RV Nomads: Our Venezuelan Family’s Maiden Voyage Across the Bible Belt with Thor Industries
This adventure wasn’t just a road trip; it was a new chapter for our Venezuelan immigrant family. With wanderlust in our hearts and a brand new RV from Thor Industries, the world’s largest RV manufacturer, we embarked on our maiden voyage – a journey across the “Bible Belt” of the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina – these five states became our classroom, our workspace, and our playground. The open road stretched before us, a symbol of the boundless possibilities America offered.
Remote Learning and RV Living: A Perfect Blend
The pandemic might have closed traditional schools, but it opened doors to a unique educational experience for our daughters. Thanks to the magic of remote learning, they could attend classes from the comfort of our RV – a classroom with ever-changing scenery. Imagine history lessons coming alive as we stood in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, or science experiments inspired by the diverse ecosystems we encountered.
Work and Wanderlust: The RV Life Advantage
The beauty of RV living is that it allows you to explore new places while maintaining a sense of normalcy. With our mobile office on wheels, we could work remotely, contributing our skills even as we traveled. This flexibility became a game-changer, allowing us to balance our professional commitments with the incredible opportunity to explore America’s rich tapestry.
The Bible Belt Through a Venezuelan Lens
Our journey across the southeastern US was a cultural immersion unlike any other. We experienced the warmth of Southern hospitality, the stunning natural beauty of mountains and caves, and the rich history of cities like Charleston and Atlanta. We explored Rock City near Chattanooga, Tennessee, with its breathtaking views and whimsical gardens. We hiked to the cascading Ana Maria Falls in Georgia. We even visited the Cabbage Patch Kids Hospital – a unique experience that embodied the region’s spirit.
Throughout our travels, we stopped in charming towns like Helen, Georgia, with its Bavarian architecture, and Marietta, Georgia, steeped in Civil War history. We marveled at the vibrant cityscapes of Atlanta and Charleston. The Great Smoky Mountains offered a chance to explore the wilderness, with stops in Asheville, Gatlinburg, Ober Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We also enjoyed the suburban life in Alpharetta, Cumming, and Savannah, Georgia.
Capturing Memories with Thor Industries (We’re Featured!)
We were thrilled to have our adventure featured on the Thor Industries website https://www.thorindustries.com/stories/embracing-american-rving ! As a photographer and videographer, I had the privilege of documenting this incredible journey us and for them. We captured stunning landscapes, wildlife, heartwarming family moments, and the unique challenges and triumphs of RV life during a pandemic. It was an honor to collaborate with a company at the forefront of the RV industry, a company that helped make this adventure possible.
A Life on the Road: Just the Beginning
Our maiden voyage across the Bible Belt was just the beginning of our RV adventure. This experience has instilled in us a love for the open road, a deeper appreciation for the diversity of America, and a sense of gratitude for the opportunities this country offers.
We invite you to follow along as we continue our journey, sharing stories and breathtaking visuals through the lens of our Venezuelan family exploring the United States in our RV. This adventure is a testament to the power of family, the beauty of exploration, and the endless possibilities that life on the road holds.