tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63045246315828786452024-03-14T02:11:23.870-04:00Hello AmericaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-72231533032941651302015-08-02T18:25:00.001-04:002015-08-02T20:46:45.921-04:00Masina, o necesitate in SUA - partea a II-a Am decis noi sa ne cumparam masina noua iar leasingul era varianta cea mai convenabila. Nu doream o rata mare pe luna si incercam sa dam si un avans mai mic. Aici leasingul e un pic diferit fata de ce stim ca exista in Romania. Cine ia o masina in leasing nu se gandeste sa o si pastreze si de aceea valoarea reziduala este mare iar rata lunara mica. De exemplu la o masina care costa undeva la 18 000$ - 19 000$ platesti din rate in jur de 7 000$ iar valoarea reziduala este 12 000$. Dobanda este foarte mica si variaza in functie de incadrarea finantarii. Cea mai mica este de 0.9%.<br />
Deasemenea auzisem ca toti dealeri de masini accepta si masina veche la schimb, iar a noastra cum era un hrab era clar ca o vom da. Am hotarat in principiu sa ramanem tot la masini japoneze si am inceput cautarile. Nu e foarte greu deoarece a fost de ajuns sa imi au numarul de telefon si adresa de email pe un site de intermediere pentru cumparari de masini ca au inceput sa curga ofertele de tot felul. Partea proasta era ca din nou eram oarecum presati de timp deoarece Nissanul nu mai avea mult si trebuia cumva sa-l ducem la dealer sa mai luam ceva bani si pe el.<br />
Per total nu pot sa zic ca mi-a placut toata aceasta experienta deoarece delaeri auto au un stil foarte uracios de a vinde. Primul dealer care mi-a trimis oferta prin email si care a fost atractiva era undeva intr-un orasel chiar la iesirea din Philadelphia si era vorba de un Chevy Cruze. Reprezentatul firmei care mi-a dat email si care m-a rugat sa confirm chiar in ziua intalniri ca voi ajunge nu era prezent in show room. Primul semn de neseriozitate mi-am zis. Intreb de oferta primita pe email mi se zice ca nu mai e valabila desi o primisem cu cateva zile inainte. Incercand sa aflu de ce nu mai e valabila cel cu care discutam mi-a zis ca de fapt nici nu exista si ca cel cu care am vorbit are ,,un stil mai agresiv de vanzare" pentru a atrage lumea in showroom. Adica minte pe fata doar sa mergi la ei si mai departe vad ei cum se descurca.<br />
Un alt lucru care nu imi place este ca daca nu esti un mare fan de masini si nu stii ce cauti exact nu iti spune un pret aproximativ. Incercam sa aflu un pret de pornire si ii spuneam ca nu ma intereseaza marca, model doar pretul conteaza. El insista sa merg sa o conduc sa vad daca imi place. Eu ii spuneam ca masinile noi toate merg la fel din punctul meu de vedere..el ca sa simt masina :)). Nu cred ca sunt nici eu un client prea placut pentru dealeri auto. Intr-un final, am obtinut o oferta de la el si ca revin in 2-3 zile sa close the deal. Evident ca nu aveam de gand sa revin la ei insa am decis sa ma folosesc de oferta lor pentru a avea un punct de plecare la ceilalti dealeri.<br />
Oricum noi vroiam o japoneza asa ca intr-o vineri seara impreuna cu Andreea am luat la rand Toyota, Hyundai si Honda. Nissan am zis ca nu, ca inca aveam sechele de la Altima :). Toyota a picat din prima datorita pretului si mi s-au parut cei mai profi ca macar mi-au zis sincer ca nu imi pot oferi nimic si nu au incercat sa ma ia cu simtitul masinii si alte prostii. Hyundai cu un Elantra aveau oferta buna insa am zis sa incercam si la Honda. Era deja destul de tarziu cand am intrat in reprezententa Honda. Practic nu am apucat sa intram ca am fost abordati din parcare de un baiat (mai tarziu aveam sa aflam ca era nou angajat si noi eram primii clienti:)) si am inceput clasic cu povestea mea. Am oferta asta de la Chevy dar cineva mi-a recomandat dealerul vostru ca aveti oferte bune asa ca daca puteti sa oferiti ceva mai ieftin cumpar de la voi. Inca un lucru care nu imi place este ca petreci mult timp asateptand. Nu stiu cum se face ca niciodata cel cu care discutii nu poate sa ofere nici o informatie pana ce nu merge in spate sa discute cu sefu'. Asa ca negocierea noastra s-a intins vreo ora, timp in care 45 de minute am asteptat si faceam telefonul fara fir. Oribil. Mi-am si promis ca la urmatoarea masina pe care o cumpar voi incepe din timp si le spun ca daca ma lasa singur plec. Ori discuta cu mine ori ma duce la sefu'.<br />
In fine, aproape de ora inchiderii cadem de acord la rata lunara, la avans si la pretul pe Altima, 1000$. Totul era sa porneasca :). Fiind tarziu urma sa finalizam a doua zi totul. Noi trebuia sa mai ducem cateva acte: dovada cu salariul si cateva nume de persoane din SUA care ne recomanda. Tot a doua zi, urma sa ne verifice istoricul si sa ne accepte sau nu pentru finantare.<br />
Sambata dimineata la ora 10.00 eram in show room si am plecat cu masina la ora 17.00!!!. Parca cumparam o flota intreaga nu o masina amarata dintre cele mai ieftine. In tot acest timp, eu tot ce aflam de la baiatul meu cel nou era ca asteptam sa vedem ce zice banca. Pe la ora 14 apare directorul financiar care imi spune ca preluat actele mele (dupa 4 ore!!!) si ca revine in scurt timp cu un raspuns. In mod normal ar fi trebuit sa plec insa Nissanul pornise dimineata si era deja in curtea lor :) plus ca ceea ce imi oferise era pe placul nostru si nu stiam daca mai gasesc asa oferta. Si am acceptat sa astept si am tot asteptat. Cel mai rau era ca nu aflam nici un motiv, nici o explicatie de ce trebuie sa astept.<br />
Intr-un final revine directorul financiar cu vesti. E gata. pot sa iau masina. Am obtinut finantare cu acelasi pret pe Altima, acelasi avans rata lunara mai mare cu 20$ (crescuse de la 150$ la 170$!!!). Deja nu mai aveam nervi de nimic si i-am si zis ca este o pacaleala si ca sunt niste escroci iar eu sunt pus in fata faptului implinit. Puteam sa refuz insa dupa atatea ore de asteptare 20$ nu mi se pareau asa multi. Oricum nu mai intelegeam nimic. Saracul meu baiat era mai pierdut ca mine si nici el nu stia sa imi explice prea mult. El atat stia - banca, asteptam sa vedem ce zice banca...incepusem sa cred ca banca e o entitate superioara care ne dicteaza totul in viata.<br />
In timp ce semnam actele cu managerul financiar am primit raspunsurile la toate intrebarile mele. Pe scurt totul a durat asa mult deoarece in prima faza nu am fost acceptat la finantare. Scorul meu era bun (711) insa timpul petrecut in SUA si faptul ca aveam doar un card de credit trageau in jos decizia de a primi finantare. Mai mult deoarece nu dadeam avans mare mai aparea un semn de intrebare. Cum dealerul avea interesul sa vanda masina iar Honda financial se uita doar la aspectul financiar au fost negocieri si intre e :). Spre norocul nostru am primit banii si masina si am putut sa plec cu o Honda Civic nou nouta de acolo. Nu stiu ce au facut cu Nissanul meu, sper ca au putut macar sa-l mute din parcare.<br />
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Ca si concluzie nu mi-a placut sa am de aface cu dealerii auto, cel putin cu majoritatea dintre ei. Trebuie tupeu si pricepere la negociere altfel poti sa ramai prins in niste contracte dezavantajoase. Abia astept sa vina timpul sa ne luam urmatoarea masina, sa nu fiu presat de timp sa pot dicta eu regulile si ritmul negocierilor.<br />
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Pe curand!<br />
Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-26190588838994060122015-08-02T15:10:00.000-04:002015-08-02T19:51:56.854-04:00Masina, o necesitate in SUA - partea ISalutare (dupa mult timp) dragi cititori :),<br />
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Mi-a cam iesit din obisnuinta sa scriu pe blog insa imi promit in fiecare saptamana ca ,, weekendul asta scriu pe blog''....nu-mi iese :). Asa ca acum, voi scrie insa nu promit ca voi reveni prea curand. Poate asa reusesc sa scriu mai des. Subiecte am, asta nu ar fi o problema. Astazi va voi povesti despre cum ne-am luat noi masina. Prima a fost un Nissan Altima second hand pe care am tinut-o cateva luni. A doua o Honda Civic, noua in leasing (am dat la schimb si Nissanul vechi). Dar sa o luam cu inceputul.<br />
Cam dupa vreo saptamana de la aterizarea noastra in Philadelphia ne-am dat seama ca povestile pe care le auzeam in Romania cum ca in America masina e o necesitate, sunt o realitate. Acum pentru a fi corect pana la capat trebuie sa stiti ca, daca locuiti intr-unul din orasele mari, aveti jobul si locuinta relativ aproape sau macar conectate cu mijloacele de transport in comun atunci, nu e chiar o problema atat de mare. Practic, toata aceasta legenda cu ,,masina it's a must'' vine de la distantele foarte lungi care sunt in SUA. Fara masina faci foarte mult timp pe drum daca folosesti transportul in comun, sau la unele e aproape imposibil sa ajungi.<br />
In cazul nostru, venind la Adi si Anca care stau undeva la marginea orasului ne-am dat seama ca fara masina ne-ar fi foarte greu si sa mergem la interviuri. Asa ca am decis ca din banii pe care ii aveam sa ,,sacrificam" cateva mii de dolari si sa ne luam o masina. Sfatul meu este ca daca aveti ceva economii cand veniti aici si aveti si unde sa stati o perioada la inceput este bine sa va luati o masina deoarece va ajuta in multe situatii.<br />
Dupa ce am stat noi si ne-am gandit si am calculat am zis ca vom lua o masina second hand de maxim 3500$-4000$. Si am inceput cautarile.<br />
Cele mai multe oferte se gasesc pe <a href="http://www.craiglist.com/" target="_blank">www.craiglist.com </a> Site-ul asta poate fi mana cereasca pentru cei care sunt la inceput de drum. Gasesti ce vrei aici. Partea proasta este ca cumperi lucruri folosite de altii si atunci si riscul sa iei teapa este mare. Dar, daca te pricepi la ceea ce cumperi si ai un pic de noroc poti sa gasesti niste dealuri foarte bune. Pentru masina mai exista varianta ,,auctions'' dar aici riscul sa iei teapa este si mai mare asa ca am ramas la craiglist.com. Am inceput eu cautarile dar eram oarecum si presati de timp deoarece vroiam sa dam examenul de permis iar pentru traseu folosesti masina proprie. Cel mai rau lucru cand vrei sa cumperi masina second hand este sa nu te pricepi deloc la masini, asa cum sunt eu. Cand nici nu stii ce cauti pe un site asa de mare ca si craiglist risti sa cauti acul in carul cu fan. Totusi discutand si cu Adi am reusit sa reduc lista scurta la 3 marci: Nissan, Honda si Toyota. Fiind masini japoneze sunt mult mai bune decat cele americane dupa 8-10 ani. Am inceput sa dau primele telefoane si deja aveam 2 super oferte de masini la niste preturi incredibile ( cred ca erau masini vechi de 5-6 ani la doar 1000 - 1500 de dolari). Pareau tepe dar am vrut sa ma conving asa ca am sunat. Sunt practic o alta varianta a printului nigerian de pe email. In ambele cazuri nu reuseam sa vb cu nimeni, doar prin sms se comunica. Erau povesti triste si amandoi erau plecati din tara. Unul era in armata in slujba tarii, cealalta era ceva asistent medical intr-o misiune de caritate prin Africa. Practic imi ziceau ca ei nu sunt in tara, dar masina este si sa trimit eu banii prin nu stiu ce site sigur iar ei dupa ce vad ca banii au fost trimisi vor trimite masina. Haha...oare cineva chiar pica in plasa? Banuiesc ca da din moment ce exista asemenea oferte:).<br />
Revenind la lucruri serioase, chiar dupa prima tura de telefoane am gasit un albanez, tanar care isi vindea Nissanul Altima din 2002 cu 3500$. Am decis sa ne vedem, l-am luat si pe Adi cu mine care se pricepe la masini ca singur probabil nici nu stiam la ce sa ma uit si masina se prezenta intr-o stare buna. Cateva zgarieturi normale dupa 10 ani de condus in Philly, motorul arata bine, am verifica masina pe dedesubt si nu curgea nimic, am condus-o sa testam frane, directie si totul era ok; am negociat si a scazut preul la 3200$. Era prima masina pe care o vedeam si impotriva principiului meu de a nu cumpara primul lucru pe care il vad(amuzant este ca Adi avea acelasi principiu) am zis ca arata prea bine si pretul e bun pentru a nu profita. Asa cum am zis eram si presat de timp si am decis sa o iau. Toate bune si frumoase, am facut actele si aveam masina. Toate astea se intamplau undeva in luna Octombrie. Dupa cateva saptamani au inceput si primele probleme, pierdeam antigel si dupa o vizita la mecanic am aflat ca problema era mai mare de atat : masina avea garnitura de chiuloasa arsa iar antigelul se pierdea in sistemul de evacuare care afecta catalizatorul. Practic masina nu avea cum sa mai functioneze foarte mult timp. Neavand alta solutie, am decis sa mergem cu ea pana cedeaza de tot. Se apropia iarna si partea proasta era ca nu functiona nici incalzirea, se pare ca din aceiasi cauza. Cam o data la 4 saptamani masina nu pornea si trebuiau cateva incercari pentru a o urni din loc, permanent aveam grija sa alimentez cu antigel pentru a nu fierbe motorul, verficam si uleiul pentru ca ardea mult mai repede. Cu ocazia asta am mai invatat si eu lucrurile de baza la o masina :).<br />
In Philadelphia (si cred ca in toata America), verificarea tehnica a masinii (ITP-ul in Romania) se face anual iar eu in luna februarie 2015 trebuia sa duc caruta sa treaca testul :). Lucrurile se inrautatisera si deja problemele cu nepornitul erau tot mai dese, avea perioade si cand incepea sa tremure cand incetineam la semafor, semne ca se apropia sfarsitul. Reparatul nu era o varianta deoarece ma costa inca o data masina. Garnitura de chiuloasa nu e mare lucru si nu costa mult in schimb manopera ajungea la cateva mii de dolari. Cautand pe net am vazut ca de fapt, lotul de Altima din 2002 - 2004 au avut multe recall-uri in fabrica chiar pe aceasta problema dar era deja tarziu. Ar fi trebuit sa fac toata aceasta cercetare inainte sa o cumpar.<br />
In februarie am reusit sa gasesc un service al unui roman care m-a ajutat si a facut cumva ca masina sa treaca testul si mai castigasem un an (asta daca tinea masina atat). La un moment dat nu am mai reusit sa o pornim si vreo saptamana nu am miscat-o din fata casei. Era clar ca nu mai avea mult. Intre timp aflase si ca jobul meu de intern urma sa devina permanent si am decis ca trebuie sa ne luam alta masina. Aveam deja jumatate de an in SUA si am zis ca leasingul e cea mai buna varianta. Despre urmatoarea masina in partea a doua ca sa nu va plictisesc cu postari foarte lungi.Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-88561601170522529052015-07-12T19:56:00.002-04:002015-07-17T18:47:29.904-04:00Si vom fi trei!Din foarte multe motive, unele mai obiective decat altele, nu am mai scris pe blog de foarte mult timp dar sper sa ne intelegeti:). Acum scoala s-a terminat, am terminat inclusiv cursul de vara (aici poti sa ai cursuri si in vacanta, daca vrei sa termini mai repede) asa ca am sa va povestesc cum e sa fii mamica in America.<br />
Cum joburile noastre au devenit permanente si avem o stabilitate din acest punct de vedere, am decis ca e momentul sa ne extindem familia. La sfarsitul lunii aprilie am aflat ca vom avea inca un membru in familie asa ca am inceput sa ne interesam cum e sa fii insarcinata in US.<br />
