USA 2024

The United States of America - the only place on earth that needs no introduction. And yet, no amount of introduction is enough.

Orlando, Florida

My latest trip to the States began in Orlando, Florida. Orlando is known for its theme parks - Disney World and Universal Studios and SeaWorld. Thousands of people fly into Orlando every day to experience the parks. But, rides are not for me.

I spent a week with my cousin - Dhiren and his wife - Tina. My cousin and I grew up together and share a close bond. This was my first time meeting his wife but we got along really well! From the first day, I felt right at home. It is fascinating to me how two strangers can instantly connect over common interests and beliefs.

One thing that all three of us bonded over was our love for food and travel. Almost every dinner conversation began and ended with a restaurant recommendation in Rome or Paris or Florence. I've come back with a curated list of eateries all around Europe, just in time for my upcoming trip.

Restaurants in Orlando, on the other hand, are generally mediocre. But, I was in good hands. I had a deeeeelicious 7 days. From Cuban sandwiches to Brazilian BBQ, Mexican chimichanga to Japanese hibachi, chargrilled lamb chops to home grown mangoes! But there are two experiences that absolutely stand out for me. First, home made pizza. My cousin (flex coming up) did a cooking class in Italy and has since practiced and developed an expertise in making his own pizza dough. This time, the dough was proofed for 48 hours making it really fluffy, gooey and crunchy when it came out of the oven! Even after I was full, I could not stop eating 😋 Which brings me to, Columbian arepas - a type of flatbread made of ground maize dough stuffed with a filling. My obsession meant that we went to the food truck 3 times - on my first night, during the week and again right before my flight, on the way to the airport! It is mouthwatering just closing my eyes and thinking back to the time that we devoured two arepas each 🤤

Then, of course, I went to one of the most famous and prominent golf courses in the world - Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Even for someone who does not follow golf, it was fascinating to see the course where Tiger Woods has played and won for many years ⛳

Among other Floridian things, my cousin took me on a boat for a tour of the lakes, filled with gators. Almost every house/mansion was owned by a ultra-rich businessman or sportsperson, including the likes of Shaquille O'Neal.

New York, New York