Memorable Travel Experience(s)

Our most memorable travel experience is when my cousin Ellie, mama Aurea, and I (Aurena) ventured to drive across country from Sacramento, California to Niagara Falls, New York. We drove from coast to coast exploring all the different tourist spots and extended our stay in Yellowstone because we were fascinated by the naturals wonders of the world. We had close encounters with wildlife, jumped into the boiling river, and marveled at the rainbow hot spot. We had an amazing time driving to visit Mt. Rushmore, eating cheese burgers at White Castle under the magic bean, and riding roller coasters the largest Mall of America (Minnesota).

However, mama had been feeling very ill with swollen tonsils since eating a s’more when we went camping in Yellowstone. We asked a friend, Phan, to help check on mom at the hospital because she needed surgery on removing her tonsils immediately. We had to continue the journey onward and if we calculated it correctly, we could drive 3 days and mom would be out of the hospital and we could meet her in New York. Mama underwent half a Tonsilectomy surgery, which was successful! We couldn’t have done it without our friend, Phan who graciously took care of mama and drove her from the hospital to the airport.

Mama Aurea made it to Niagara Falls (by flight) and we picked her up from the airport to rest. With sheer determination, pain killers, and applesauce, mamas dream came true and she saw Niagara Falls on the maiden mist. I, Aurena, fulfilled my dream of driving across country and couldn’t have done it without my family and friends. I am eternally grateful for my copilot Ellie (California), Rose (South Dakota), Phan (Minnesota), and Linda (Ohio).

We’re more than half way through seeing the rest of the fifty states! Next stop is the Alaska on the princess cruise.