I wish you were here

Texas is the largest state in the contiguous U.S. and was an independent republic for a short while before joining the union.

They say everything is bigger in Texas. We experienced it firsthand as we crossed this huge state. It took us 2-days to cross, and along the way, we saw megacities like El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston.

Interesting facts: Texas had 6 flags over the years — those of Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States, and the Confederacy—which inspired the name of the Six Flags amusement park chain.

So, what things are actually bigger in Texas – other than the Texan egos?

After the closing of El Toro Marine base in 1999 a great debate erupted in OC. What to do with the huge real estate vacated by the marines? Some wanted a new airport, others preferred more urban sprawl, but the forces of nature won. Now we have the Orange County Great Park.

The Orange County Great Park Plan will provide a wide array of activities, including a 2.5-mile canyon and lake, miles of hiking and biking trails, a cultural terrace, Orange County's largest sports park, a botanical garden, and a tethered helium observation balloon that will be an icon for the Great Park.

Mt Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon and is always capped with snow. Standing at over 11,000 feet, it dominates the eastern horizon of Portland.

The mountain boasts 12 glaciers and snowfields and has the distinction of having the longest ski season in the USA.

When we arrived on an April day, it was lightly snowing, with ski lifts running and skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes.

Mt Hood is about 50 miles from Portland, making it a winter wonderland for Portland residents and visitors. The ski season is usually open year-round with lots of winter sports events.

See the main Portland article here.

The road up the mountain is scenic, with small farms giving way to pine forests and snowbanks.

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolitan area with an amazing array of attractions and activities. The area is infamous for its long grids of streets and freeways and until recently it wasn’t very friendly to public transit.

But things are changing for the better. It is now possible to visit many of the iconic places in LA by rail or by express bus. So, get your backpack, phone and camera ready and follow me on this exploration tour.

Aswan is in the southernmost Egyptian town and contains significant archaeological sites like the Philae temple complex on Agilkia Island near the Aswan Dam. 

Aswan is also known for its Nubian culture and handicrafts. The city has several Nubian villages and a museum dedicated to Nubian culture. 

Aswan is a popular tourist destination that is known for its beautiful scenery, including the Nile River, the desert, and the mountains.

Walking inland, away from the cruise ship port, you will reach a market with many shops and restaurants.