Access to the USA has become more difficult after the September 11th attacks. Still, the first world power remains an important world symbol. The Statue of Liberty guards all this splendor and beauty. American universities, such as Harvard, have never lost their esteem. What can you say about the film studios of Hollywood, a powerful vector of the American dream?
It’s difficult to overlook the impacts of the gold rush period or the epic of the Wild West. The ghost town of Bodie in California stands as an illustration of the time period..
With land variations of all kinds, the New World blends all cultures, religions, and peoples of the world. This “melting pot” is particularly visible in Las Vegas, California, and New York, where the Anglo-Saxon, Hispanic, Jewish, African and European communities all intersect and coexist, so much so that dozens of languages are spoken.
The United States is also a nation of excess. For example, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta attracts tens of thousands of spectators, captivated by the more than 700 hot air balloons soaring above, and the Astrodome of Houston or even the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta that covers 81.000 m².
This excess enhances contrast, however. The United States is known for the Golden Boys of Wall Street, Key Biscayne and Martha’s Vineyard, islands of flamboyant wealth, but also for the 30 million of its citizens living below the poverty line.
For those who want to discover the American heartland and have time to spare, it’s best to traverse the country by car down Route 66 or through one of the national bus companies.
Landmarks to see:
• The National Park near the Mojave Desert (California)
• Everglades National Park (Florida)
• Red Canyon (Las Vegas)
• Grand Canyon (Colorado)
• Death Valley (California)
• Redwood National Park (California)
• Geysers (Yellowstone)
• Las Vegas Boulevard
Cultural Sites:
• Kennedy Space Center (Florida)
• Hopi Indian Reservation (Las Vegas)
• Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (Manhattan)
• Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (Houston)
Important Monuments to visit:
• Museum of Modern Art (New York)
• Indianapolis Museum of Art (Indianapolis)
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historical Park (Key West)
• Statue of Liberty (New York)
• Empire State Building (New York)
• The Capitol (Washington)
• Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)
Budget for a week: About 1,100€
Taxes and Gratuity: Leaving a tip is a common practice. There can be federal, state and local taxes.
Currency: Dollar
Official and/or Spoken Language: English
Population: more than 290 m citizens
Capital: Washington
Area: 9,372,615Km2
Motto: One Nation, under God
Main cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, Las Vegas
Electricity: 110-120V / 60Hz :
- Type A (American style with 2 flat prongs) NEMA 1-15.
- Type B (American style with 2 flat prongs and 1 ground) NEMA 5-15 / CS22.2, Nº42. 15A.
Visa: Because legal stipulations change frequently, it’s recommended to consult consulates and embassies directly (by telephone or internet).
Medical recommendations: Tap water is drinkable in the USA. There are no special recommendations for vaccination.
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