Last year, I had the chance to explore the USA, primarily focusing on visiting Los Angeles. Initially, my expectations were shaped by the glamorous notions associated with California—visions of "Californication," the allure of the California dream, Hollywood's glitz with its Oscars, red carpets, and Beverly Hills. However, reality painted a starkly different picture. The experience of navigating the metro was a nightmare, encountering a community struggling with drug addiction, and witnessing the overwhelming distress of Skid Row. My idealized American dream shattered in the face of these harsh realities.
Thankfully, my itinerary included a brief visit to LA, followed by a plan to venture along Route 66 and eventually reach the Grand Canyon. Having been disenchanted by LA, my expectations for the rest of the journey were considerably tempered.
Yet, as I embarked on the iconic Route 66 by car, I began to sense the authentic American vibe I'd once seen in movies during my childhood—the very essence I had initially hoped to encounter. Cruising through vast stretches of deserted roads, traversing the majestic landscapes of Arizona, reminiscing about the Road Runner cartoons, and relishing the nostalgia of old-fashioned petrol stations filled with classic cars, I found a renewed hope in the genuine essence of America. Here, the people were unassuming, far removed from the artificial smiles of Hollywood or the distress of those battling fentanyl addiction. Life in these small towns felt refreshingly real and uncomplicated.
During this trip, I not only savored the journey itself but also absorbed its essence, appreciating the line, the vision, and the seemingly endless road. It struck me that life often parallels this journey, emphasizing the importance of relishing the present and surrounding oneself with simple joys rather than fixating solely on distant goals.
Here are a few snapshots from that memorable journey, captured with my mobile phone and enhanced using my personalized presets in Lightroom.
I hope you enjoy them.
