At San Jose Airport, I ordered a taxi via Uber and headed to the apartment booked for me by the company. As soon as I arrived at the Miro San Jose Apartments, I was greeted with a pleasant surprise—these were luxurious apartments with a comfortable bedroom, a magnificent kitchen equipped with everything needed for cooking, as well as a washing machine and dryer. The space looked modern and cozy, with a huge floor-to-ceiling window offering a breathtaking view of the city.
The residential complex also offered excellent facilities for relaxation and keeping fit: there was a large pool and a modern, well-equipped fitness center on site. I was to spend my first month here while looking for permanent accommodation. The apartment and its amenities created ideal conditions for a comfortable start to life in a new city.
However, an unexpected problem arose right away—power outlets. I had not considered that the US uses a different type of socket, and this came as a complete surprise to me. It caused worry and a sense of helplessness in my first hours in the new country. I did not have a single adapter, and I was cut off from the ability to charge my devices.
The next morning, I left the apartment and walked north along Fourth Street, enjoying the view of typical American single-story houses lined up along the road. For the first time, I noticed that streets here often have numbers instead of names, which struck me as unusual and even a bit symbolic of the structured American way of life.
I headed to the rental office, where a car reserved for me by the company was waiting—a white Chevrolet Malibu of the current model year. I felt a slight nervousness, as this would be my first time driving a car in the US.
On my way to the rental office, I noticed a small store. A spontaneous thought to buy a can of Red Bull prompted me to go inside, and that moment became my first experience communicating with an American store clerk. The clerk’s light accent, friendly smile, and brief exchange of phrases immersed me in a whole new reality, filling the moment with a sense of novelty and importance.
After that, I continued on my way, looking forward to meeting the car that would be my companion for the next several days. I walked down a busy street, lost in thoughts about the upcoming journey. What would the car be like? Would it be comfortable? Dreams of driving on American roads instantly transported me into a future filled with freedom and new experiences.
At last, I reached the right place, and it turned out that the car rental office was inside a hotel building. The building looked modern and a bit imposing. When I went inside, everything was organized and simple—the rental office was easy to find.
After picking up the car, I approached the rental company employee and asked:
“Excuse me, could you tell me where I can buy an American SIM card?”
“Of course,” he replied with a smile. “I recommend T-Mobile. One of their stores is very close, right here,” he said, showing me on my phone.
“Thank you very much,” I said, feeling relieved to know where to go.
I headed there right away. This was my first experience driving on American roads, and I felt both excitement and curiosity. The yellow lines, often double, separating oncoming traffic flows looked unusual to me. In some places, I even saw quadruple divider lines. I constantly monitored my speed and watched for signs so as not to break any rules.
Another feature was that in America, the system of measuring distances is in miles. One mile is about 1.6 kilometers, and I had to reorient my sense of distance to interpret the road signs correctly.
Also, road signs often displayed fractional distances, such as “¼ mile” or “½ mile.” Interestingly, such fractional designations are usually found on short stretches of US highways and other types of roads, emphasizing that they are not used for all distances. This tradition developed historically: fractional indicators helped drivers navigate back when the road infrastructure was less developed.
This seemed unfamiliar to me—fractions were confusing because I had to quickly convert them into miles and divide in my head. This added a bit of confusion, but gradually I started getting used to it.
It was a little scary, but at the same time exciting. The cars around me moved confidently, and I tried to blend into the flow, feeling more and more confident with each mile.
I arrived at my destination, which turned out to be a shopping area called ‘Plaza de San Jose.’ It was a ‘power center’ type shopping center, which means separate buildings for each brand, as well as some stores combined in one complex. All the buildings were actually one story tall and painted orange, arranged around a large parking lot, and some of the store buildings, as an extension of the shopping center, were even on the other side of the road.
After a bit of searching, I finally found the T-Mobile office and bought a SIM card. It turned out that all I needed was an email address, which surprised me since in most other countries you have to show identification or fill out many forms. Here the process was incredibly quick and easy, which made me appreciate the convenience.
After that, I went in search of power adapters.
My first attempts were unsuccessful—not a single nearby store had the necessary adapters. This added some stress since I was left without connectivity and couldn’t charge my devices. After several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to order the adapters on Amazon. A few days later, the order was delivered, and the problem was finally solved.
This small incident added its own difficulties to my first days, but it did not prevent me from continuing to adapt to life in a new city.
As soon as Monday came, I went to the local office to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is a unique identification number, similar to the Russian INN, used to track income and taxes in the US, as well as to receive social benefits. At the office, I completed the process successfully, and I was told the number would arrive by mail in some time.
