Fear gripped me again this morning. I clearly understand my situation right now - alone, in a foreign country, without housing, without acquaintances, with a limited amount of money, and it is unknown what will happen next. I'm shivering, and my hands are struggling to pack my suitcase to set off. But isn't this what I wanted for so long? I guess I should take it all easier and catch the positive vibes) After all, I am in America!
Packed my things, said goodbye to Greg, and even made it to Penn Station without any adventures. There, I started asking everyone how to buy a train ticket and get to my town. But in the end, when I figured out all these intricacies and arrived at the indicated platform, the train left right under my nose, right before my eyes! And the next one is only in 1.5 hours. I'm already late for work. It's wonderful to be late on my 1st working day.
Called work, explained the situation, they seemed to say that everything is fine, nothing terrible. Started waiting for the next train. A guy approaches me, in Moscow I would say of Caucasian appearance, and suddenly asks: 'Did you come via Work and Travel? Are you from Ukraine?' I was even a little stunned – is it really written on my face that I came via W&T?) It turns out he lives on Long Island, and I turned out to look very much like his friend who previously went to America via W&T. He left me his phone number, email, home address and said that I should call at any time, and especially if something happens. Then he asked if I have a boyfriend. He struck out) We chatted a little more, and he said goodbye and left.
I was once again surprised by my English skills) Usually, they tell the opposite story, that our students go to America and think they speak well, but in reality, it turns out they can't understand anything, let alone speak at first. For me, as always, everything is the opposite) But it's for the best)
Waited for my train. While riding, I was frantically looking at the LIRR map that was depicted on the old ticket. I was very afraid to miss my station, even though I had to travel for about 1.5-2 hours. Apparently noticing my anxiety, a man sitting opposite gave me his convenient LIRR map, which also had a train schedule. I said thank you to him) He also showed me where I would need to transfer to get to Smithtown. These people) I've only been here for 2 days, but I think I won't stop being surprised by the people here, even by the end of the summer)
Got off at the right station, asked how to make a transfer. It turned out to be simple - I just had to stand and wait for one train to leave and another to arrive)
Having reached my destination, I found my cafe, which was right by the station, and went inside. Details of the first working day will be on the next page =)
