought about this idea and I applaud you on it. Have you considered how much time you’re likely to spend? As you might guess, I am a fountain of very detailed ideas and suggestions, but I’ve come to realize that posting all my extensive remarks on a blog is not a particularly swift move.
Before you leave here, you and I need one more night together. Oooh. Did that sound awkward? Give me the chance to impress upon you my own particular suggestions, for I may colorful and specific recommendations for a US journey that would blow your mind in all the right ways.
I’ve been a few places.
WD, dont know if you know but Hugh Ogden: Professor of English/poetry at Trin died on Dec 31st.
On behalf of Nate, I suggest taking a train for some part of the journey.
I personally, if tripping across the US would want to see the huge walk-through aquarium tank in Tampa, FL, the Everglades, the Grand Canyon, and the Rocky Mountains.
I used to go hiking once a year in the Appalachians, and one year I met a guy who started in Canada and was hiking his way down the chain to Georgia. Now THAT was a cool sounding trip.
West coast - of course. Do stop by in SF to visit an old friend.