My First Trip to the U.S.A.

The Best Trip Ever

Last year during summer vacations I went to the USA with my family. It was an amazing experience and I had the time of my life. I made such good memories that I will cherish for a long time.
The people of the USA are super cool! There are so many good citizens there who are always ready to help each other out. Like, when someone needs help, they all come together and support each other. I visited many amusement parks, shopping malls and other tourist attractions. I was delighted to see that there are tons of awesome staff working there, who give their time to make things better for everyone. Plus, Americans are so diverse and accepting, which makes it a really special place to visit.
I went to the USA, specifically California to meet my uncle and his family after a very long time. It was my first visit to America and I was very nervous about travelling but the hospitality of the people left me in amazement. Everyone I met there was thoroughly helpful and had a smile on their face.
I was very excited before the flight but it was an amazing experience. It was past midnight I was sitting in the waiting lounge with my parents and brother waiting for boarding the plane. We all were tired and hungry so my dad ordered a couple of burgers for me and my brother and tea for himself and mom. We ate the burgers and started to explore the airport. A few souvenir shops were open with all cultural gifts inside them, others sold snacks and beverages of different kind.
It was 5:00 am and everyone started going towards the plane through the automatic tunnel.
I was on the plane but there came the twist, I had to sit with two strangers because my mom and dad were sitting in the row in front of me with my brother. By the way, both of them took care of me and always asked me if I needed anything. This flight was boring because we were traveling from PIA in the first leg of our journey. The LCDs did not work and the seats were also not comfortable but I slept half the flight because I was tired after staying awake the whole night.
After a 6 hours flight, we arrived at Turkey's capital Istanbul and my dad told me that this airport was one of the biggest airports of the world. And it was very beautiful too. My dad also said me to explore the airport as much as I can during the transit.

I went to many duty-free shops with my parents. The airport was fun and after a couple of hours, we again went to the waiting lounge to wait to board the next plane. We all charged our phones for the reason that we knew that it would be a long flight and yes, it was of 18 hours.
After half an hour, we were in the plane excited, and this flight offered many facilities. We had fun on the journey to Los Angeles because the staff was very cooperative and this airline did not have any kind of complaint from anyone, but I did not like the food of Turkish Airlines. My family and I watched tv shows and movies most of the time.
After an exhausting trip, we arrived at our final destination. The magnificent airport of Los Angles had so much to see. We met a few dutiful officers who were working at the Los Angeles International Airport and guided us in the airport through the baggage claim. These kind officers were accommodating and guided us through the process wherever there was any difficulty.
Then we came out of the airport and saw our uncle, Ali with both of the sons Mussa and Abdullah who were trying to find us but we spotted them first, and after crossing the zebra line they realized we were just behind them.
My brother first time saw my uncle, because he had never came back to Pakistan after 2012. We greeted each other happily and were glad to see them after such a long time. We sat in the car and drove towards San Bernardino County where my uncle lives. I was still feeling dizzy after the flight so my uncle stopped at 7-Eleven and bought something to eat to settle down my stomach.
After an hour of taking a nap, we arrived at my uncle's restaurant. We ate food and went back home with our cousins. It is just down the street from their restaurant. I was very tired but my cousin insisted that I played FIFA with him on the TV. I played with him till 1 am, my parents were asleep when I went into the room to join them.

Masala Indo-Pak Cuisine

Masala Indo-Pak Cuisine is the name of my uncle’s restaurant, where he serves delicious Indian and Pakistani halal food at a very reasonable price with the help of my aunt Arooj. Their food is so delicious that the aroma coming out of the restaurant’s kitchen awakens everybody’s taste buds.

They have many special dishes like lamb shank pulao, chicken tikka boti, naan chaney, malai boti, and special daal. They also had many more scrumptious food options to choose from. People come over there from different cities and choose from three food groups like vegan dishes, vegetarian and scrumptious dishes for meat lovers. I observed that the main reason for their wide customer base was that my uncle and his family is very polite and helpful to their customers. I noticed that the customers also loved the food that was prepared with the love of my aunt and uncle. My uncle had an employee there, she was very friendly with us she prepared naan for us, and especially their cheese naan was to die for. She always obeys my uncle and my aunt.

The environment is very green and they had many indoor plants and vines in the restaurant and my uncle took special care of the plants by giving them fortifying food and water timely. They also placed fertilizers in the plant so they could grow well. 

My uncle has two sons and both are elder than me. They really entertained us and we enjoyed their company. They both can single-handedly control the restaurants. Abdullah controlled my uncle’s second restaurant named Chicken Tikka Masala Express. I also helped him over there. I greeted people and showed them options from the menu. 