Without waiting for all the formalities, I started work that very Monday. The company provided me with all the necessary equipment: a Google Chromebook and a MacBook, which allowed me to work both from home and from the workplace assigned to me in the office. When my Social Security Number finally arrived by mail, I was able to open a bank account at Bank of America and also get a credit card. This was the beginning of building my credit score, which plays an important role in financial life in the US—it determines access to loans, renting housing, and even potential jobs. Thus began my first working days in the US—in a new city, with new challenges, but with a great start.
A new stage began—the search for permanent housing. For the whole month, I drove around different neighborhoods of San Jose, looking at apartment options and even considered renting a house. However, I quickly realized that a house requires much more maintenance and upkeep than an apartment, so I decided to focus on apartments.
Rental prices ranged from two to five thousand dollars per month for so-called one-bedroom apartments, which have a separate bedroom and a combined kitchen-living room. At the same time, most apartments were unfurnished, but the kitchen had standard appliances—a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, as well as built-in storage cabinets. Most options offered similar layouts and sets of amenities, but I aimed to find the optimal balance between price and comfort.
In the end, I chose a complex called The Pierce—spacious apartments in downtown with a balcony overlooking a well-kept green backyard. An additional advantage was the presence of a pool, ideal for relaxing on hot days, as well as a cozy barbecue area where I could meet neighbors. In addition, the complex had a two-story parking garage, and I was immediately given a space on the second level, which greatly simplified everyday trips.
The only noticeable downside was the noise from the nearby highway (Interstate 280 or Junipero Serra Freeway), which, however, was only audible if I paid close attention. Over time, I got used to this background noise and soon hardly noticed it.
Another feature was the requirement to purchase an insurance policy covering potential damage to the property. Since the apartment already had basic furniture and kitchen appliances, this suited me quite well: in case of any damage, everything would be repaired or replaced under the insurance, which significantly reduced my risks and gave me a sense of security.
After moving in, I immediately started settling in: since there was no furniture in the apartment (except for the standard kitchen appliances), my first task was to buy everything I needed myself. I decided to start with the essentials—a mattress, a desk, and a comfortable chair—and went to IKEA in Palo Alto to get them. These basic pieces of furniture instantly transformed the space, making it cozier and more functional, and I had a clear feeling that I was beginning to create my own “home away from home.”
As Thanksgiving approached, which is one of the main holidays in the US and is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, we were looking forward to four days off: the holiday itself, the day after (known as Black Friday), and the usual weekend. Black Friday marks the beginning of the Christmas sales, when stores offer huge discounts and millions of people go shopping.
I decided to use this time for a trip to Los Angeles. It was a wonderful chance to visit the famous city, take a break from work, and enjoy a few days off.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, I checked into a hotel on West Third Street. In the evening, right after settling in, I set out to explore downtown. Walking through the city center and seeing downtown illuminated at night left a vivid impression—I took several photos to capture the memories.
The next day, I continued exploring the city. I visited the famous Hollywood Boulevard, known for its Walk of Fame, which commemorates outstanding figures in film, music, television, and other areas of the arts.
After that, I walked past Paramount Pictures studios. It was especially interesting to see this place associated with the history of Hollywood. I also found the Netflix office—the headquarters of one of the largest streaming services in the world. That day became a real immersion in the world of movies and entertainment.
Although I did not manage to see everything I had planned, I couldn’t leave Los Angeles without visiting the famous Hollywood Sign. This iconic symbol of the city, located on the slope of Mount Lee in Griffith Park, was originally installed in 1923 as an advertisement for a residential area and read Hollywoodland. Over time, the sign became associated with the American film industry, and in 1949 it was updated and the word “land” was removed from the name. Today, the Hollywood Sign embodies not just cinema but also the dream of success.
After visiting the Hollywood Sign, I stopped by the Santa Monica Pier, famous for its atmosphere and entertainment. In the Pacific Park amusement zone located right on the pier, I took the opportunity to ride the famous Pacific Wheel, which is powered by solar energy. From the top of the wheel, there are stunning views of the endless ocean, golden beaches, and city streets.
I also tried the West Coaster roller coaster—a thrilling ride that runs right over the pier, adding excitement with its turns and speed. The park’s atmosphere, with the sound of ocean waves, the cries of delighted visitors, and the smells of food on the pier, left an unforgettable impression. After this eventful day, I headed back to San Jose, full of vivid emotions and memories.
My route passed through Santa Barbara, where I made a stop to see one of the region’s main attractions—the Santa Barbara Mission.
The Santa Barbara Mission, founded in 1786, was named after Saint Barbara, who is regarded as the patroness in times of danger, especially during storms and fires. It is part of a network of Spanish missions established to convert local Native Americans to Christianity and to teach them crafts and agriculture.
