Happy 4th of July!

Now I bet you're wondering why someone from Borneo would be saying: Happy 4th of July.  Well there's a good reason for that.  Last year I was given a once in a lifetime opportunity  to go to the United States Of America.  I spent a total of three weeks in the States.  It was for a program called The International Visitor Leadership Program.  I was given a chance to visit the USA and also learn and experience the culture, the sights and everything about the United States Of America.  

It was an experience I will not forget.  To this day I still think back to October 2014 when I embarked on my trip to the USA.  I still think about the first time I set foot on American Soil, my first stop was Washington DC.  I never imagined I would ever be able to visit Washington DC.  It was here that I met up with some great friends from Malaysia,China, Indonesia, Australia and friends from America. 

Over the course of the next three weeks, I would travel from Washington DC to Phoenix, Arizona to Pensacola, Florida and then my final stop was the Big Apple, New York, New York.

Each stop in each destination was a great experience for me and my friends.  We got a chance to meet so many interesting people.  We had a chance to have a meal in the home of a family in Phoenix, Arizona.  We went "Trick or Treating" on Halloween.  We also went to the Grand Canyon.

I had always seen pictures of the Grand Canyon, seen it in Documentaries and Movies but again I would have never ever dreamed of actually standing here having my photo taken at the Grand Canyon.

Wherever we went, we enjoyed the hospitality and friendliness of everyone we met.  For me personally the three weeks I spent in the US was invaluable.  The experiences I had was invaluable.  The places, people, the food, the weather, the sights and sounds of each city was unforgettable. 

  

These are just 5 shots out of maybe a few hundred shots I took, I still feel I didn't take enough pictures while I was there.  Looking back now, I feel so lucky, humbled and privileged to have been given this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the United States Of America.  One day soon, I'll tell you more about this wonderful trip I had to the states but today I wanted to take opportunity to wish all my friends in the US, to all the families and friends who welcomed us into their homes and hearts A Happy 4th Of July!  Happy Birthday America.  To the wonderful people who literally did the impossible to get me to the US, I thank you for a great experience, I don't know if I'll ever have another chance like this again but this trip was truly special and unforgettable.

So from the bottom of my heart, The Ol' Borneo Broadcaster once again wishing all my friends in the United States Of America: Happy 4th of July!!!  You take care!