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Primul lucru pe care l-am facut a fost sa ne programam la un medic de familie, deoarece pana in prezent nu aveam unul curent. Apelasem o singura data la un medic rus cand am dat examenul auto si ne-a trebuit avizul lui, insa nu am fost incantati de stilul rusesc care nu este cu nimic diferit fata de stilul romanesc: te programezi la o ora....intri dupa doua ore, ca intre timp mai vin 2-3 prieteni de-ai doctorului care bineinteles ca intra inaintea ta. Am ales medicul de familie si am sunat pentru programare. Fiind pacienti noi, programarea am avut-o abia la sfarsitul lunii iunie, insa de acum inainte putem avea programare in aceeasi zi daca e o urgenta. Nu va imaginati ca daca nu ai medic de familie si ai nevoie de el, mori in fata clinicii....nu este asa! Poti apela la medicii din cadrul spitalelor/clinicilor, iar daca problema este mai usoara, spre exemplu o raceala, exista asistenti la farmacii care te pot consulta si-ti pot prescrie medicamentatia necesara. <br />
In aceeasi zi cand am facut programarea la medicul de familie, am sunat la spitalul unde vreau sa nasc. Nu stiam multe despre spitalele lor, insa prietena mea tocmai nascuse la acest spital si cautandu-l pe internet am descoperit ca este al doilea din Pennsilvanya ca si profesionalism si ca are recomandari bune, asa ca am ales sa fie si spitalul nostru. Nu am sa intru in detalii despre fiecare consult in parte ca nu este cazul. Pe scurt, consulturile lunare se realizeaza in cadrul clinicii specializate pe sanatatea femeilor si constau in ascultarea batailor inimii copilului cu un aparat Doppler, masurat burtica, cantarit, test de urina si discutii despre orice intrebari ai. Ecografiile se fac la un centru fetal, partener spitalului, unde au personal calificat doar in ecografii si se fac una pe trimestru daca nu sunt probleme. Nasterea se face la spital unde exista o echipa de medici si nasti cu cine este de garda in ziua respectiva. Eu am un medic care-mi monitorizeaza sarcina, insa pe parcursul celor 9 luni, la consulturile lunare vad toti doctorii afiliati spitalului, astfel incat, ii cunosti inainte de nastere pe toti. Sistemul este centralizat si nu exista sa-l suni la 3 dimineata pe doctorul X sa vina la spital ca tu nasti si el poate a sarbatorit pana la 1 si e obosit sau poate e in concediu si nu poate ajunge! <br />
Multa lume ne-a felicitat pentru curajul de a avea acum, la 6 luni dupa ce am ajuns aici, un copil. Si cred ca multi s-au referit la costurile unui copil si mai mult, la imbinarea jobului, scolii, cu viata de familie. Ei bine, am sa va vorbesc despre asta, pentru ca nu este imposibil sa le combini. Am sa va dau cazul nostru, dar sigur ca nu se va aplica pentru oricine incepe o noua viata aici.<br />
Avand o <b>asigurare medicala</b>, reduci substantial costurile unei nasteri. Eu am asigurare de la scoala, pentru studenti, cu un cost rezonabil (ca sa va faceti o idee, platesc asigurarea lunar, cat platesc abonamentul de cablu cu internet si fix). Cata are asigurare de la serviciu, fara niciun cost din partea noastra. Asta nu inseamna ca la sfarsit nu voi avea de platit o parte din costul total, dar va fi undeva la 15%-20%, probabil undeva la $2000-$3000, estimam noi. Am sa va spun la sfarsit cat a venit factura, ca depinde si de cum evolueaza sarcina. Pentru cine nu are asigurare medicala, acum exista Obama Care care e obligatorie si care poate fi foarte ieftina daca ai un venit mic. Daca nu vrei Obama Care, atunci poti alege sa mergi la ONG-urile care sustin femeile gravide si care au parteneriate cu clinici si spitale si nu te costa nimic. Ca si in Romania, femeile gravide sunt protejate de lege oarecum si exista solutii pentru fiecare. Legat de costurile hainutelor, patut, carucior, etc, credeti-ma, ca oricine isi permite sa le cumpere, pentru ca se gasescpentru fiecare categorie sociala.<br />
<b>Scoala</b>: O femeie insarcinata sau o proaspata mama, nu este o femeie cu dizabilitati, sau cel putin, aici nu este tratata asa. Semestrul de toamna va incepe in septembrie si deja am luat doua cursuri, poti alege cum am ales eu, cursuri online sau comprimate in doua weekenduri, daca nu vrei sa mergi in fiecare saptamana la scoala. Pentru perioada dupa ce voi naste, pentru semestrul de primavara, care incepe in ianuarie, am doua variante: sa iau cursuri online, comprimate in weekenduri sau cele normale daca ai cu cine lasa copilul, sau poti intrerupe un semestru si incepe cand esti pregatita. Am colege care s-au reintors la scoala dupa doi ani si continua cursurile. Aici, ca sa ai masterul trebuie sa ai 12 cursuri terminate, pe care le faci in ritmul tau. Scoala de plateste la curs, asa ca daca nu mergi, nu platesti.<br />
<b>Job:</b> Trebuie sa recunosc ca am norocul de un job foarte flexibil, de aceea nici nu mi-am cautat altceva. Momentan lucrez part-time, adica in jur de 20 ore pe saptamana, dar nu cate 4 ore cinci zile din sapte. Am ture de 5-6-7 ore, asa ca in medie, lucrez cate 4 zile pe saptamana doar. Relatia mea cu managerii este foarte buna si ma sustin si inteleg ca familia este importanta, iar ca dupa nastere pot trece pe un program mai flexibil. Mai precis, pot lucra intre 5-10 ore pe saptamana si atunci ar insemna sa lucrez 1-2 zile doar. De asemenea, poti alege cand sa lucrezi, seara, weekendurile....deci, solutii se pot gasi daca nu vreau sa pierd jobul! Legea in Pennsylvania ofera 6 saptamani concediu de maternitate platit si-l poti prelungi pana la 12 saptamani, din care doar primele 6 sunt platite. Vom vedea exact atunci ce vom decide, insa expun aici solutiile pe care eu le vad momentan, ca ar fi.<br />
<b>Ajutor social</b>: Dupa cum stiti, US nu este Canada si nici alta tara renumita pentru ajutorul ei social. Pe de alta parte, nu sunt absurzi si incearca si ei sa te ajute daca nu ai suficient. Ideea lor este sa ajute oamenii care nu-si permit, nu pe toata lumea. Alocatie pentru copil nu exista in US, insa daca ai un venit mic, poti apela la programul WIC care ajuta familiile nevoiase. Aici gasiti linkul programului si mai multe informatii. Se ofera tichete de masa pe perioada sarcinii si pana copilul are 5 ani, dar mai multe detalii nu cunosc, pentru ca noi nu ne incadram. <a href="http://www.wicprogram.org/" target="_blank">http://www.wicprogram.org/</a><br />
Pe de alta parte, exista o deducere la taxe pentru cei care au copii, dar nu as putea sa va spun exact cat, deoarece inca nu am avut ocazia sa facem aceste deduceri. Anul trecut, pentru ca am lucrat doar 1-2 luni din an, am primit toate taxele inapoi, fiindca nu am indeplinit plafonul minim de $10.000/an.<br />
Momentan cam acestea sunt informatiile pe care le am pe acest subiect, insa voi reveni cu detalii pe parcursul sarcinii sau dupa, sa va povestesc cum a fost. Bebelusul nostru se va naste in perioada Craciunului, este programat in 26 decembrie si inca nu stim ce vom avea, in august urmand sa aflam:)<br />
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Pana la urmatoarea postare, va imbratisez cu drag si sa auzim numai de bine! <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-45708899024134111662015-02-14T23:12:00.001-05:002015-02-22T00:21:21.136-05:00Viata de student / Student life<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Romanian:</b></span></h3>
Hello lume! <br />
Am lipsit cam mult in ultimul timp de pe blog, insa mai nou combin viata de student cu munca.<br />
Dupa cum probabil stiti, am decis sa ma inscriu la master in US. Dupa ce mi-am echivalat foarte repede si usor facultatea din Romania, am zis sa continui cu studiul, asa ca in decembrie am avut interviul de admitere la master. Am ales sa merg la LaSalle University, specializarea Professional and Business Communication din mai multe considerente, insa nu voi intra in detalii acuma.<br />
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Dupa o luna de scoala, un curs finalizat, vreau sa va impartasesc si voua viata de student/masterand la Lasalle. Cu siguranta la alte facultati veti descoperi diferente, insa eu aici expun doar experienta personala (asta pentru a evita discutiile in contra-dictoriu ca in X stat sau la Y faculatate e diferit).<br />
In primul rand, aici te poti inscrie la master de 4 ori pe an, pentru ca au doua semester mari si late (primavera si toamna) si inca 2 sesiuni mai scurte, ce cuprind si vacantele (vara si iarna). Masterul l-am ales part-time, adica am cursuri seara de la 6 la 9 de obicei, cu posibilitatea de a lua cursuri online, sau comprimate in 2 weekenduri, sau online+intalniri lunare. Ca sa finalizez masterul trebuie sa iau 12 cursuri, in ritmul meu, adica nu sunt obligata la un numar pe semestru. Eu pentru inceput am ales doua cursuri cu intalniri saptamanale ce se intind pana in mai si inca un curs expres/comprimat care s-a desfasurat pe parcursul a doua weekenduri. Colegii mei de obicei iau cate doua cursuri si atunci termina masterul undeva in jur de 2 ani. Asta ca sa va faceti o idee cam cum se pune problema aici (scoala se pliaza pe nevoia studentului, care plateste!) Si da, plateste mult, eu platesc 30.000$ pentru acest master, dar sistemul este gandit asa ca am aplicat la imprumut federal si am primit banii. De asemenea, se poate aplica la burse scolare, internship-uri la scoala, etc.<br />
Sa revenim! In 12 ianuarie, m-am dus frumos la primul meu curs la facultate. Cu emotii ca nu stiam ce ma asteapta, cu temeri ca nu stiam cat de greu va fi, dar cu speranta ca nu se moare din asta:). Ce pot sa va spun dupa o luna de scoala este ca scoala americana este total, dat total diferita de ceea ce am vazut eu in Romania. Viziunea de scoala si rolul educatiei este diferit si din pacate simt cat de tare sunt ancorata in sistemul romanesc.....<br />
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Am sa va dau cateva detalii cat de succint pot, pentru ca as putea vorbi trei zile:)<br />
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<li>America este o tara cu o cultura individualista fata de Romania in care avem o gandire colectiva. Asta inseamna ca in US individul conteaza, el este cel mai important pion, fata de Romania unde altii, colectivul, ne ghideaza. De aici incepem sa vedem lucrurile diferit:).</li>
<li>Aici am invatat ca eu contez, ca ceea ce spun eu este ascultat si se tine cont de parerea mea.</li>
<li>La scoala am invatat sa spun ceea ce nu-mi place sau ma deranjeaza intr-un mod mult mai personal decat eram obisnuita, dar diplomatic . Daca de exemplu inainte spuneam "Nu ma mai impinge", acum aici spun " Ma simt deranjata cand ma impingi". Tot timpul conteaza cum te simti, ce senzatie iti lasa un lucru, trebuie mereu sa-ti exprimi sentimentele si pentru mine la inceput a fost cam mult uneori:). Acum incet incet ma obinuiesc ca si dupa un exercitiu de scris un email sa fiu intrebata cum a fost? cum ma simt acuma? ce dificultati am intampinat?</li>
<li>Aici nu exista conceptul ca trebuie sa inveti ce spun eu, ca eu sunt profesor si stiu mai bine. Fiecare student poate avea propria lui parere si intotdeauna este incurajat sa-si exprime parerea.</li>
<li>Profesorul primeste feedback scris de la student si credeti-ma ca notiunea de feedback este foarte bine implementata aici, in sensul ca lumea nu tace de lene sa scrie ceva...</li>
<li>Cursurile sunt unele obligatorii (5 din 12 in cazul meu), iar restul si le alege studentul impreuna cu advisorul personal</li>
<li>Cursurile sunt structurate pe ideea urmatoare: citesti acasa inainte de ora capitolul care se va prezenta si articolele stiintifice aferente, iar in clasa profesorul discuta cu studentii despre materie. Tot atunci se fac activitati la clasa. Eu la comunicare pot sa va zic ca am de citit saptamanal cam 50-70 pagini pe curs cel putin. Se poate pe langa partea de citit sa am si teme sau prezentari de pregatit. </li>
<li>Studentul american nu este stresat de note, nu invata pentru note, nu discuta despre ele....Desi ca sa trec un curs am nevoie sa am peste 80% din totalul testelor ce se dau pe parcursul semetrului. </li>
<li>Testele nu sunt structurate la finalul semestrului ca in Romania, in sesiune. Pe parcursul cursului ai diferite teme, pe care trebuie sa le faci si esti notat. De obicei sunt esee de pregatit, prezentari pe diferite teme in fata clasei, analiza critica a unei carti sau articole, etc. De exemplu, eu azi am incheiat un curs de 2 weekenduri la materia Training si ultimul examen a fost sa sustin un training de 30-45 minute in fata clasei. Ei bine, pentru a ajunge la punctul asta, toti pasii premergatori au fost facuti gradat, sub suravegherea profesorului.</li>
<li>Scoala si sistemul american nu presupune ca stii ceva sau ca ar trebui sa stii asta si asta, deci te ia de la zero si-ti arata orice. Am fost placut suprinsa ca ne aratau cum sa accesam biblioteca online a facultatii care e gratuita pentru student, cum sa facem un PowerPoint, cum sa ne logam in portalul intern la facultatii. </li>
<li>De asemenea, facultatea are un centru de scriere, unde mergi gratuit si te intalnesti cu un indrumator, care de obicei este un alt student si te ghideaza in lucrarile pe care le ai de facut. Eu am apelat la centru si am fost mai mult decat placut surprinsa de ei.</li>
<li>Facultatea arata si este dotata cam cum va arata Universitatea Transilvania peste 20 ani, de la parcare privata cu paza, la sala de fitness, piscina, terenuri de sport pentru orice sport (inclusiv fotbal), nu mai vorbesc de dotariile din clase (proiectoare, camere de filmat pentru prezentari ca sa te poti evalua, mobilier), laboratoarele de informatica, etc.</li>
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Asta este prima impresie dupa o luna de scoala si un curs finalizat cu brio, bineinteles:)<br />
Promit sa revin cu o postare dupa terminarea primului semestru care probabil va cuprinde o imagine mai de ansablu.<br />
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Va pup pana la urmatoarea postare!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></h4>
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Hello world,</div>
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I didn’t post anything for a while on our blog but that’s
because I now combine work with study. As you probably know I decided to join a
master program in US. After I equivalated<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>my home studies rather quickly I decided to continue studying and in
December I was admitted at La Salle University, Professional and Business
Communication. </div>
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After 1 month of school and one class finalized I want to
share with you my experience so far as a part time graduate student at La Salle
University. Obviously that in other cities or Universities the experience will
be different, I am only sharing my experience so far. </div>
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Here you can join the master 4 times per year. They are
split between 2 big semester (spring and fall) plus 2 small ones ( summer and
winter). The master is part time and I have classes during the evening plus the
possibility to have some other classes on weekend or on line. To complete the
master program I need to finish 12 classes in my own rhythm. You are free to
choose how many classes you want per semester. I started<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with 2 classes during the week ( 2 days/ week
between 18.00 – 21.00) and one class that was done in 2 weekends ( Friday
evening and full days on Saturday and Sunday). My colleagues usually take 2
classes/semester and finish in about 2 years. I am telling all this to have an
idea about how the system works here. Usually the school is flexible and
adapted to student needs who pays to go to school). Indeed school is expensive.
