Day 20 - 2

Date & Weather 6/21/02 (Fri), Check Out 8:00 AM (CST)
Milage & Route 211Miles (Chicago, IL - Dyersville, IA) Check In 8:00 PM (CST)
Motel Super 8 Motel
Review of Chapter 2 (From Virginia to Illinois)

The states where I drove through for the last 10 days have the oldest history in the U.S. (except Native Americans'. I'd like to refer to it later). So, I could feel and see many origins of the U.S. such as government, colony, business, battle, sports, etc. Above all things, it was the history of "Independence" that impressed me most. In addition, the views of Downtown in New York City and Chicago reinforced the reality that these areas are the center of the world economy.
White House in D.C.
This road trip has really traced the history of "Independence" and "Freedom"; D.C. is really the symbol of American presidency of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, etc. Philadelphia is the real birthplace of "Independence." View of Downtown Philadelphia from the steps in front of Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaNew York was the capital for about decade in the foundation period. Boston was the place not only where "Revolutionary War" began but also where there were some historic battles for "Freedom." In addition, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and "New England" were already independent states in 1776. Moreover, Indiana is the place where Lincoln spent his childhood and Illinois is the place where he spent most of his life. Although I made quick state visits to these states, the last 10 days has really developed my understanding of the significance of "Independence," "Freedom," and "American Presidency."
Street Sign "Wall Street" in Manhattan
Next, almost all states where I drove during this chapter had a tremendous influence on the global economy. As we all know, New York City is not only the place where industrial giants such as GE have their headquarters but also the place where there are three world influential stock exchanges such as "New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)," "American Stock Exchange (AMEX)," and "NASDAQ (an electronic network regulated by the National Association of Securities Dealers)." "Chicago Board of Trade" in "The Loop," ChicagoIn addition, for good or ill, famous financial companies near "Wall Street" manipulate global financial market. "The Loop" in Chicago where there are "Chicago Board of Trade," and "Chicago Mercantile Exchange," is also a center of global financial market. As to these two cities, it should be not forgotten that the states where I drove through provide not only the people who work there but also the products which are mainly traded there.
Sign of "Freedom Trail" & Bunker Hill Monument in Boston, Massachussets
So, I'd like to name "Freedom Drive" for chapter 2. For main reason, through reviewing this chapter I come to realize I have really seen the central places of "Freedom" not only in politics but also in economics activities. Another reason is that I have driven rather than walked. In addition, although the meaning might be totally different from it, I also like freedom!! In the end of this chapter, I have to refer that almost all these famous sites where I visited at have been still in alert since September 11th because they are really the symbols of the U.S.

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