Winter in Chicago

    Most people experience a mixed feelings when moving to a new country. Starting something new may seem scary, overwhelming, or exciting. But all of these experiences can give a different perspective about life to every different individual. My experience of moving to United States from Morocco was very challenging. To be lived in a place where I spent most of my life was easier because it was more familiar, and more comfortable to me and I never have to worry about anything because I always know my environment, and I understand my people as we share same culture, tradition and language. Despite all that, moving to Chicago made me gain new habits, and the American life style, but I also had to give up on things that it was part of my daily life when I lived in Morocco. These challenges were part of the struggle of trying to fit into a new society, and learn new culture.

First time I came to United States, two years ago. I landed to Miami, the weather was similar to my city where I came from, so I was excited about the experience. The next day I arrived to the city of Chicago, the weather was okay, but colder than Miami, but I loved the architect, I found it beautiful. The winter arrived and there was the hardest part of me to fit in. I used to live in wormer place, as I came from a city where most of the time is sunnier and warmer. No doute, I was excited for the snow, it was my first time to see the snow fall, but I got way colder in January then I had to stay home most of the time. Winter in Morocco, is different and even better, I can still go out and enjoy the cozy weather, grab some snail soup made of different kind of herbs it makes my body worm, I couldn’t find a snail soup in Chicago. And if I did find one it would never test the same. The herbs they use in the soup is like magic. I also missed the family gathering, and my mother’s food and all different kind of soup she used to make for us. These all details are definitely part of my identity that are left back home and cannot be replaced.

           

            However, Winter in Chicago means holiday season. For the first time I have to celebrated the Christmas and I loved the part of decorating houses so the whole neighborhood looks more beautiful and brighter like rainbow in the moonlight, exchanging gifts with friends at work and family gathering to celebrate the Christmas Eve was a beautiful culture that I have gained here in Chicago. Last year at work I was getting gifts from my coworkers, and everybody was happier, and I loved the good energy and the warm feeling the holiday influenced the people, that reminded of the holyday era in Morocco, where everybody happy and excited. The experience has made me grow as a person, and helped me to fit in even more.

 

            In conclusion, the experience of moving to a different country have changed my way of thinking, and helped me build a new person that I am today. Even that I have lost some habits and culture and sometimes the nostalgia gets me back, I did gain new habits that help me feel more adapting to a new environment and be part of a new culture.