The USA by Brooke Schoenman

1. Name Brooke Schoenman

1. Occupation Traveler / Writer

1. Country of (Temporary) Residence Australia

1. Country of Origin USA

1. email/contact/ website http://brookevstheworld.com, Twitter: @brookeschoenman

1. 6. Why do you love Travel?

That is a really tough question!  I love to see new places, experience other cultures and all that fun stuff…. but I think I also love travel because I feel like I am at my best when I’m doing it.  In my normal life, I’m quite reserved and shy, but when I head out on the road – by myself – I come out of my shell.

1. 7. Favourite place in your home country and why?

Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio – It is THE BEST roller coaster theme park EVER!  I was raised from a young age on roller coasters, and I still look forward to the bigger and the better!

1. 8. Best place for tourists to visit in your country?

Uhm… Cedar Point? 🙂  The country is so big; it is hard to pick out the best.  Everyone should experience New York City and get a taste of the southwest states in my opinion.

1. 9. What other country would you live in if you had to leave your country?

Australia!  At least that’s where I am trying to live at the moment.  Hopefully, I will be applying for a partner visa with my Aussie boyfriend come later this year!

1. 10. Favourite activity when around your city?

It has been a while since I’ve been home!  Peoria, Illinois is not a small city, but it is not Chicago either, so there isn’t much in the area of tourist attractions.  I really just enjoy hanging out with friends and family, going to dinner, going bowling or catching a concert.

1. 11. Do you feel you know your country well, or is more exploring of your homeland needed?

I definitely need to explore more of America.  Perhaps, if I bring my boyfriend home with me, I will have more motivation to see the rest of the States.  The US is truly gigantic, and I have only been to Arizona in the West.  Many people laugh when they hear I’ve traveled to Kyrgyzstan but have never been to Washington D.C.

1. 12. Any warnings for travellers visiting in your country?

If English is not your native language, try to learn a bit before coming over.  Outside of large cities, people may not know how to help or understand foreign tourists as they don’t see them as often.

1. 13. Must see movie featuring your country and Why?

I’m drawing a blank… The only thing that keeps coming to mind is “American Pie” and all the other teen/college type movies that make us look ridiculous.  Please don’t base your idea of America on these 🙂

1. 14. The must eat dish or delicacy of your country?

A good burger, apple pie and chocolate chip cookies 🙂  As surprising as it was, I happened to miss a good burger (not McD’s style) when on the road.  They’re just never the same abroad!

1. 15. The top three sayings to make travellers stay in your country easier?

How much? Can you tell me where… ?  Thank you.

1. 16. Best time of year to visit?

I guess that depends on what you want to see.  For Australians that never see snow, winter (their summer) is a good time to visit many states.  The southern states get very hot in the summer, so try to get to them in the spring or fall.

1. 17. The 4 words that best describe your country:

Diverse.  Gigantic.  Expensive.  Proud.