America or 'Murica?

Up next we’re going to embark on a journey which will have us travelling half way around the world! We’ll be exploring the Americas, both north and south, and what it would be like to travel to the other side of the world! Personally, I’ve been to a few states in the USA and I think it’s an amazing experience. It’s not as culturally different from Australia as some of the other countries are, but it’s definitely unique in its own way. Somewhere I would really like to visit is South America, simply because it’s one of the places that I know less about. What’s better than travelling to a place you’ve never been to and exploring all that it has to offer?

The USA is a very big place with 50 states, one federal district and one incorporated territory. I’m going to share with you the fascinating details of each of these areas individually so you can create the best imagery possible! There are quite a few, so I’m going to pick about 1 – 2 states per post to write about. If everything goes according to plan, there should be a new post up every day (maybe even two if you’re lucky). The USA just has so much to offer and every state has something unique and exciting to explore within it. Let’s start travelling our dreams – welcome to the USA!

Alabama

Whenever I think of Alabama and some of the other southern states of America, I think of thick southern accents, cowboys and attire which suited only the most rowdy of people. Now I can tell you that whilst the accent bit is correct, Alabama has advanced significantly over the years to become quite a civilised state. Huntsville, a city in Alabama is home to the US Space & Rocket centre. This centre is known as the birthplace of America’s space program. The rockets which put the first US satellites into orbit and sent men to the moon for the very first time were developed here. This absolutely astounding piece of history is a must-see destination when visiting the states. There’s nowhere else in the world that can say “we developed the technology to send man to the moon”. Here's the link for the official US Space & Rocket centre: http://rocketcenter.com/

Whilst I’ve been researching Alabama, I can say that I’m quite surprised with just how many historical landmarks are in this one state. Located in the capital of Alabama (Montgomery), at 400 Washington Avenue, the Civil Rights Memorial (commemorating those who died in the Civil Rights movement) stands in front of the Civil Rights Memorial Centre. This memorial represents a very important part of America’s history, where equal rights were demanded and a stop would be put to social segregation. This also ties in with another major part of America’s history.

Civil Rights Memorial

The house belonging to Martin Luther King and his wife (located at 315 S. Jackson Street, Montgomery) has become a worldwide destination of interest. Martin Luther King (MLK) is known worldwide for combatting racial inequality through nonviolence, which includes his forever famous “I have a dream” speech. The actions of MLK has changed the way society acts and views itself in many countries globally. When I visit America again, I am absolutely, 100% going to visit Alabama and all the wonders it has to offer.

Martin Luther Kings home

Alaska

Aurora Borealis. Need I say any more? From September to mid-April when Alaska is experiencing long, dark winters, the aurora borealis takes the stage and becomes one of the most magnificent sights ever experienced. The best place to view the aurora borealis from is Fairbanks, the second most populated city of Alaska. The reason for this is that Fairbanks is located under what is called the “aurora oval”, where the auroras are seen most frequently. Peak viewing time of the aurora borealis is during the middle of the night, so be prepared! During the winter the best time to view the aurora borealis is between 11:30pm and 3:30am, but it is definitely worth it. Viewing the solar particles within Earth’s magnetic field, causing the aurora borealis, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s a must for all travellers… I know this is definitely on my bucket list now J

Aurora Borealis

Alaska is a state which is all about the natural side of travelling. Denali National Park is one of the largest national parks in the US and home to North America’s tallest mountain. This national park is approximately 6 000 000 acres (24281.139km²) and is geographically plentiful. It is rich with high alpine ranges, wide river valleys and glacier-draped mountains which are a naturally beautiful sight. The Denali National Park is also home to a variety of fauna including grizzly bears, wolves, reindeer elk and an estimated 167 different species of birds. While you’re visiting this national park you can sit back and relax, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Denali National Park: Jewel Lake

Another very exciting aspect of Alaska are the glacial fjords which can be found in many areas of the state. The Tracy Arm Fjord is one of the most common sightseeing locations, positioned just south of Alaska’s capital, Juneau. At the head of the fjord sit two of the most exquisite glaciers, the Sawyer Glaciers. They are extravagant and two of the largest glaciers in Alaska. Kenai Fjords National Park, which is located south of Anchorage, is also a fantastic destination to experience glaciers like never before. As with many of the areas in Alaska, the wildlife can also be experienced when travelling the fjords as well. It’s a very exciting natural phenomenon which needs to be experienced to realise just how amazing Mother Nature can be.

Kenai Fjords National Park

~ USA