Your Reservation Is... Confirmed

Here I go again... or not yet, but in March. Feels kind of funny that earlier I wrote a quick trip to Rome would be nice. Well, after that wanderlust explotion a few days ago, my travel plans... expanded a little. I'm finally going to do it: I'm going to the United States. I have dreamed of this for so many years, and now it's really going to happen, it's confirmed & paid already (faithful to my habits, I booked & paid it at 2AM... and woke up the next morning with that wonderful WTF-feeling again, haha).

Because this will be my first time in the US, I figured I want to see as much as possible. I also thought that it might be better if I didn't go all alone this time - I know I can manage it anywhere in Europe anytime, but the US is so friggin' big and there's so friggin' much to do & see; some guidance might get handy at first, you know... So, I booked a 21-day road trip from TrekAmerica, and I think it will be a fine way explore this country of dreams for the first time.

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Here is the itinerary for my US tour (copy/paste from TrekAmerica's website)

16.03 - 05.04.2012

Days 1-2 New York Area & Washington DC

Departing from the New York area, travel to the Nation's Capital, Washington DC, for a perfect introduction to the cultural and political history of the United States. Want to know a secret? Go undercover at the International Spy Museum. Make tracks to the zoo, then see where big-hitting political animals shape the nation on an included monument tour.

Days 3-4 Virginia & Nashville

Next, touch down in the Appalachian Mountain Range and the gorgeous pine-clad foothills. Then off to the centre of American music in Nashville, Tennessee - the shining star of the country music scene. Hit The District - centre of city nightlife - laze in the parks, trawl the malls or learn to line dance; cowboy boots or sequinned denim anyone?

Days 5-6 Memphis

A short distance away is Memphis, the Birthplace of the Blues. Strolling along Beale Street must be on your checklist to see the influences that Blues and Jazz music has had on America. But top billing goes to Graceland, former home of the King himself, Elvis Presley.

Days 7-8 New Orleans

Your soundtrack grows jazzier in the Big Easy. Spice up your trip with lipsmacking Cajun and Creole fare, ride a steamboat on the Mississippi River, relax to the sounds of a Jazz or Dixieland band in the French Quarter and join the ongoing party on Bourbon Street. New Orleans has more than just food, drink and music to offer. Join a swamp tour into the alligator habitat of southern Louisiana, to view all sorts of wildlife on the mysterious bayous of Cajun country.

Days 9-10 Louisiana & Austin, Texas

Head out of the bayou and onto the range, as south turns to west before your very eyes. Welcome to the Lone Star State, otherwise known as the great state of Texas. Austin is the "Live music capital of the world" and home of great BBQ. This city is packed with "Texas sized" excitement and is sure to impress.

Days 11-12 Lubbock & Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The birthplace for Buddy Holly and the world's largest cotton growing region. This is the best of Texas. Head out of the largest State into New Mexico and Carlsbad Caverns National Park to explore one of the largest cave systems in the World. Gnarled limestone stalagmites like the Witch's Finger reach upwards, while stalactites in the Bell Cord Room hang from the cavern ceilings.

Days 13 Santa Fe

Roswell International UFO Museum makes for an entertaining stop in the road to Santa Fe, which lays on the Southwestern charm by the bucket load. With 325 days of sunshine per year and bright blue skies, plus some of the best Mexican food in the USA, Santa fe won't dissappoint.

Days 14 Monument Valley

We hit the iconic Monument Valley next, used in countless Hollywood scenes from Westerns to 2001: A Space Odyssey and everything in between. If you choose, you can board a 4x4 and let your Navajo guide show off the huge hunks of red rock and share the fables of the sacred lands. Tonight, experience a stunning sunset overlooking the valley.

Days 15-16 Grand Canyon National Park

Holy Cow! This is a dead cert on your list of top stops! Pack your boots and don't forget your camera for a sunrise/sunset hike along the rim. For the more ambitious take the long hike down Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point or choose the "bird's eye" view on a scenic flight. Watching the sinking sun paint it amber, maroon and red, its breathtaking immensity will blow you away.

Days 17-18 Las Vegas

Back to the modern world with a bang - Las Vegas - the greatest show on earth! Cruise "The Strip" in a super-stretch limo, indulge in an all-you-can eat buffet, take in a show or just watch the amazing crowds, neon signs and attractions that many hotel casinos have to offer. And if that's not enough, take a helicopter flight down The Strip or just gamble the night away in one of the world class casinos.

Days 19-20 San Diego

SeaWorld or San Diego Zoo? Hold on, is that beach calling? Sure is! Rent bicycles, rollerblades and surfboards at the beach and don your shades and soak up a few final rays.

Days 21 Los Angeles

It's a crying shame it has to end; at least the Hollywood Walk of Fame will help script your blockbuster ending to this great adventure.

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I'm also planning to explore New England a little before the actual tour begins, I have a serious obsession with Massachusetts... So I think I'll fly to Boston, then tour on my own in New England for a few days before going to NYC to start this amazing race :-)

I know some people won't approve this trip (Miia, my dear sister, I'm thinking of you now - no offence) -- I should be studying for the entrance exams, I should be finishing my university studies, I should be saving money for moving back to South Karelia... but you know what I say? SCREW IT. It will all work out in the end anyway. This is who I am, and this is how I want to live my life. I don't want to be the one who in the end realizes she never actually lived. My living philosophy is simple: go, do, see, experience, never postpone anything; none of us knows what's going to happen tomorrow. I'm proud of who I am, and I honestly love each & every day of my life - I think no one could ask for more. THIS IS ME, LIVING MY LIFE.

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Once more with the feeling: UUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH, I can't believe I'm actually going to the States, friggin' amazing! Fantastic, like Doctor Who would say.

yours truly-