Tobago, the essence of the Caribbean

Grocery store in Plymouth, Tobago
Grocery store in Plymouth, Tobago

Arrival to Tobago proved to be fairly simple. At first, I did not believe that my luggage would so easily find its way along an intricate route. I grab my backpack shortly after leaving the plane. The immigration officer asks, "Do you have a return ticket?", my straightforward answer - "Sure I have", brings a reply, "Welcome to Tobago". I admire the countries in which the relationship between a man and an official is trust-based. The time is 4:30 pm. I note there is a regular party right outside the airport. People dance, drink White Oak rum and cold Carib beer. Nicely dressed Toboggan girls are talking on the phone, arranging themselves hair and shaking their bodies to the rhythm of music.

British Columbia

Whistler summons downhill bike freaks from all around the province
Downhill in Whistler

A journey to the south-western Canada. Province of British Columbia is considered to be one of the most beautiful places of the globe. Its wild nature, rainforests, mild climate, ocean coastline, plethora of mountain hiking trails and ideal spots for winter sports do the job. A low impact of destructive globalization on defenseless nature adds a bit to exploring enthusiasm. A following couple of few weeks I decide to spend on discovering British Columbia.

Vancouver

Canada Place, view from Lookout, Vancouver
Canada Place, Vancouver

Vancouver, a city said to be the best place to live in the world. To which extend it may be true? I made a decision to find it out on my own.

The first steps in Canada are not the easiest. The very first welcoming gesture is a detailed security check at the immigration office. The official has clearly something on his mind.

Arizona and Nevada

Vegetation on the Mojave Desert
Vegetation on the Mojave Desert

Weather anomalies. Beautiful, wild and uninhibited nature. Scorching hot deserts. Strictly monochromatic scenery. People and surroundings born in the wild west. Arizona and Nevada. The two states, which despite the common border, currency and language are so much unlike California that it's easier to talk about differences than similarities. We'll see a deep and gigantic wonder of nature, the Grand Canyon stretching out for several hundred kilometers across. Las Vegas, the world capital of debauchery, gambling and entertainment. We overcome the extreme heat of the Mojave Desert. A torrential storm is at most a drizzle compared to massive downpour in Arizona. Contemplating the Hoover Dam, a monumental accomplishment of human thought. A refreshing swim in Lake Mead and the turbulent Colorado River. Simply, the absolute freedom and unforgettable adventure.

California Summer

Surfers in Huntington Beach
Surfers in Huntington Beach

Sometimes all you need is a good place to rest and spend some time with not much of wandering around. California sounds perfect. Now that I found a cheap flights the opportunity at fingertips. There remains only the task to find a good company for such a trip. In fact it is quite easy to find another three daredevils to willing to taste the California lifestyle. While living in Orange County, we will see sunny beaches overcrowded with surfers. This is to be considered an American prosperity mainstay. Visiting the great metropolis, small towns, the Hollywood, getting lost in California off beaten tracks and devouring whatever is happening is all about enjoying the Golden State.

American Dream

Times Sq by night
Times Square by night

This is my first trip to the USA. There are five of us to go. The trip will be both full of valuable experiences and shocking confrontations. Especially from the perspective of a person who previously lived in Europe only. New York is the most multicultural urban area in the world.  This is evident at every step. New York City has much to offer and the will to get to know it is enough to make most of your stay here. Minority districts, high skyscrapers, bustling Times Square, the Bronx and endless suburbia are just a few of the attractions waiting for visitors to the Big Apple.