There was less sitting place at Chicken Tikka Masala because it was based on takeaway. The price of everything on the menu was $5. They had platters and beverages, and they also had mango lassi. Mango lassi was their special drink and it was nearly bought by every customer. In the second restaurant, I greeted people and made customers try our delicious food.

I helped them and made many customers happy and most of them became our regular customers.

The Golden Gate Bridge

After a few days, my uncle decided that we should go sightseeing at Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

It was Sunday and we started our journey early morning because it was a long way to go. We took a bath and started our trip for which everyone was excited. We knew that many hours were still left. We stopped in a rest area and ate a burger from Burger King and went to San Jose. We met our relatives over there whom I haven't seen in years. My family and I were so much exhausted after a long road trip that we all slept in their studio apartment. The next day we all did a healthy breakfast and went sightseeing on the Golden Gate Bridge. We arrived at one of the seven wonders of the world.

We took some amazing photos in the cold foggy weather. We crossed the half bridge but because of the cold winds, we stopped and decided to head back towards the car. Then we decided to go on 17-Mile Drive. We went there and enjoyed some scenic views on the way.

We spent a night over there at a hotel and gathered information about some cool tourist attractions nearby. The next day me and my parent went for a walk to search for the beach but the funny point is that we couldn’t find it although we could hear waves crashing nearby. When we came back me and my brother went swimming in the swimming pool at the hotel. Then we did breakfast and my uncle showed us the beach where we took photos.

This was our journey’s first trip, it was fun-filled but so exhausting that all our energy was drained so we came home and slept after a day full of fun.

The next day I went to my uncle's second restaurant with my elder cousin, Mussa. I wasn’t allowed to go inside the kitchen area and work behind the counter but my uncle said me to greet people happily and insist they give us good reviews to boost their sales. It was my first day and I was eager to greet people happily. It was 3 pm in the afternoon when a man came and I greeted him happily his response was the very good and first day I made a customer very happy. The first day turned out very good for me. Then the next 3 days I worked well and earned total money 12 dollars I made many friends in the restaurant.

4th of July Celebrations 

It had been a few weeks since we were enjoying our vacation in America when we happened to see 4th of July celebrations everywhere. All the grocery stores, malls, restaurants, and even the houses were beautifully decorated with American flags and the citizens of the U.S.A. celebrated their independence day with full zeal and zest. We too bought flags from Walmart and cheered with the fellow citizens. 

At night time there was a magnificent show of fireworks all over the sky. We could see sparkles of colored lights embellishing the sky as people were doing fireworks everywhere. It was an experience of a lifetime for me, and something I will remember forever.

Sea World, San Diego 

It was Thursday my uncle’s friend David arranged tickets for Sea World in San Diego. Our cousins were very happy because they had the idea of the park we were going to. It was Thursday, I woke early in the morning because of the excitement. Then I took a bath and got ready. I did breakfast with all of the family and started our second road trip to San Diego, but this time my dad was driving because my uncle and aunt had to go to the restaurant to do work.

Then during the trip we listened to songs all time and then came the first stop it was the gas station. We filled the fuel tank and got some snacks. Soon after an hour we arrived at one of the most fun places in America, the Sea World.

After we showed our tickets first the most exciting thing came that we can touch some fish in the outdoor aquarium I and my cousins touched every fish, even a shark’s baby. After some time, we saw a dolphin show where the dolphins did many tricks that their trainers required them to do. We enjoyed the show and we thought why not go for a ride in the park in the way of exploring the magnificent park we saw a ride that was looking so fun but it had the biggest line. 

After standing in line for half an hour we sat in the raft that would cross the bridge and the cave where we will face water splash. The water ride was fun and after that ride, we were starving because of the big line. Then we went to a cuisine where we bought some chicken nuggets and some fries. After lunch, we went to the arcade and played many games after noon we went to see the most fun ride the roller coaster which had a 90-degree fall. After seeing people shout my mom refused to go on the roller coaster ride. The roller coaster rides had a small line and in 5 minutes we were in the roller coaster cart my dad had experience so he decided to sit at the second row and so we all did. The starting was slow but when the cart was in the air my heart stopped and the cart suddenly went down rapidly towards the ground. It really gave everyone goosebumps and we all had fun.

Then we went to two other rides we didn’t know anything about this ride and my mom also sat in this because she thought that it would be for kids and we would not face the same experience again. After some time, we went indoors and saw the track and some people in the carts. We did not know what it is but when we heard people screaming we had an idea of how would it turn. My elder cousin, and me Mussa sat together on the ride. When it started we were excited that how would it turn and the ride was too fast that we came back in minutes. We screamed too much this time. We preferred this ride the most. In the end, we saw fireworks. They were very beautiful and everybody loved them. 

