My Journey to America: Early Impressions and Experiences

Over the years, my journey to the United States has been a blend of excitement and surprise. From the first visit in 2003 to working in a steel mill in the late 1990s, each experience left a lasting impression that continues to shape my views of the country. Let's dive into the early chapters of my story in the Land of Opportunity.

First Visit: 2003 and Chicago Customs

My first brush with the American customs process was less than pleasant, occurring in 2003 when I was entering from Australia. We arrived in Chicago and had our bags meticulously searched, which took quite some time. To our frustration, we missed our connecting flight due to a two-hour-long security threat, a guitar and a solo traveler faced. Although it was only about a single man and a guitar, the security measures were still stringent.

Back then, with 9/11 still fresh in everyone's minds, the heightened security was quite understandable. While it was a challenging start, my visit to Washington D.C. organized by my brother soon turned into a memorable experience.

First Tour of Washington D.C.

In the 1980s, I was a young Captain and got to tour Washington D.C. as part of a conducted tour with meals and hotel stay included. I quickly became an unofficial hero, with my introduction as 'Captain Gupta from the Indian Army' drawing a crowd every time a problem arose. People would call out, 'Captain Gupta to the rescue please.' It was a bit of an unscheduled experience, but it made us all giggle and enjoy the fun.

Another highlight of that trip was our visit to the top of the erstwhile World Trade Center. It was an awe-inspiring moment, a stark contrast to my current life in the U.S. - a much different experience from my hometown or any other part of the world I had visited.

Second Visit: San Diego and Ralphs Supermarket

My wife and I had our first visit to the U.S. in the early 1990s, arriving in San Diego. My English buddy and his wife met us at the airport. On the way back to his house in Escondido, we stopped at a Ralphs supermarket. While my wife and his wife went in to buy some items, my buddy and I waited in his car. A lady approached us and offered to perform a service, a two of us for 25, which involved 'swallowing.' My initial reaction was how wonderful this place was, having never been offered such services in the UK. However, it's worth noting that an experience like this has not repeated itself in other Ralphs locations or any other supermarkets in the area.

Years later, when I was living in the U.S., I found the population very friendly and welcoming. While the incident at Ralphs remains a quirk, I highly recommend visiting the U.S., but perhaps give Ralphs in Escondido a wide berth.

Third Visit: Steel Mill Refurbishment

My first work-related visit to the U.S. was in the late 1990s, and it was quite an eye-opener. I was working on a steel mill refurbishment in a small town in northern Pennsylvania during a particularly cold winter. The mill had shut down six years prior, leaving the town run-down and poor, with high unemployment. The town was also in a state of bankruptcy.

What I remember most about that visit was the stark reality of poverty. Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, the town and its streets displayed rare and disturbing signs of poverty and underdevelopment. Homeless people were begging on the streets, there were derelict houses, and the presence of crime, drug use, and violence was quite visible. The surrounding area in Pennsylvania and Ohio was not much better. The steel mill, though, was surrounded by razor wire and had heavily armed guards at the main gate for security.

The socio-economic realities of the town were quite different from the glossy, privileged image of the U.S. I grew up with. It was a sobering experience that highlighted the stark contrast between the media portrayal and the ground realities I encountered first-hand.

Final Thoughts

From the initial customs hustle to the steel mill in Pennsylvania, my visits to the U.S. have been a journey of discovery and real-world learning. Each experience, whether pleasant or challenging, has contributed to my understanding of the country. While there are challenges and issues, the overall impression I left with is one of a welcoming and friendly populace, despite the occasional quirky moments. The journey is a reminder that every country has its unique stories, and it's always enlightening to explore and experience them firsthand.

Key Points:

First Visit to America: 2003 and Chicago Customs First Tour of Washington D.C.: Conducted tour with meals and hotel stay included Ralphs Supermarket Experience: In Escondido, California Steel Mill Refurbishment: Pennsylvania, late 1990s