I pay about 30 000$ for the master program but you are eligible for all kinds
of loans. Also you can apply to several grants or scholarships. </div>
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Going back to my first day of school I remember I was
nervous and excited in the same time. I didn’t know how difficult is going to
be, if I would manage but I knew that nobody died from going to school<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.I can tell that school
in US is very different from the school back home in Romania. Different ideas,
different culture, different approach and sadly I feel all the time how much I
am still stuck in the Romanian way of thinking. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUQqrwNaIPQ/VOAnrl47YEI/AAAAAAAALKs/E7wvDLibl0s/s1600/10624072_886061031414055_7382622840392484809_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUQqrwNaIPQ/VOAnrl47YEI/AAAAAAAALKs/E7wvDLibl0s/s1600/10624072_886061031414055_7382622840392484809_o.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
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I will give you just a few examples and I will try to make
it short because otherwise I could speak for days.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>US is a country with an individualist culture
while in Romania there is a collective thinking. In US the individual is
important, he matters. In Romania people as a whole dictate, others matter.
Only from this point of view things are very different;</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I learned that what I say matters, is listened
and my opinion is valued;</div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I learned to say what I don’t like or bothers me
in more personal way but diplomatic. Before I was saying “ Stop pushing me’’
now I am saying ,, It bothers me when you push me’’. All the time it matters
how I feel, how things influence me and I am encouraged to express my feelings.
First it was awkward but now I start to get use to be asked all the time: How
it was? How I feel?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was difficult? </div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Here there is no such thing as I am the
professor; I know better, you have to learn what I tell you. Every student can
have an opinion and more he is encouraged to express it.</div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Every student has to offer feedback to the
professor and this is taken very seriously. </div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Classed are split between mandatory and
optional. In my case from 12 classes I need to finish I have 5 mandatory and 7
from the optional panel.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Classes are structured like this: you have an
assignment and you need to read something before and during the class you
discuss about the topic. Also in the class there are different activities. I
can tell you that so far I read at least 50- 70 pages per week and for some
classes you need to prepare also different projects or presentations. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>American student is not to stressed about the
grades, they don’t talk too much about this, I have the feeling they don’t learn
just to get a good grade ( like you do in Romania). All this even if for
example I need to pass all the tests with at least 80%.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Exams are not all scheduled at the end of the
semester ( like in Romania). During the course you have different home works
that you are have to do and you get a grade for each. All this is combined with
one or more final projects and with activity in the class and you get the final
grade. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Here nobody assumes that you have to know this
in that. They show you everything you need to know from the beginning. I was
impressed when they showed me even the easiest things like: how to access the
University library on line, how to make a Power Point presentation or how to
log in the University intranet;</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Also the university has a Writing Center were
other students, more experienced are teaching younger students with their
papers and home work. They are hired by the University and they get paid for
that. I went 2 times to this center I was satisfied </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>La Salle University is very well equipped with
private parking, sports center, sports fields plus all the equipment in the
class ( projectors, video cameras, computers, etc)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CCHlcll0nEE/VOAnUKO_xaI/AAAAAAAALKk/YXt-hIVZW4M/s1600/1509794_886061104747381_1204825916144608114_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CCHlcll0nEE/VOAnUKO_xaI/AAAAAAAALKk/YXt-hIVZW4M/s1600/1509794_886061104747381_1204825916144608114_n.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kisses until my next post :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-558427462135747052015-02-01T18:50:00.002-05:002015-02-22T00:21:42.303-05:00Superbowl XLIX - 2015 <h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romanian:</span></h3>
Toata saptamana care a trecut a fost cuprinsa de febra Superbowl. Este aproape ca o religie. Americanii sunt mari fani ai fotbalului american, de fapt singurul fotbal pentru ei (cel european se cheama soccer), iar finala acestui sport nu putea sa nu fie extrem de populara. Nu sunt eu un foarte mare admirator, insa am decis ca anul asta sa ma uit la Superbowl. Trebuie sa intru in rand cu lumea :). Pentru cei interesati anul acesta joaca New England Patriots cu Seattle Seahawks. La ora la care scriu postarea mai sunt 20 de minute pana incepe meciul. Nu cred ca in Romania sau alte tari europene sunt prea multi fani ai acesui sport, si de aceea m-am gandit sa scriu doar ceea ce m-a surprins pe mine citind despre acest Superbowl. Meciul se joaca anul asta in Phoenix Arizona, iar pretul unui bilet este in medie 5 000$. <br />
Evident ca fiind atat de popular totul s-a transformat intr-o mare afacere. Un spot de 30 de secunde in pauza meciului costa 4 milioane de dolari. Un minut de reclama, 8 milioane de dolari. De ce? Simplu. Anul trecut a fost cel mai urmarit eveniment TV cu 111.5 milioane de oameni care s-au uitat la meci. Anul asta se preconizeaza ca va fi batut acest record :). Anul trecut showul a durat cu totul aproape 4 ore iar minute efective de joc cu mingea in miscare...17 minute:). Mai jos aveti si o impartire conform masuratorilor din 2014:<br />
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Mingea in joc - 17 minute si 30 secunde<br />
Reluari - 23:46<br />
Minute de joc fara minge - 72:00 <br />
Reclame - 48:34<br />
Promo emisiuni TV - 7:30<br />
Show in pauza meciului - 12:28<br />
Analiza meciului la pauza - 4:52<br />
Diverse - 16:37.<br />
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Chiar daca tot mai multi se plang de faptul ca e prea putin sport si prea multa reclama, reclamele din pauza Superbowl-ului devin incet incet la fel de populare ca si meciul in sine. Ajuta si faptul ca datorita audientei, companiile nu isi permit sa difuzeze decat reclame excelente. Pentru cei interesati aveti mai jos topul din 2014:<br />
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1. <b>Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee</b><br />
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<b>2. Budweiser’s “Puppy Love” </b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
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<br />
<b>3. Go </b><b>Daddy’s “Bodybuilder” </b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>4. Doritos’s “Cowboy Kid” </b><br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>5. Toyota Highlander’s “Terry Crews & the Muppets” </b><br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>6. Doritos’s “Time Machine” (1st Quarter)</b><br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>7. RadioShack’s “Phone Call” (1st Quarter)</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
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<br />
<b>8. Oikos Greek Yogurt’s “The Spill” </b><br />
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<br />
<b>9. Bud Light’s “Up for Whatever #2” </b><br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>10. Squarespace’s “A Better Web Awaits”</b><br />
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<br />
<br />
Pe final 2 picanterii:). <br />
- Incercand sa-i explice Andreei la scoala ce este Superbowl, un coleg i-a spus ca e ceva asemanator cu finala campionatului mondial de fotbal:). Cat tupeu si imperialism:)).<br />
- Imi povestea o cunostinta ca incepe sa-i placa tot mai mult soccerul in dauna fotbalului american dintr-un simplu motiv: soccer nu are reclame. Era extaziat ca se poate uita la meci 45 de minute fara sa fie intrerupt de reclame:))<br />
<br />
A inceput meciul de 10 minute. E 0-0. Deja s-au dat vreo 10 reclame:))<br />
<br />
Update 1:<br />
<br />
S-a terminat meciul. New England Patriots - Seattle Seahawks 28 - 24.<br />
<br />
Update 2 :)<br />
<br />
Si a iesit si topul reclamelor pentru Superbowl 2015. Aveti mai jos linkul:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://admeter.usatoday.com/results/2015" target="_blank">Superbowl 2015 best commercials</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>English</b>:</span></h4>
<br />
This last week was all about the Superbowl. It's almost like a religion. Most Americans are huge fans of their American football, actually is the only football, the European one is called soccer, and the final couldn't be anything else but popular. I am not the biggest fan but this year I decided to watch it. I have to keep up. For those interested this year the Superbowl is between New England Patriots and Seattle Superhawks. At the time I am writing this post there are only 20 minutes till the start of the game. I don't think that in Romania or any other European country are too many fans of this game so I will write about what surprised me when reading about Superbowl. The final is played in Arizona and the average price of a ticket is 5 000$.<br />
Obviously that all the popularity made all this a big business opportunity. A 30 seconds commercial spot at halftime is about 4 million dollars. One minute is 8 million. Why? Easy. Last year was the most watched TV event in history with 11.5 millions viewers.This year is believed the record will be beaten. Last year the whole show lasted about 4 hours but the game with ball in play was...17 minutes. Below you can see an interesting statistic:<br />
<br />
Ball in play - 17 minutes 30 seconds<br />
Replay - 23:46<br />
Game with ball not in play - 72:00<br />
Commercials - 48:34<br />
TV show promo: 7:30<br />
Halftime show - 12:28<br />
Halftime analysis: 4:52<br />
Miscellaneous: 16:37<br />
<br />
Even if a lot of people are complaining about the fact that we have less sport and more business, the halftime commercials are getting more and more popular. Of course that at this audience the commercials are among the best ones. Here are the best commercials from 2014: see videos above.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the end 2 funny things:<br />
- At school trying to explain to Andreea about the Superbowl, one colleague describe it as something just like the World Cup in football. The nerve:)<br />
- a guy from work was telling me that he starts to like soccer more lately for one simple reason. No commercial. He was thrilled that he can watch 45 minutes of the match without any interruption.<br />
The game started. After 10 minutes is 0-0. There were already about 10 commercials.<br />
<br />
Update 1: <br />
The game is finished. New England Patriots - Seattle Superhawks 28 - 24<br />
<br />
Update 2:<br />
The 2015 best commercials from the Superbowl are out. Below the link:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://admeter.usatoday.com/results/2015" target="_blank">2015 Superbowl best commercials</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-64234722066867528352015-02-01T17:30:00.003-05:002015-02-22T00:20:47.475-05:00Primul cod rosu de ninsoare :) / Our first winter storm alert<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romanian:</span></h4>
<br />
Salutare,<br />
<br />
Hai ca am trecut cu bine si peste prima avertizare de winter storm. Un fel de cod rosu de ninsoare in Romania. A fost un pic diferit fata de ce eram obisnuiti:). A inceput cam cu 2-3 zile inainte cu aunturi pe toate canalele TV si pe toate aplicatiile meteo:). Se anunta ca zona afectata va fi NE SUA ceea ce includea si Philadelphia si evident eram mai interesati ca in alte dati. Avertizarea era pentru aproximativ o zi (de luni seara pana marti seara). A iesit si primarul New York-ului sa anunte ca este cea mai mare furtuna de zapada din istorie, lumea sa nu subestimeze aceasta furtuna. Chiar incepusem sa fim curiosi:). Masurile luate au fost extrem de stricte. Toate avioanele si trenurile anulate, scolile inchise si chiar au anuntat ca este interzis masinior sa iasa pe strada dupa ora 23.00. Amenda 300$. Pentru noi era ceva nemaivazut. Nici nu stiam cat de tare sa ne speriem:)). Vazusem de cateva ori ca americanii mai si exagereaza, insa deja masurile anuntate erau foarte stricte. Partea buna este ca in aceste cazuri ai voie sa nu mergi la scoala (de cele mai multe ori se si inchid) si chiar sa lipsesti de la serviciu. Securitatea si siguranta personala primeaza intotdeauna.<br />
Si a venit luni seara. Scoala Andreei se inchisese de la pranz, asa ca ea era in siguranta acasa. Eu eram la birou si deja aflasem ca trenul cu care merg de obicei inceteaza sa mai circule de la ora 20.00. Semnele erau bune, deoarece pe la ora 18.00 inca nu incepuse sa ninga. Asa ca am plecat si eu de la birou si am ajuns in siguranta acasa. Si asteptam sa inceapa furtuna. Si am asteptat si asteptat...Deja pe la ora 22.00 inca nu incepuse si tot ne ziceam ca poate mai tarziu. Cand ne-am culcat ne si gandeam cum a doua zi vedem mormane de zapada. Am bagat pana si masina in garaj sa o protejam:). Marti dimineata arata asa in fata casei:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7S1I4xBkkY/VM6kpk4nBiI/AAAAAAAABMI/-4obJrruJv8/s1600/20150127_084128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7S1I4xBkkY/VM6kpk4nBiI/AAAAAAAABMI/-4obJrruJv8/s1600/20150127_084128.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mare dezamagire mare:). Nici la New York nu fusese nicio furtuna. Cativa fulgi pe aici, pe acolo, dar atat. Vedeam dimineata imagini cu aeroportul din Philadelphia care era gol fiind inchis din cauza ,,furtunii''. La fel multe gari importante din New York. Pustiu peste tot.<br />
Marti pe la pranz au inceput sa iasa declaratiile cu scuze si regrete:). Se gresise cu cateva zeci de mile. A fost intr-adevar furtuna rea, insa intr-o zona mult mai restransa.<br />
Per total insa pot sa spun ca prefer aceasta abordare fata de cea romaneasca ,,ne-a luat prin surprindere'' chit ca zapada vine in mijlocul iernii. De multe ori americanii sunt poate extra-precauti si pot parea penibili, insa asa cum am zis prefer varianta lor.<br />
<br />
Better safe than sorry!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Howdy,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we manage to
safely pass our first winter storm alert. It was a bit different than what we
were used to. It all started 2-3 days before with news and alerts on all TV
station and all weather apps. The alerted area was NE US that included also
Philadelphia so that’s why we were more interested in the subject this time.
