Discovering America': A Review of Matthew and Karen's Experience
9/26/20243 min read
We've gone to look for America
As we have now completed the first section of our trip and left America we thought would be good to summarise the highs and surprises of our trip. (for those not with the same thought process as Matthew, the title is in reference to a Simon and Garfunkel song...apparently).
We have really enjoyed this first month and hope that comes across in the blog
Favourite stop
We have enjoyed everywhere we have been, although with one night stays and locations of our lodgings we haven't always been able to visit all the towns we stayed in. For example, with hindsight St Louis definitely deserved a full day to look around rather than the evening we gave it.
But the winner is San Francisco who just sneaked our favourite city, although Chicago was also great and Las Vegas surprised Matthew especially. But SF came out tops just for the sheer mix we found and for Matthew seeing places linked to the Beat Generation.
A Michelin treat...
Not quite that level but the food we've eaten has generally been pretty good as our waistlines probably show. Especially early on when we were in holiday mode and eating out loads.
Our favourite meal meal was in San Francisco at La Traviata despite the scruffy outside and unusual and sparse clientele the meal was delicious. The owner of the guest house was both surprised and impressed that we had found it as its a known local favourite.
Top Activity: Exploring the Great Outdoors
The kayaking on the Colorado River was our highpoint of our activities, a brilliant day out. The paddling, weather and scenery made it a perfect day.
Biggest Surprises
I think coming to America! I had pre-perceived ideas on some American attitudes, any I did have have been completely disproved. Everyone we have met has been completely friendly and helpful. The Yanks sure do know how to talk - their favourite activity is small talk and when you come from the UK it can be a culture shock but in a good way.
Its also, not really a surprise but the amount of patriotism is amazing and nice to see. Flags everywhere. Plus, with the election coming up lots of evidence of where support lies one way or another. Some were happy to chat about politics and stuff, others steered clear. We had an interesting chat with an Italian taxi driver complaining about immigrants.
Matthew - I was also amazed by the impact the Mississippi had on me, I remember as a child seeing it on Westerns and reading about it and when we stopped to look at it these all came rushing back. It was a good and surprising moment.
Karen - I was looking forward to Las Vegas as always wanted to go. I was personally disappointed as it didn't live up to my expectations. Even more surprised when Matthew enjoyed it more than me as I had to persuade him to add it to our itinerary to start with.
Golden Raspberry Awards
Nothing has been terrible but a couple of disappointments, the roadside diners have been fine for quick lunches but not always matched the friendly welcome or homely food that I was expecting. The repetitive under-cooked fries were frustrating. The trip to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam was fantastic but we didn't get the comedy on the bus we were promised.
Lastly our packing, I realise we needed to pack for cold in Canada when we go to Churchill but the bags are so heavy! After Canada we need to have a real sort out. We thought we were clever with our Osprey bags which can turn into rucksacks but there is no way we could currently put those on our backs and walk anywhere.
Modes of transport used in the USA
Plane, car, bus, taxi, subway, streetcar/tram, cable car, catamaran, boat, kayak, coach.
Final Thoughts
The US has been a great start to our trip. I can't believe how quickly this first stage has gone. Route 66 was everything we hoped it was and so much more and what a great trip through America. Similarly, we loved Highway 1 and in places the scenery was breath taking but out of the two, 66 "trumped" it for us.
Well it's Canada next, hope you can all keep reading.