Posted by dont do it on March 22, 2002 at 13:14:10:
In Reply to: Re: US VISA TRUE? posted by rania on March 21, 2002 at 14:57:18:
Raina: I am trying to give good advice to this man here so he doesn't destroy his life. I am not here to hurt your feelings but just help him. You don't think in good conscience living in the USA is better than living in Europe. You are talking about places like Washington DC, Chicago and tell him these are fun places. Are you crazy? DC is a ghetto, it's boring too, with all his dull administrative buildings. Chicago is ok, but it's a city in the midwest with lots of problem, I would not say it's "great" and it sucks compare to London, Amsterdam, Paris... Can you compare California to the French Riviera, Italy, or even Greece?? America is ok, it's not the Third World, but it's not fun either, really not fun. I have been here long enough. I mentioned Greek Americans just to show him how people were here. He is going to feel lonely and turn to Greeks, just like me, and then realize that Greek Americans are really not cool like the Greeks in Greece. I am just trying to help him make the right decision. Now it doesn't matter if I hurt your feelings. Also I don't think the diversity of cultures that you have in the East Coast is something that makes America attractive to Europeans. I'd even say it's something very scary. Also I don't know where your family comes from in Greece, but Greek women are not persecuted in Greece, Greece is not Afghanistan.
: Hello Panaioti,
: No it's not true. I think that is just one person's opinion--a person who is from Greece and of course would be partial to his/her homeland. That's expected and there's nothing wrong with that. But, being a Greek-American myself, I think America is a wonderful country. I'm first-generation Greek-American and I'm proud of it. I love Greece and the traditions and values by parents raised me with. But, America has taught important lessons --- the biggest one is learning how to be independent. I feel that women are treated better here than compared to Greece where I have experienced quite a bit of discrimination. Being part of both cultures, I've learned to take the best parts of both worlds (greek and american).
: Anyway, it sounds like your purpose for moving to America is to find work opportunities and to advance your career. I don't think your interested in coming to the US to meet Greeks--that wouldn't make much sense since GREECE is the country where you'd easily find the most Greeks. Besides, your experience in America will not be defined by the number of Greeks you find, it'll be defined by what you choose to make of it!
: There are wonderful places to live in America and California (san fransisco or los angeles) is DEFINITELY one of them. New York as well! WAshington, DC and Chicago are fun too. I think big cities are a great place to start. These cities not only have Greeks, but are VERY diverse, which also another thing I love about the US. It's a melting pot of cultures and holds a plethora of lessons about different people, lifestyles, religions, etc. You may not meet more Greeks, but meeting more African-Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Indians may be just as fulfilling. When you put yourself in a new environment, it's amazing how much you can learn about yourself!
: Best of luck Panaioti!
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: : Is it real? I think that living in California must be great!