Travel Preface
I still vividly remember sitting at my computer last year, researching various North American road trip guides, feeling excited and anticipatory. As someone born and raised in China, American culture feels both familiar and foreign. Familiar because we grew up watching Hollywood movies, with American culture permeating our daily lives - from McDonald's and Starbucks to Marvel movies, NBA, and even the electronic devices we use daily. Yet foreign because opportunities to personally experience America's heartland are rare. I always wondered how authentic those movie portrayals of America really were.
Making the Decision
My initial choice of Route 66 was quite simple. I wanted to experience American road culture and feel what it's like to drive and make stops along the way, like in the movies. I remember lying in bed that night, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Images from "Forrest Gump" of Forrest running across America kept flashing through my mind, along with scenes from "Road Kings." I imagined myself driving across the vast American landscape, enjoying the changing scenery, and meeting all kinds of people. Little did I know this journey would completely transform my understanding of America. This trip thoroughly overturned my stereotypes about America, showing me a real, three-dimensional America.
Route Planning
The journey from Chicago to Los Angeles spans 3,940 kilometers. Built in 1926, this highway is affectionately called "The Mother Road" by Americans. It crosses eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Before setting out, I spent two full months planning the route. I planned to stop and explore each state, as every place has its unique charm. I researched numerous travel blogs, repeatedly studied routes on Google Maps, and even bought a detailed Route 66 guide. I divided the journey into several main segments: Chicago to St. Louis, St. Louis to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City to Amarillo, Amarillo to Albuquerque, Albuquerque to Flagstaff, and finally Flagstaff to Los Angeles.
To make the journey more meaningful, I deliberately scheduled one to two days' stay in each major city. I didn't want this trip to become just a marathon of driving, but rather hoped to truly experience each place's characteristics. During planning, I specifically marked must-visit landmarks like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma, Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and the Painted Desert in Arizona. Besides these famous attractions, I also marked many local-recommended hidden gems and specialty restaurants on my map.
[Continued in subsequent sections...]
