My First Trip to the U.S

The first time that I traveled to the United States was on the summer of 1981. This trip was very special to me because it was my first time to fly in an airplane and be out of Mexico. My friend Jorge that I knew since we were toddlers moved to Los Angeles, CA, to study and work he had live there for 5 years and he have always invited me to come over but he knew the very long process to obtain a U.S .visa.

I remember that it was a Saturday afternoon when walking into the old building where my family and I lived for long time , that I encountered the postman setting the mail in each mailbox. happily talking and singing I asked him if there was any important mail with my name to which he responded in the same funny tone “As a matter of fact yes I do have some important letter with your name from The Embassy of the United States of America .” I don’t know what kind of face I made that the postman asked me if this was good or bad news which I respond promptly “ could be good or bad .” I opened the letter at once and started to read in a loud voice and when I said, granted for five years! I screamed, jumped ,danced and gave a big hug to the postman who responded to me with a loud tone I think better keep going before you kiss me next he laughed and off he went .

I woke up very early the next morning, and my mother asked me what had happened? I told her I need to go to the bank to withdrawal some money so I could go to the travel agency and pay for the airplane ticket; “the ticket?” my mother asked. Which I responded, mother I cannot believe you don’t know that yesterday I received the approval for my tourist visa, so I can go and visit Jorge in California.”

My mother so sweet as always, responded to me in a calm mood “ son , you were so excited yesterday that I heard you almost kissed Don Juan , the postman .” I laughed, but how did you know all of this? Well, she said I was buying some vegetables at the market, three blocks from here and Don Juan was telling this little story to Maria the owner of the market. So, I see that you told all your friends about the good news and with the help of Don Juan at least a few blocks around the neighborhood. But you forgot to tell the news to the most important person in your life; me. You are so right the whole time mother! I exclaimed, but let me hurry because I don’t want to stay in line for a long time at the bank , you know how that is, to which she responded in a funny tone, don’t you worry, first let me give you a good breakfast then we can talk about it later, o.k. ? But Mother I think that you don’t understand what I just said, Son she said laughing again the one that doesn’t understand it’s you because today is sunday and the banks and travel agencies are closed. Oh boy, you are right again!

So the next morning I did the same circus once again, only this time everything was open for business as usual. As I entered the bank I joked around to the security guard at the entrance when I said you guys forgot to opened yesterday , to what he just replied with an Ugh . Next I went to the travel agency that was just a few blocks away from the bank , all of the businesses were located downtown, fortunately that is where we used to live. Once at the agency; the agent asked all the questions to go on my ticket information , I was so excited and nervous that the question that I still remember is when she asked “ do you prefer your seat by the window or by the aisle? and I replied to her as long as the airplane takes me to California, you can send me with the luggage .”

Finally, I flew to Los Angeles, California; my friend Jorge was so happy to see me at the airport that the first thing he said was , hey you survived the flight which I replied Jorge, whatever you are eating all these years changed you a lot and then he said are you calling me fat?, Oh no not at all you are taller and with big muscles, I replied. Well, I do eat a lot but I go to the gym and run every day.

Before we go home I’m going to introduce you to the best food you ever had, there is a place called In-N-Out he said. And oh boy what a meal I had on that day; from then on we had Kentucky Fried Chicken, IHOP, etc and the rest is history. Just every food place was so wonderful to me because back in then in Mexico the government did not allow the American food chain restaurants to open for business there. So I kind of knew some of the stuff through the T.V. and the movies but to be there and have eaten in real life was like a dream come true. Also one of the new things to me was the cars and the houses, because the cars here in the U.S. came with more options and very nice details than the ones in Mexico, the houses were made mostly of soft materials new to me; thinking that wood will last only a few years, I got surprised that some houses were made long time ago and after a couple of small earthquakes during my visit to L.A, I understood one of the main reasons for the houses being made out of wood.

After trying all the main foods and going to new places called “Malls,” (yes this was also new for me). My friend Jorge told me save some energy and money for the next activity, they are called amusement parks, parks, isn’t that for little kids? I asked. I used to think like you at the beginning; but after we go you will let me know. My friend was right, first we went to Disneyland then Knott’s Berry Farm and finally to Universal Studios, it was so much fun even that at the end of the day we were so tired we still got up on the next morning after a good night sleep, ready for more. Finally my friend asked, “Are you still thinking this is only for little kids, my friend? We laughed for a long time.”

In conclusion , until today I still think that my first time to fly and visit the U.S. was the best experience that I had and I have been very lucky to be with a friend like Jorge, to guide me and enjoy his friendship .