It was a whirlwind departure. Many of my personal effects were either given to relatives, friends and my driver. The more important ones I could not bring with me were kept by a close friend. Our cat, CK for crazy kat, just sprung from its cage and will most likely try to find its way back to our house which was sold before we left. Our dog, Bassan, was adopted by a relative but it sadly died – my daughter said it did because of sadness. The cat and the dog were her pets. She took the losses in stride but I know deep inside she was weeping. My son was his usual self. Ever confident and strong - ready to face the challenge of a new life.

We arrived in LA on the 4^th of May and I was met by my sister and brother. My wife and kids went with their cousins to Azusa. I arrived in Lake Balboa and settled in for my first night in my adopted country. Being new is an unsettling experience. Luckily, my fraternity brothers were there to welcome me and help out in my adjustment. In a few days, I tried to explore and went downtown.

My first ride was something. I boarded the bus and handed my fare to the driver who just looked at me. He said that if it were ten dollars he would get it. I replied that that was too much. With a laugh he pointed to the fare still and told me to put it there. So I placed it on top and proceeded to get a seat. From the corner of my eyes I saw the driver shaking his head and inserting my fare in the coin slot (hmmm so must for lesson number one!).

Simply walked around and took in the ambience of America. On my way home, (mind you I now know how and where to place my fare… lol) I went down upon seeing the Lake Balboa sign on the road. Wrong move! Still about 2 miles from my destination.. I started to walk and decided to just flag down a bus when it passes by. Later I realized that they only stop at their designated bus stops! Earlier, I also found out that if you miss one, the wait would be around 30 minutes to an hour depending on the day and the place. Some many lessons learned in one day!

In a few weeks I landed a job in Corona. Well, this place still has a lot of farms are in the process of relocating. Hence, you have to get used to an ever present and often overpowering bucolic miasma. I also had to contend with black widow spiders in the garden!

Work is great and it keeps you occupied. Bedtime is the killer. Sadness at having lost all social contacts, dear friends and even just the usual routine of a dynamic city or just a bus ride to Manila really gets you deep inside. So to remedy this, I always walk an hour to the commercial center and get a pizza then walk back again. One time, I noticed a police car shadowing me but I just continued down the road. Later, I realized that I was the only one using the sidewalk as cars zipped by. Must have lost that driving skill but I know one of these days soon I will be as mobile as everybody here.

My first brush with potential danger was right outside the North Hollywood Redline station. One guy was asking for some smokes but I told him that I did not have any. He menacingly threatened and I reacted by rapidly going to him and telling him to prepare to embrace the pavement. With a sigh of relief he ran away. This earned me quite an earful from my sister and brothers. They declared that I was fortunate as street violence is prevalent in LA.

My closest friends here are my cell phone and my PC. The internet is truly a lifesaver! With the time difference of 15-16 hours sacrifices do have to be made to get in touch with home.

It’s now been almost three years but I still have to get used to winter. I still have to get used to very quiet neighborhoods. I still have to quell the longing gnawing feeling deep inside. I continue to be alone and so lonely