Take the motel car park, for instance, where vehicles had been sprayed "REPO 1.16.11" as in, a repossession agent had seized this car on January 16, 2011.
There was also the motel swimming pool filled with trash but also the local Wal-Mart, a store so large, vast, and cheap that it should be designated a tourist attraction for any international visitors. Just don't ask about some of its business practices.
There were other things to be learned from this road trip from New York to Miami Beach.
1. America Looks The Same
Drive through any city of a certain size and you will be greeted by a strip of businesses that can be recited almost by heart: Subway, McDonalds, Days Inn, Motel 6, Chili's, Applebee's, Waffle House, Starbucks.
2. America Looks Different
On the other hand, drive through any city of a certain size and each has its own distinct identity. New York City is not Philadelphia is not Charleston is not Savannah is not Saint Augustine is not Miami.
3. Interstates Are Ugly But Efficient
Want to drive in a reasonably straight line and get to your destination quickly? Take the Interstates that criss-cross the United States. Thank President Eisenhower for beginning construction in 1956 as a way to get military vehicles around the country fast. Want to see sights and experience small town America? Avoid interstates.
4. American Food Can Be Eaten With A Straw
Grits are made from corn, apparently, and are alleged to have been a staple for Native Americans. Today, grits and eggs make up a typical Southern breakfast. You can leave your knife and fork at home. A straw will do the job.
5. American Food Is Delicious
While roadtrips often offer the worst of eating, it also opens the door to the best. Contrary to some theories, away from the chain restaurants, the US has some of the best small town and ethnic food around. Really.
6. You Can Order Espresso In North Carolina…
… And you won't be chased out of town. This was successfully achieved in Wilmington, North Carolina.
7. Florida Is The Wild West With Flamingos
Like California without laws, Florida today is the anything-goes state where people move to for one last throw of the dice. Plus, it's the state that swung the 2000 Presidential election to George W. Bush (against the popular vote) and whose judges recently called healthcare reform "unconstitutional".
8. There Are No Women In Daytona Beach
A city world–famous for its speedway track, it appeared all the women in town either worked in bars or on stage. Visiting space aliens may find this odd.
9. Miami Is Another Country
Con una gran población Hispana, Español es el idioma principal. Con los cafés, bares y restaurantes, usted podría estar en La Havana. O Buenos Aires. O en cualquier lugar al sur de la frontera. Google Translate por favor.
10. You Actually Can "Have A Nice Day".
People mean it when they say it. Most of the time.
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