Guatemalan-born Columbia University graduate Constantino Diaz-Duran is 16 days into the most amazing journey of his life. A political refugee who recently became eligible for US Citizenship, Diaz-Duran is walking across America to celebrate his newfound freedom.

His journey, which fittingly kicked off on the Fourth of July, will take him from Manhattan to California on foot over a period of eight months.

Diaz-Duran carries with him little more than a backpack, a tent, some provisions, and a couple of maps. Armed with a letter from his priest which explains his mission, he will stay with friends and rely on the kindness of strangers along the way.

Diaz-Duran is currently fighting an oprresive summer heat wave while making slow but steady progress on the back roads of Pennsylvania.

Source: Metro