We Speak No Americano

Culture shock.

Many of you may have never experienced it because you have probably lived in the same place for the majority of your life. But when you move to a whole new place, culture, society - it can be quite a handful. I know I've had to handle culture shock numerous times - but for me it was easier because I just moved back and forth from the US to Japan. After awhile I got used to the differences, but some do have a hard time. I remember when we moved recently back to America, after our (my sister and I) first day of school, my sister got into the car and just began to cry and cry. School was very different here, and having no one on top of that (and also it being her Junior year where groups are pretty much established) it was really hard for her. She eventually did adjust to this new school and lifestyle but there was that first shock.

All Alphas are Third Culture Kids (TCK), these are children who have grown up extensively in a different country than their own race and culture. (I might not be much of TCK, but I've grown up with them!). The good thing about being a TCK is that we've learned about each others cultures and backgrounds - which I must say is quite a lot! We build our own culture by building and combining many different cultures - I mean look at Alpha! It's basically an deep international relationship/friendship. But what happens when we all separate and go to college in...America? Culture Shock.

I've actually lived in America for longer periods than my friends who've just visited for a couple of weeks at most. I'm used to the culture, the lifestyle, and what it really is like to live in America. There really is a stark difference from the comfort and ease of Japan and America (there are just so many things that compose of America I couldn't think of the right adjectives). I mean, each region of America houses different cultures and people - it's just such a big country! Its a combination of so many cultures, races and religions, if you didn't know America has been known to be a 'melting pot' (which is actually incorrect, it actually is more of a 'tossed salad' - Americans didn't really fuse together, they kept their own  and meshed together).

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Let me tell you the basics of America then. So, there are five different regions of the United States: The Northeast, The Southeast, The Midwest, The Southwest, and The West.

The Northeast
This is basically the 'East Coast' of the US, it covers the states from Maine to Maryland. It is oldest part of America and many of these states comprised the first colonies. Therefore, it is more densely populated - about a quarter of the country's people live here. This area boasts the cities of Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C. - thus, they are very big international centers.

Top Left: Portland, Maine; Top Right: Times Square, NYC;
Bottom Left: Old State House, Boston, MA; Bottom Right: The White House, Washington D.C.

The Southeast
This is commonly known as the 'South' for many people. It really is a blend of old and new - I mean look at the main contrasting cities of New Orleans and Miami! It's a combination of farms and fields with some extravagant technology and booming cities. A lot of this area find roots in not only the English colonies, but also with French and Spanish colonies - thus a fusion of cultures.

Top Left: Kentucky Derby; Top Right: Miami, Florida;
Bottom Left: Nashville, Tennessee; Bottom Right: New Orleans, Louisiana

The Midwest
This is what you would call the 'rolling hills and grassy plains' of America. This is calmer than other places in America - great for raising families (I should know I grew up in the Midwest!). The Midwest has mild weather thus amazing soil, plentiful rain and vast underground reservoirs. This makes it the nation's corn and wheat belt - a lot of farmings goes on here. It's not all farm lands though! There are great cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis.

Top Left: Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota; Top Right: Chicago, Illinois
Bottom Left: St. Louis, Missouri; Bottom Right: Kansas Prairie 

The Southwest
This is probably the driest part of America - there are deserts! This is home to the Grand Canyon, a part of the Rocky Mountains and is right on the border of Mexico. It really is a place of natural wonders. The majority of this region is Texas which boasts its own culture actually. And then there is a fusion of Native American Indian culture and Mexican culture. This is where you would find those so called 'Ghost Towns' and scenes from old western movies.

Top Left: Navajo Reservation in Monument Valley, Utah; Top Right: San Xavier - Tucson, Arizona
Bottom Left: Rodeo in Texas, Bottom Right: The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The West
This is where the Great Plains stop, its past the Rocky Mountains and there you are - the west! This is more as the West Coast, where America meets the Pacific Ocean. It is rich with natural resources - Gold Rush! - and it really has attracted peoples from all over the world. People from Latin America and Asia came to the west in order to work on the beautiful ranches and at the booming business world. Native Americans also reside in this area - especially in Alaska. Besides California, these big States actually have a small population.

Top Left: Beach in Hawaii;Top Right: Hollywood Sign, L.A., California
Bottom Left: The Rocky Mountains, Colorado; Bottom Right: Las Vegas Strip, Nevada

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Each part of America is pretty different, but there still is a common culture and that's basically just being American believe it or not. It really is something to best experience it yourself. The majority of Americans are nice, warm, friendly people trying to spread their culture and knowledge of American history. Although America is still a baby country (It's only 235 years old!), there is a rich history that people are dying to share and spread. I know there are many places where I would like to visit! ((Living in America - that's a whole other story!))

By trying to explain America, I hope this eases some fears of moving and living in America. There will be culture shock I'm sure - each has their own way of expressing and dealing with it. I discovered that the best way for me to get over culture shock is to be with people whether it is with my family or meeting new people. Go and explore the nation! I'm sure there are people who want to too, and who knows you may meet each other. 

Love, 

ALPHA