COLD INSIDE HOT OUTSIDE

                                 Cold Inside Hot Outside

Arriving in the United States of America has been a great opportunity for me, It has given me a sense of a new and bright life. Growing up in Ghana was very beautiful when it comes to the lovely culture and traditions. When I wake up in the morning in Chicago, all I think of is how I miss Ghana, It is a country where one can meet a lot of friendly people who are welcoming and ready to exchange pleasantries. Sometimes I feel like returning to my country, but on the other hand, I am forced to stay in Chicago because of the life rewards here. Chicago is a great city, but I am not fortunate enough to reside in the southwest 95^th Worth township of Chicago, This means I always have culture shock whenever I go for a walk around my community.

Walking around the community used to be my favorite activity back in Accra the capital city of Ghana. I always admired the beauty of the community because I love architecture. I love to see modern infrastructure and get to meet new people through joining the associations in the community that aim to help the development and welfare of the community. Taking a walk creates relevance, familiarity, and a form of security. In case one is caught up in a bad situation people in your community can rescue you. On the southwest 95^th Worth township of Chicago, I tried to do my usual activity, but one day I came across two guys. They approached me and asked if I want to buy hard drugs. Those were unprescribed drugs. I kept mute and continued walking. Right at the junction that leads to my house, I saw a lot of people gathered and the police secured the place with barricade tape.  On the floor, was a young man lying down in a pool of blood. He was shot by gang rivals. I was shocked because I have not seen such an incidence in real view only in the media. I had to hurry back home. The signature spot was my favorite rest stop after my daily walk around the community where one can find all kinds of local bush meat and palm wine to quench one taste. I miss my favorite spot in Ghana.

               In addition, it is fun and safe to ride public transport in Ghana where there is a lot of discipline and respect on the bus. Although most of the public buses are outmoded, it is very secure and peaceful riding on them.  Chicago has very modern, nice buses, especially the CTA buses, so one day I boarded a CTA bus around 95^th street to King Drive. On the bus were elderly people and high school students. The students kept making noise, disturbing the space with loud music, and smoking marijuana. The scene was very sad and undisciplined. I realized the elderly people were standing while the high school students were sitting. I asked them to allow the elderly people to sit because that is how it is done in my country. Priority and respect are given to elderly people, but the student turned a deaf ear. I had mixed feelings and I remembered that I was in a new environment.

 

Interestingly, I had no idea when one goes to a shop to purchase goods or services one must pay for street parking. Downtown Chicago is one of the most exquisite places in Chicago and the ambiance of the place at night is as beautiful as the skies at night. On weekends that’s where I mostly hang out to enjoy good food and a nice drink. One day my friend and I went to downtown Chicago to do grocery shopping. Chicago has rules and regulations when it comes to parking on the street. When one parks in front of the shops, there is a black metallic box, that is where one needs to pay for the parking and that is the revenue the federal uses to develop the community. We didn’t know we had to pay for the parking. Upon our arrival, we saw a ticket for not paying for parking. In Ghana, when people rent a shop, they pay for everything inclusive, so one does not have to pay for parking. While in Ghana parking in front of shops is free and even a lot of places are free, so we broke into laughter and said to each other nothing is free in the United States.

 In brief, the United States has given me a new life, a new experience, and new exposure. Every country has its own positive and negative side. In just a few weeks, I have learned so many good things. I am planning on residing here for a long time or even starting a family here, therefore, I need to adjust to the system and do away with my old mindset. Although it has taken the friendly, loving, and extrovert part of me, and has made me an indoor person. While a lot is going on outside, I am always stuck inside.