My recent trip back to the U.S. was an exciting whirlwind of
stops across several cities in just 11 days. After two years abroad, living in
Vietnam, the journey back was a mix of emotions—excitement, nostalgia, and, of
course, a bit of reverse culture shock. The trip took me to Rapid City,
South Dakota, and Temecula, California, with plenty of reflections
on the differences between my life in Asia and what I was experiencing back in
the States.
Rapid City, South Dakota
After a long flight, landing in Rapid City was
refreshing. I hadn’t been back to the U.S. in two years, and the wide-open
spaces of South Dakota were immediately striking. Rapid City, known as
the Gateway to the Black Hills, is home to just over 75,000 people and
serves as a base for visitors to nearby landmarks like Mount Rushmore
and Badlands National Park. It’s a city rich with history and outdoor
beauty, and I was happy to be back.
I stayed at the Residence Inn in nearby Box Elder,
which, for me, was a trip down memory lane. I had been stationed at Ellsworth
Air Force Base, just minutes away, many years ago. Box Elder is a small
town next to Rapid City and is mainly known for its proximity to the base. As I
gazed out over the Great Plains, the vast emptiness compared to the
dense, bustling cities in Vietnam was a stark contrast.
On the trip, I also visited the South Dakota Air and
Space Museum, right at the entrance of Ellsworth. The museum showcases
military aircraft, including the B-1B Lancer and the B-52
Stratofortress, both of which I remember vividly from my days living here.
It was amazing to relive these memories, seeing these mighty machines up close,
and reflecting on how my life has changed since my time in the service.
Rapid City is also just a short drive from Mount
Rushmore, an iconic symbol of the U.S. I didn’t stop at the monument this
time, but I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic as I drove by, recalling my hikes
to the top of George Washington’s head years ago. For anyone visiting
South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is a must-see, not just for the monument itself
but for the surrounding Black Hills, which offer some of the most
stunning natural landscapes in the country .
Temecula, California
After my time in South Dakota, I headed to Temecula, California, located in Southern California’s wine country. Temecula is well-known for its rolling vineyards, beautiful hot air balloon rides, and a rich history dating back to the 1800s.
Growing up in Temecula, I have a lot of memories
associated with this area, so coming back was a special part of my trip. One of
the first things I did was go for a run on one of my favorite trails. Temecula’s
nature reserves and trails offer a quiet reprieve from the busy cities, and I
relished the opportunity to reconnect with nature. The town has grown
considerably over the years, with new developments popping up, but the heart of
Old Town Temecula remains the same.
Old Town is a bustling spot with historical buildings from
the late 1800s, now turned into modern-day restaurants, gift shops, and
bars. There’s a wonderful mix of old and new here, with modern amenities housed
in structures that retain their Wild West charm. I stopped by the famous Swing
Inn Café for breakfast, which has been a local favorite for decades .
Old Town Temecula is also known for its hot rod
car shows, Western-style architecture, and places like the Gambling
Cowboy, a steakhouse with a rooftop bar that offers some of the best views
in town. I also passed by the old Stampede bar, which is a hotspot for
country music and line dancing, popular among Marines from nearby Camp
Pendleton.
Temecula’s charm extends beyond Old Town; the surrounding
vineyards are a huge draw. I didn’t have time to visit a winery on this trip,
but Temecula’s wine region is home to more than 40 wineries, making it
one of the most popular wine destinations in Southern California .
Reverse Culture Shock
After living in Asia for two years, coming back to the U.S.
was a bit of a shock. One of the things that stood out immediately was the size
of everything—from the giant trucks and sprawling parking lots to the sheer
variety in grocery stores. Walking into a Costco in the U.S. is always
an experience, but after being away, it was even more overwhelming. The aisles
seemed endless, filled with huge packages of food, household supplies, and
everything in between.
Even simple things like the 110-volt outlets in the
U.S. stood out to me. I had gotten so used to the 220-volt outlets
common in Vietnam and other parts of Asia. Small details like this constantly
reminded me how different the two countries are.
Despite these differences, there’s nothing quite like being
home. Driving through the Black Hills of South Dakota and revisiting my
childhood home in Temecula helped ground me. It was a reminder of how
far I’ve come, but also how important it is to stay connected to your roots.
This trip back to the U.S. was a whirlwind, but it was
filled with moments that helped me appreciate the contrasts between my life in
Asia and my home country. The vast open spaces of South Dakota, the laid-back
charm of Temecula, and the simple joys of reconnecting with family all
contributed to making it a memorable journey.