AN IMMIGRANT'S FIRST MOMENTS

by Melody Gutierrez


Do you still remember your many firsts living abroad? Well, I’m sure you do. Perhaps, your memory needs a little nudge so allow me to share my first experiences that may take you right back; something that is worth remembering.

First Travel to the US

The farthest place I’ve ever been in the Philippines was in Vigan, Ilocos Norte. It was a tiring 8-hour ride. But it was nothing compared to my first trip to the US East Coast  that took almost 26 hours. This has been the most backbreaking trip I’ve ever experienced.

First Taste of Cuban Food

My husband is Cuban American.  One day, I got curious with their Cuban sandwich called "Pan con Bistec" so I asked him to buy me one. 

It was served in a large bread (Cuban bread) with beef steak, onions and tomatoes in it.  One thing that caught me by surprise was that it had picnic fries on top of it.  It was delicious though.

ENGLISH MADE ME CRUMBLE

 by Sigrid Dimaano

Filipinos are known as good English communicators.  I am one of those who truly believe in this but not until I finally settled and lived here.

Before I came to the United States, I was pretty confident that it was going to be easy since English was a part of my daily life in the Philippines.  But I was wrong, I guess you'll never really realize it until you settle and try to be a part of a society where English is the first language.  I was so critical of myself which made me think twice before I utter a word.

At first, I thought I was the only one but after talking to several people, I learned that they had the same feeling and I was assured that it was NORMAL to feel that way.  Here are common experiences we have encountered.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

 by Sigrid Dimaano

Many people say that the Philippines is so much alike with the United States.  In some ways, this is true but in many other ways, it is otherwise.  I have listed some of my first impressions when I got here.

1.  The Roads are SO WIDE and there's so much LAND

When I first came to the United States, it was for a visit.  I came with my family and we only went to the West Coast.  I was amazed on how wide the roads were and how orderly the traffic was.  Of course for a Manila driver, this is road heaven.  

2.  It's so GREEN and there are ANIMALS roaming around. 

The East Coast is way different.  It was still Summertime when I first came to the East Coast and I was in awe with all the huge trees around.  I got even more excited when I saw a family of deer, squirrels and rabbits roaming at my friend's backyard.  It was so cool!