Traveling with the Stars: Larry Fitzgerald
— -- Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, whose Arizona Cardinals reached their first Super Bowl this year, recently visited Iraq and Kuwait as part of a week-long NFL-USO tour. While in Iraq he shared his travels tips and highlights with USA TODAY.
Q: Where have you been recently that you liked or were surprised by?
A: Iraq and Kuwait. It's been a great experience being with the troops and these outstanding patriots who are putting their lives on the line for our freedom back home. …It's a lot a lot of sand. The terrain is what I expected but the base life is not. I thought it would be more soldiers living in tents but we have a really solid infrastructure here. It's a lot different in that respect.
Q: What's the best place you've ever visited?
A: Buenos Aires in South America. I enjoyed the culture. The nightlife was a lot of fun, the food was great and the history was awesome. It really reminded me of Europe. The architecture reminded me of France but the nightlife and culture had an Italian feel. It's a great place. I would go back there in a heartbeat. I didn't learn how to tango. I was born with two left feet so dancing is not really my cup of tea.
Q: What's the most surprising/unexpected place you're ever visited?
A: Istanbul, Turkey. From the food and the culture and touring the city, I had no idea it was that big. I didn't know 13 or 14 million people were going to be there. Just the history of the people coming there — Alexander the Great, the Roman Empire — so many people have come through that landing. We went to Adana to see one of Alexander's old palaces. I saw the ancient city of Ephesus and right outside of the city was the last known house of Mary. Ephesus is one of the farthest (outposts) that the Roman Empire had. There was a huge amphitheater, shops and hot baths. It was really awesome to see that. I had gone to Rome before Turkey so I got to see the old Roman Forum then see how (Ephesus) was about a thousand miles away. It was really impressive to see how amazing the Empire was.
Q: What's your favorite vacation spot?
A: I have a home down in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico) and that's my favorite vacation spot. It's so relaxing and peaceful. The food is amazing and the water — I can go on and on.
Q: Can you offer an insider tip or recommendation for your favorite vacation place?
A: In Cabo San Lucas you have to stay at the One&Only Palmilla and stay in one of their ocean villas. They're right on the water and you can hear the waves crashing against the rocks. It's breathtaking with the sounds and the sights. Make sure you have the shrimp quesadillas and the fish tacos.