When I bought my tickets, there was no time to think, so my return ticket was NY-EKB for September 28th. At the time, it seemed that since there was an opportunity to stay in the States longer, why not take advantage of it.
Over the summer, my relationship with the person I planned to travel with fizzled out, and dreams of a beautiful trip across America evaporated before my eyes. So I was left alone without a plan, tickets, or ideas, but with three free weeks (by the way, at work, they made it clear that after September 3rd, we were free). I wiped away my tears once again and started developing a plan on how to spend my well-deserved American vacation, survive, and not go broke.
I had ideas to just go on some tour, of which there are hundreds on the internet; I wanted to go on a cruise, but unfortunately, cruises in America are only for those 21 and older. I thought about just going to NY and living there, and when nothing worked out, I wanted to change my tickets and go home early (though when I found out the price of this wonderful service, those silly thoughts immediately vanished). In the end, everything worked out incredibly well, and I had a wonderful time (partly with a friend, partly with other friends, and partly alone).
First, I flew to San Francisco (a city in disco style and all that). I still remember how, after a rather late flight, having overcome all the difficulties in the subway, I went up to the street and went crazy. No, not from love, but from fear and, as it seemed to me, disappointment. There were homeless people everywhere, it smelled of trash, the roads were dirty, and some strange men were following me. I just ran to my hostel and hoped to be safe as soon as possible. But from the next day, everything changed. And I fell in love once again. With those narrow streets that go down and up at almost right angles, with the energetically charged downtown and cute Victorian houses, with the incredibly cozy Little Italy district and the crazy Chinatown, with the Ghirardelli chocolate factory and their signature salted caramel cocoa, with the cold air and the ocean, with Alcatraz (definitely buy a ticket in advance, otherwise you will be running around like me, begging for tickets from passersby, and it is not a fact that you will be as lucky as I was, and this place will provide you with impressions for a lifetime), with the photogenic cable cars and the largest Golden Gate Park in the country, with the most recognizable bridge in the world, and even with the fog and grayness of the city. We spent wonderful days in San Francisco. I still remember that time with love.
From San Francisco, we took a bus to Los Angeles. And of course, the most memorable place we visited was the Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars and many other awards are presented). But we didn't just visit the theater; we attended the final show of America’s got talent, saw Heidi Klum, sang along with Pitbull, and just couldn't believe our eyes.
In my Instagram, I described it like this:
"It was an incredible adventure and an insanely interesting experience. Filming one of the most popular shows on American television, Americas Got Talent. The coolest thing is that we made it to the Grand Final, where the fate of the show and all these talented finalists was being decided. And despite the fact that it was a live show, filming takes much more time than the broadcast show lasts. And we were sitting so close to the judges that I even managed to see Heidi Klum's wrinkles and hear the live voice of Pitbull, who was a guest performer that evening. And in general, now I know what the judges do during breaks between filming and how the show achieves such a beautiful and smooth picture on television. And the filming, by the way, took place at the Dolby theatre, where literally a few days later the Emmy television awards were presented. Actually, the Oscars are presented there too. This is something I didn't even dream of, but what happened, happened! I visited a show in Hollywood!"
There is no secret, by the way. To get to the show, you just need to book a ticket on the website in advance (it can be absolutely any show filmed in Hollywood), arrive at the designated ticket pickup time, and stand in a huge line with everyone else. If you are lucky, the tickets are yours. We were lucky.
Ghirardelli chocolate
And we also saw the hotel where the movie "Pretty Woman" was filmed, walked along Rodeo Drive, drove around Beverly Hills, took pictures against the background of the famous Hollywood sign, saw the Griffith Observatory, went to museums, cafes, and the Walk of Fame.
Venice beach
Hollywood blvd.
Hollywood
Griffith observatory
Rodeo Dr.
Beverly gardens park
Santa Monica beach
Santa Monica beach
Pink's hot dogs
And then San Diego. A beautiful, sunny city where we met sea lions, the most beautiful park, and the most expensive island to live on (Balboa Park and Coronado Island, where, by the way, the movie "Some Like It Hot" was filmed).
La Jolla Cove beach
Coronado island
After that, we set the navigator to the Grand Canyon. An amazing place where everyone should visit at least once in their life (although in reality, even many Americans haven't made it there yet). The road was long and quite tiring, but the worst thing happened when we realized that we had missed an important turn and wouldn't be able to reach the canyon by sunrise. Which meant all plans would have to change. Well, we changed them and went to the fairy-tale city of Sedona. And now, just the most important thing from everything I wrote. Definitely go to Sedona if you have the opportunity! It's an amazing place. We lived in a small house in a chic resort. I dedicated both evenings to lying by the pool, and in the morning and afternoon, we explored the area.
Isn't this a miracle of nature? The idea to see this beauty from a helicopter came to mind by chance, and it was beautiful. When we took off, I burst into tears. I was probably just overwhelmed with feelings, and I couldn't hold them back. But it was happiness.
In the morning, we finally went to the Grand Canyon, having stopped by the town of Williams, which is located right on the famous Route 66.