This mission is known as the “Queen of the Missions” due to its architectural beauty, unique twin-towered facade, and magnificent gardens. It served not only as a religious but also as a cultural center for the region, having a significant influence on the development of the local community.
Interestingly, the Santa Barbara Mission also became widely known thanks to the TV series “Santa Barbara,” which aired in the US from 1984 to 1993. In Russia and other post-Soviet countries, it became popular in the 1990s, when it first appeared on local television screens and captured a huge audience.
Continuing my journey, I enjoyed the incredible scenery along the coast: ocean views and mountains left a lasting impression and made this trip truly special.
For the Christmas holidays, I decided to treat myself to a new adventure and set off for New York. At that time, I still had the rental car—a white Malibu. Before the trip, I decided to find out if I could return it early. The rental company told me I could leave it right at the airport, and that would complete the rental. That’s exactly what I did: I drove to the airport, left the car, and then went through all the necessary procedures to take a domestic flight to New York.
Arriving in the city, I was immediately met by piercing cold. Braving the chill, I made my way to a hotel in Manhattan, checked in, and warmed up a bit. But the weather forced me to go to the nearest shopping center for warm clothes—without them, I couldn’t manage in such cold.
Properly dressed for the weather, I finally set out to explore the city. I arrived on Christmas Day, December 24, and the city was especially beautiful on this festive day. First, I went to Central Park—one of New York’s landmarks, where I wanted to feel the true atmosphere of this metropolis. I strolled along the snowy park paths, took photos, and enjoyed the winter scenery. At one point, I even found the very hotel where scenes from the movie “Home Alone 2” were filmed. That place instantly brought me back to my childhood and made me smile, remembering my favorite moments from the film.
After my walk in the park, I decided to keep exploring the city by subway, to see more corners of this amazing city. At one of the subway stations, I unexpectedly struck up a conversation with a homeless man. He shared his story with me—a simple conversation, but it left a deep impression. The memory of that conversation still reminds me of the contrasts of this city, where human destinies exist side by side with glittering shop windows. I traveled to Battery Park—a historic place with stunning views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. I stayed for a while, gazing at this icon of freedom from afar, which allowed me to truly feel the symbolism of the place.
Then I took the subway again and went to the Brooklyn Bridge. After walking across this famous bridge, I enjoyed the stunning views of evening New York, which was gradually lighting up with the city’s skyscrapers. These moments let me feel the magic of the city I had heard so much about. After that, I headed to Times Square—the heart of the bustling metropolis, where there is always movement and bright lights, immersing me in the unique atmosphere of the city that never sleeps.
Everything seemed to be going according to plan, but the next day I suddenly felt unwell—it seemed I had a fever. This happened just a day before my scheduled departure. My condition worsened so much that I had to spend the whole day in the hotel, trying to recover. The next morning, instead of heading to the airport, I had to extend my stay for an extra half day to recuperate before the much-anticipated trip.
In the evening of December 27, feeling my strength gradually returning, I finally made it to the airport and took a taxi to Washington, D.C. The flight, which lasted only an hour and a half, passed quickly, and soon I checked into a hotel located near the White House. Inspired by the new surroundings, I immediately decided that this trip would be special.
The next day, leaving the cozy hotel walls, I set out to explore the city. First, I walked past the Capitol and headed to the National Mall—a park stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. Here you can feel the spirit of American history and the grandeur of architecture. The Washington Monument, which appeared before me as a majestic obelisk, impressed me with its grandeur—this tall column seemed to point the way to the sky, captivating with its upward aspiration. At that moment, I understood why the Obelisk is considered a symbol of striving and ideals.
Passing the Obelisk, I reached the World War II Memorial, which reminded me of the significance of events that changed the course of history. This memorial left me with a deep sense of respect for those who fought and sacrificed for peace. Then I approached the Lincoln Memorial, imagining how historic rallies once took place on those steps. The power of a place that has witnessed so many significant moments could not fail to impress. I felt as if history was coming alive before me, allowing me to soak in the meaning of these sites and feel like part of something greater.
I also came across the building of the Federal Reserve Bank—an impressive structure symbolizing the country’s financial might. Its classical architecture and grand columns emphasize the significance and stability of the economic system. And so, by the end of the day, I found myself at the White House, where I greeted the New Year. There were few people, but the atmosphere was truly magical: a sense of joy and renewal filled the air, as if the whole city was starting from a clean slate.
On the morning of January 1, saying goodbye to the Christmas Washington, I boarded a plane and returned to San Jose, feeling that this adventure had become a part of me and changed something inside.
