I first went to the United States in 1996. It was such a memorable experience starting from my visa denial and eventual approval. The whirlwind East to West to wherever. I saw shows on Broadway, shopped, experienced the way of life in the "land of milk and honey". In my last trip, I remember an American airport worker call me "young man" in one of my airport stops. Now, pushing fifty (50), I am far from being young.
That was more than two (2) decades past. Times have changed.
An uncle has been inviting me to visit him, some relatives I have not seen since the last time I was there, some have already gone to the great beyond.
I finally decided to go. My tickets are booked. I saddle up to go in a couple of weeks for a month long holiday.
Strange as it may sound, I am really not looking forward to my upcoming trip. I am actually a bit apprehensive.
In my first visit, I was so excited. America was unreal to me. It was like I was going on a set of a US TV series. I imagined that the girls would be smoking hot, booze would flow, I would party like it was 1999. In a day or so after walking the streets of San Francisco, getting lost in a place called "Tenderloin", the novelty of the place soon waned.
I visited friends and family. Most were gracious hosts. Some were gracious for a while. Living in the US was no "walk in the park" for many of my compatriots. I learned that an invitation to visit friends and family in the US could be just something they say to be polite during social occasions. Life there is hard. They don't have much time to "chill" with guests.
When I wast in New York, I felt really poor while staying in my hosts's upscale place in the city. It was just a week but let's just say the verbal abuse I received from my then friend made me never to want to stay in New York, ever again. I also had a cousin that was so nice to me, she let me see the "Phantom of the Opera" live in Broadway. Years later, my father before his death, told me what a burden I was to that cousin of mine while that time I was with her.
I also recall walking in Manhattan, out of limos passengers dressed to the nines, just like out of a GQ magazine cover. I had the elan' of a being in down jacket, thermal underwear and a laid shirt. I just found out what a down jacket in that trip.
I guess in my last travel to the US, I got culture shocked. My expectations were off the mark, like a "Neverland" scenario. People were different, even my countrymen. Things were expensive. Time passed quickly. Reality set in, in the cold streets of New York, in Ohio and San Francisco.
The trip was not all that bad. I went to San Diego, crossed to Tijuana. I still met up with genuine friends and relatives. I could see their sincerity in welcoming me for such a short stay.
My upcoming trip could be my last. My body isn't as capable as it was in my younger years
The good thing going for my visit is that I won't going around much. Shopping, even partying isn't high on my menu. I just hope to chill. I hope to connect with friends and family, one last time. No expectations are set on this voyage. I guess turning almost half a century made manage the very little expectations I may have about my vacation. Definitely, this trip will be much better,meaningful and truly memorable.
There are still a few things I still need to tick on my Bucket List. I hope to accomplish more items on my lists in this journey. Vegas, here I come!
