Chapter 1: A New Beginning
About three years and a decade ago, we landed in the US with a world of experiences from places like China, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. Despite all that, we felt like beginners here, without the friends or family network many rely on in a new place. The first folks we met were nice but had always had their family to lean on, which left us figuring things out on our own.
One thing that sticks with me is learning the ropes of public transportation in the US. In Australia and Europe, we’d gotten used to buses and trains connecting just about everything. Not quite the case in LA. We ended up walking along the side of the road when a bus didn’t take us close to a mall because, well, sidewalks ended abruptly. Then, we chose an apartment close to a subway, thinking it was a good move, only to find it noisy and not very useful.
Thank goodness for a new friend we made on Facebook who showed us the ropes, from how to get our social security numbers to where to shop for groceries.
Figuring out the tax system and other complexities without a clear guide was tough. We really could have used a straightforward website or book back then.
Chapter 2: Keeping Up with Changes
Life in America moves fast. Between new tech, economic ups and downs, and a rich tapestry of cultures, staying in the loop is a real task. It’s not just us newcomers who struggle; even folks born here can miss out on the latest.
Chapter 3: Kindness and Respect
Traveling the world showed us the importance of simple kindness and the need to understand and respect the way things are done locally. It’s not all about rules; it’s about making sure everyone gets to be part of the community.
Respect and a bit of know-how can open many doors. Whether that’s managing your money wisely, uncovering great shopping spots, or just being a good neighbor, what you know can really make a difference. Through American Life 101, we want to share these insights, hoping to make navigating American life a bit simpler and more rewarding for everyone joining us on this adventure.
