First, hello!!!!!!!
And so...well if anyone bothered remembering my so-called promises before I left for the States, I actually failed to accomplish that..
Not that this would compensate since the last promise had something to do with making an entry while I was still in California, which made the commitment more appealing. But since I'm back in MLA, it seems I could only recount and share of the happening when it is entirely done.
How did California look to me?
I gotta say... for over a decade, San Francisco, more specifically, looked a lot different. It had a lot to do with the fact that I'm 10 years older since I last stepped foot in America, so perception as a pre-adolescent compared to that of an adolescent could make it drastic. But reality is reality, what you see is the evident. Some of the things I noticed, in terms of change, which I liked were the following:
1. Californians are more conscious of their figures than a decade ago.
When I was in America 10 years ago (also for a short vacation), obesity was prominent.
Fast forward to ten years later, I think I was the obese person in the crowd. I remember thinking loud and clearly, 'I wasn't alone before...', now I thought, 'I'm left behind! I'm left behind!'
:))) So much for perception. But I'm honestly glad that the Americans are changing their lifestyle and have been setting the trend for healthy living. Even in the commercials, I noticed that food conglomerates have been counting calories and are supporting the need for a 'controlled intake'. Going organic, and minding the calories is the big thing these days. At least more so, compared to what I saw 10 years ago.
2. San Francisco is still lovely as ever
In fact, it's gotten better. I don't know if it has something to do with the ever-growing and healthy Filipino community, or the fact that --alright let me just say it-- white people could communicate with us with a more pronounced equality. Before, when we would walk by the street, white people in general ignored our presence. These days there's always an exchanged 'hi' or 'hello' or 'good morning' matched with a genuine smile. The over-all ambiance is more 'accepting'. From the theaters, to the malls, to the parks and restaurants; I could feel the acceptance, the acknowledgment, that normalcy that came with comfort.
These 2 points are the most prominent that I noticed recently. I feel a little more content, knowing that my relatives abroad are respected and acknowledged.
One other observation, but it may have been the case since more than 10 years ago (which I have no proof of except if it is verified by other observers, especially those who reside in San Fo), is that the Chinese community is also growing very rapidly in California. In San francisco, most of my relatives' neighbours are Chinese. I noticed that a lot of them still keep to themselves and don't 'open up' unlike other immigrants. I don't know the level of insecurity, or perhaps none of it, the level of discrimination, or again, perhaps none of it, with regard to the Chinese who lives in California but I see them, and they were, in general, very quiet. Was it language barrier? Cultural difference? If I try to compare their possible difficulty with how it was for Filipinos many years back, was it the same? Is their adjustment period more difficult, just as, slightly, or no difficulty at all?
I don't know but I'm only guessing, that a 'cultural over-all attitude' could be the case (ie. the assumption that the Chinese family, as a conservative and family-centered community, makes them depend amongst themselves. This being a more (or most) important responsibility while they reside in the U.S. -- than engaging with individuals outside their community.)
More importantly, the communities jived just fine. They just don't mingle a lot amongst each other in a frequent and regular basis. Maybe that's the 'utopia' I'm wishing for the States. I'm not even American, but because I have loved ones who live there, it's imperative that their environment is one that regards its residents with warmth, respect and acknowledgment. For sure, their children who will learn the American language would have, ideally, bigger chances of being able to communicate more effectively and openly amongst each other, due to the same generation, likely similar preferences and ideals. Definitely school will play a big part. Integral. May it be public or private.
So ten years from now... I wonder. :)
