In just five exhilarating hours, we jetted from Seattle to New York on JetBlue, plunging into adventure. Anticipating a fierce snowstorm, we wandered through Long Island’s scenic vistas. Our Brooklyn nights were ignited at the Barclays Center, witnessing the intense clash of hockey titans – the Islanders and the Penguins – in a game charged with playoff fever and star power.

The journey from sunny San Diego to Seattle, Washington, offered breathtaking views along the West Coast. Delta Airlines provided an excellent flight experience. Seattle, known as an IT hub, hosts major companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city is also famous for its football stadium and being the birthplace of Starbucks. Meeting an old friend on the other side of the world highlights the interconnectedness of our planet. Washington’s natural beauty and proximity to Canada make it an attractive place to live. The trip concluded with a flight to an unconventional New York experience.

Detouring through Los Angeles, the traveler reached San Diego for a brief four-hour stay instead of two days due to a change in travel plans. The highlight was a lively night at a local burrito shop in La Jolla, with tequila and Mexican food. The San Diego airport, with its unique car taillight installation, also left a lasting impression.

In Austin, Texas, the South by South West festival embodies a unique spirit of freedom. The AHL match attended was more of a brawl than hockey, illustrating why many aspiring NHL players choose Europe over AHL due to its intense, less strategic nature.

I flew from Detroit to Denver, admiring Denver Airport’s unique architecture. In Colorado Springs, home to the US Olympic Committee, they visited the USA Hockey headquarters, a museum-like space with trophies and memorabilia showcasing the importance of strong competition in sports.

Detroit, a city known for bankruptcy, features an abandoned center and typical suburbs. It’s linked to famous names like Kid Rock, Eminem, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder. The city’s sports history is highlighted by the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and the Russian Five. The old Joe Louis Arena was replaced by the multi-level ice Little Caesars Arena, which hosts diverse events like March Madness basketball.

A scenic view of the Grand Canyon is visible from the left side of a plane on flights from Las Vegas to Dallas, and potentially better on flights to Denver due to the canyon’s northeast extension. The passage lists photos showing landmarks like Las Vegas, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River.

In Boulder City, near Las Vegas, a small airport specializes in Grand Canyon flights. Pilot Hans from Bruges, Belgium, led an exciting tour for us.