outside the United States and raised in a different culture with it's unique customs, history, and people. I love the music, the food, but most of all I love the language. It has a poetry, sensuousness and humor that does not translate well. I still speak my native tongue, mainly with with my my elder relatives.

America is my home now, and English is my second language. I love the Blues, Jazz and baseball. I love kielbasa and beer, I don't like sushi. I love the St. Patrick's Day Parade, and eating in Greektown on any Friday night. The Chinese New Year celebration is wild and colorful, and you better be careful in Little Italy. I dig watching world cup soccer in a German bar then salsa dancing to finish the night.

I could never do this in my native land. This is why I love this country.