To those in sports, “ppgs” mean “points per game.” On the road, ppgs mean the scenes you will see in the plains, mountains and upper prairie states of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas.
I visited the nation’s first national park, Yellowstone, as well as Grand Teton and Theodore Roosevelt this week. (See the accompanying photo page “Wildlife” in the Main Menu for inspirational animals of this land.]
Although the physical and cultural landscapes I’ve been through in my journey have really turned me on, there is one giant disappointing fact I cannot escape. Most of the conversations I have overheard are all about the same things I heard back in the city. America, and perhaps the world, interacts in the same way regardless of locale. Small town or big town, East or West, the people live in a set, cultural time.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the commonality of cultural norms that are easily relatable to one’s own experiences. However, I wish for differences in opinions that broaden my own perspective of our country, and the world. I may have to travel out to other countries to see this. But for now, here’s one for the road trip in America.
Next week, I make my way back to California. I have some appointments to keep there in July. Take some time to celebrate the free democracy of America on the 4th, and I will see you later!