Getting Trouble In A New Country

Mody

Have you ever gotten lost when you traveled to a new country?

My name's Mohammad, I'm from Saudi Arabia and I'm 20 years old. Since I was a child, I wanted to come here to America, I dreamed of it many times. So often, I would woke up and feel upset because it was just a dream and not real. After I graduated from high school I talked to my father about coming here, but he refused. So, I gave up that time, but after six months my fried that I talked with him in the social media told me that he'll go to America, and asked me why I don't go to America? I asked my father for the second time, and he said "I'll think about it”. One day after he came back from his work I asked him, did you decided or not yet? He answered me that he will let me Go to America. He told me that he talked to his workmate and he explained everything to my father. My father's workmate has a son in the U.S. And before my flight I visited Ali in his house to know him and ask him questions about traveling to America. He explained everything to me and then I went back home.

After I arrived America I felt so excited and little scary. I wondered because there was huge buildings everywhere. At that time it was "Ramadan" and in this month Muslims should fast from sunrise to sunset. I arrived at the Airport at 11AM, and I eat lunch, and I could eat at that time and it was Ramadan because I was traveling and my religion allow people to eat only if they was sick or traveling. And Then I toke a bus to New Paltz, and on my way to New Paltz i was McDonald's, and I said I should to go there tomorrow to eat. After that I arrived in New Paltz and I went to my dorm, and I slept immediately because I was so tired. The next day I fasted. I woke up at 5PM and I decided I should eat soon, I called my friend who's living in Poughkeepsie and asked him where is McDonald's. The problem was that I went from the wrong way and I got lost. I walked maybe for twenty minutes, but I didn't see McDonald's or any other restaurant. I decided to go back because I  for sure that I went the wrong way and I was right. I was so hungry and tired. I tried to stop someone to ask for a ride, but no one stopped. In my country if I raised my hand in the street some people will stop and will ask if I want a ride or am I have a problem, so they will help. after trying to stop anyone suddenly some Mexicans Workers stopped. I was very happy at that time. they took me to near Student Union Building, and they showed me the way to main street. I thanked them and I kept walking. On my way I met some girl, and I asked her how to get to McDonald's. She told me how to get there and we chit chatted until we get to main street. she continued walking another way and I turned to walk down another street until i saw McDonald's. I finally ate and thanked my god.

Then, After I arrived at my dorm, I counted how many hours I spent without eating. It was 31 or 32 hours without eating anything. When I was searching for McDonald's I felt if I didn't eat so soon I’ll die!! It was a horrible feeling. I was a little angry because no one stopped for me, I realized later that I’m not in Saudi Arabia, and many thing could be so deferent. In my country when I got lost I never ask anyone where is the right way and try to find it myself, but here in the U.S it could be so dangerous, and may cause a serious problem. I learned to ask anyone if I got lost to not have a problem. And now before I go somewhere unfamiliar, the first thing that I do is go to Google's Map and print the directions, and take the paper with me. Some things in life you think it'' not cure that problem but, if you didn't pay attention or fix it, it'll case a big problem.