Today’s guest post comes from one of my BFFs and travelling companion, Trish. After our recent adventures around Nevada/Arizona/Utah, we both realized how much more of the United States we wanted to see. It’s never been a travel priority for me, honestly. Now it is. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
I have a confession to make. I’ve never cared much about America. When it came to traveling, taking vacations, living, or making friends, America never crossed my mind.
Now it’s time for me to hang my head in shame and beg forgiveness… and maybe a Visa?
I spent months staying in hostels in Australia, I couch surfed in London, and worked on little farms and beautiful gîtes in France. I lived on a sailboat for a week in Croatia and I’ve been to seven of the Canadian provinces. The only American tale I’ve ever been able to tell was “I think I went camping in Maine when I was a kid.”
I just got back from staying in Las Vegas for a week and OH MY GOD I loved it.
The hotels we stayed in were organized and efficient, the city was clean and happy, and the restaurants had some of the best customer service I have ever received. Honestly. The customer service was better than anywhere I’ve been in Canada. Even going through customs was a breeze!
Yes, I loved the fact that I felt like a celebrity for a week with two of my girlfriends but I also fell in love with the views, the people, and my brand new bucket list.
Speaking of Bucket Lists…
Go to the Grand Canyon and cry like a baby… CHECK!
As a Canadian, I’ve been exposed to a lot of “America Hate” and I’m now pretty ashamed to have been part of it. There seems to be some kind of competition between Americans and Canadians on which country is best and what I always took from it is that Canadians are nice and Americans are rude. I was wrong. Canadians have a reputation for being friendly and overly apologetic and I won’t try to discredit that. I mean… I apologized profusely to a sketchy man on The Strip in Vegas because I didn’t want to buy cocaine from him.
“Oh, you know what? I’m really sorry but I just don’t want any. Okay? I’m really sorry. Good luck!”
WHAT?!
Drug dealers aside, we made some great American friends. I also loved the southern accents and kept asking people to repeat themselves so I could listen to them. I was overwhelmed by how friendly everyone was and always felt safe on Fremont Street and The Strip.
So, I’m sorry, America. I misjudged you. Now I want to pass you notes in class like you were the cute boy sitting next to me who I was scared to talk to because I picked on him at recess.
Can we be friends? Please circle yes, no, or maybe.
Please circle yes.
I now have a week of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had to talk about and I can’t wait to go back and get some more.