| Argentine-born Natalia lives in Orlando, Florida, where she teaches at the university level. As an expat, she combines the best of both Argentine and American cultures in her daily life. She candidly shares her opinions on moving to and living in the USA, a country that she thinks has a lot to offer in many areas, but is lacking in others. |
 Natalia |
-Where were you born?
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
-In which country and city are you living now?
Orlando, Florida, USA
-Are you living alone or with your family?
I have my own place but my parents and sisters live within the Greater Orlando area.
-How long have you been living in the USA?
I moved here in 1994. However, I lived in New York City for a number of years. I have been back since 1999.
-What is your age?
30
-When did you come up with the idea of living in the USA?
I always wanted to live in the US. Growing up, Argentina was bombarded with American media, so it was like a neverending commercial for life in the US. The economy in Argentina was also on a downward spiral and my parents wanted to make sure we had a better life. Today, I question what a better life really means. But that's a whole other issue.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
I wasn't part of the process, so I don't know whether it was hard. My father, who's had his own company ever since I can remember, moved his operations to the US, and that's how we immigrated.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
It is still hard to get medical insurance. Medicine in this country is a joke.
-How do you make your living in the USA? Do you have any type of income generated?
I've done a lot of things in my 30 years on this earth. I worked all through school doing anything from serving coffee at Starbucks, to tutoring people at Uni. I've been teaching at the University level for almost 5 years now.
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I went to a bilingual school from kinder through senior year. I think it's essential to learn the native language. I also think it's essential to speak more than one language. Not everyone here gets that.
When it comes to customs, I think you should not try to impose your own on other people but should be respectful of people's choices. As someone who has lived somewhere else, I choose to combine the best of Argentina with the best of the US.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Increasingly. One takes for granted what is familiar. There is so much about living in Argentina that was amazing. There is this intangible quality about people from Argentina that I have not found anywhere else. There is a sense of optimism born out of need, a sharp wit, a unique sense of humour. I miss the culture, the intellect, the openness. The US has a lot to offer in many areas, but it is also lacking in many others.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
I am looking into moving to the UK. I spend a lot of time there when I travel and it feels like home. Argentina is a very European country. People call Buenos Aires "The Paris of South America." We shall see how it all develops.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
I bought a condo a few years ago. The housing market has gone mad and we are now seeing people having to abandon their homes and lose money on their sales. It's quite ridiculous. I pay entirely too much, but I guess at least I am building equity. Or that's what I tell myself every time I write that check to the Mortgage Company. I think property is a great investment. But sometimes I get why people just rent.
-What is the cost of living in the USA?
Today? Tomorrow? Who knows? Gas prices are out of control and you need a car to move around. The housing market is crumbling. But you can also buy really cute shoes for almost nothing, as long as you don't mind that some poor child in a developing country is making those shoes for almost no wages at all. So, it all depends what living entails for you.
-What do you think about the locals?
People in Orlando can be friendly. However, I find a lot of people here uneducated, boorish, and fake. Culture here is Disney, not a museum. I sometimes have very little common ground with locals, except at University.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the USA?
Having lived in NYC and in Orlando, I can tell you that it's night and day when you compare the two cities So, I am just painting with broad general strokes here. There is a decidedly anti-intellectual feeling in this country. Lack of education and manners is rampant. Priorities are decidedly jumbled. We spend millions on a war for nothing at all while people here go without medical care. The government is a mess. The education system needs to be completely revamped. People eat too much, watch too much TV, consume too much, discard too much, and not care enough, except when it comes to what celebrity is in bed with another celebrity. Religion interferes with common sense. People are prudish and repressed. Nudity is frowned upon but someone's head being blown up in a movie is acceptable. People are very violent. People don't read. People don't speak correctly. People don't travel abroad. People don't care about other countries in the world. People are selfish. It's depressing at times.
But, on the other hand, there is freedom (for most people on most days), and safety, and money to throw around (only because the debt keeps building). If you close your eyes to things that matter and don't mind all the mess, you can live quite happily.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the USA?
If I had known half of what I know now, I am not sure I would have made the same choice. Perhaps if I had stayed in Argentina, I would not be making as much money as I am now, but I would be healthier and more at peace.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the USA?
I talk about these issues constantly on my own blog, The Cheesepad. You can visit me there @ www.thecheesepad.blogspot.com.
