More than a month that I’m living in Chicago, immersed in the american lifestyle. I thought that american culture, as others occidental cultures, was close to how I was living in France. I was wrong ! Everything is different thus it’s the best opportunity to discover new ways of life.
Tips #1: Chicago is called the windy city, and not the winedy city as I pronounced when I arrived and the reason americans had fun times to hear me I guess. So, this name is because one day you could enjoy your delicious ice cream on the riverwalk under a warm 34°C (93°F), and just few hours later, when the wind come from the Michigan lake with a storm, you have just to go back home before a rainy and icy 2°C (36°F). The weather made me crazy for some day.
Tips #2: Mexican, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Irish, American, French, Chicago is a multicultural city. From fast food to fresh pretty meal without to forget Chicago’s typical food, there is a melting-pot of places to enjoy for the best pleasure of your taste buds. It’s a chance to have all these culture in one place. PS : Be careful, everything is spicy here ! It’s definitely a bad idea to add more spicy sauce than there is already ! Otherwise, if you’ve got enough bravery, you can try to cook by yourself and to go throughout huge rayons of food, each more weird than others ! I’m kidding, it’s a good experience to know if you’re a cook master and to discover so many new tastes.
Tips #3: Americans share one passion and especially in Chicago : the most famous American Sport, the baseball. The Cubs are one of the most popular teams (if it isn’t the most popular) and to be in the Wrigley field and to see all people who live the game and sing together to make an impressive atmosphere was an amazing experience. There is just one rule for anyone want to assist a game: eat, drink and enjoy! This is one of the things to try absolutely! If you aren’t fond of baseball, maybe it can be american football, hockey, basketball. Choice is present !
Tips #4: Maybe New York is The city that never sleep, but in Chicago and in all others american city I think, when they don’t sleep, peoples are always busy, Americans work and live through their job, youngs live through their study and practise lots of sports, they share many things together. To be immersed in their culture, one important thing is to be involved in their activities, even for a few time.
Tips #5 : The biggest change and the most obvious is the language. Yes they speak english! There is a huge gap between school lessons and to think, listen, try to understand and speak all the time in english. For some people whose me, it was scary at the beginning, especially at work where they was expecting something of me. It’s very tired too, at the end of the day, I was exhausted. It’s impressive how my brain could make too many effort just for speeking in English. However, it is the most rewarding work and the best way to learn! You’ll be so proud of you to see your progress.
There is always few difference on eveything at least. Here is what’s impressed me the most.
