As a kid, my family went on the obligatory roadtrips to various states but we never went far off the east coast of America. The only time I had been west of Mississippi to go to LA for a layover. Driving across America would be my first real trip around my nation. I didn’t know what to expect. I was going to areas I only had preconceived notions about- the redneck south, the boring Midwest, the beautiful West, and the barren, fire prone southwest. Yet driving around shattered many of my preconceived notion. I learned a lot over my two months on the road.
I learned that you never realize how big the country is until you plan a trip across it. You see its size on the map but you can’t imagine it until you hop in your car and drive 700 miles and are still in the same state. The size of America is really amazing!
I learned that the American South isn’t so bad. It has some good cities, good food, and good people. I called it the backwater of our nation for a long time and that was unfair. Sure, there are still aspects of it I don’t like but overall, I was surprised that by the time I left, I knew I’d like to go back.
I learned that Colorado is my favorite state. I loved everything about that state- the nature, the cities, and the people. Out of all the places I’ve been too, this is the one state I’d consider moving to. It had everything my heart desires (as long as I can migrate to warmer weather in the winter!).
I learned that the southwest isn’t so barren. (There are forests there!) If you have never been to Arizona or New Mexico, you are missing out on some of the best and most beautiful states in the union.
Great article matt! Nice pictures.
i’ve had a lot of road trips over the last couple years throughout the U.S. I love the diversity that is our country and its vast land!
My favorite is Yellowstone! I camped out there for a week one year and it was awesome! It’s not just the national park itself, but just the drive in and drive out of the park just put me in awe of the landscapes.
This post made me want to take a road trip! And it made me a little homesick too.
@anon: I have never been to yellostone but I hear it’s lovely. I really enjoyed the rocky mountain national park.
@tanya: sorry
This post is really poetic, Matt. Thanks for the glimpses of America.
Well said! I met someone while traveling abroad that said she thought the one thing that all Americans have in common is that we are all patriotic, no matter what. I don’t know if she meant it as a compliment, but I took it as one. It’s nice to appreciate each other’s differences but still have that common ground.
I enjoyed reading your post. I also recently spent a year traveling to every state and I learned a great deal about America. I was a bit surprised to read that you didn’t find Phoenix amazing. When I was in Phoenix I hiked up several mountains (that are actually in the city) and the views were absolutely unbelievable. To me Phoenix is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. I was in Phoenix in March and I was surprised to find the city so green and it also smelled of orange blossoms. The people were friendly too.