Part Three
We explored Lakewood and the Rockies, enjoying serene lakes, vibrant landscapes, and Colorado's natural splendour.
The United States emerged as a global power after World War II, maintaining its leadership role following the decline of the British Empire and the digital revolution. To protect its interests, the U.S. has intervened in various countries, often causing chaos and regime change. In contrast, India has avoided such actions, even during the Cold War, due to its strength and natural resources, never becoming entirely dependent on the U.S. like neighbouring Pakistan and South Korea.
Both nations share a genuine democracy, bringing them closer, especially since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. Cooperation is growing across business, technology, human resources, and cultural exchange.
Despite diverse languages, cultures, and traditions, India and the U.S. remain united. While the eastern, western, and southern U.S. states are distinct, the remaining states resemble India’s underdeveloped regions, struggling with modernity.
Both nations face challenges from religious traditions, rituals, and social norms, as seen in the recent abortion controversy in America, which would likely draw global criticism if similar issues arose in India. Additionally, America grapples with racism and prejudice, particularly against immigrants.
Exploring Lakewood and the Rockies
Lakewood, a charming area in Denver, Colorado, was our home. Crown Hill and Sloan's Lake, key landmarks, feature pristine waters, scenic trails, and well-maintained roads, offering a peaceful oasis within the city. Their natural beauty attracts visitors eager to witness the stunning sunrises and sunsets, with the evening sky’s kaleidoscope of colours being an unforgettable sight.
We also enjoyed sampling local beers at the historic brewery by Sloan's Lake. Nearby shopping destinations, such as Colorado Mills Mall, Target, Costco, and Walmart, were just a 15-20 minute drive from Lakewood. We often strolled through these supermarkets, relishing the experience. The mall was a major attraction, with ample parking, manageable crowds, and multiple products.
On our first Saturday in America, we set off early to explore the majestic Rocky Mountains and nearby attractions. The 30-minute drive from Lakewood to Golden was breathtaking at sunrise, with wide, four-lane roads allowing speeds up to 100-120 km/h for an exhilarating drive. The scenic route featured vast plateaus, rolling hills, and springs along the road, while aspen trees, ablaze with autumn colours of yellow, gold, and red, shimmered in the sunlight, creating a picturesque landscape.
The trip to the Rocky Mountains was unforgettable, with stunning views, a deer sighting, and a herd of cows. Navigating the mountain ranges required impressive skill, contrasting Uttarakhand's winding roads. Shubhankar earned full marks for his driving! On our first day, we visited the Golden Farmers Market and the nearby quaint Tumdar village, whose beautiful bungalows and serene surroundings resembled a European village. Golden is truly a charming town.
We explored Boulder and were welcomed by the impressive University of Boulder campus, where many Indian students are enrolled. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains foothills, north of Denver, Boulder is a captivating city. Its weekly market attracts large crowds, creating a lively shopping atmosphere.
The experience reminded me of my 1998 visit to Yorkshire, England, with weekend crowds and street performers playing various music genres.
We made sure to visit Dushanbe, a renowned tea restaurant. This unique Russian-Persian-Kazakhstani-themed teahouse offers a wide variety of international teas and an immersive experience. I'd never seen a tea house of this scale before. We ended the day strolling through Pearl Street Mall and the stunning Boulder Falls.
On Sunday morning, we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park, a top Denver attraction. After a 2.5-hour drive from Denver through Boulder and Estes Park, we arrived at the park, which spans around 1,000 acres and is a must-visit for travellers from the US and beyond. The park offers a stunning mix of nature, mountains, lakes, diverse bird species, and wildlife. The mountain ranges, reaching 10,000 to 14,500 feet, are ideal for trekking. Several campsites are available, but due to a delay in obtaining our pass, we explored an alternative trail ridge on the opposite side.
The mountain ranges, rising around 12,000 feet, were ablaze with vibrant autumn colours, offering stunning views at every turn. The vast sky, crisp air, and snow-capped peaks created an ethereal atmosphere. As we walked along the deserted road, the sheer majesty of nature made us feel infinitesimally small.
This humbling experience reminded us to stay grounded yet proud of our essence. The Rocky Mountains embodied this spirit, resilient against nature’s forces. We witnessed nature's delicate balance, with alpine trees overtaking aspen trees, which stood defiant in the wind, their colourful foliage unyielding.
This perpetual dance of nature is a must-experience. Shubhankar and Ragini, who have visited this area 15-20 times, have developed a profound appreciation for nature. Through stargazing, camping, and trekking, they’ve cultivated humility and maturity, much like the mountains themselves.
(The author is a director of a company. He has travelled extensively across India and overseas.)
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