(This map shows all the states in the United States that I have visited so far–in red. To create a similar personalized map for yourself, click on the link below and follow the prompts.
How does one introduce North America? A part of the globe that was most recently “discovered”, this hulking sub-continent defies description. Comprising just three countries, yet occupying a substantial part of the world’s total land mass, North America is enigmatic.
Over the past two decades, I have explored its varied landscapes and have never ceased to be fascinated. From the pristine grandeur of the glacial Candian Rockies to the steaming volcanoes of Hawai’s Big Island, from the steaming bodegas of Mexico to the glacial glances of snazzy sales personnel in the ultra-ritzy shopping arcades of the United States, North America offers a gamut of experiences.
Having been based on the East Coast of the USA, my initital travels were confined to the North Atlantic corridor. Over the years, I have explored far beyond domestic reaches, venturing into the West Coast regions of California and Nevada. One trip saw the Almeidas cover the native American culture of the rugged Southwest from Santa Fe in New Mexico to Phoenix in Arizona. On another adventure, we traversed the Midwest to see Ohio and Kentucky. Yet another tour took us to Florida where we scoped out the length and breath of the state, imbibing its colonial Spanish and contemporary Italian ambience. All over the former thirteen colonies from the northernmost boundaries of New England to the graciousness of the Carolinas, we have followed in the footsteps of pioneers from the Pilgrims to the Huguenots. In the process, we’ve savored every taste of this bubbling melting pot that is the United States.
Not content with the offerings of this huge country, we’ve crossed north and south of the American border to take it the vast mileage of Canada and the quaintness of Mexico. Apart from breathing in the big city wonders of Toronto and Vancouver, we’ve enjoyed the charming fragility of Quebec City and the French ethos of Montreal. We’ve hiked and biked our way through the Rocky Mountains at mighty National Parks in Banff and Jasper and enjoyed the decidedly British feel of stately Victoria.
Leaving behind me the land-line crossing of San Diego in California, I took a cruise to the Mexican border city of Encenada in Baja California where the spirit of Old Mexico City was very much in evidence. I have yet to discover the intriguing hinterland of this once-propserous Spanish colony and do look forward to such a visit at a future date.
What never fails to amaze me is the difference in landscape, culture, accent and lifestyle that one encounters in each part of this massive sub-continent. You need drive only two miles out to enter a different world altogether. Whether it is the glistening white beaches of Florida or the golden sands of Hawai’i, the cacophonic waters of the Niagara Falls or the eerie silence of the Grand Canyon, the golden lushness of autumn in Vermont or the virginal purity of freshly fallen snowscapes in Connecticut–there are natural vistas galore to enjoy. Whether it is enchiladas or endive spears, ratatouille or rogan josh, sushi or smorgasbord, one can find it in North America in the cute wayside eateries that pockmark the highways or the Michelin starred restaurants run by five-star chefs.
What’s not to love about North America?
Join me now on a leisurely armchair sojourn. Pause frequently to browse through pictures as you cross the many longitudes and time zones that comprise these pages.
I have completed pages on The South, Florida, Hawai’i and the Canadian Rockies so far. Look for British Columbia including Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle very shortly.
Bon Voyage!