In 2017, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the United States for the second time in my life. A few years prior, I had met an American through mutual acquaintances, and we quickly became good friends. We stayed in touch over the years, and when I mentioned that I was interested in visiting the United States again, he invited me to come stay with him in North Carolina. I jumped at the chance to explore a new part of the country and experience the holiday season in a new way.
I arrived in North Carolina just a few days before Christmas, and my friend and I immediately set to work planning out all the fun things we wanted to do during my two-week visit. We decided to focus on exploring some of the local attractions and enjoying the festive holiday season. One of our first stops was Meadow Lights, a beautiful light show in the state of North Carolina. It was truly breathtaking to see the twinkling lights and intricate displays, and it really put us in the holiday spirit. We also visited Whirligig Park in Wilson, where we saw dozens of brightly colored whirligigs of all shapes and sizes. It was amazing to see how much work and creativity had gone into making them. Another highlight of our trip was visiting the USS North Carolina battleship. We were both excited to explore the big ship and learn more about its role in World War II. We also spent a relaxing day at Wrightsville Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Of course, one of the biggest highlights of my trip was getting to experience a traditional American Christmas. My friend and his family were so welcoming and made sure that I felt right at home. We decorated the house with beautiful decorations, and exchanged thoughtful gifts. And, perhaps most special of all, I got to decorate my very first Christmas tree. It was a small, but meaningful moment that I will always cherish. All in all, my trip to North Carolina was an unforgettable experience. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore a new part of the United States and spend the holiday season with such wonderful people. I can't wait to go back and explore even more of this beautiful country.
