NEW LEASE OF LIFE IN A ALIEN LAND

Pursuing my higher studies in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA had always been my dream..feels good to be in your dream destination
Going as a tourist to a foreign country can be fun but living and studying in a alien land for a longer period of time is a completely different experience.And I am sure this experience would teach me lot more about life.
Landing in a unknown place has its own pros and cons,I was prepared to face the physical,mentalsocial challenges that would come my way.My buddies did tell me that living in foreign countrywould be frustrating but I tend to look at the most optimistic part,I got to know the place and people on a much deeper level and this experience is rewarding.
Well initially I did face few embarrasing situations...When I think of it now.. I cant stop giggling
I happen to go to a restaurant with my friends,I placed the order and the person inthe counter shot back a question,do you want to have it here or "TO GO" I was blank..I said sorry I dont get you..she repeated the same...I was mum for couple of seconds andthen by gods grace it stuck me that "TO GO" would have meant parcel..and the people out heredont use the word PARCEL...Finally I decided that I need to learn their slang real fastand never ever should I face such a embarrasing situation again...
After having our food I asked for the bill..now the waiter was puzzled(It was his turn to go blank)he stood there for a while,I asked him again can I have the bill..NO RESPONSE..I had tomake funny actions to make him understand,finally he did understand and replied "I will be here with the CHECK,just a moment" I never knew I would face another embarrasing situation withinan hours time!!!I got that into my head that its not a BILL but a CHECK..
The first thing that i did as soon as I reached home is switched on my laptop..googled for"Popular idioms used by Americans" and decided to learn few before I go out the next day.The Learning process is still on!!! but I am far from better now ;-)