The mayor of New York made public declarations not to underestimate this stor,
that is going to be the hardest in New York history. We started to be curious.
All safety measures were extremely strict. All planes and trains were
cancelled, schools closed and even announced that no car is allowed on the
streets after 23.00; fine 300$. For us this was something we had never seen
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t even knew how scared
we should be. We saw before that Americans tend to exaggerate a little but all
this measures were too strict and hard. The good thing is that in this cases
you are allowed to miss school and work. Safety comes first.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we come to Monday evening. Andreea school was closed
from noon so she was at home, nice and safe. I was in the office and already
heard that my train won’t travel after 20.00. At 18.00 the snow didn’t started
yet so I manage to get home safely. And we waited in the house, looking at the
window for the snow and winter storm. And waited and waited…When we went to bed
we thought that in the morning we would see a lot of snow. We even put the car
in the garage to protect it. Tuesday morning this is how our house looked like</div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7S1I4xBkkY/VM6kpk4nBiI/AAAAAAAABMI/-4obJrruJv8/s1600/20150127_084128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7S1I4xBkkY/VM6kpk4nBiI/AAAAAAAABMI/-4obJrruJv8/s1600/20150127_084128.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Big disappointment. New York didn’ t had any storm. Some
snow here and there but that’s it. In the morning we saw at news images with
Philadelphia Airport that was empty<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"> J</span></span> being closed because of the ,,storm''. Same for a lot of big train stations in
New York. Empty everywhere.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday at noon the city officials were coming out with
public apologies. They made a mistake about the affected area. There was indeed
a storm but on a much smaller area. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall I can say that I prefer this approach as oppose to
the Romanian ones ,, we were caught by surprised even if snow would come in
the middle of the winter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many times the Americans are over precautions and sometime
may seem embarrassing but like I said, I prefer their approach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Better safe than sorry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-11045380906354010312015-01-18T22:02:00.000-05:002015-02-22T00:22:27.899-05:00Imi place - Nu imi place 16-14:). / I like - I don't like 16 - 14<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romanian:</span></h4>
<br />
Da, stiu, am inceput sa nu mai scriem asa des pe blog. Deja am fost ,,urecheati'' de fani:)). Asa se intampla cand obisnuiesti lumea cu standarde ridicate...trebuie sa te ridici la nivelul asteptarilor permanent:). Am inceput sa fim si noi tot mai aglomerati plus ca nici ,,noutatile'' nu mai apar la fel de des ca la inceputul perioadei noastre in SUA. Pentru ca acum ceva timp Andreea a postat parerile ei la 3 luni de America, m-am gandit sa scriu si eu ceva asemanator. Trebuie sa va spun de la inceput ca Andreea este cea care s-a adaptat mai repede si ii place mai mult aici. Eu ma adaptez mai greu si nu sunt la fel de incantat de ceea ce vad aici. Asta nu inseamna ca este rau, doar ca poate aveam alte asteptari...poate ca asteptarile erau prea mari:).<br />
Ideile sunt brute si este efectiv ce imi vine in minte acum. Sa incepem:<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place</b> ca per total sistemul pare ca functioneaza si se invarte in jurul individului, al cetateanului platitor de taxe.<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place</b> ca nu simti frustrarea in interactiunea cu institutiile statului, in toate formele ei de prezentare.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca la inceput sistemul e inchis, nu e accesibil din prima de catre noii veniti.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca distantele sunt mari aici intre orice ( acasa-servici, acasa-magazin, acasa- diferite obiective de distractie sau relaxare, etc).<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place </b>ca lucrurile de baza sunt ieftine si scutite de taxe.<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place </b>ca exista un respect pentru om in general, pentru cei care lucreaza in slujba celorlalti in special ( politisti, pompieri, doctori, profesori, etc).<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place</b> ca cei enumerati mai sus chiar lucreaza pentru ceilalti.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca sunt si destul de multi ,,tarani''. Ma asteptam sa fie mai multa civilizatie.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca drumurile nu sunt ca in palma ca in multe state europene. Totusi sunt mai bune ca in Romania.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca la inceput nu ai viata sociala aproape deloc.<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place </b>ca lumea e saritoare si dornica sa te ajute.<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place</b> ca de multe ori, daca dovedesti buna credinta, poti fi iertat la prima greseala.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca fac o ora dus si o ora intors de acasa pana la serviciu.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca nu pot sa vad meciurile de fotbal ( soocer cum se zice pe aici:)).<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place</b> ca am New York, Washington si Atlantic City la maxim 2 ore distanta.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca oamenii se imbraca oricum pe strada. Nu sunt eu un fashion icon insa nici sa mergi la supermarket in slapi de casa si pijamale nu mi se pare normal.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place </b>ca tre' sa vad fundul ,, smecherilor'' care adopta stilul gangsta. Cei care poarta pantalonii in vine.<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place </b>ca sunt multe magazine cu mancarea europeana si poti pastra multe obiceiuri culinare din Romania. In zona noastra cele mai populare sunt magazinele rusesti si cele nemtesti.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place </b>ca e distanta mare intre ele. Acum 3 zile Andreea a mers la cateva cumparaturi, de genul hrana rece, legume, fructe si alte cateva maruntisuri si a trebuit sa mearga la 3 magazine. A durat cu totul 2 ore.<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place</b> ca aici reducerile sunt reduceri. Am putut sa iau lucruri si cu 70% reducere. E ceva sa iei cu 20$ ceva care costa in mod normal 65$.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca marimi normale in Europa, de genul S sau M, aici sunt o raritate. In schimb exista in fiecare magazin care se respecta un raon mare ,,Big and tall''...e mai mult pentru cei big :)).<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place</b> ca sunt multe oportunitati de petrecere a timpului liber.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca nu prea ai timp sa te bucuri de ele.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place </b>ca nu am cu cine sa joc fotbal.<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place </b>ca pot sa vad si eu live un meci de baschet din NBA sau de hochei in NHL.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca sistemul medical este scump. De asemenea si o asigurare medicala este scumpa si nu ofera gratuitate asa cum se intampla in Romania.<br />
<br />
<b>Nu imi place</b> ca sistemul de invatamant este scump.<br />
<br />
<b>Imi place </b>ca apartamentul in care stam e mai mare ca cel din Brasov. In general apartamentele si casele sunt mai mari ca si suprafata.<br />
<br />
Scorul este 14- 14:))...conteaza si importanta fiecarui acest imi place/nu imi place dar nu intram acum in detalii.<br />
O sa incerc sa updatez periodic lista asta:).<br />
<br />
Sa ne auzim cu bine...si poate mai des:)<br />
<br />
<b>Completari:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Imi place ca</b> nu sunt caini vagabonzi. Deloc. Gasesti in schimb veverite si caprioare :)<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Imi place </b>politica de returnare a produselot fara sa puna intrebari. Primesti inapoi fie bani, fie alt produs. Alegerea este a ta. Noi tot timpul am ales banii :).<b> </b>Este mult mai relaxant sa cumperi ceva pe care stii ca il poti duce inapoi daca nu se potriveste sau nu iti mai place. Trebuie doar sa pastrezi chitanta sau eticheta pe produs. Insa chiar si fara aceste se pot gasi rezolvari atata timp cat se poate demonstra ca produsul este cumparat din magazinul respectiv.<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></b></h4>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yeah I know we started not to write that often on the blog.
We started to be more busy and the news and updates doesn’t<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>show up everyday<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. Because Andreea post a while
ago her likes and dislike I think it’s time for my view<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to tell you from the beginning that
Andreea adapted much quicker and easier . I find it more difficult. That
doesn’t mean that I hate everything here…is just I had higher expectations…maybe
to high. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 5.2in;">
The ideas are exactly what comes to
mind now. Let’s start<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 5.2in;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like</b> that generally the system works and the individual is
the center of everything. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like </b>that I don’t feel the frustration when I interact
with public institutions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that the system is ,,closed’’ in the beginning.
It is not accessible for all the new comers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that the distances are big between everything (
home – work, home – stores, home – downtown, etc)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like</b> that basic stuff like food and clothes are tax free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like </b>that there is a respect for the others in general and
especially for those that works for the others ( police, fireman, doctors, etc)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like</b> that those really work for the others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that there are a lot of ,,big shots’’. I was
expecting for people to be more civilized. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that the roads are not that smooth like in many
European cities. Yet they are still better than Romania.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that in the beginning you lack social life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like</b> that people are nice and helpful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like</b> that many times if you can prove good faith you can
be forgiven at your first mistake.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that I have to travel one hour from home to
work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that I can not see football games ( soccer as
they say here).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like</b> that I have New York, Washington, Atlantic City at 2
hour drive, maximum.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like </b>that people just dress anyhow on the street. I
am not a fashion icon but to go shopping in your pajamas and slippers is not
ok.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that I have to see the asses of those who dress
gangsta style. The ones with their pants dropped down to their knees.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like</b> that there are a lot of stores with European food and
you can keep your gastronomic custom. In<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>our area most popular are the Russian and the German stores.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that the distances between stores are big.
Three days ago Andreea did some shopping , grocery and stuff, and had to go to
3 stores. It took about 2 hours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like</b> that the discounts are for real. I bought things that
were 70% discount. It’s nice to pay 20$ for something that normally costs 65$.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that popular sizes in Europe like S or M here
are rare here. But every cloth store has big isle with ,,Big and tall’’..is
more for the big ones.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like</b> that you have a lot of ways to spend your free time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that I don’t have too much free time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> that I don’t have anybody to play football
with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like </b>that I can see an NBA or NHL game live.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like </b>that medical system is expensive. Also a health
insurance is expensive and the medical expenses are not free even if insured.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I don’t like</b> the educational system is expensive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I like </b>that our apartment is bigger than In Brasov. In
general apartments are bigger than in Romania.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we have a tie 14 – 14….ok, it matters also the importance
of each aspect above<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but let’s not go
into details now<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will try to update this list periodically.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the best!</div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
Update:<br />
<br />
<b>I like </b>that there are no street dogs. None.<br />
<br />
<b>I like</b> the return policy in US with no questions asked. You get back cash or store credit, it's up to you. We always chose cash. It's much relaxing to buy something that you know you can return if it does;t fit, work or just don't like. You have to keep the receipt or the tag. But even if you don't have this there are ways to solve things out as long as you can prove you bought the item from that store.<br />
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<br />Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-73154515089042998212014-12-29T23:02:00.002-05:002015-02-22T00:23:21.831-05:00Trei luni in US, Philadelphia / Three months in Philadelphia<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romanian:</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Ho ho ho...Merry Christmas...sau Craciun Fericit:)!!!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Uite ca suntem in perioada sarbatorilor de iarna si cum necum s-au facut 3
luni de cand suntem in SUA. Personal, mie imi pare ca a trecut mult mai mult
timp. Probabil din cauza ca a fost o perioada foarte aglomerata in care am
acumulat in scurt timp foarte multe cunostinte, am invatat o gramada despre cum
merg lucrurile in America si, zic eu, am si avut cateva obiective pe care deja
le-am atins:). Si, cum de obicei la final de an lumea sta si mediteaza,
analizeaza, trage concluzii zic ca este timpul sa fac o recapitulare a ceea mi
se pare mie ca inseamna America, mai exact Philadelphia, asa cum am cunoscut-o
eu in aceste 3 luni. O voi lua intr-o ordine aleatorie cu liniuta de la capat
asa cum facem la scoala :).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ce-mi place
in US?</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sistemul</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> in general pentru ca functioneaza
atata timp cat indeplinesti niste conditii si respecti regulile. Cam orice
greseala neintentionata se poate repara daca dai dovada ca ai vrut, dar nu ai
stiut cum sa faci. De ex. am luat amenda pentru ca nu am stiut unde e parcarea
vizitatorilor la facultate, dar le-am explicat ca nu am vazut semnul si am fost
iertati. Sau ieri am iesit de pe autostrada din greseala pe la EZ Pass fara sa
platim, la intoarcere am anuntat si am primit un tichet cu care vom plati doar
taxa de autostrada fara amenda.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Functionarii
publici </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- o mare
diferenta in bine fata de Romania. Toate situatiile in care am fost nevoiti sa
avem de-a face cu functionarii publici au decurs foarte bine si fara nervii si
frustrarea din Romania.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Imi
place ca la fiecare </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">scoala</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> la ora
cand intra si ies elevii de la scoala exista la intersectii persoane
responsabile sa traverseze elevii strada. Asta ca sa nu i se intample copilului
nimic pana la autobuz sau pana la masina parintelui.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oamenii</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- sunt draguti, uneori parca prea
draguti si foarte ajutatori. Daca te pot ajuta o vor face sigur. Daca te vad
pierdut in spatiu sigur se opresc si te ajuta. Uneori, par prea draguti si nu
stiu daca chiar asa sunt oamenii sau mintea mea de roman este scurtcircuitata
(de multe ori in Romania esti in garda cand un strain este prea dragut si de
treaba cu tine)</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Magazine
- </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Stiam inainte
sa vin aici dar acum e clar: consumul s-a inventat in SUA :). Sistemul este
urmatorul la magazine: vii la noi, iti facem card de fidelitate, ai reduceri
si-ti mai dam si cupoane ca sigur sa te intorci tot la noi sa-ti faci
cumparaturile. </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aici reducerile sunt reduceri
si ce-mi place este ca poti sa-ti cumperi lucruri la care in Romania poate doar
ai visat sau poate faceai mari sacrificii sa le ai. Si aici includ hainele de
firma care sunt mult mai ieftine, cosmeticele, electronicele.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">6.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cafea-</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Toata lumea aici bea cafea. La munca,
la cumparaturi, oriunde ii vezi cu cate o cana de cafea in mana si cum eu sunt
o iubitoare de cafea ma simt in largul meu :)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">7.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Respectul fata de oameni</span></span></o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> - Este uimitor sa vezi cand te duci la un show de masini ca prezentatorul dupa ce se canta imnul zice ca va multumi anumitor oameni care au facut fapte bune pentru tara. Si tu te astepti sa fie niste invitati pe banca oficiala care au sponsorizat si care trebuie sa fie aplaudati. Ei bine nu e asa, el ii roaga pe cei care-si aud numele sa se ridice in picioare si incepe sa strige: politisti, pompieri, veteranii de razboi din Irak, Vietnam si oamenii chiar se ridica in picioare si restul salii ii aplauda pentru ca ajuta tara. Un gest atat de simplu dar cu atat de mare impact!</span></span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ce nu-mi
place in US?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Scoala
si sistemul medical</b> pentru ca sunt scumpe. De aceea nu toti americanii au studii
superioare sau asigurare de sanatate. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Legat de scoala </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">asta nu inseamna
ca daca o familie nu are bani, gata copilul nu poate urma o scoala buna. Este
posibil, deoarece exista burse si alte circumstante prin care un copil bun la
invatatura dar fara bani sa ajunga sa studieze la o scoala buna</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doar ca
in acest caz este un pic mai multa munca de cercetare. De asemenea exista
imprumuturi pentru elevi/studenti la care incepi sa platesti dupa ce ai
terminat scoala, iar ratele sunt umane. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Legat de sistemul medical, sa primesti
asigurarea de la angajator este un mare beneficiu dar nu toti il ofera.
