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Phuong Thu Thuy (Phương Thu Thủy), author of the book.Following in the footsteps of the sun.She chose to travel to the US in February 2020 simply because of a promise she made to winter.
Instead of going to New York City to admire the skyscrapers and endless crowds in Times Square, she "changed course," choosing a different New York – a New York of nature and enjoyment.
"An Unexpected Long Journey" was an opportunity for her to capture all four seasons of America through her camera lens, and served as inspiration for her second book.Stranded.
Phuong Thu Thuy - peaceful days of being "stuck".
American winter
The United States also has four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Winter begins in December and lasts until February of the following year, with cold weather, heavy snowfall, and frozen lakes. The winter of 2020 in the US coincided with the outbreak of the pandemic in China, and shortly afterward, lockdowns were imposed worldwide. "America – Back Just for Winter," was the initial purpose of the trip, and also the title of the album Phuong Thu Thuy chose to document her unusual moments – her days "stuck" in America due to the pandemic – involuntarily. After a road trip from California through Arizona, to Utah and Nevada, Michigan became her winter stop when the lockdown began to take effect.
In winter, the surface of rivers and lakes freezes over.
Seagulls fly over Lake Erie Metropark at -4°C.
Spring
Spring in America typically lasts from March to early June, with warmer weather and melting frost. Migratory birds flock to the parks. Spring isn't yet peak tourist season; the weather is pleasant, and it's not too crowded, making it ideal for strolling, admiring flowers, and enjoying life. Phuong Thu Thuy spent three months of spring on Farmington Hill, observing the tranquil transition between seasons, reading, and writing.
Swans on Lake Erie.
"A branch of white pear blossoms."
Phuong Thu Thuy's peaceful spring days in Michigan.
Summer
Summer is the season for the beach. Without the Covid-19 pandemic, this would be the busiest time of year for tourists in the United States. And, as a way to enjoy the summer, Phuong Thu Thuy also visited Nevada, Pictured Rocks Cruises, and Biloxi, a city on the shores of the Mississippi Gulf, where you can see some of the most beautiful beaches in America.
A pre-storm dawn in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Bay is a beautiful blue.
Pictured Rocks Cruises.
Sunset over Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Autumn
Autumn has always been a time that stirs and moves the hearts of travelers. Perhaps Americans don't see autumn through calendars; they see the trees outside their windows. When the leaves begin to change, the lake is calm, and the whole landscape is tinged with yellow—that's when autumn arrives. Autumn also marks the end of Phuong Thu Thuy's four seasons in America. The trip lasted longer than expected, but perhaps it was also an opportunity for her to reflect and realize many things: "Whatever happens, it's exactly what should happen—I believe that—I will remain at peace as I always have been and soon find my life's map again after being stuck here for so long" (Phuong Thu Thuy).
The surface of Lake Kitch-iti-kipi at the moment of autumn is known as the "Mirror of Heaven".
Kitch-iti-kipi is the largest freshwater lake in Michigan.
The forest is shedding its leaves, turning yellow.
Early autumn at Foote Pond Overlook.
Phuong Thu Thuy's photographs of America are currently being auctioned off via her personal Facebook page for 100,000 VND each, with all profits going to support Central Vietnam.