Here is how I described this photo:
"I'm such a pin-up girl, of course; it was impossible to pass by this car with the route66 sign, and walking through one of the towns located on this historic highway 66 is simply a mandatory item for those who want to see the real America. The one we see in movie theaters regardless of the film genre. There is an incredible atmosphere here, and it is created by hundreds of gas stations, roadside cafes, motels, restaurants, bars, souvenir and antique shops. This highway stood on a par with the Grand Canyon and the Statue of Liberty, turning into one of the symbols of the USA and, having received the status of a 'historic route', became one of the most promoted global brands. Every traveler dreams of driving across America on this very highway, recognizing places known to everyone from their favorite movies. And how many legends are connected with it! But that's not what this is about, is it?"
And about the Grand Canyon, I don't even know what to say. So much has already been written and said about it that there is nothing to add. It is worth seeing, just to understand how strong and great nature is and how small we are in it.
And then Texas again. I returned home to finally say goodbye to everyone, pack my things, and set off further. This time alone. By the way, my friend left me back in LA.
By the way, I also wrote something about loneliness back then:
"When the idea of going to America came into my crazy head, I made the decision to do it alone. None of my friends dared to keep me company, and I didn't dare to give up my little dream. I didn't even think for a second that it might be difficult or scary for me. I decided that I would cope. I was even glad that I would be alone among Americans, immersing myself in a new culture, in my favorite language. Fate turned out differently and sent me a friend with whom we complemented each other all summer like oatmeal with banana, nachos with salsa, pancakes with maple syrup, or a bagel with peanut butter. Special thanks to her (and to fate for Masha, and to Masha for our summer). So, when the time came for me to be absolutely alone and continue the trip, I was scared for the first time. And all my friends were fueling my fears, assuring me that I would be robbed in California, raped in Washington, and killed in New York. I was incredibly scared, but I didn't show it. In the end, I had a wonderful time, met many cool people, although by and large I was alone. But this is my experience. I needed it to understand once again that I am NOT a loner. And I love sharing happiness and joyful moments with someone."
From San Antonio, I flew to Washington D.C., where I spent only two days. And this city also cannot leave you indifferent. It is calm, clean, and has a soul and history.
Here is how I described the photo above:
"This photo was taken in Washington, which can be easily determined by the Washington Monument visible in the distance. Behind me is the Lincoln Memorial, further behind the Washington Monument you can even see the Capitol, and if you walk along the mall, you can find the White House itself on the left. In general, a huge number of monuments, memorials, and museums are concentrated in these few square kilometers. Just history in every meter of this mall. It is the historical and tourist heart of Washington. And in general, this city became somewhat native to me during the days I spent there. Here, besides a huge number of tourists (who, by the way, differ in upbringing and interest in culture and history, unlike the crazy tourists in NY or LA), you can meet ordinary Americans on the street who are rushing to work after lunch, drinking coffee with colleagues, walking with their significant others, partying in bars with friends, and even more often RUNNING. They run here all day long. From morning until night. I'm serious. That's probably why I didn't meet a single disgustingly fat person in Washington (of which there are plenty in Texas, for example). I can talk a lot and for a long time, but I need to stop. The most important thing is that it is very warm in this city. In every sense."
From Washington, I set off for the final destination of my trip - New York. This city, which is alluring but frightening in its scale and energy. I was scared to go there, honestly, especially alone. But I fell in love again. Yes, I was a tourist there, but I felt like I was living the life of an ordinary New Yorker every day. I got up at 6 a.m., took the subway, but instead of the office, I went for walks, to get acquainted with the sights, to watch people, and just to breathe and enjoy.
About Central Park:
"A place for happy people. How I liked Central Park. It is so good and calm here. Everyone is doing their own thing: someone is sunbathing, reading, someone is playing badminton, volleyball, someone is on a date, someone is having a bachelorette party. And I am sitting on the green grass and breathing in this warm autumn air deeply, hoping to remember the smell of New York. They say that New York is a gray city of lonely hearts. Maybe for some it is, but not for me. For me, it is a crazy city of happy people. And Central Park is its heart."
About the city's observation decks:
"I wanted to see New York from a bird's-eye view so much and for so long I couldn't decide if I wanted to go up to the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock. In the end, I admired the night city from the Empire State Building, and I saw New York in the sunlight from Top of the Rock. And these views and sensations were worth it!"
New York is an extraordinary city. As soon as you get here and breathe this air with your full chest, you only have two options: to fall in love forever or to hate forever. This is something your heart will truly feel. My opinion is that you need to turn off your mind here. You don't need to listen to anyone's advice, no stereotypes should confuse you. Everything you have ever seen in movies and read in books is true. But do you need it to awaken your own emotions? I can see how, upon arriving in NY, everyone runs to the Empire, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park. And so on, according to the most common tourist list. But besides the fashionable and expensive wrapper, NY has a soul. To see it, you probably need time. Just walk through the city and feel its vibrations, energy, wander the streets, raise your surprised eyes, and look with interest at everything that falls into your field of vision. Of course, you want to see the wrapper too, and all the tourist places didn't become popular for nothing; they are truly worthy of attention. But believe me, there is hidden magic in this city. Otherwise, how would it have stolen so many loving hearts?"
I fell in love with every city and every street I visited. It was an unforgettable trip. I will return to some of these places in 2017. And the 2016 trip ended there. And at 7:15, my plane took off from New York's JFK airport so that I could come down from heaven to earth and return to the life of an ordinary Russian student.