Serviciile medicale sunt scumpe, o consultatie la medicul de familie poate fi
75$-100$, la urgente costul incepe de la 500$, iar daca apelezi la ambulanta
vorbim de cateva mii de dolari. Insa si aici, daca arati ca nu ai venit ca sa
platesti atunci factura initiala se reduce considerabil. Stiu un caz care a
primit factura de 700$ dupa o vizita la urgenta dar a platit doar 80$ datorita
nivelului financiar scazut.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Trafic</b> - Fiind un oras mare exista si aici
blocaje si mai ales la orele de varf si pe arterele aglomerate. Drumurile in
oras nu sunt ,,ca in palma',' asa cum am intalnit in multe orase din Europa.
Exista si aici soferi nervosi si agresivi, mai auzi cate un claxon la semafor,
mai vezi pe unul ,,smecher care se baga'' etc. Ce ma deranjeaza cel mai tare este
ca sunt distante mari dintr-un capat in celalalt alt orasului si ajungi sa faci
cate o ora pana la munca. Fiind obisnuiti cu Brasovul unde in 15-20 minute erai
unde voiai, aici mi se pare ca se pierde mult timp pe drum. Cata trebuie sa
mearga 15 min cu masina pana la terminal, de unde ia metroul inca 25 minute pana
in centru si apoi mai merge vreo 5 minute pe jos pana la birou. Daca ar merge
cu masina, parcarea pentru o zi l-ar costa in jur de 20$/zi in centru.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Oamenii frumosi</b> din Europa sunt mai rari aici.
Si cand zic frumosi ma refer la aspectul fizic. Americanul de rand este foarte
relaxat, nu stie ce inseamna “nu se face”, se imbraca oricum, dar oricum (pot
fi pijamale sau tricouri cu buricul gol cand ai 90 kg sau blugii cazuti la
jumatatea fundului si prinsi acolo cu o curea).</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sigur, in centru sunt alti
oameni, dar marea masa considera frumos orice.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_49KrUsDzcs/VKGucJuZ6sI/AAAAAAAAKkY/ZpB1VoPkq6Y/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_49KrUsDzcs/VKGucJuZ6sI/AAAAAAAAKkY/ZpB1VoPkq6Y/s1600/1.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Impresia dupa 3 luni de zile este ca SUA iti ofera mai multe sanse ca Romania
sa ai un trai cel putin decent. Daca vrei sa muncesti, joburi sunt. Salariile,
chiar si cel minim, iti ofera sansa unui trai decent. Nu trebuie sa lucrezi doar
in domeniile bine platite sau sa ai job de manager pentru a avea chiar un trai
bun. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: red;">La multi ani!!!</span></b></i><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<h4>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></b><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></h4>
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Ho Ho Ho…Merry Christmas!</div>
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We are in the holiday season and we realized that it’s been
3 month since we are in US. Personally it seems that we’ve been here much
longer. Probably because it’s been a very busy period, a lot of new things in a
short period of time, we learned a lot about their system and how things works
around here. Usually at the end of the year people are analyzing and drawing
conclusions I think it’s time for us to do the same. What I like and what I
don’t like about US.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What I like?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The system</b> because in general works as long as
you obey the rules and respect the conditions. A lot of mistakes if it’s done
unintentionally can be fixed and can be waived if you can prove that you just
didn’t know or that you just did a mistake. For example: I got a ticket for
parking in the wrong place in the university campus but after I explained that
we didn’t see the sign we were excused. Another time we exit the highway
without paying because we use the lane for those with monthly pass. We
announced it immediately and we will not pay the fine…just the normal fee.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b>Civil servants</b> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a big difference from those in Romania. All the situations we had to
interact with them was nice and easy. The process was smooth <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> without the
frustration from Romania.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I like that every school</b> has people that take
care of children that are crossing the street around the school. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>People</b> – Are nice and sometimes maybe too nice
and helpful. If they can help you they will. If they see you lost and unsure
they will stop and ask you if you need help. They seem to nice sometime and I
don’t know if they really are that nice or my Romanian mind is messed up ( in
Romania you have to be careful if somebody is too nice<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Stores </b>– I knew this before but now it’ clear.
Consumer industry was invented in US. The system is like this: you come to us,
we give you fidelity card, discounts special offers anything just to make sure
you will come back<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.
Here promotions are really promotions and you can buy stuff that in Romania you
only dream about. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Coffee </b>– everybody drinks coffee. At work, on
the street, at shopping everywhere you look you see people drinking coffee. I
love coffee so I like this very much<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Respect</b> – It’s amazing to see at an auto show
that the announcer will start to thank certain people who did great things for
others and for the country. And you expect to see all kinds of sponsors or
politicians but the guy starts saying….policeman, fire fighters, war veteran,
doctors, etc…and they stand up and people applaud them. A simple thing but very
powerful. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What I don’t like about US?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b>School and medical system</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>because they are expensive. That’s why not
all Americans go to college or have health insurance. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
About the school that doesn’t mean that if
family doesn’t have money their kids can’t go to college. It is possible
because there are scholarship and other ways to support yourself through
college. In this case it is more hard work but it’s possible. There are also
loans for students and you can start paying back only after you graduate. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
About the medical system – to receive
health insurance from your employer is a big thing. But not all employer offers
this. Medical services are expensive and a simple visit to the doctor costs
75$-100$. If you go to emergency room is even more, from 500$ and up. But also there
are ways to sort this out too. If you can prove your earnings are very low then
your cost drops a lot. A know somebody who got the bill from emergency room –
700$. After he provided prove of low income he paid only 80$. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Traffic</b> – Being a big city you will see traffic
jam especially on highways and at rush hour. The roads are not as smooth as I
saw in many European cities. There are ,,big shots’’ that cut in line at the
light or horning or swearing. What is most annoying are the big distances
between everything. It can take you up to one hour to get from one place to
another. We are used to Brasov where in 20 minutes you travel across town. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Beautiful people </b>are rarely here than in Europe.
And when I mean beautiful I don’t mean the physical aspect. The American people
is very relaxed, dresses anyhow and I mean you can see people shopping in their
pajamas or the famous gangsta style. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_49KrUsDzcs/VKGucJuZ6sI/AAAAAAAAKkY/ZpB1VoPkq6Y/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_49KrUsDzcs/VKGucJuZ6sI/AAAAAAAAKkY/ZpB1VoPkq6Y/s1600/1.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The general impression after 3 month here is that US gives
more opportunity than Romania. More chances for a decent living. If you want to
work you can find jobs. Salaries, even the minimum one can give you a decent
living. You don’t have to have only good jobs that pays well or manager jobs in
order to live decent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Happy New Year!!!</span></div>
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-20803452551234363442014-12-12T21:36:00.000-05:002014-12-13T07:14:58.316-05:00Echivalarea studiilor in SUASalutare dragilor!!! <br />
<br />
De mult timp am vrut sa scriu acest post despre echivalarea studiilor aici, insa am asteptat sa fiu admisa oficial la Master ca apoi sa va povestesc intreg traseul parcurs.<br />
Inca din Romania am fost hotarati sa facem tot ce ne sta in putinta ca sa ne echivalam studiile aici pentru ca daca la inceput asa am fost sfatuiti de cei la care veneam, acum, traind aici, pot sa spun cu mana pe inima ca un job care necesita faculatatea terminata se plateste de la dublu in sus. Asa ca am intrebat in stanga si in dreapta cine face aceste echivalari si am dat peste una din cele mai mari agentii din US, numita WES. Pe site-ul ei sunt toate informatiile necesare, insa trebuie rabdare multa ca sa ajungi sa ai actele echivalate aici. De ce? Pentru ca din Romania iti trebuie o groaza de acte, adeverinte si stampile specifice statului roman:). Intai trebuie sa te adresezi facultatii pe care ai terminat-o si sa-i rogi sa-ti dea o adeverinta de autenticitate a diplomei (cu toate ca ei ti-au emis-o, ei au semnat-o, le-o arati in orginial dar nu conteaza). Adeverinta asta doar nu credeti ca se elibereaza pe loc....faci o cerere, platesti 20 ron si in 10 zile lucratoare ti-o elibereaza aceeasi secretara unde ai lasat cererea:))). Asta am patit noi la Universitatea Transilvania din Brasov unde a terminat Catalin. Eu am absolvit la SNSPA Bucuresti unde lucrurile stau mai normal, in sensul ca, am dat un telefon sa vad ce trebuie sa fac, am vorbit cu secretarul sef care m-a rugat sa-i scanez diploma si sa i-o trimit pe mail (ca doar nu o sa fac un drum la Bucuresti doar pentru asta) si a doua zi pot sa trimit pe oricine din Bucuresti sa ridice adeverinta, fara cereri, costuri si altele.<br />
Bun, acum avem adeverintele ce facem dupa? Ei bine trebuie sa te adresezi celor de la CNRED, care au sedii in mai multe orase, de obicei in facultatile mari, deci m-am intors la Universitatea Transilvania sa depunem dosarele. Acest centru verifica daca diploma ta impreuna cu adeverinta de autenticitate sunt reale si pun o stampila de diploma.....totul costa parca 45 ron de pers si dureaza vreo 14 zile ca trebuie sa ajunga la Bucuresti. Se intorc diplomele de acolo stampilate deci autentificate de toate organele posibile asa ca ne apucam de apostilat, tradus, supralegalizat. Intai apostilam diplomele in orginal la Prefectura, apoi le traducem in engleza sa inteleaga astia ceva cand le vor citi, le legalizam la un notar public si apoi mergem la Camera Notarilor Publici sa supralegalizele semnatura notarului public....V-am innebunit, stiu....Dar cine va vrea sa faca acesti pasi, ii are aici detaliat si-i poate urmari. Toata nebunia asta a costat undeva la 400 ron pentru amandoi si s-a rezolvat intr-o luna si un pic. Exista notari care fac totul in locul tau daca nu ai timp sa umbli, am cerut si eu un pret si era 950 ron/ persoana asa ca mi-am facut timp sa umblu pe la institutii:)<br />
Cu toate actele dupa noi venim in US si din prima luna aici incepem sa mergem pe la facultati sa intrebam ce si cum se face aici. Prima la care am fost, a fost chiar La Salle unde doamna de acolo ne-a spus ca are nevoie de echivalarea WES aici, adica sa trimitem actele la WES la New York si sa-i trimitem transcriptul de la ei. In prima faza, fara aceasta echivalare ni s-a spus ca nu cred ca vor recunoaste facultatea si ca ei de obicei recunosc cam jumatate. Dezamagire maxima pe capul nostru ca mai trebuie sa facem aici vreo 2 ani amandoi, ca trebuie sa si lucram, aici stiti ca facultatiile se invart pe la 50.000$....A doua zi aveam programare la alta facultate, Drexel. Mergem si acolo iar acolo alt raspuns. Daca ati terminat o facultate de stat recunoscuta in Romania, va fi recunoscuta si aici si teroretic va puteti inscrie la master, maxim va trebui sa luati cateva cursuri. Imediat ne-a venit inima la loc si zambetul pe buze.<br />
La WES am trimis pachetul cu toate actele, le-am dat adresele de la 3 facultati unde am aplicat ca ei sa trimita direct la facultati echivalarea (asa cer aici ca sa fie plicul sigilat) si totul a durat 7 zile lucratoare. Costul a fost undeva la 350$/ persoana cu 4 copii incluse. Surpriza mare a fost cand a venit echivalarea si ne-au dat bachelor degree, adica facultatea terminata integral. In acel moment am hotarat ca voi continua doar eu cu studiile, Catalin gasise deja un job in contabilitate/financiar/audit si urmatorul pas pentru el va fi un curs de expert contabil, un CPA aici.<br />
Dupa ce au primit si facultatile echivalarea m-au contactat sa aplic la master, adica la graduate, nu la undergraduate cum aplicasem deja. Atunci am decis sa continui procesul doar cu Drexel si La Salle, iar decizia pentru La Salle a fost luata din doua mari considerente: Drexel ma considera un student international si trebuia sa mai sustin doua examene la ei (GRE un fel de bacalaureat si IELTS-test de limba engleza) si in plus costul masterului depasea 50.000$. La Salle au inteles ca venind cu Green Card nu sunt cu viza de student si m-au acceptat ca un rezident asa ca nu a mai fost nevoie sa sustin aceste teste, iar costul masterului se ridica la 30.000$. Pot aplica la burse, subventii, dar sigur voi plati peste 60% din valoare. La Salle nu este cea mai buna universitate din Philadelphia (este pe locul 31 din 107 universitati), insa a parut cea mai deschisa pentru studentii imigranti ca mine:).<br />
Pe langa echivalare mai aveam nevoie de 2 scrisori de recomandare de la profesorii din scoala, asa ca am apelat la toate relatiile posibile sa fac rost de aceste scrisori de recomandare in engleza, semnate si stampilate, mai aveau nevoie de un eseu in care sa spun de ce am ales aceasta facultate, ce asteptari avem, ce vrem sa facem in viitor, asa ca m-am apucat si de scris si uite asa intr-o luna aveam toate actele cerute de ei si aplicatia mea era completa. Vizitasem deja facultatea de 2 ori, stiam campusul, asa ca asteptam cu nerabdare ultimul pas si anume interviul. La o saptamana dupa ce le-am trimis pe mail tot ce mi-au cerut, am fost invitata la interviul de admitere. M-am imbracat frumos, ca o scolarita, am citit un pic pe net cam ce m-ar putea intreba, am recitit de cateva ori eseul cu telurile mele pe viitor si miercuri la ora 15 eram prezenta la universitate. Interviul l-am sustinut cu advisor-ul meu (aici ai un fel de diriginte pe perioada cursurilor care te ajuta si te indruma), nu a fost greu, dar nici usor, m-a rugat sa-i spun despre mine mai multe ca sa ma cunoasca mai bine, cum cred ca ma vor ajuta cursurile din facultate acum (eu am facut comunicare si relatii publice si continui cu Professional and Business Communication), ce vreau sa fac dupa, cam in ce sector vreau sa lucrez, ce aspiratii am, etc.<br />
