Dear Mom, 

      I’m guessing by the shipping address you already know, but I finally arrived to New York City! Oh Mom, I wish you could see how beautiful the city is in person and how diverge the culture is. After going through customs and trying to decide where I wanted to go, I didn't let the chance to roam the city by myself and get familiar to my surroundings. As I got closer to street where different languages were being spoken, I immediately heard a woman speaking spanish into her phone, which helped me a lot since I noticed I wandered too far and got lost. I politely talked to her explaining that I was new and terribly lost. You would never guess what happened after Angela helped me with different street names and her favorite restaurants, she actually invited me into her neighborhood. Everyone around me was speaking spanish and I felt like I was back home again!

        After meeting Angela’s friends and learning how to fit into a normal New York City routine, they all invited me to go shopping at a brand new store with them on saturday. I quickly agreed and road in the back seat of Angela’s husbands car, which was a new experience since back in Spain we walk everywhere. After what felt like forever, we finally pulled up to the store and I couldn't believe it. The store looked like a humongous mansion! Angela explained to me that the store had to be that size because American merchandise was growing and more consumers were buying and demanding for more. After walking around the store and getting lost a few times, a worker told me that the store was called a department store and it was even new to America! I noticed that there was not a lot of men shopping and it was mainly all woman. Even Angela’s husband didn't even want to come into the department store. After looking at everything I decided not to buy anything since I still need to find a job, but boy was that exciting!

       Im very fortunate for having Angela, since without her I would be sleeping on the streets with no job. I haven't mentioned it yet but she actually found me a job as a waiter for a sandwich shop down the road from where she lives. She also has been teaching me English everyday  and plans on meeting you whenever you decide to come over. But I will tell you, the first week is a culture shock and I wouldn't pal on going in with high expectations. Making the wrong turn or going a extra block can lead you into a segregated and racist community. Thankfully I have never experienced this but Angela and her husband have. I hope you are very healthy and decide to come.

       Love,

 Your daughter 

New York City