When I was 17 years old, I went to the United States as an AFS exchange student. I lived with the Jenks family in Ottawa Hills near Toledo, Ohio. The experience changed my life. 41 years later, I feel like I am experiencing a similar year, traveling around the world on my motorcycle. At the end of my trip, I visited with my American parents, Mary Clare and Bill, who now live in Tryon, North Carolina.

In the Great Smoky Mountains, I rode the legendary Tail of The Dragon – America’s number one motorcycle road. After finishing the 11 miles and 318 curves, I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which spans 755 km (469 miles) and is noted for its scenic beauty. I also visited the home of President Thomas Jefferson in Monticello, Virginia, which is now a beautiful museum. It was also a highlight for me to visit Washington, DC as I had never been there before. Of course, I posed in front of the most iconic places and monuments.

Everywhere I went, I met nice people many of whom are in this video. In Washington, I stayed with Daniel and Gabrielle Bucherer, a couple that I have never seen before but have worked with through the internet for the last two years. It was a great time with great people!