Our first days of work have finally arrived. We are slowly getting into the swing of the traveling fair life. I haven't mentioned it yet: Yulia and I will be working at traveling fairs.
I'll explain in a bit more detail what that means. In America, fairs are constantly opening in different cities at different times of the year; it's very popular here. Every self-respecting city has special places where all this is organized. Well in advance, a large number of trucks and buses arrive, and people start assembling rides, carousels, and fast-food kiosks. Farm animals—horses, cows, donkeys, rabbits, and many others—are brought into special pens. As a rule, fairs take place during a specific period each year, meaning locals know that the fair opens on certain dates. It's very popular, and people come with their families. The organizers plan an entertainment program: celebrity concerts, car races, animal shows, and contests. The trailers for the staff who work and maintain the fair are parked in a separate, specially equipped area.
As for our boss, it's a family business where almost all family members work. They love it; it's their lifestyle, and that's something to grasp right away to avoid any misunderstandings.
When we arrived, I imagined what awaited me. I knew that to Americans, I was just some Russian student, a nobody, a blank slate. So, I didn't have any rose-colored illusions. I knew hard work was ahead and that only through good work could I earn respect.
In the first few days of work, I was assigned to the family's oldest trailer—Meatball. My roommate, Al, showed me what to do and how. For now, I'm frying chips. But it's fine, I like everything, it's just a bit tough standing on my feet all day for now. All the permanent staff have long since gotten used to it, and I'm sure I'll manage too. Yulia works in the neighboring trailer selling Elephant Ears; our boss Ryan sometimes works directly with her. He isn't the business owner, but we report to him—he's a nice guy.
I'm starting to get a bit used to English. I'll write a follow-up soon. Check out the photos in the photo album.