Sea World, San Diego also has some animals we had never seen before like penguins, sloths, flamingos and even seals. We really had fun there and I slept all the time when we were coming back. My dad bought us pizza from Domino and we enjoyed it. 

We had a fun day in SeaWorld (San Diego)

New Port Beach

After a fun day in the waterpark of San Diego, I was back at work with my cousin, but this time my uncle planned to go to the Newport Beach and have fun over there. I was really happy because I had never seen a beach in my life. The plan was to go on Sunday because their restaurant is not open on Sundays. After a couple of hectic days, dealing with customers then came Sunday and my uncle decided to take a nap and go to the beach at 5 pm. We all were ready at 5 pm and were all hyped up for the small road trip. We sat in the car and started the journey to Newport Beach. We reached them at 6 pm and my younger cousin, Abdullah, my uncle, and my dad started flying a kite as they said the wind was favorable.

My brother and me started playing with the sand and have fun with ourselves. Then we went inside the water our uncle also taught us how to catch sea bugs. Sea bugs are the bugs that are eaten by fish and we can find them easily and quickly inside the sand. We had fun over there. The weather also was not good so before sunset we sat in the car to return home. My uncle made a plan to eat at a burger joint named in-N-out I was trying it for the first time on the way to in-N-out I and my brother slept and my mom woke me up at our destination in-N-out. Then we placed the order and when the order came we tried it and it was so good that no burger in the whole world could match it. Then my eldest cousin ordered shakes for all of us. They even gave kids coloring booklets and crayons. They were actually good and we were thankful to them. 

Another thing I fondly remember is that while eating out at the burger joint, we met some dutiful police officers. They were very friendly and even gave us some stickers entitled as Junior Sherriff and Sargent when we told them that we were visiting America from Pakistan.

After a day full of enjoyment, we came back home and did some chitchat and after eating some fruit we went to our rooms to sleep. When I woke up I got to know that it was our second last week in America I thought why not stay home today and play games on PS4 but my dad said I would not be safe alone at home so I went to Chicken Tikka Masala Express.

It was past 4 pm and my dad came inside and said that we are going shopping so I said that I would also go with him. First, we went to the thrift store to look for home decoration items then, we went to Hobby Lobby and I was so impressed after seeing the things on display. They had many cool photo frames of superheroes but they were too expensive. Then we went to Target and it was the first time I saw every rack over there. Then after exploring the target. I went back home with Dad. 

After having dinner, I slept early and when I woke up in the morning I heard that we are going to Disneyland. I was fully hyped up we were going tomorrow over there.

Magic of Disneyland

After another day of dealing with customers, it was finally time to go to Disneyland. It was 8 am in the morning and we started our trip to Disneyland. The park is located in Anaheim, Los Angeles. We arrived there around 10 am. We went inside on a small train. First, we checked in and saw a whole marketplace over there and my aunt bought everyone yummy ice cream. First, we went into the iconic castle of Disneyland. There we began exploring every Disney fairytale. We went into the Museum of Sleeping Beauty. There were houses of Peter Pan, Rapunzel, and other Kings and Queens too. 

Later, we went to the Star Wars area and first, we went to their spaceship. After a big queue, we went inside the spaceship. My brother and I were pilots, my dad and cousin were soldiers, and in the last my aunt and mom were the engineers of the ride. It was kind of 3D. We really had fun. Then after some time, we went to eat some delicious food. Then we went to the pirate ship that was based on pirates of the Caribbean Sea. There we saw ducks and geese on that lake. After a round of the lake, we were back. Then we went towards pizza planet. It was nighttime and from an employee, we have to know that there will be a firework show so we decided to sit down and watch the fireworks. They were beautiful and mesmerizing. A story was narrated and advanced technology was used to display graphics on the castle that could be seen from a distance. 

After the show, we went to the submarine and when we went inside Nemo’s story entertained us. After the submarine, we went to drive the cars from the Cars movie, and after some time we sat into our cars, I was sitting with my mom and I was driving the car. We made some noise and had so much fun. After a lap, we decided to go back home. Before going home, we ate a burger from McDonalds near the adventure park and went back home sleeping in the car. 

After reaching home I slept so deeply that I could not even hear the voice of my mom and dad calling me to change clothes. I really had fun over there and I wish I go over there again.

After having a restful sleep, I went to my uncle's restaurant to have breakfast. Then after eating, I went back home to play games with my younger brother. It was 3 pm and I had the same routine. When I came back from my job I got to know that my uncle one of the employees is giving us a party at in-N-out. I was starving and after some time we went to in-N-out and everybody ate the delicious food and had fun with the host. In the last like every time my elder cousin bought milkshakes and went home.

A Day Out Fishing

After a couple of days, it was time for again a Sunday when we had plans for fishing and this time we decided to go early in the noon so we could get plenty of time playing over there. 

