Why ‘Most Traveled Person in America’ ranks U.P. among his favorite places
UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (WJMN) – As Daniel Seddiqui crosses over the Montreal River into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he is completing a journey decades in the making. Until this day, Daniel has visited every region of the United States except for one, the U.P.
Although he has been to all 50 states at least 20 times each, the very last place in the country left on his list did not disappoint.
“It is the biggest milestone in my life,” said Seddiqui. “To hit the U.P. it’s something I’ve researched on the map I’ve been looking at for over 30 years. I used to stare at maps as a six-year-old kid and envision what life was like in different parts of the country. I’m pleasantly surprised I actually filmed myself driving into Houghton and we’re going wow, wow, wow. You know, like, impressive.”
Local 3’s John Truitt caught up with Daniel at The Nisu Bakery in Hancock, where he was able to learn about traditional Finnish baked goods.
“I did start to appreciate food as I’ve journeyed through America,” said Sadeeki. “Like just the local delicacies.”
Before hitting the road, Daniel was unemployed and at times living out of his car. He was even called the most rejected person in the country by USA Today due to his difficulty in finding a job in his career. But that all changed when he decided to go on a very purposeful journey, to work 50 jobs in 50 states, which later became a book.
Daniel has been traveling for over 30 years now and has designed his trips with purpose. It was during this first big sojourn to work in all 50 states, where he was able to sample the local culture through the eyes of its citizens.
“My first journey was the work a job in every state, so learning about careers,” said Seddiqui. “I’ve done journeys, learning about exclusively cultures. Now, it’s all about focusing on hands-on immersive travel.”
Next up for Daniel was a stop at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor, where he learned more about tourism in the area. Then it was down to the lakeshore to find the right rock for skipping.
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The next stop on the journey was all about relaxing. Daniel stopped at The Nordic Lodge at Mount Bohemia, where he got to try three different kinds of saunas and experienced a frigid dip afterward.
After Mount Bohemia, Daniel was off to Marquette, and the rest of his Upper Peninsula tour. In all, he traveled from Ironwood in the west, all the way to the Mackinac Bridge and then onto the Traverse City area. It’s always interesting to get an outsider’s opinion of the place where we call home.
“To make the U.P. the last pin on the U.S. map is a huge sense of accomplishment and a milestone that I’ve been trying to reach for decades,” said Seddiqui. Going to the U.P., it’s a hard reach, a hard place to get to. Now that I’m here, I’m really glad it’s my last and it’s one of probably one of the best trips I’ve ever had in my lifetime.”
Bon voyage and safe travels Daniel, see you next time.
To learn more about Daniel Seddiqui’s amazing adventures through life and across America please visit his website: www.livingthemap.com
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