I know that envy is considered not good, but after a phone call from my daughter yesterday that is what I feel. She and her partner have just returned from a trip to the States. They flew into Chicago and drove south through Memphis and Nashville to New Orleans, then spent a few days in Florida. K freely admitted that she had previously had no interest in visiting any of those large cities (I think New Orleans was the exception) but said she had found them all most interesting.
I rather share her earlier view about the large cities, but I would love the opportunity to spend several weeks just driving across America. What I would most like (apart from the scenery in some places) is seeing small town life and learning how Americans really live. I have been fortunate enough to have had a little experience of American life but I want more!
That, too my mind, is one of the major drawbacks of visiting foreign countries on holiday. It is great to see the famous sights like Venice or the Eiffel Tower but that is no substitute for getting to know the way of life of the ordinary people who see those sights every day or live in the places that are not inundated by tourists.
Oh well... one day. Perhaps. But probably not.
5 comments:
I will let you know about that driving across thing... that is if we can get past Iowa.
Should you ever come to the New England region, let me know. If we can hook up, I'd be happy to show you a few of the smaller towns in New Hampshire.
(MY WIFE and I live in Massachusetts, and just outside of Boston, but we often vacation in New Hampshire and know the area very well. Perhaps we might arrange to take a day or two up there with you. Could be fun!)
Suldog, many thanks for that. I think it unlikely we will ever be in a position to visit New England again but I will certainly bear your comments in mind should we do so.
You're always welcome in eastern Oregon. Why not come next year for the Umatilla County Fair? We'd put you to work in the Lion's booth and you could experience life in rural Oregon first hand!
Nana, I'd love to take you up on that, but must regretfully decline.
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