Scoala aici e structurata altfel in sensul ca nu incepe la 1 oct si se termina in vara.....incepe de 4 ori pe an, in fiecare anotimp. Cand intri la scoala ti se spune cate cursuri trebuie sa faci ca sa termini, in cazul meu 12. Fiecare curs are 3 credite, deci vor fi 36 credite in total si platesc la numarul de credite.Termini scoala cand ai finalizat toate cursurile si asta depinde numai de tine la cat de multe cursuri aplici pe semestru.<br />
A doua zi am primit mailul cu acceptarea mea la master si cu ghidul incepatorului:). Masterul va incepe in 12 ianuarie asa ca am sa revin cu povestiri din prima zi de scoala :).<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-41187003988042187352014-12-09T23:34:00.002-05:002014-12-09T23:34:31.902-05:00Simplu dar relevantSalutare,<br />
<br />
Am trecut astazi printr-o intamplare simpla, dar relevanta...asa cum reiese si din titlu:). Bineinteles ca vreau sa o scriu pe blog :).<br />
Am avut dimineata examenul pentru permis de conducere. Am luat acum ceva timp sala, iar astazi eram programat pentru ,,traseu''. S-a intamplat ca astazi sa fie o zi foarte urata cu frig si ploaie, exact ce nu iti doresti in ziua cand ai de trecut examenul pentru permis. O sa trec peste detaliile tehnice deoarece am mai scris ca in Pennsylvania sa iti iei carnet de conducere este aproape o formalitate mai ales daca ai condus deja in Romania. Nu esti obligat sa iei ore la scoala de soferi, nu trebuie sa faci cursuri de legislatie, trebuie doar sa te prezinti la centru de examinare. Prima data sa dai sala si a doua oara traseul. Singura parte negativa este ca dureaza foarte mult intre cele 2 parti. In cazul meu aproximativ 6 saptamani, care este de obicei perioada standard de asteptare. In acesti timp insa, ai dreptul sa conduci masina cu un ,,Learner permit'' doar ca trebuie tot timpul sa fii insotit de cineva cu permis.<br />
Revenind la povestea de azi, asa cum va spuneam, era frig si ploua destul de tare. Am ajuns la locul de examinare, ne-am asezat cu masina la coada (eram a treia masina in rand) si asteptam cuminti sa ne vina randul. Examinarea incepe intr-o parcare destul de mare, undeva mai in spate iar mai in fata, cam la 150 de metri, este si sediul unde se intocmesc toate actele pentru permis (daca treci intri in acea cladire pentru poze si eliberarea permisului).<br />
O masina, tot pentru examen, tocmai plecase cand am ajuns noi si asteptam frumos ca domnul instructor sa fie adus inapoi, cat mai aproape de urmatoarea masina programata la examen, ca sa nu se ude. Plus, ca in logica mea asa ar fi fost si normal, cel cu masina sa il protejeze de ploaie si frig pe cel fara masina :). Se intoarce masina, parcheaza langa intrarea in sediu iar domn instructor vine frumos prin ploaie, cu hartii bagate pe sub haina ca sa nu le ude, catre urmatoarea masina. Eu si Andreea, invatati ca in Romania, ca in fata functionarilor publici stai drepti, incerci sa nu-i superi, te porti frumos cu ei, am ramas putin surprinsi. Nu intelegeam de ce a fost lasat saracul om sa vina pe jos prin frig si ploaie. Primul gand este cel romanesc, normal. Apoi incercam sa gandim dupa logica de aici. Carevasazica, aici important nu e functionarul, ci platitorul de taxe si impozite. El trebuie sa fie fericit si confortabil, in speta aproape de intrarea in sediu. Hmmm ce chestie:). Acelasi lucru l-am patit si eu si toti cei prezenti la examen azi. E un alt fel de privit problema functionarului in slujba cetateanului. Ok, nu o sa generalizez ca sigur sunt exemple proaste si in SUA, insa noi pana acum nu le-am intalnit. Probabil ca sunt exceptii, asa cum in Romania exceptiile sunt cei corecti:).<br />
Inca un exemplu de a face lucrurile corect si logic. Fiind de putin timp aici, noua inca nu ni se par logice. Si asta e cel mai trist si spune multe de modul in care am crescut si societatea in care am trait. Da, ok, nu vreau sa incepeti sa spuneti ca vezi Doamne gata am uitat de am plecat si aruncam cu noroi in tara noastra dar ma gandesc oare cum ar sta lucrurile in Romania daca s-ar intampla aceste lucruri simple dar relevante:)?<br />
<br />Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-72490705464958202942014-12-02T23:25:00.001-05:002015-02-22T00:24:10.212-05:00Prima chirie in SUA / Our first rent in US<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romanian:</span></h4>
<br />
Hello din nou,<br />
<br />
Desi stiam de aproximativ o saptamana ca ne vom muta la casa noastra in chirie, am asteptat ca totul sa fie oficial pentru a scrie pe blog intreaga poveste. Asa cum stiti din postarile anterioare noi am avut norocul sa avem un loc unde sa stam la inceputul vietii noastre in SUA. Imi mentin parerea ca este un mare avantaj, evident. Insa ca orice oameni normali la cap :) am considerat ca trebuie la un moment dat sa ne asezam la casa noastra. Pentru inceput un apartament in chirie este varianta cea mai buna pentru noi.<br />
Drept urmare, pe la jumatatea lunii noiembrie am zis sa incepem sa testam piata chiriilor sa vedem si noi cu ce se mananca acest domeniu in SUA. Zis si facut. Pentru inceput am incercat variantele oficiale. Adica diferite complexe rezidentiale care au o companie ce se ocupa de tot ceea ce inseamna inchirierea acestor apartamente. In Philadelphia sunt foarte multe asemenea companii si complexe de apartamente. Noi am decis sa ramanem in zona unde am locuit si pana acum (Northeast Philadelphia). Am inceput cu o simpla cutare pe google si am stabilit o sumedenie de intalniri. Deoarece si eu si Andreea am avut o perioada in care am fost liberi am putut sa dedicam aproape o saptamana cautatului de apartamente. Am fost in fiecare zi si am vazut cam 3-4/zi. Sincer sa va zic dupa primele 2 zile am descoperit cu adevarat cat de multe apartamente sunt pentru inchiriat. Si astea doar in zona noastra. Doar din ce am vazut noi (unele vizitate, altele doar trecand pe langa ele) am numarat cam 50 de complexe (unele mai mari, altele mai mici). Deci aveam de unde alege:). Problema cea mai mare era ca nu aveam acel credit history de care intreaba toata lumea dar ne-am gandit ca exista variante si pentru amarati ca noi:). Nu voi descrie fiecare vizita in parte ca sa nu va plictisesc asa ca voi face un scurt rezumat.<br />
1. Toate agentiile ne-au spus ca nu este asa o mare problema ca nu avem credit history, atata timp cat putem dovedi ca lucram. In plus trebuie ca venitul lunar al familiei sa fie de 3 ori chiria. Adica la o chirie de 800-900 dolari, salariul familiei trebuie sa fie 2400-2700$. Unele mai puteau cere in plus o garantie mai mare. In mod normal se cere garantie echivalentul unei chirii. Daca nu ai credit history pot sa iti ceara 2 sau 3 chirii. Am intrebat si ce variante exista daca nu ai nici credit history si nici dovada ca lucrezi. In acest caz, unii nu te accepta deloc, altii te obliga la plata anticipata a chiriei pe multe luni in avans (cam de la 6 in sus). Am intrebat special acest lucru deoarece ma gandesc ca sunt persoane care vin in SUA si nu au unde sta la inceput sa stie cam la ce sa se astepte. Poate sunt si exceptii insa nu le-am intalnit noi.<br />
2. Toate apartamentele sunt nemobilate. Deloc. Au doar bucataria complet utilata plus masina de spalat rufe si uscatorul care pot fi in casa sau pe hol unde se impart cu ceilalti locatari (asa cum ati vazut in filme). Acelasi apartament insa mobilat costa cam de 3 ori mai mult. Cel putin asta a fost pretul care ne-a fost dat noua in doua locuri unde am intrebat.<br />
3. Noi am cautat apartament cu 1 dormitor. Aici 1 dormitor inseamna de fapt 2 camere deoarece toate au si un living. Echivalentul garsonierelor din Romania ar fi apartamentele studio.Acestea au doar livingul+bucatarie si baie. Mai exista si unele cu baie pe hol insa noi am exclus din start acea varianta. Acestea ar fi cam cum sunt in Ro caminele de nefamilisti.<br />
4. Chiriile pentru apartamentele cu 1 dormitor in zona Northeast care este considerata o zona buna sunt cam intre 700$ si 1100$. Acestea sunt variantele minime si maxime pe care le-am intalnit noi. Unele au incluse in ele o parte din utilitati ca apa, gazul sau curentul iar altele nu includ nimic.<br />
5. Apartamentele pot fi in blocuri care de obicei au maxim 2 etaje sau intr-un fel de case de tip duplex cu 2, 3 sau 4 apartamente. Noi am gasit intr-un fel de combinatie intre bloc si casa. Fiecare apartament are intrare lui insa arata ca un bloc. O sa va lamuriti mai bine daca va uitati la poze:).<br />
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Spatele casei unde este si intrarea in garaj.<br />
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6. Apartamentele sunt maricele. Ca si reper va pot zice ca din tot ce am vazut noi cel mai mic avea 600 square feet adica aproximativ 55 metri patrati. Cel pe care l-am si inchiriat are 800 square feet (cam 75 metri patrati).<br />
7. Un lucru foarte fain este ca aici chiriasul are drepturi. Daca se strica ceva nu trebuie sa repari singur. Compania proprietara este obligata sa faca acest lucru. Asta imi place:). Pe de alta parte nu poti intarzia cu chiria. Ai cateva zile la inceputul lunii cand poti plati, apoi esti penalizat pe zi de intarziere iar apoi evacuat.<br />
8. Din toate cele aproximativ 20 de locatii vizionate doar 2 erau ocupate in intregime. Restul aveau cel putin 1-2 apartamente goale sau care urmau sa fie eliberate. Al nostru se va elibera la sfarsitul lui decembrie iar noi suntem programati sa ne mutam in 8 ianuarie.<br />
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Hai ca am dat prea multe detalii:).<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first rent in US</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We knew for about a week that we are going to move in our
home we waited for everything to be official so we can write here the whole
story. As you already know we were extremely lucky that we had a place to stay
at the beginning of our life in US. I still think that having a place to stay
when you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>first come to USA is a major
advantage…but like every normal people I think after a while is best to move. A
rented apartment is the best place to start.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In November we decided to start looking for a rent, ask around
to see what is the deal with renting a house <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in US. We started by contacting offices that
deal with renting all kinds of places. There are numerous residential complexes
that have an office that takes care of renting them. We decided to stay in the same
area ( Northeast Philadelphia) because we liked it and is the best choice for
us. It took us about one week with 3-4 meetings per day. After 2 days we really
realized how many places to rent are just in Northeast Philly. So we had where
to choose from, the only problem was that we didn’t have that credit
history<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which is very important here,
Eventually we thought that it must be a way to rent a place even for people
like us who just came to US. I am not going to discuss every meeting because I
don’t want to bore you. I will make a short briefing:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>All the agencies told us that not having a
credit score is not that big of a problem as long as we can prove that we have
a job. The salary must be 3 times the monthly rent. That means that for a
800-900$ rent you need a 2400$ - 2700$ monthly wage per family. Some were
asking for a deposit that is usually 1-2 month rent. We asked what if nobody
has a job but have money in their account and some don’t accept this situation
or they make you pay about 6 months in advance. There may be other situations
but we didn’t meet any.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>All apartments are unfurnished. Only the kitchen
is fully furnished and has all the appliances. Plus all of them have laundry
machine and dryer. Most are not inside the apartment, you can find them on the
hallway or other dedicated rooms. If you want the apartment to be furnished it
can cost 3 times more.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>We looked for one bedroom apartment. Here this
means that you actually have 2 rooms: living+bedroom.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The rent for one bedroom apartment in Northeast
Philadelphia which is considered a good area are between 700$ and 1100$. Part
of them includes some utilities, some don’t. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The apartments are in buildings with maximum 2
floors or in some kind of houses duplex type with 2,3,4 apartments per house. We
found in a place similar to a duplex. You have below some pictures to get the
idea.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJsbC79_Z4k/VH6QA-2dyzI/AAAAAAAABLg/-6tOksyEsDw/s1600/2014-11-24%2B13.38.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJsbC79_Z4k/VH6QA-2dyzI/AAAAAAAABLg/-6tOksyEsDw/s1600/2014-11-24%2B13.38.21.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtvLA3H1ZxY/VH6QUwBxg0I/AAAAAAAABLw/26unB-JSsVI/s1600/2014-11-24%2B13.37.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtvLA3H1ZxY/VH6QUwBxg0I/AAAAAAAABLw/26unB-JSsVI/s1600/2014-11-24%2B13.37.40.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The apartments are quite big. From what we saw I
can tell you that the smallest one had 600 square feet 9 (about 55 square
meter). The one we rented has 800 square feet ( about 75 square meter)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>One thing that I like here is that the you as a
renter have rights. If something is broken they have to fix it. On the other
hand you can not be late with the rent. If you pass the deadline you are
penalized for each day. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>From the all 20 places that we visit only 2 were
fully occupied. The rest had at least 1-2 apartments free. Ours will be open
from 8<sup>th</sup> of January and we are moving than. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-21829860413711064932014-12-01T00:53:00.001-05:002015-02-22T00:25:04.034-05:00Philadelphia Christmas Market<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Romanian:</span></h4>
<br />
Hello,<br />
Acest post trebuia scris de Andreea care doarme la ora asta pentru ca maine lucreaza. Drept urmare, m-am oferit sa o ajut cu postarea:)<br />
In SUA a inceput deja perioada sarbatorilor. Ea incepe odata cu Thanksgiving Day (Ziua Recunostintei) care se sarbatoreste in ultima joi din Noiembrie. Anul asta a picat in 27 noiembrie. Traditia spune ca Thanksgiving Day se petrece in familie si se incheie cu celebra cina unde se mananca curcan. De asemenea, tot de Ziua Recunostintei, multi americani impodobesc deja bradul. Pentru noi pare un pic ciudat, insa este placut sa vezi atatea locuri si case frumos impodobite pentru o perioada mai lunga de timp. Bineinteles ca si in Philadelphia exista o piata de Craciun. Ba chiar este considerata una din pietele frumoase din SUA. Aveti si un link cu mai multe detalii:<a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-christmas-markets/9"> http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-christmas-markets/9</a><br />
Si nu puteam rata ocazia sa o vizitam. Nu pot sa zic ca am fost extrem de impresionati, insa poate ca aveam noi asteptarile prea mari:). Este micuta si intima, insa cu un aer de sarbatoare foarte puternic. Au muzica live de sezon ceea ce contribuie la aceasta atmosfera. Daca ar fi sa comparam, cred ca este sub ceea ce am vazut in Sibiu sau Brasov. Dar per total ambianta este placuta si relaxanta. Si nici nu am ascultat colindele lui Hrusca:). Nu suntem plecati de atat de mult timp incat sa ne fie dor de ele:).<br />
