Oct 11, 2001 07:41 PM
2405 Views
September 11 has certainly changed the way we will look at America as a tourist destination. Is it safe to travel to this beautiful country so diverse in nature that it would take a lifetime to discover? I would say indeed America is a wonderful place to visit but do so with caution.
Being a resident of the United States, I can honestly say I have never felt more safe and secure than in any other country. Yet I am painfully aware how vulnerable we are to acts of terrorism. It appears the United States has started taking precautions and security measures to protect it's citizens and tourist. Yet no one can predict when and where another act of terrorism will take place. It is something we must live with but we must continue to keep on living or else the terrorist have won.
No matter what your taste in travel, the United States has something to offer. World class cities offer a variety of activities that will spellbound the visitor. Cultural events, fine dining, attractions and sight seeing offers an endless display of enjoyment. My personal favorite destinations are San Francisco, California, New York City and Orlando, Florida.
Scenic America takes you away from the hustle and bustle and places you in a more serene environment. Small towns and villages are a splendid way to experience America. Every state offers splendid natural areas where the beauty of nature explodes in vivid displays. State and National Parks are a great way to spend your days in a natural way. Campers will not be disappointed.
America can be overwhelming by it's vastness and diversity. Yet in the majority of major cities, one can find ties to their homeland. I reside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where there is a large Indian population. I have met tourists from India who marvel how traditions are kept alive here in our Indian community. They are impressed by the beautiful Hindu Temple built by the Indian population with much of the material coming from India. Indian restaurants rival those in India for tasty dishes! A little taste of home in a foreign land.
I appreciate the diversity of America. People from every land have settled here offering the richness of their own culture while contributing to the United States in so many ways. I love to eat and have sampled foods from almost every country prepared by people from those countries! Ethnic foods add a spice to life here in the USA!
Being a democracy, people have the freedom to do and say things protected by the United States Constitution. For a minority this gives the opportunity to spread hate. (Such as the Ku Klux Klan.) Yet the vast majority live in peace and harmony. My neighbors include Asians, Indians, Caucasions, African-Americans, Arabs and Hispanics. We have wonderful community and to me this symbolizes the best of America.
