Blog for caic2

America, finally I am here! It’s interesting how I compulsively kept telling myself that I am actually being in the place that I’ve heard and seen so much about through music and movies. If people ask me what would be the difference between the America that you’ve imagined and the real one you see, it’s probably too early to tell, but I would now say that the real one is a even more comfortable place to live in. it’s greener, quieter. At the very least, this was the impression I got of Richmond during the night drive and this whole day of walking around the campus.
People here are really easy going. They seem to be always ready to chat, as long as we get rid of our shyness and cheerfully step up and introduce ourselves. I remember how excited one of the interns named Lisa got when she found out that some of us could speak Cantonese with her in the airport. It’s nice to know that an American born Chinese like her care so much about our dialect. It would be sad for some people having become the so called BANANAS, yellow on the outside but while inside. Of course, it’s not a bad idea at all to integrate so well in the American society, but it’s also important for people to remember and keep their roots.
Arriving in America also reminds me one more good thing about being energetically young: we don’t seem to suffer much from jet lag. Although we were asked to gather at half past ten, my roommates and I actually left our room at a little past eight. Seeing the beautiful sunshine and greenery outside the window, none of us could resist the temptation of leaving the coldly air conditioning room and taking a nice Sunday morning walk.
Walking through the park where squirrels jumping freely in the lawn, we were all attracted by a beautiful Cathedral. It was great that the staff in the church welcomed visitors all the same. But anyway, I still felt that I was a complete outsider even though I was being inside the church. Chinese young people don’t usually have religious beliefs, largely because we are taught to believe mainly in science. And this has made me pretty curious about religions. Sometimes I do get envious of people being so sincere and firm about their religions. I guess religions can provide explanations about the uncertainties and insecurities people come across about life. Maybe I will have a religion in the future when the time is right.
Here in VCU, numerous churches are built inside the campus. Danielle, our intern told me it was because Christianity includes different branches. So I guess this shows part of the American culture: welcome and respect differences; and as what Danielle put it-religion is a huge thing for American people.
There were many impressive other spotlights on this very first day. I like the houses here with different styles and colors. And I like the relaxing atmosphere all around the campus. It’s more like a park! Good to know that we are staying for two weeks!