This past May, I hit pause on the usual hustle and took my wife Amina on an unforgettable road trip across the American West. The occasion? My son’s graduation, a proud father moment, and the perfect excuse to turn a celebration into a full-blown adventure.

We kicked off our journey in early June, flying into Phoenix, Arizona. After a couple of days to acclimate, sort out logistics, and pick up our ride, a beautiful Audi Q7 (because let’s face it, if you're road-tripping the U.S. with your wife, comfort is non-negotiable), we hit the road heading north.

Our first stop: Sedona, where we had lunch among the red rocks. Then it was on to Flagstaff, where I finally got to wrap my arms around my son Leonardo again — a moment that hit me harder than I expected. I hadn’t seen him since December, and reconnecting was powerful. The next day, Sebastiano flew in from Italy. Seeing both my sons together, those same two wild kids who used to tear through the house now two towering young men nearly two meters tall... well, let’s just say time is flying, and I felt it.

The graduation day was beautiful. But soon after, it was time to say our goodbyes and shift into vacation mode. For Amina, it was her first time exploring this side of the U.S. I’d taken her to New York last October, but this was going to be something entirely different. This was the raw, wild, jaw-dropping real America.

From Helicopters to Slot Machines, and a pause in Page

First up: the Grand Canyon. We spent two days taking it all in, and yes, we did the helicopter tour. Amina’s first time in a chopper, and she was thrilled.

Next came the majestic Monument Valley. As always, its silence and scale left us speechless. We filmed, photographed, and tried to take it all in, impossible, really.

After that, we took a short break in Page, Arizona, where we spent a few relaxing days enjoying the stunning landscapes around Lake Powell. One of the highlights? Antelope Canyon, an unreal, otherworldly place carved by wind and water. Walking through those narrow, glowing red walls felt like stepping inside a dream. Amina was blown away.

Then, back on the road: winding our way through mountain ranges and small towns until we reached Las Vegas...

After winding our way through mountain ranges and small towns, we eventually made it to Las Vegas, where we checked into the Trump Hotel for five days of pure fun. I won’t go into too much detail... let’s just say: what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

Northward and Westward

The northern Nevada landscapes took us by surprise, wild, vast, and breathtaking. We crossed into California and made time for both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. Then it was off to San Francisco, one of my favorite cities, where we spent four days soaking in its unique mix of history, fog, and charm. Our final stretch was a coastal cruise all the way down to Los Angeles, where the trip came to an end.

I visit the U.S. once or twice a year, and I’ve crossed it on motorcycles more times than I can count. But this time was different. This time, it was about slowing down and sharing the ride with the woman I love.

America: Still Beautiful, Still Full of Contradictions

Despite its breathtaking landscapes and boundless sense of freedom, today’s America is a land of sharp contrasts.

On one hand, it offers unforgettable natural wonders — deserts, canyons, mountains, forests — and a sense of scale that still leaves you in awe. On the other, it’s a nation visibly struggling with rising costs, social tension, and institutional fatigue.

Inflation has drastically reduced purchasing power: prices have risen over 20% since 2020. A hotel that once cost $130 now easily hits $250+ per night.

National debt has exploded, with no sign of slowing, a looming shadow over future generations.

Uncontrolled immigration is transforming the country’s demographics and straining public services, especially in large urban centers.

Major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are increasingly affected by homelessness and petty crime, making some areas feel unsafe even in broad daylight.

And yet... the call of the road, the open landscapes, and the deeply embedded spirit of reinvention still make America a unique and powerful experience.

A land full of contradictions, but one I’ll always return to.

Now… time to unpack, recharge, and plan the next solo ride.