This time we arrived there at 4 pm. I was hyped up because this time I believed that we could catch some fish. I was fishing for the first time and when we reached the beach from uphill I dropped my bag and headed straight for the seawater and started to play. Then after being wet my uncle called me and said to catch the bugs that are eaten by fish and after 15 minutes we found so many of them and they were huge. We were to use these bugs as bait. My uncle started fishing and he also taught me how to do it and I learned how to do it. I had fun learning it but I gave the fishing rod back and decided to go and have fun swimming in the water. I went to deep and I kind of touched the hard rocks and my ankle was kind of bruised so I came back on the surface and sat over there for some time. After half an hour we decided to go back. The funny thing is that we couldn't catch any fish.

We were famished after a tiring day out at the beach, so we decided to go to the famous restaurant Bundu Khan and ate delicious food that tempted our taste buds and we ate more than enough. Then we headed home. We were so tired that we went to sleep immediately. 

After a restful sleep, the day came out and our last week in America started. First I drank a glass of peach juice. While we were in America we began each day with a chilled glass of delicious fruit juices of various kinds. When everyone went to my uncle's restaurant I and my cousin made a plan to watch the movie Fast and Furious7 so first we made popcorn and grabbed the soda from the fridge then we watched world's best movie, according to me. After the movie finished we realized that our shift was starting in 30 minutes then we rushed and changed our clothes. After being ready we straight went to our aunt so she could drop us to Chicken Tikka Masala Express. We went there and like every day I made many customers happy last, I got a tip of $2, and when I calculated it the number of tips I had gotten is $15 and that was pretty unbelievable for me. It was infact a token of appreciation and love from the people of America. I still have that money saved in my record book.

Then I came home and gave my money to Dad so if I want to buy anything so he can buy it for me. Then after 3 same days, it was time for our last trip it was to universal studios. 

Universal Studios

We began our exciting road trip from our house to Universal Studios. It took more time than usual because of the heavy traffic on our way to Los Angeles. We also spent some of our time finding the parking slot. After every arrangement we went inside and first of all we saw a cool galley and it was the way in the main park. We were so fascinated by the sight and the sounds of the Universal Studios. Then we entered the park and our first noticeable thing about the park was that it was divided into many major portions and each was designed according to a movie.

Our first ride was Minions where they turned us into Minions in the group's lab and later on gave us a crazy ride. After the awesome ride, we went to Merry-go-round and it made us dizzy. After that, we heard about the studio tour and we went over there after the longest line we sat in the carts and they gave us the 3D glasses so we could enjoy the shows. First, they showed us all the sets and told us all of the movies that had been filmed over here. Then they showed us the 3D fight between King Kong and a dinosaur from the Jurassic Park movie. After taking a tour of the entire studio we went to grab a bite from panda express and yes I did it I used chopsticks and it my bucket list was completed. Then after some food, we went to the Transformers ride and again after a long time waiting we sat in the carts and it started its main point was that we were saving the world from the evil bots. 

Then we decided to go to the mummy adventure ride it had a small line so we thought it would be better to spend the time before the closing of the park. We sat in the cart and then it began to move forward it was pretty slow in the starting but suddenly it gave us chills as it caught speed. It was horror but we didn't get scared of the scary graphics, because the speed of the carts was so terrifying. 

After the ride, we went towards Hogwarts castle to see the fireworks show and at the last, we came home. Like every road trip, I came back home sleeping.

When we came back home I ate chocolate ice cream. At the end of the day, I slept like a log. 

Time to Say Goodbye

After the best time in America with my uncle, aunt and my cousins it was a difficult time but we had to say goodbye. It was time for our flight back home.

After saying bye to my uncle and his family we entered the airport.

This time again we found amazingly cooperative people who guided us through the process. First, we boarded the plane and went through all legalities. It was Turkish Airlines, this time again I watched movies for 12 hours. We all were exhausted because of the flight. I didn't sleep at all during the flight. After many hours of watching movies and engagingwith my fellow passengers, it was time to land in Istanbul. This time our stay was of 7 hours and it didn’t bother us because I was playing games and my younger brother was in the kids’ playing area. After taking a nap my mom and dad bought us some delicious burgers from McDonald’s and sat inside PIAs plane. I was too much tired that I slept even before the aeroplane had taken off and when I woke up it was 1 hour 30 minutes before landing in Lahore, Pakistan. My entertainment on the plane was only playing no Wi-Fi games on my phone.

After a long time, we landed in our home country Pakistan and did baggage claim. We arranged for a taxi driver to take us home. We arrived at our final destination, which was our home. Finally, I met my grandparents and showed them everything I had brought for them.

This was my tour to America that is unforgettable and I hope I could visit America again.

You are reading Mujtaba's occasional blog posts.