On US Soil

Monday, June 28, 2010

This entry was written two days after we arrived. The reason was that my muses were still living on Philippine time. Inspiration failed to take hold. I was too weary from the near 24 hour flight to get to America. The flight held nothing of interest and the turbulence stopped me from reading the political satires of Jonathan Swift. My mind held nothing but a single goal- to hug a bed once we arrive at SIU.

And so I did the hugging, but the others were in high spirits and full of energy. I guess the jet lag did not show itself yet. I can cite a reason why we were so ‘alive’ but the reason was so trivial and odd that it might be a laugh once anyone reads it.

The reason was a squirrel popped out of nowhere and we were distracted by it. A sudden burst of laughter blew away all signs of fatigue and an extra spring on our step was restored. We napped a bit and after a while, we went out fully charged and headed out to explore the campus.

Super Sized Equals Teamwork

Our very first exposure to American Culture was at Dairy Queen. Hunger lead us to Dairy Queen. We ordered medium and large sizes since we thought that we would be getting the same portions as was back home. When we saw the portions, our eyes bulged as large as the meals we bought. It was culture shock through food and we had to endure eating beyond our limits, so to speak.

Cries of surrender were written on everyone’s faces. The only solution was for everyone to take turns eating the food we bought until we finish it all up. That was teamwork in terms of food. We left Dairy Queen with a stuffed stomach and a sense of accomplishment.

A New Sunset

I remembered wondering what the sunset in USA would look like. Here I am now and the sunset was set back three hours later than in the Philippines. I have not taken a picture of the sunset. I need not so. My curiosity has been satisfied and I will sleep soundly, except if jet lag intervenes. I saw the sunset here and in the back of my head, I still remember the sunset I left behind.