From the time I was a baby, my life has been a whirlwind of movement and change. It all began when my family relocated from San Juan, Argentina, where I was born, to Mendoza. A few years later, we made another move to Cordoba, my mother’s hometown. Then, with a sense of adventure, we embarked on a journey to the United States to start a whole new life. However, our plans shifted fast, and within a week of arriving in Miami, Florida, we found ourselves settling in Franklin, Tennessee. We remained there for about a year before returning to Miami.
Most of my childhood was spent in Miami, but it felt like we were constantly on the move, hopping from one neighborhood to another – from South Dade to North Dade to Hialeah, and so on. Amidst all this, my parents transitioned from U.S. residents to Naturalized citizens, and they ensured that I followed suit. Although the paperwork from the INS certified my U.S. citizenship at the age of 16, I had long felt like an American at heart, having spent most of my young life in the States pledging allegiance to the flag at school.
By the time I reached 21, our family had settled in Central Florida, marking the start of yet another chapter in my life. However, as time passed, circumstances changed. My parents decided to retire in Argentina, while I found myself deeply entrenched in my life in the U.S., having found love and chosen to stay behind.
Unfortunately, challenges arose. Financial struggles coupled with personal losses shook my stability. Yet, in the face of adversity, I sought change once again and made the bold decision to move to New York City with my husband, believing in the city’s reputation for making dreams come true. However, reality hit hard. Despite my best efforts, the cost of living proved daunting, and job layoffs added to the strain. Eventually, the hubs and I had to move in with his family to weather the storm not once, but twice in four years.
While the situation was far from ideal, a lifeline emerged from my family in Argentina. With their generosity, we were offered a home of our own. It was like a beacon of stability in uncertain times. The only problem is, I didn't want to go. I am American. The U.S. is my home. I know next to nothing about Argentina and have zero interest in even visiting there. Reluctantly, but with no better alternative, we accepted the offer and prepared for a bombshell of a transition.
Leaving behind everything I have ever known is not a decision I made lightly. The U.S. has shaped my identity, provided opportunities, and filled my life with countless memories. Yet, faced with the need to secure our future, I know I have to do this.
The road ahead is unclear, filled with challenges of adapting to a new culture, different laws, and way of life. However, I approach this journey with a sense of hope and determination. On June 17th, 2012, I will bid farewell to the United States, embarking on a new adventure in Argentina. This marks the beginning of a new chapter, and I am ready to embrace whatever lies ahead.
It will be tough, but like everything else, you will learn to adapt. Don't know about Cordoba, but Mendoza is nice. People drink mate one hundred times a day, everything shuts down from one to four and people generally go to sleep the siesta.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand, Cordoba is more cosmopolitan and will remind you of San Diego, California. As Americans, we are spoiled. I have found that during my six visits to Argentina, calling the US will cost you mucho bucks, eating meat daily is normal, and electrical appliances will cost you a fortune. But you will be fine.
Can't wait to continue hearing about your adventures.
I miss you already. . .
Thank you very much for your comment. Yes. I've taken the liberty of browsing some of the Argentinian stores websites. The electronics are insanely expensive because of the import taxes.
DeleteBonus ... my folks told me that there is a Walmart not too far from the house I'll be living in. Let's hope they honor the same low prices down there that we have in the States.