Real USA

We drove a lot today. Everything went well. However, I am always happy and grateful when we arrive at a new place. Also, Alessandro's overtaking maneuvers don't always go over well 🤪.

The long drives through the countryside provide space and time for reflection and observation. Much of it is so dear yet desolate, poor, dirty, full of garbage and clutter. There are still houses in the most remote areas. Sounds romantic, self-sufficient in harmony with nature. But it feels anything but that. It feels more like monotony, vegetating, and surviving in the wilderness - an exaggerated portrayal 😉. The villages are neither well-kept nor is anything made of what is available. Fair enough, they have many playgrounds and those are always top-notch! I miss the aesthetics, the beauty... It doesn't have to be luxury, but the little details, the loving touches. I also derive from these images the mindset of a part of the Americans. Anyone living like this must have a different way of thinking. I struggle with this; it all feels like a bad movie. Admittedly, we often lack the means to get to the 'beautiful' places. For example, Crater Lake is very close to today's campsite. Everyone raves about it. After 6 hours in the car, the girls just want to jump into the 'cozy' pool (irony) and don't want to drive another 50 minutes. Or dinner: There are microwaved leftovers from lunch and oatmeal with milk in paper cups (using a plastic straw as a spoon). HELP! 

Finally, something positive ☺️: The time spent together with the girls is very intense. It's nice, we are very close. They take in a lot. Lavinia already understands a lot of English and dares to communicate again and again. You become more tolerant, less picky, and feel more open. 🦩R