Aside from my two trips to Hawaii in between 30 years (1987 and 2016), I have been to mainland US several times in between 1992 and 2015. I have had many wonderful – and a few unhappy – memories to share here.

Workwise, I participated in a number of scientific meetings and/or technical conferences. During my 2014 workshop trip in Washington, DC, my taxi was at a distance from the security entourage of President Barack Obama. On the touristic side, I went to famous areas such as Lake Champlain in Vermont.

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I visited relatives in both the west and east coasts – and have been amazed at how economically successful they are.  Indeed, the US is a land of opportunity! Had they stayed in the Philippines, they might not have achieved such financial security.