I was laying in bed today looking at the ceiling and thinking about life when everything that happened in the past 12 months and everything I've learned during them finally sunk in. I not only moved half the globe away from everything I knew on my own, but I also started college and became family with a group of girls I've never seen in my life in only a few months.
My experience in the United States has definitely been rich so far and I love everything about it. This lovely piece of the country known as the Midwest has definite grown on me with its vast fields where cows chill (it resembles home) and friendly people (definitely does not resemble home) and helped bringing me to the place where I find myself at the moment.
I still have no clue on how to use the self checkout at Wal-Mart or why people eat more for breakfast than for lunch but I definitely gained some very important, but sometimes simple, knowledge. Here are my observations:
1. Everything can be fried
Potatoes and sweet potatoes clearly did not surprise me, but eating fried Oreos and fried ice cream are a thing. I was somewhat disgusted by those at the beginning but after being pressured by my roommate, I had to give those a chance and the weird thing is that they actually taste amazing; let's say it was a one-way trip for me.
2. If you don't do it, no one will
I think this is more on the "first time living on your own" side, but once mum and dad are gone, if you don't take care of you, your stuff and your place, there is no one there who will do it for you. It is not that no one cares, but we all have our problems and responsibilities. On that note, you're not alone, and friends will always be there, but accountability of your own actions is important.
3. Peculiarity is the norm
So, it is safe to say that so far I've encountered some of the most peculiar and different people and situations since I got here. What I love about it the most is how those people are not ignored by society, but are a fun and different part about it: outfits; ideas; behaviors. There is not a rule about how anyone has to act and talk, because as long as is not illegal, rude or dangerous everyone is mostly OK with it.
4. Walking is really not an option
There are not that many places designed for people to walk around except for parks and two other spots in town, including the mall. Besides that, even though everything may be near, people just drive no matter the distance. It can be a two-minute drive five blocks away from where we are or a half an hour, it really doesn't matter. I guess the fact that sidewalks leave a lot to wish for doesn't help much.
5. People are so nice
Even though I love Argentina, I know we're not well-known for being the friendliest out there. Southern Indiana, I give props to you: It might have something to do with the closeness to the south and its hospitality of the general chillness of the Midwest, but every person I met goes out of their way to help you. Let's say that costumer service is not something I've complained about much in the last year.
