My girlfriend came from Thailand and, being Asian, I was afraid she’d have a rough time. We spent the last two weeks traveling all over the southern United States and met some amazing people

I’m Asian and my girlfriend is from Thailand. I was afraid of the racism she’d face in the US, but so many people went out of their way to be kind that it restored my faith in humanity.<br><br>I’d like to preface by saying I’m Asian-American, born and raised in the US, but my girlfriend is from Thailand. With all the anti-Asian hate that’s been in the news lately, I was afraid of how she’d be treated.<br><br>We just finished a road trip all over the southern United States, and it was amazing. So many people went out of their way to be friendly and welcoming.<br><br>The trip was for two weeks starting in Houston, then driving through New Orleans, Florida, and back through Texas. We stopped at a lot of different landmarks, restaurants, and tourist attractions along the way. The whole time, I kept waiting for something bad to happen but it never did.<br><br>Everywhere we went, people were smiling and saying hello. All kinds of people: black, white, Hispanic, everyone. It didn’t matter. They’d ask us where we came from, if we liked the food, and wish us a good day. It was so different from what I was worried would happen.<br><br>In Miami, we went to the Everglades, which was an amazing experience! The park rangers were so friendly and excited for us to be there, they gave us recommendations on the best times and spots to see alligators.<br><br>In New Orleans, everyone was so happy and welcoming. We walked through the French Quarter and saw some fantastic music and dancing. One guy even started dancing with my girlfriend in the street, and tons of people were taking pictures with us.<br><br>This one experience stood out to me, we were in a restaurant in Houston and they were having a tasting for a new menu. The chef invited us over and asked us if we’d like to try it (it was free). The food was amazing, the chef was so proud of his work and it really showed.<br><br>I know two weeks isn’t a long time, but that’s what made it so amazing. Everywhere we went, it was the same thing. Happy people excited to have us there.<br><br>I feel so lucky that my girlfriend got to experience that side of America.