From Fortaleza to New Orleans

Marília Silva

Hannah Griggs

Writing Practice

From Fortaleza to New Orleans

            Since August 17^th, 2013, I have lived in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am participating in a program called "Sciences without Borders". The main goal of this exchange program is to insert Brazilians students in other countries to complement their study, and to include them in another culture, and put them in contact with another language. I am one of these students, and I am currently studying English and Biology at Dillard University.

            First, when I decided to participate in the selection process for this exchange program in the United States, I was a little afraid because I was going to leave my country to live far away from my family and friends. I was leaving my ordinary life at my college and job to face a new reality in another country. Because of this, I thought it would being a little hard for me in the first weeks. But when I arrived in the United States I surprised myself because I loved it, and as soon as I came here, my insecurity was gone. I realized that I had a unique opportunity, and I am determined to enjoy it to the fullest.

            Before I arrived in New Orleans, I did not know almost nothing about this city. I just heard about Hurricane Katrina that devastated the city. But when I came here, New Orleans surprised me at first sight because it is different from the "America" that I saw in the movies. I think New Orleans is unlike other American cities because it has strong influences from other places such as Africa and France. 
           Since I got here, my habits have changed because some things here are very different from my country; for example food, weather, customs, and, obvious, language. First of all, the English language was the biggest challenge to me because I did not know how speak English. The English that I knew, I had heard on television, so it was very poor. Second, the food from New Orleans is pretty different from Fortaleza, my city in Brazil. Here the food is sometimes sweet and spicy. Also Americans like to eat fast food, and I was not familiar with that. I miss Brazilian food so much. Another difference is the weather. Weather here is different from my city too. Fortaleza does not have the distinction between the seasons. Then, the temperature does not vary much throughout the year. It is always about 86 ºF. Because of this, we use the same kinds of clothes during the whole year. New Orleans does not have Winter as so cold well as in the northern United States, but it is still cold. Those who live here must use warm clothes in the Winter. Lastly, New Orleans has other traditions that impressed me such as Halloween. Unlike in Brazil, the Halloween here is a big party. People wear costumes, and go out to celebrate on Halloween night. In addition, other thing that impressed me it was Bourbon Street. The first time that I went to Bourbon Street, I was surprised when I saw semi-naked people even during the day. That was very crazy, because I did not imagine finding it here.

                      In conclusion, despite differences between here and Fortaleza, I am really enjoying living in New Orleans. The history and customs of this city exceeded my expectations. Although sometimes I am homesick, I think I am having good time here because I am studying in another country, meeting other people, learning a new language, and also experiencing a new culture. I will New Orleans so much when I go back to Brazil.