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A day off during a conference visit to Atlanta. This gave me the chance to go south as well, since I didn’t know this part of the USA yet. The plan was to start early and then drive to the sea in Florida in the direction of Pensacola. Then it went something along the coast and then finally road back to Atlanta.

Pensacola, located in the panhandle of Florida, is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant culture. Known as the „Cradle of Naval Aviation,“ Pensacola is home to the Naval Air Station Pensacola, the Blue Angels, and the National Naval Aviation Museum, making it a significant military hub in the United States.

Pensacola has a fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish explorers landed on its shores. The city was later occupied by the French and British before becoming a part of the United States in 1821. The historical downtown area of Pensacola is a great place to explore the city’s rich heritage. The area is full of historic landmarks and buildings, including the T.T. Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum, which showcases the city’s history, art, and culture.

Pensacola’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, and the city is known for its sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters. The Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with its restaurants, shops, and bars. The boardwalk is also home to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which has miles of pristine beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Pensacola offers a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and golfing. The city is also home to the Pensacola Bay Center, which hosts a variety of sporting events, concerts, and shows throughout the year. Additionally, the city is home to the Blue Wahoos, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Minnesota Twins.

Pensacola has a vibrant culinary scene that reflects the city’s diverse culture. The city is known for its fresh seafood, especially its oysters, which are harvested from the Gulf of Mexico. The downtown area is home to a variety of restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments.

Pensacola is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to experience a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historic landmarks, relaxing on its beaches, or enjoying its outdoor activities, Pensacola has something for everyone.

In October 2022, I had some time to visit the U.S. again and take two somewhat longer excursion trips. The first trip took me quite early in the morning from Atlanta / Georgia north towards Tennessee and the Smokey Mountains.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful natural wonder located in the southern United States, spanning across the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. It is one of the most visited national parks in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The park boasts stunning mountain ranges, dense forests, and numerous streams and waterfalls. The Great Smoky Mountains themselves are a part of the Appalachian Mountains, and they offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, elk, deer, and many species of birds.

Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails throughout the park, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous multi-day hikes. The park also has numerous campsites, backcountry shelters, and lodges for visitors to stay in.

One of the unique features of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is its abundance of historic buildings and structures, including old homes, churches, and mills. Many of these structures have been preserved and can be visited by park visitors.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors. Its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich history make it a truly special place that will leave visitors with unforgettable memories.

Mount Vesuvio is only 250 km away from Rome, so it was a possible destination for a day trip. So we drove there, had to wait a bit due to a thunderstorm and finally we could walk up. Overall, the mountain is quite crowded, as many tourist buses are made there. With us, however, were not so dramatically many people on the road.

Near Ostia Antica there is a former island that served as a burial ground in ancient times. On this site there are perhaps hundreds of tombs, some of which must have been extremely richly made. Partly the marble on the walls is still visible and the mosaics.

What is, of course, on the list of every visit to Rome is the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. We had a booking directly for early 0900 hours and could thus take our time quite comfortably, despite the later many visitors.

Once again I had an afternoon free and could go on excursion in the area. This time I went to the nearby town of Lido di Ostia around noon.

I had an afternoon off and drove south along the coast from Ostia Antica. My turnaround point became Anzio, right on the sea. In the end, there wasn’t much to see there, except that so many were out to eat at that time.