A Different Expectation (Lost in Translation)

Julio Ng

ESL INT 100

First Draft – Essay (NEW)

                                   A Different Expectation

Living in the United States was something that my family and I really wished for when we were in Brazil. I could not imagine how amazing it would be living in another country, especially in the United States which is considered an amazing country. The only thing that I knew was that it would be a good decision. In order to get a better life many people move to other country, and my family was one of them. I remember that most of my friends from my city considered it as a privilege to live in America. It was like a dream, I mean the best thing ever. Some of my friends wanted to be in my place because the living conditions in Brazil are not good as in the United States. For example, if it wanted to buy something that is considered cheap in the United States, it would be really difficult because the prices are too high in Brazil. Moreover, Brazil is currently in crisis. That was one of the reasons that made me want to live in the United States. Then, finally the moment to leave my hometown arrived. I was really excited that I could not even sleep. However, my joy was short lived. I realized that moving and living in another country was really different, it was not as I thought. The comfort, friends, people, communication, had changed, and I did not expect how it could affect me so much.

 The first two months were incredible. The buildings of Chicago were the first thing that mesmerized me because the city that I am from basically has only houses. Also, the first contact with snow was wonderful. It was white and soft, amazing as in the movies. However, weeks later, I realized the life here was not as easy as I thought. Something that affected me so much was the communication. When I was in Brazil, I thought I would be able to express myself better when I arrived to United States because I took an English course for a while. Unfortunately, it did not happen. I could not understand almost anything. My communication was terrible, and then, I got frustrated. It is really difficult to have a good communication with someone when you do not know with word that you should use. For this reason, it has been difficult to make new friends, and have a good conversation when you cannot express yourself as you want.

The communication was not the only thing that disappointed me, but the comfort as well. I used to live in a small city, and everything was easier to do. However, when I moved to a big city, Chicago became really difficult to adapt to. I am the kind of person that does not like crowded places, and most of places that seems cool are full in Chicago. I used to go to the square in front my house with my friends to talk there. The wind, the weather and no crowd usually made me feel good. I could even sleep there. I remember there was a fountain in the middle of the square that also played music and next to it. There were some stores that sold one of my favorite food which is called Churrasco, or Brazilian Steaks. It was really good; actually it is one of the best places that I liked to go on weekends with friends. Besides that, my school, my house and almost everything were close to each other, so it was easier to get around. When I got to United States, something that I liked so much was the public transportation. With a simple card, it is possible to go in places that you like to go easily. However, most places here are far from each other, in my hometown, so we did not need to take the public transportation. If had something to do or any problem to fix, it would be really easy to do. As most of places are far from each other, I usually get stressed easily in Chicago.

There is a variety type of foods in Chicago, but since I got here I have begun to eat fast foods as Mc Donald’s. Despite that, it is cheap and good, I still miss the Brazilian food. When I was in Brazil my uncle used to invite friends and relatives to go to his house for karaoke and a meal in his house. It was a great moment to talk with others, make new friends and relax. Besides that, Chicago has this type of food as well, but the taste is not the same. It is really difficult to describe the differences just in words, but tasting it. I think the Brazilian steak is much better than the United States.

Chicago is a good place to visit for vacation because there are a variety of things to see and enjoy, and I am sure that everyone would be surprised. When I was in Brazil I really wanted to live here. However, after months of living here I realized the life here is not as I expected. It is really difficult to communicate with others, and to get used to. I often get stressed and frustrated. Unfortunately, I just focused on the good qualities of Chicago, and I forgot about the difficult size of living in other country. Traveling and living are quite different expectations. I really like Chicago, yet I just do not feel at home. I know I have only been here for a few months, and adjusting to a new place requires time.  Eventually I imagine I will adapt to. This is new way of life and I need to start make Chicago my home.