Mai jos aveti si cateva poze. Scuzati calitatea, insa deocamdata tot cu telefoanele mobile facem poze. Pe viitor speram sa ne upgradam cu un DSLR :)<br />
Vizionarea placuta.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello,</div>
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Andreea should write this post but because she is working
tomorrow she already went to bed. So I decide to help her<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.</div>
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In US the holiday season already started. It starts on
Thanksgiving Day which is celebrated on the last Thursday of November. This
year it was on 27<sup>th</sup> of November. Traditionally Thanksgiving Day is
spent with the family. A dinner with the famous turkey is the most common way
to celebrate this holiday. Also on this day a lot of people decorate the Christmas
tree. For us this is a bit strange but it’s nice to see all the houses nicely
decorated and lighted for a longer period of time. Of course that Philadelphia
has a Christmas Market. It is considered one of the nicest in USA. You can find
more details in this link: <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-christmas-markets/9">http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-christmas-markets/9</a></div>
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We couldn’t missed the chance of visiting the Christmas
Market but we were not very impressed to be honest. Is small and cozy with a
powerful holiday spirit. Live music is a very nice touch. Compared to what we
saw in Brasov and Sibiu I think it is poorer. But the overall atmosphere is
nice and relaxing. </div>
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We also made some pictures. The quality is not too god, the
pictures are taken with our phones. We hope to buy a DSLR camera soon<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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Enjoy </div>
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Iar in ultima poza este personajul Iisus cantand printre oameni Let it be - priceless:))<br />
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Pe curand:)Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-81889708638852741022014-11-27T12:18:00.000-05:002015-02-15T16:07:56.374-05:00Philadelphia in imagini / Philadelphia in picturesPentru ca am facut cateva poze cu super aparatul telefonului meu mobil :) m-am gandit ca pentru unii ar fi interesant sa vada si in imagini cam cum este pe aici. O sa le si explic pentru a putea intelege mai bine:)<br />
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Mai jos sunt poze facute la prima noastra iesire pe strazile americane:). Cam asa arata imprejurimile.<br />
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Am avut ocazia sa intru si intr-un local Buffalo wings cand era football night<br />
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In drum spre Tennesse am vazut cam cum arata drumurile lor si aproape ca am fost martorii formarii unei tornade. Si imi place ca berea este semnalizata corespunzator:))<br />
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Avem si restaurante sa ne aduca aminte de acasa!<br />
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Cam asa arata centrul Philadelphiei:<br />
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Tot in centru gasiti si o piata foarte faina. O recomand chiar si turistilor. Sunt multe locuri unde poti incerca mancarea traditionala de aici.<br />
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Bineinteles ca orasul si magazinele sunt pregatite pentru Craciun:)<br />
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Pe curand.<br />
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<br />Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-61070702450308115052014-11-27T02:20:00.002-05:002015-02-20T21:12:28.441-05:00Putina relaxare dupa atatea informatii / It's time to relax<br />
Pentru ca deja blogul are prea multe informatii si nici o distractie am zis sa va zic si voua ce se canta pe aici. Urmatoarele melodii le aud zilnic aici la radio sau TV. Prima cel putin e difuzata din jumate in jumate de ora. Si cum in materie de muzica gusturile sunt foarte diferite va invit sa le ascultati si sa le apreciati dupa preferinte :)<br />
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Because the blog is already full with information I think is a good idea to relax a little. This songs are on heavy repeat here. You can here them everywhere, all the time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGY9AOWOCCE" target="_blank">Iggy Azalea Ft Rita Ora - Black Widow</a><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/iGY9AOWOCCE/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iGY9AOWOCCE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM" target="_blank">Taylor Swift - Shake it Off</a><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/nfWlot6h_JM/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nfWlot6h_JM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpgTC9MDx1o" target="_blank">MAroon 5 - Animals</a><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/qpgTC9MDx1o/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qpgTC9MDx1o?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh2LWWORoiM" target="_blank">Tove Lo - Habits ( Stay High)</a><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/oh2LWWORoiM/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oh2LWWORoiM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD2rhdFRehU" target="_blank">Ed Sheeran - Don't</a><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/iD2rhdFRehU/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iD2rhdFRehU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Enjoy!Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-36473480144624710602014-11-27T01:40:00.000-05:002015-02-22T00:26:29.838-05:00O intamplare simpla.../ Simple fact of life...<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romanian: </span> </h4>
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Acum cateva zile, intr-o dimineata, eram cu Andreea la un Dunkin Donuts si beam o cafea. Urma sa ne intalnim cu cineva si pentru ca ajunsesem mai devreme cu vreo 40 de minute am zis sa profitam sa ne bem cafeaua:). In cafenea la o masa alaturata erau un grup de 3 oameni, motociclisti cu geci de piele, plete, genul cu Harley Davidson, oameni inalti si zdraveni care isi vedeau linistiti de conversatia lor. La cateva minute a intrat un alt grup de 3 persoane in varsta undeva peste 70 de ani care si ei s-au asezat la alta masa si isi savurau cafelele si gogosile. La un moment dat vad ca motociclistii se pregatesc de plecare iar inainte sa iasa unul dintre ei ( cel mai ,,fioros'' dintre ei) se apropie de batrani si spune simplu: ,,Ma scuzati, nu vreau sa va deranjez..intinde mana catre unul dintre batrani si zice...Thank you for your service. Curios m-am uitat mai atent la batran si atunci m-am luminat si eu. Avea o sapca cu veteran al razboiului din Vietnam.<br />
Pe mine unul m-a impresionat acest gest simplu dar plin de respect si recunostinta. E prima oara cand vad asa ceva.Aceasta intamplare spune multe despre societatea de aici.<br />
<br />
Si pentru ca veni vorba de societate am observat inca un lucru. Oriunde am fost si am umblat destul de mult in aceste 2 luni de cand suntem aici, lumea e saritoare si dornica sa te ajute. Am mai fost in multe orase din Europa insa nicaieri nu am patit ca aici. Pur si simplu daca te vad un pic dezorientat se opresc pe strada si te abordeaza. Esti in regula? Te ajut cu ceva? Te-ai ratacit? etc. De multe ori,cum totul este nou pentru noi, ne uitam de jur imprejur doar ca sa observam cat mai multe lucruri. Se pare ca felul in care privim noi de jur imprejur se aseamana mult cu dezorientarea:). Si am si aici o intamplare scurta:). Am fost cu Andreea la una din universitati si am parcat la ei in campus intr-un loc de parcare gasit liber. Am stat vreo 3 ore pe acolo si la intoarcere, surpriza...in parbriz amenda 50$ pentru parcare in loc nepermis. Si cum stateam noi si ne uitam la aceea amenda sa vedem ce zice, unde trebuie platita, etc, se opreste o masina, coboara gemul si 2 fete tinere, probabil studente, ne intreaba frumos:<br />
Ati luat amenda?<br />
Noi - Da<br />
Ele - Sunteti in vizita?<br />
Noi - Da<br />
Ele - Atunci nu e corect. Mergeti la biroul (si ne explica unde sa mergem) si certati-va cu ei ca nu e corect sa luati amenda asa<br />
Si am fost, si am discutat si ne-au pasuit, fiind prima abatere. Dar noroc cu ele ca altfel eram mai saraci cu 50$.<br />
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Exista si multi americani dintre cei cu care am interactionat intr-un fel sau altul care sunt exagerat de entuziasmati si extrem de incantati cand le povestim cum am ajuns noi aici. Mie, deocamdata, o asemenea reactie mi se pare un pic falsa...ramane sa elucidez in viitor daca am dreptate sau nu.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few mornings ago I was with Andreea at Donkin Donuts
having coffee. We were about to meet somebody but because we arrived early we
decided to wait inside Donkin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inside at
a table next to us there was a group of about 3-4 motorcyclists the kind with
long hair, leather jackets and pants. They were minding quietly their own
conversation. After a few minutes a group of 3 old man enters the place. They
were about 70 years old and they sat down at another table. After a while I see
that the motorcyclists are getting ready to leave and just before exit one of
them approach the other group and says: Excuse me I don’t mean to interrupt
…shakes the hand of one the old man saying….Ghank you for your service. I
looked closely and I saw that the guy is a Vietnam veteran. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I for one was really impressed by this gesture, simple but
full of respect and dignity. It’s the first time when I see this. This says a
lot about the society here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And speaking of society I noticed another thing. Every
places we’ve been people are helpful and willing to advice you. We visited<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>many European cities but we haven’t seen
something like this. If they see you just a bit lost they ask you…Are you ok?
Are you lost? Can we help you?..Many times we were just looking around just
because everything was so new <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.
Again I can tell you a small episode.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was with Andreea at the university and we parked inside
the campus. We stayed there for about 3 hours and when we returned to the
car…surprise…a ticket for 50$ because we parked in the wrong place. We were
looking at the ticket trying to see where and when do we have to pay the ticket
when a car approaches and 2 young girls ask us nicely:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you get a ticket?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Us: Yes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Them: Are you just visiting?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Us: Yes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Them: It is not fair. You should go to the parking office (
they explain to us where the office is) and complain . You shouldn’t had taken
this ticket.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we visited the parking office and got away just with a
warning. They cancelled the ticket after we explained that we just didn’t know
the rules in the campus. Lucky that those girls stopped to help us otherwise we
would be 50$ poorer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a lot of American people that are exaggeratedly
enthusiastic and thrilled when we tell them how we came to US. For me, now,
they seem a bit phony and false…we’ll see in the future if I am wright or not<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-9020547804012475652014-11-27T00:18:00.000-05:002015-02-22T00:27:05.355-05:00Echivalarea studiilor in SUA / Studies equivalency in US.<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romanian:</span></h4>
<br />
Salutare din nou:),<br />
Hai ca a trecut ceva timp de cand nu am mai scris insa a fost o perioada mai aglomerata pentru noi. Insa astazi voi recupera si voi avea 4 noi postari.Un nou record:)).Senzational!!!<br />
Aceasta este prima si se refera la echivalarea studiilor in SUA. Pentru cei care au de gand sa isi echivaleze studiile in SUA trebuie sa stie ca toata aceasta munca trebuie inceputa de acasa, cu ceva timp inainte de a veni in State.<br />
Dar sa o luam cu inceputul. Exista in SUA mai multe agentii de echivalare a studiilor. Una dintre ele si cea pe care am folosit-o si noi este WES - World Educational Services, www.wes.org. Aceasta agentie ne-a fost recomandata de mai multe lume si toate cele 3 universitati din Philadelphia la care am aplicat ne-au spus ca lucreaza cu Wes. Pentru a va informa despre actele necesare puteti intra pe site-ul lor si aflati toate detaliile. Eu va spun ce a trebuit sa facem noi si ce a rezultat de aici. In romania eu am facut 4 ani la Universitatea Transilvania din Brasov, sectia Finante-Asigurari iar Andreea a facut 5 ani la SNSPA, sectia Comunicare si Relatii Publice.<br />
Intai de toate am autentificat diploma la Minesterul Educatiei. Apoi trebuie apostilata la Prefectura, urmeaza traducerea + legalizarea iar la sfarsit supralegalizarea la Camera Notarilor Publici. Toate acestea pot dura cateva saptamani si de aceea ar fi bine sa incepeti din timp. Costul nu e foarte ridicat si cred ca merita efortul. Pe noi ne-a costat aproximativ 300-400 ron pentru amandoi. Este necesara toata aceasta procedura atat pentru diploma de licenta cat si pentru foaia matricola.<br />
Inarmati cu aceste acte am fost pe la universitatile din Philadelphia care inainte de orice ne-au cerut raportul de echivalare de la Wes. Noi in prima faza, nestiind cum stau lucrurile, am fost doar cu actele traduse si legalizate, crezand ca poate sunt si universitatile in masura sa ne ofere o echivalare. Drept urmare am trimis actele la aceasta agentie, am platit cam 700$ ( cam mult ce-i drept) si am asteptat aproximativ 2 saptamani rezultatul. Am cerut mai multe copii deoarece raportul trebuie sa soseasca la universitate direct de la Wes. Am cerut 4 copii ( 3 pentru universitatile la care aplicasem plus 1 pentru noi sa vedem rezultatul).<br />
Surpriza placuta a fost cand, la primirea raportului, am vazut ca ne-au fost echivalate studiile in totalitate si practic putem aplica direct la master.In cazul meu au fost echivalate din cele 249 de credite din Ro doar 177 iar Andreei din 240 i-au fost recunoscute 168. Pentru unele universitati mai este necesara si o diploma IELTS sau Toefel insa pentru altele nu.<br />
Sfatul meu este sa nu neglijati acest aspect deoarece salariile pentru cei cu studii superioare sunt de 3-4 ori mai mari iar posibilitatea unei cariere de succes este si mai mare. Evident pentru cei care doresc acest lucru:)<br />
Si s-a incheiat prima postare de azi 27 noiembrie 2014:)<br />
Ne vedem la pagina urmatoare:)<br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hello again <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a while since I posted<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>something but recently we’ve been quite busy.
