by Jear Zachary U. Dangate
As our plane landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City (NYC), the first thing that caught my attention was the American Flag waving back and forth. Here I was at the United States of America at last. I saw snow for the first time.
Although I was very tired, I felt rejuvenated as the flight attendants began opening the cabin doors. Together with my parents, I lined up with my luggage preparing to disembark. As expected, our passports and documents were checked before we could exit the airport.
As we stepped out of the airport, I felt the rush of cold air. The temperature was colder than what we had back home in Butuan when the air conditioner was set at 16 degrees Celsius.
A beautiful day at the Manhattan Bridge, NYC.
Tita Mamitch and Tito JY, who are friends of my Mom and Dad, picked us up and gave us a quick tour throughout New York City. We first visited one of the most famous tourist spots in the city, the Manhattan Bridge. We took some photos and then drove by the Empire State Building. We also visited Times Square where we also took photos right next to the big screens and statues.
We then ate dinner at a restaurant where diners cook their own food on the table. And so, we cooked bacon, fish and shrimps for dinner at our own table. After dinner, we drove to Maryland, where we would stay with Tita Mamitch and Tito JY for the next 2 weeks. I went straight to bed after helping my parents unload our luggage. It had been a long and full day.
Standing right next to the Apollo 11 Lifepod at SNASM in Washington, D.C.
The next day, I noticed that we woke up at what would be 2 pm based on Philippine time. My parents and I had to adjust to the different time zone, the new environment. After eating breakfast, we were on the road again for more sightseeing. We headed to the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. While on the road, we passed some filming locations such as those used in the following films: John Wick, Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
At the American Museum of Natural History, I saw a lot of dinosaur skeletons on display. I also saw the Marine Life section as well as a preserved elephant on display at the museum. Tita and Tito then took us to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (SNASM) in Washington, D.C. where I saw the SR-71 Blackbird jet plane from the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. We took photos of the main attractions such as Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 Space Suit and the famous retired American Space Shuttle Orbiter called Discovery. Discovery was the third Space Shuttle orbiter vehicle to fly in space. It was first launched on August 30, 1984. After taking pictures, we decided to head back home to Maryland.
Visiting the American Museum of Natural History, NYC.
As I reflected on my experience, it was fun. But in the end, what mattered to me most is sharing quality time with friends and loved ones. I know we will be facing new challenges and even obstacles. But being here in the US is good for us because we will also have new opportunities and resources which would benefit us and our other family members.
Although we are in a new environment, my parents and I stick together. We provide support and comfort for each other in times when one of us feels down.
Featured/Topmost Photo: Behind the author is the SR-71 Blackbird jet plane from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
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Jear Zachary U. Dangate is 15 years old and loves to play chess and piano. His favorite school subjects are Math, English and Science. He was a student of Agusan National High School in Butuan City but is now based in Minnesota, USA, with his parents. Del or Deli, the creator and main author of this blog has been coaching him in writing.
