Stuart Smith
StuartSmith
Stuart Smith
Welcome to my travel journal.
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Stuart Smith and I am a 23 year old Law Graduate and Qualified Barrister, who, in recent months, has deviated from the intended career path and has ended up working in IT.
I plan to embark on a 2-month journey to the United States of America before returning revitalised to England to pursue a career in the legal arena with rejuvenated vigour.
The journey begins at 4am on Thursday 13th April as I leave my home in Southampton destined to arrive in LA, where I will meet up with my travel companion Ben, who is currently travelling Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
Although not set in stone, the plan is take in a variety of experiences across the length and breadth of the country. The journey itself can be divided into 5 distinct sections:
1) ‘Grandiose America’ which includes LA, San Diego, Tijuana, Joshua Tree Park, Grand Canyon National Park and Las Vegas. - All larger then life locations providing once in a life time experiences where America can show off its extravagance and brashness.
2) ‘Historical America’ which includes Washington DC, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, Toronto, and Boston. - Key locations in the fight for American independence, the democratic epicentre of American governance, plus the magnificence of the great falls.
3) ‘Cultural America’ which includes Miami, Dallas, Houston, St Louis, and Chicago. Everyday American cities. Each city culturally diverse from the next, each alike in illustrating how everyday Americans live.
4) ‘Tranquil America’ which includes Fraser, Salt Lake City, Deadwood and Yellowstone Park. An opportunity to see rural America at its most wonderful. From the breathtaking ice capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the erupting geezers at Yellowstone. Travelling the length of the California Zephyr railroad plus a 10-day road trip this is a real highlight of the trip.
5) ‘Diamond America’ Two gems in the American crown to conclude the trip; San Francisco and New York City - so good they named it twice. San Francisco with its trams, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. New York City with the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. Made all the more special with Zoe and Nicky, Ben's and my partner, joining us to share 6 magical days in New York. Can’t think of a better way to end the trip!
So the journey begins! Watch this space for updates, photos and diary entries. See you when I get back. Godspeed!
Map link http://www.travelblog.org/gmaps/map_V6.html