DEPARTED FROM
Davao City, Philippines
ARRIVED IN
Los Angeles, California
YEAR
1992
AGE
12
When previously receiving gifts that originated in the states (shirts, clothing, etc.), Sunshine noticed that there was a specific smell or fragrance; "the smell of America." Upon arriving in LA, she noticed the same smell.
The biggest difference between the Philippines and the US was that in the Philippines, public transportation was readily available, allowing children, even at the age of 9, to be alone or independent in traveling. In the US, there was no public transportation, meaning Sunshine was stuck at home despite previously having the freedom to move around.
The most significant event was when Sunshine moved to Chicago and finally experienced snow. She realized it wasn't that big of a deal, and was in fact annoyed by it. It was cold and wet and you couldn't eat it because it was dirty. She learned about yellow snow in which dogs would pee on snow. But, snow was really fun to watch.
Sunshine's first meal in the States was In n' Out Burger. She misses Filipino street food the most.
