Hi there! I’m Gen, hailing from Tagum City in the beautiful region of Mindanao, Philippines. My journey to the USA started on October 14, 2023, when I finally stepped on American soil thanks to a K1 visa. The journey to be with my now-husband in his homeland was no short adventure—it took us almost two years of waiting and preparing.
Traveling to the US for the first time was a whirlwind of emotions. I was both excited and nervous, especially since it was my first time leaving the Philippines.
Luckily, I wasn’t alone; my husband was by my side, guiding me through every new experience, from a quick layover in Korea to navigating the vast airports of Atlanta and Orlando.
A particularly memorable moment was at the security checkpoint; as I passed through the X-ray machine, it beeped, prompting a pat-down check. The security staff found nothing amiss, eventually attributing the alert to my ribbon belt.
It was a funny yet slightly nerve-wracking introduction to international travel protocols, leaving me both amused and relieved that it was just my fashion choice causing the stir!
Arriving in Orlando felt like stepping into a whole new world, but my husband’s family made it feel like home right away. They greeted us with open arms, hugs, and flowers despite the early dawn.
Then we drove for about two hours to my new home in Vero Beach, Florida, where more surprises awaited. They even prepared lobsters for dinner, a delicacy I had never tried before since they’re pretty expensive back in the Philippines.
Adjusting to life in Vero Beach has been an experience of its own. The city is so much quieter and less populated than Tagum City—imagine, from a bustling 300k to a tranquil 15k population!
It’s so peaceful here, and surprisingly, I hear Spanish almost everywhere I go. And don’t get me started on how efficient things are here; from getting married to handling official paperwork, everything’s done in no time compared to back home.
The architecture and neighborhood layout here are quite different, too. Most buildings and homes are single-story, and there’s so much space between houses—not at all like the closely packed neighborhoods in the Philippines. The weather, while sunny, carries a cool breeze, a refreshing change from the tropical heat I’m used to.
Navigating the roads here was another eye-opener. There are road signs everywhere, which explains why my husband found driving in the Philippines a bit challenging. Even the malls here are quieter and less crowded, with stores and services more spread out instead of being under one roof.
Living in the US has been peaceful and stress-free, albeit quieter compared to the lively atmosphere back in the Philippines. I miss my friends, family, and the food dearly, but I’m embracing this new chapter of my life with my husband. As we promised in our vows, we’re ready to take on life’s adventures together, through thick and thin.
