The overarching sentiment of Europeans who traveled to North America in the summer of 2026 in support of their respective World Cup soccer teams was perhaps best expressed in a social media post. It declared that “If you want to hate America, watch the news. If you want to love America, travel and meet the people.” How true!
To lose your prejudices you must travel.
Marlene Dietrich; actress, singer, humanitarian
Reciprocally, the same could be applied to Americans; inhabitants of a Nation spanning several time zones and who serve as stewards of a landmass endowed with magnificent natural beauty, attractions and wonders. The spirit of this Nation was reflected by everyday Citizens who introduced visiting soccer fans to the uniqueness and appeal of the American society. This occurred in cities, suburbs and most notably, in its rural communities.
As a proud U.S. Citizen, U.S. Army combat veteran and first generation immigrant from France, I am elated so many Europeans are now better acquainted with the Nation which I chose to embrace over four decades ago. Yet, through my extensive travels and experiences, I find it disheartening to have observed and experienced; perhaps sometimes due to my French heritage and/or Hebrew-rooted family name, unfair American misconceptions and preconceptions. How sad.
If you want to travel far and travel light - Take off all your envies, jealousies,
lack of forgiveness, selfishness and fears.
Cesare Pavese; writer, literary critic, translator
Through my experiences, I have found that criticism of entire nations, their people and culture are generalized in nature, abundant and frequently based on political decisions made in that nation’s capital (i.e. Paris, London or Washington, D.C.). In these times, the respective national mainstream media provide only selected information which is, by nature disinformation. “News” is, in large part, intent to program audiences in a certain way or for underlying reason such as focusing on problems far away as opposed to facing those domestically. The World Cup visitors realized first hand these misconceptions.
“They are all the same!ʺ Is the cruelest
gallows humankind ever built.”
Lamine Pearlheart; author
Any Nation is much more than its mega-cities. Paris has its attractions but to believe that Paris is France is on the same level as believing (as many Europeans are led to think) that New York City, Detroit or Los Angeles represent the entire American Nation and its People. Likewise, there is so much more to Germany than its Oktoberfest and King Ludwig’s fantasy castles in Bavaria. The same applies to other faraway lands many of which I have traveled.
The Traveler sees what he sees while the Tourist sees what he has come to see.
Gilbert K. Chesterton; journalist, novelist, poet
There is no doubt that everyday people have amazing things to offer. These “front-line ambassadors” for Humanity live their daily lives while reflecting the essence which binds all of us in terms of Ingenuity, Creativity and Character. All Deeds occur at a moment and leave an impact. Individual contributions have affected (directly or indirectly) the arts, architecture, history, literature, the sciences or even culinary endeavors. None should be overlooked as they have helped to shape our current existences.
As with my book “Journey through Quotes and Impressions,” relevant quotes are woven into the experiences offered in this Journey Continues Blog. They serve as holistic “lessons learned” or endearing thoughts to consider which I submit are important to keep in mind. Although these are different times and situations, there are pillars for Humanity which should neither be ignored nor be forgotten. I hope to have faithfully captured them for you.
Thank you for joining me on this “The Journey Continues.” Let us embark with a certain Creed:
Happiness is the only good;
Reason the only torch;
Justice the only worship,
Humanity the only religion,
and Love the only priest.
Robert Green Ingersoll; Civil War veteran, attorney, writer and orator
I begin this Journey from my “Heimat” which is a German word for “hometown.”
Bad Kreuznach, Germany or “BK” as it is known to some.