My First Trip to America
By Lokanath Mishra
Retirement is often considered the beginning of a peaceful and reflective phase of life. For me, however, retirement opened the door to a completely new experience—my first journey to the United States of America. I retired from government service on 30th November 2015 after many years of dedicated work. Soon after retirement, my wife and I planned to visit our son who was then living in Melbourne, Florida, USA, along with his wife and daughter. The thought of traveling to America for the first time filled my mind with excitement and curiosity.
After completing all the necessary formalities, we applied for visas to the United States. When our visas were approved, our happiness knew no bounds. We planned our journey for May 2016. During those days, my son frequently called us from America and described the beauty of Florida, the lifestyle there, and the places we would visit together. Listening to him increased my eagerness to see the country with my own eyes.
One evening, I overheard my wife speaking to our daughter over the phone. My daughter was living in the United Kingdom with her family. My wife lovingly requested her to join us in America so that all the family members could reunite after many years. When my daughter happily accepted the proposal, my joy became indescribable. That night I could hardly sleep. Thoughts of meeting my children and grandchildren together under one roof after such a long separation kept running through my mind. It felt as if retirement had gifted me one of the happiest moments of my life.
Our journey to America began from India. We traveled to Delhi Airport for our international flight. At Delhi Airport, a few Customs officials who knew me came to meet us. They welcomed us warmly and arranged a very good dinner for us before our departure. Their affection and respect touched my heart deeply and made the beginning of our journey even more memorable.
From Delhi, we boarded our long international flight to Orlando, Florida. It was my first experience of such a long air journey. Inside the aircraft, I observed passengers from different countries, speaking different languages and following different customs. The flight attendants were polite and helpful. Looking through the aircraft window at the endless clouds and the vast sky, I felt both amazed and emotional. I was traveling across oceans to a country that I had only read about in books and seen in films.
After many hours of travel, we finally arrived at Orlando International Airport. My son had already reached the airport to receive us. The moment I saw him standing there with a smiling face, my heart overflowed with happiness. After embracing him warmly, we started our road journey from Orlando to Melbourne in his car.
As we drove along the highways of Florida, I was deeply impressed by the beauty and cleanliness of the surroundings. The roads were broad, smooth, and extremely well maintained. On both sides of the highways, endless greenery stretched as far as the eyes could see. Tall palm trees stood gracefully in rows, while vast grass fields added freshness to the landscape. Everything appeared so organized and disciplined. Vehicles moved in an orderly manner, and there was very little noise. I silently admired the planning and infrastructure of the country.
When we finally reached Melbourne, I found the city even more beautiful than I had imagined. The environment was peaceful, neat, and attractive. The weather was warm, and the presence of palm trees gave the city a tropical charm. Tourists and local residents seemed to blend together harmoniously. Watching the surroundings, I told myself with pride and excitement, “This is America!”
After arriving at my son’s residence, I was eager to explore the area immediately. The residential colony where he lived was exceptionally clean and well planned. There was a beautiful swimming pool inside the community, surrounded by neat walkways and green lawns. Without wasting much time, I walked straight to the swimming pool area and spent some time there enjoying the calm atmosphere. The entire locality reflected comfort, discipline, and modern living.
The next morning brought another unforgettable experience. I woke up early and stepped outside. The morning mist was gently shining on the blades of grass like thousands of tiny pearls scattered from the clear sky. The cool breeze, the chirping of birds, and the peaceful surroundings created a magical feeling. Nature appeared fresh, calm, and perfectly balanced. It was one of the most beautiful mornings I had ever witnessed.
During our stay, I was especially excited about visiting the famous theme parks of Orlando, which are known throughout the world. Therefore, after a few days, we traveled from Melbourne to Orlando and stayed in a hotel there. As we approached the hotel, I was greatly impressed by its grand appearance. The entrance was magnificent, with two large metal doors opening into a beautifully maintained property. A very tall wall surrounded the huge garden and hotel buildings, giving the place an elegant and luxurious appearance.
Inside the hotel premises, everything looked sophisticated and welcoming. The gardens were decorated with colorful flowers, trimmed hedges, and decorative lights. The atmosphere was peaceful and refreshing. The hotel staff greeted guests politely and efficiently. Our room was spacious, clean, and equipped with modern facilities. From the windows, we could enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and cityscape.
My first trip to America became one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was not merely a foreign tour; it was a journey filled with family reunion, emotional happiness, natural beauty, and new experiences. America impressed me with its cleanliness, discipline, infrastructure, and organized lifestyle. More importantly, the trip gave me precious moments with my children and grandchildren, moments that I still cherish in my heart.
Even today, whenever I recall that journey, the memories remain fresh and vivid—the excitement before departure, the long flight across continents, the beautiful roads lined with palm trees, the peaceful mornings in Florida, and the joyful family gatherings. My first visit to America taught me that traveling is not only about seeing new places; it is also about creating unforgettable memories with loved ones that remain forever in the heart.