United States Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney is a big fan of ecotourism. Her most memorable trip involves
the world’s largest mammals—whale sharks: “My first reaction was terror,” she laughs, recalling when she swam with them in Donsol, Sorsogon. “They’re huge—the tail seems about 20 feet high. It’s thrilling and terrifying and fabulous all at once.” Travelife sat down with her to chat about her other favorite place—her hometown of Washington, DC.

What places should Filipinos visit in the US?
Lots of people have been to places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. I’m incredibly prejudiced so I’m going to say my hometown—the capital. I would send one on a trip around Washington, DC. Take four to five days to go around and visit historical sites. Then swing south for a beautiful drive down to Williamsburg, Virginia in your car, with the rolling countryside. It’s the colonial part of the US, one of the first settlements. It was rebuilt with recreated colonial buildings—spectacular, as everyone is also in colonial garb. It’s just beautiful and there’s every manner of hotel there. Then spend a day or two in Annapolis, another spectacular city. While you’re there, watch a sports event—either a baseball game or in the winter, basketball.

Any other places to recommend?
There are lots of places I always discover. For people who like spectacular scenery and the outdoors, there’s Glacier National Park, Montana. They run a system of lodges that range from very rustic to what I call “rustically elegant.” My husband and I went there on vacation and have been back twice. Another thing we tried was whitewater rafting in Idaho.

Another place is Miami, a great big city. It has a Cuban flair to it—lots of salsa music, great beach clubs, and Art Deco hotels. Miami Beach and South Beach have a sort of funky, hip scene. Then there is “old” Miami, which is more sedate, with wonderful restaurants, beautiful hotels, and great beaches. We also like going up to New Hampshire where you get beautiful hiking and fun outlet shopping—a beautiful combination right there (laughs).

Do you have a favorite hotel?
We have one really favorite hotel called The Greenbrier in West Virginia. It’s a very lovely, top-of-the-line resort. It’s this gorgeous old, renovated white inn that has swimming pools and golf courses. We’ve gone there to celebrate a major wedding anniversary. If I could afford it, we would spend a whole week there (laughs).

What is on your travel wish list to visit in the US?
I want to go back to the Grand Canyon. I’d like to try whitewater rafting there. They also have beautiful lodges that you have to reserve maybe a year in advance. What I haven’t done is drive up the California coast—maybe not the whole way to Los Angeles, but just to see a portion. Great scenery and restaurants and the idea is just so relaxing.

What can visitors bring back as souvenirs from the US?
I used to tell people, blue jeans and Gap T-shirts (laughs). I think anywhere you travel, music is a really fun thing to get. If you’re in Hawaii, there’s music only found in Hawaii. In Texas, you can get some fun Texan music. If you’re in Atlanta, you can get some fine country music. It’s a fun reminder of your vacation.

I just visited my husband in Colombia where he’s our ambassador. We were in a restaurant and I told him,
“Ask what music this is because we’re buying it.” My poor husband was horrified (laughs). And I bought
it—fun, salsa music.

Another great American souvenir is baseball caps. It’s great for protecting your face from the sun and it’s fun to buy one wherever you’ve been or if there’s a team you like, maybe the LA Lakers, or the Boston
Celtics. Plus, it’s something you can really use—or if you don’t like it, there’s always somebody who does (laughs)!

When is the best time to visit the US?
It depends on what you like, though all the big cities are really multi-season. If it’s cold in winter it could be snowy and wonderful in New York or Chicago. The Grand Canyon you can do almost year-round, though it gets quite hot in the summer. Other places like Colonial Williamsburg is good to visit any time of year. Glacier National Park is best to visit from May to September, as it’s far enough north for one
to get snowed in in winter.

What will always be an exciting thing to do in your country?
Shopping, eating, and just walking around in New York. I just find it so energizing. Also you can just stare at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco for a long time (laughs). I think the next time I go to the Grand Canyon, I’ll marvel at it as when I first saw it.