Today I will make it up with 4 postings. A new record. Sensational! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is about how you can equivalate your studies in US. For
all those who are interested they have to start working on this way before
arriving here. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But let’s start with the beginning. In US there are several
agency that can equivalate your study. We worked with WES – World Educational
Service <a href="http://www.wes.org/">www.wes.org</a>. This agency was
recommended to us by all<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>three
universities that we went to. For more information about the necessary
documents you can visit their website.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I said you need to start working on your documents from
home. After that you must contact WES and send them all the documents. For us
it cost about 700$ per person and we waited for about 2 weeks. Surprise
surprise…when we received the papers we saw that they equivalate all our
classes and we have the equivalate of US graduate diploma. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My advice is not to underestimate this aspect because the
salaries are much higher for those who graduate from college. About 3-4 times
more. </div>
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<br />Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-56192699433715340492014-11-17T20:34:00.000-05:002014-11-18T21:26:18.246-05:00Mancarea in PhillyPe principiul "dragostea trece prin stomac" haideti sa va spun care e treaba cu mancarea in US. Inainte sa plecam multi ne-au averitizat ca o sa mancam numai "plastic si fast food" aici pentru ca americanii sunt recunoscuti pentru mancarea lor de proasta calitate. Acum dupa aproape 2 luni de trait printre ei, pot sa dezaprob aceasta teorie. Pentru inceput vreau sa va zic ca in Pennsylvania mancarea si hainele sunt scutite de taxe. Celalalte produse se impoziteaza cu 8% in Philadelphia si mai putin in afara orasului.<br />
Venind la prietenii nostri care sunt in US de 12 ani (el) si de 20 ani (ea) ne-au aratat ca se gasesc alimente ca in Romania si aici. In Philadelphia exista o mare comunitate de rusi asa ca exista multe magazine rusesti (destul de mari) unde bineinteles ca gasesti mancare asemanatoare cu cea de acasa. Aici gasesti muraturi, tarhon, hrean, gemuri, paine foarte foarte buna (1.7$/bucata), mancare gatita de ei exact ca in supermarketurile de gen Billa, Real, etc. Aici am vazut sarmale, de aici luam mezeluri si mai precis salam de Sibiu (12$/pound) sau diferite produse traditionale din zona Balcanilor. In magazine se aude numai ruseste, cred ca 95% din clienti sunt rusi, vanzatoarele abia abia daca scot 2-3 cuvinte in engleza dar e ok, ne-am obisnuit si ne bucuram ca aduc produse bune. Am inteles ca inainte erau polonezii la putere cu magazine bune, dar n-au rezistat in fata minoritatii rusesti care chiar daca nu va vine sa credeti sunt multi!!!:)).<br />
Ce produs romanesc credeti ca face senzatie in US, la rusi? Ei bine...las poza sa vorbeasca de la sine:)<br />
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Daca nu cumparam de la rusi, mergem la nemti pentru ca si ei au un magazin in preajma de unde cumparam niste mezeluri si preparate din carne de-ti ploua in gura:))<br />
Iar daca vrem carne si vrem sa fie cat mai apropiata de cea de la ferma si nu luam de la rusi ca ei sunt frati cu noi si se comporta exact ca si noi, atunci mergem la magazinele Amish. Amish sunt o comunitate numeroasa in vestul Pennsylvaniei, sunt o grupare religioasa crestina cu doctrina anabaptista, recunoscuti pentru stilul de viata simpla si opunerea fata de modernitate. La origine ei sunt imigranti elvetieni de origine germana. In Pennsylvania este a doua comunitate din SUA cu 48.600 de amish. In principal traiesc in ferme de unde isi produc hrana exact ca in secolele XVII-XVIII. Unii din ei au magazine in oras de unde poti cumpara atat mancare gata gatita, cat si carne sau produse din carne. Totul este bio si se poate consuma fara probleme. Daca mergi in comunitatea lor gasesti oameni care vand legume la marginea drumului, exact ca in satele noastre:). Transportul lor este in principal trasura:)<br />
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Legumele de obicei le luam ori de la rusi, ori de la aprozar, pentru ca am descoperit un aprozar foarte foarte dragut, cu produse bune, proaspete a unor latini (...exact habar nu am ce sunt, dar nici nu ma intereseaza). Aici am vazut ca de fapt cartofii nu sunt numai albi si rosii asa cum stiam eu....sunt si cartofi negri, albastri si portocalii (cartoful dulce). Conopida la fel nu e doar alba, e si verde, galbena si mov. La fel si cu fructele care sunt multe si diverse, unele le-am invatat, altele ne asteapta sa le incercam, dar pana atunci va las cu cateva fotografii.<br />
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Sa nu va imaginati ca din magazinele lor tipic americane nu se poate cumpara nimic, ba da, dar cu paine lor dulce poate nu toata lumea e obisnuita, produsele lor traditionale poate nu plac tuturor asa ca e bine sa experimentam ca sa putem alege apoi. Asta este modul nostru adaptat la Philadelphia, fiecare stat e altfel, fiecare zona are alta influenta asa ca nu putem generaliza.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-57866092319553096792014-11-14T00:51:00.000-05:002015-02-22T00:27:56.813-05:00Detalii tehnico-tactice:) - Cat costa viata in Philadelphia? / How much does living in Philadelphia cost?<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romanian:</span></h4>
<br />
Salutare din nou.<br />
<br />
Hai ca am inceput sa prind gustul la chestia asta cu scrisul pe blog:). De data aceasta m-am gandit sa dau cateva detalii practice despre ce inseamna viata in Philadelphia. E adevarat ca suntem aici doar de o luna jumatate insa este ceea ce am observat noi pana acum. Probabil ca postul acesta va fi mai util pentru cei care se gandesc daca sa inceapa o viata noua in SUA. Pentru ceilalti intra la categoria cultura generala:)<br />
O chirie intr-o zona buna din Philadelphia este undeva intre 700$ si 1200$. Aici intra apartamente si case cu 2 dormitoare+living+bucatarie+baie. Locuintele sunt mari ca suprafata, mult mai mari decat eram obisnuit in Romania. Ca si exemplu un apartament cu 2 dormitoare are undeva la 90 de metri patrati. In cazul caselor, suprafata poate fi si mai mare.<br />
Utilitatile nu sunt ieftine din cate am observat. Nelocuind inca la casa noastra nu putem da un exemplu din propria experienta insa din cate am inteles ar costa undeva la 250$/luna. Am luat in calcul apa, gazul si electricitatea.<br />
Internet + cablu TV costa un minim de 70$ dar este suficient din punct de vedere al vitezei la internet si al numarului de programe TV. Telefonia fixa este si aici o specie pe cale de disparitie si tot mobilul este la putere:). Noi folosim cartele pre-pay care costa 45$/luna si ai convorbiri+SMS+internet nelimitat. Sunt si variante mai ieftine cu diferite limitari.<br />
Cheltuielile cu masina includ, ca si in Romania, in principal benzina si asigurarea. Benzina este ieftina, cam 3$/galonul ( 1 galon = 3.8 litri). Pentru masina noastra, care are un motor de 2500cmc si este din 2002 ne costa un plin aproximativ 40$ si are un consum cam de 10% in oras. Asigurarea este foarte scumpa la inceput deoarece avem carnet de putin timp si ne ajunge cam la 125$/luna pentru acoperirea de baza care este echivalentul RCA-ului in Romania. Daca doream sa includem si eventuale daune la masina noastra crestea semnificativ.<br />
Un bilet la autobuz/metrou/tren in interiorul orasului costa cam 1.60$/calatorie. Asta daca se cumpara mai multe calatorii odata. Altfel, o singura calatorie costa 2.20$<br />
Pentru cei interesati am sa insir si o serie de preturi pentru cateva alimente de baza: paine 0.80$ - 1.70$, cartofi 2$/kg, lapte 4$ - 6$/ galon, mezeluri 4$ - 13$/pound ( 1 pound = 0.53kg), ceapa 0.70$/pound, oua 2$ - 6$/12 buc, ulei 3$/litru, carne porc 2.70$/pound, pui 1.50$/pound, zahar 2$/kg. Nu am facut o analiza statistica detaliata. Sunt pur si simplu preturi din magazinele de unde facem de obicei cumparaturile. Sunt si variante mai ieftine si mai scumpe. De asemenea pot spune ca promotiile aici sunt mult mai bune decat in Romania. Merita chiar sa intri in 4-5 magazine si sa ,,vanezi'' promotiile oferite de acestia deoarece pot aduce o reducere substantiala a cheltuielilor. In multe cazuri preturile pot sa scada pana la jumatate. O adaugare importanta: exista in Philadelphia o taxa de 8% care se adauga la pretul fiecarui produs. Aceasta taxa nu este afisata la raft, apare doar la casele de marcat. Aceasta taxa difera de la stat la stat.<br />
Ca sa nu va imaginati ca aici exista doar cheltuieli o sa va dau cateva detalii si despre salarii:). Salariu minim in Philadelphia este 8$/ora. Acest salariu se ofera de exemplu lucratorilor comerciali din hypermarketuri, celor ce lucreaza la diferite fast-food-uri si de obicei este incadrarea de inceput. Cu timpul poate sa creasca pana la 10$-12$/ora. Un salariu de 8$/h inseamna un venit lunar de aprox 1300$ la un program de lucru normal de 40 ore/saptamana. Aici se discuta tot timpul de salariu brut. Ulterior se scad toate taxele ( locale, federale, medicale, somaj, etc) care sunt progresive. Cu cat creste salariu cu atat cresc si taxele care pot ajunge la maxim 30%. Pentru salariul minim taxa ar fi cam de 15%. Cel putin asa am inteles deoarece nici unul dintre noi nu a incasat inca primul salariu.<br />
In cazul joburilor de birou sau care implica o calificare oarecare, salariu se incadreaza undeva intre 15$ si 30$ pe ora. Asta inseamna cam 2400$-4800$ brut pe luna. pentru pozitii de middle management discutam deja de peste 30$/h. Am citit recent o statistica in care se spunea ca salariu mediu in Philadelphia ar fi cam de 5000$/luna. Unul din aspectele negative in cazul angajarii este faptul ca asigurarea medicala nu este obligatoriu inclusa in pachetul salarial. Companiile mari de obicei ofera si beneficii medicale. Acelasi lucru este valabil si pentru pozitiile ce necesita calificare insa pentru un job necalificat la o firma mica este foarte posibil sa nu primesti nici o acoperire medicala. Costurile medicale sunt foarte mari insa pentru urgente exista solutii. Inca nu stiu toate detaliile si promit sa revin pe aceasta tema. Un alt aspect negativ este lipsa zilelor de concediu platit. Din nou, nu este ceva obligatoriu ca in Romania iar media zilelor de concediu in SUA este de 12 zile/an.<br />
<b>Concluzie:)</b> - Cuplu tanar fara copil cu 2 salarii minime aduc in casa aprox 2200$. Cheltuieli chirie+utilitati+telefon+internet+masina = 1400$. Raman 800$ care sunt suficienti pentru mancare. Din cate am vazut noi un cuplu se descurca bine cu aprox 600$/luna pentru mancare. Prin comparatie, in Romania un cuplu cu salarii minime ajunge pe la 1600 lei din care daca plateste vreo 800 lei doar chiria nu cred ca isi poate permite masina+telefon+utilitati+internet+mancare din ceilalti 800 de lei ramasi.<br />
Practic aici se face diferenta si ce este pacat ca nici nu este vreo mare filozofie. Daca si in Romania ai putea cu salariul minim sa stai in chirie, sa ai masina, si sa iti permiti lucrurile de baza fara sa fii stresat oamenii ar fi mai relaxati. Iar cand oamenii sunt relaxati si increzatori ca lucrurile functioneaza se pot schimba multe. Hai ca am dat-o in lozinci:))).<br />
<br />
Voi reveni:)<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Hello again,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am starting to get the hang of
this blogging thing. This time I thought of giving some practical details about
living in Philadelphia. It’s true that we’ve only been here for one month and a
half but it’s what we observed so far. Probably this post is more helpful for
those who are thinking about starting a new life in US. For all the others this
is just general knowledge <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A rent in a good area of
Philadelphia is between 700$ and 1200$. I include here apartments and houses
with one or two bedrooms. The apartments are spacious, much bigger than what we
were used to in Romania. As an example an apartment with 2 bedrooms has about
90 square meters. A house can be even bigger. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The everyday utilities are not
very cheap as far as I noticed. We don’t have our own place yet so I can not
say I speak from my own experience but from what I understand can be about
250$/month. I included here gas, water and electricity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Internet + cable TV is a minimum
of 70$/month. Landline phone is not so popular here because most people have
mobile phones. We use pre-pay which is about 45$/month and includes unlimited
talk+text+data. There are cheaper ways but have certain<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>limitations. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Car expenses includes like in
most countries mainly gas+insurance. Gas is about 3$/gallon ( 1 gallon = 3.8
L). The insurance is quite expensive in the beginning and way paid 125$/month
but just for the basic coverage. If we want to include damage to our car is
more expensive. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A ticket for bus/tram/metro
inside the city is 2.25$/trip if you pay just for one trip with cash. The
better way is to buy tokens which cost 1.80$/trip. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For those interested I will list
a series of prices for some basic grocery: bread 0.80$-1.90$. potatoes 2$/kilo,
milk 4-6$/pound, salami 4-13$/pound, onion 0.70$/pound, eggs 2-6$/12 pcs, oil
3$/liter, pork meat 2.70$/pound, chicken 1.50$/pound, sugar 2$/pound, It is a
detailed analysis, are just some prices from some store where we shop for
grocery. The promotions are much better than in Romania. It’s even worthy it to
go to 4-5 different stores to get the best price because can save you up to
50%. An important info, in Philadelphia is a tax of 8% for every product that
is not visible at the shelf. You pay it at the check out. This tax is different
from state to state. It is not applicable for clothes and food.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The minimum wage in Philadelphia
is 8$/hour. This is generally for basic jobs like those in a fast food,
supermarket, hypermarket, different general stores. In time this can go up to
10-12$/hour. An 8$/hour means about 1300$ per month if you work 40 hour per
week. This is gross salary. From this you first pay your taxes ( federal,
local, medicals, etc). The taxes are progressive, the higher the salary higher
the tax. It varies from 15% to 33%. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For qualified jobs the salaries
are higher and are between 15$ - 30$/ hour. That is about 2400$ - 4800$ per
month. For middle management position is over 30$/hour. I recently read that a
medium salary in Philadelphia is about 5000$/month. A negative aspect about the
jobs here is that they don’t include medical insurance. Is not mandatory. The
big companies could offer this as a benefit but most small companies don’t.
Another negative aspect are paid holiday days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You don’t have a mandatory minimum vacation days required by the law.
Average vacation days in USA is 12 days/year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Conclusions:</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Young couple, no kids with 2 minimum salaries
can earn about 2200$/month. Rent+utilities+phone+internet+car = 1400$. We still
have 800$ for other expenses which is enough. As far as we can tell so far it
seems that about 600$/month is enough</span>
<br />
<br />
I'll be back.<br />
<br />
<br />
Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-5337125282945443852014-11-12T00:52:00.000-05:002015-02-22T00:28:35.671-05:00Multe impresii / Many thoughts<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romanian:</span></h4>
<br />
Lume, lume hai ca mi-am luat si eu inima in dinti si am zis sa scriu pe blog :). Voi incerca sa ajung la zi asa ca primul post va fi mai lung si va cuprinde toata experienta de pana acum.Voi scrie atat pentru prietenii care citesc acest blog dar si pentru forumurile cu castigatorii la Loteria Vizelor. Sa o luam cu inceputul...adica zborul:). A fost mai putin confortabil decat ma asteptam. Auzisem ca avioanele transatlantice sunt mari si stai comod...o coacaza...daca te calicesti la pret si zbori cu echivalentul unui low cost peste ocean tot cu genunchii in gura stai doar ca in loc de 2 randuri de locuri ai 3.Adica incap mai multi dar doar pe latime :). Noi am zburat cu Lot Airline ( polonezi) pentru ca aveau pretul cel mai mic la momentul respectiv, 1400$ ambele bilete - doar dus:). Totusi, desi e greu sa stai ingramadit 9 ore a trecut mai repede decat ma asteptam. Ai numeroase activitati de recreere: filme, seriale, jocuri. Toate doar in ecranul incorporat in spatarul scaunului de la vecinul din fata. Daca zbori noaptea si mai si dormi vreo 2 ore, e perfect. Dupa ce am aterizat toate formalitatile s-au derulat foarte repede, aproximativ 15-20 de minute. Desi un pic cam dezorientati angajatii aeroportului care nu prea stiau unde se incadreaza un castigator la loterie. Ei aveau 2 cozi: turisti si posesori de green card. Noi nu eram nici una nici alta:))...evident:)). Am stat noi frumosi la coada de turisti de unde ne-au intors la biroul de imigrari unde chipurile trebuia sa stam de la inceput ( aviz celor ce urmeaza sa vina si vor fi in aceiasi situatie). Acolo am asteptat cateva minute, ne-au chemat la amprenta old school cu cerneala apoi la digitala si gata, eram welcome:). Doua faze misto aici:<br />
1.Intai au chemat-o pe Andreea sa se murdareasca cu cerneala pentru amprenta si pentru ca nu reuseau 3 oameni sa gaseasca un servetel sa se stearga saraca fata pe mana au gasit solutia:))). Au vazut o hartie in gunoi, proaspat aruncata ( era chiar plicul in care adusesem actele) si cu scuzele de rigoare ,,sorry I have to do this''...se apleaca frumos si da sa scoata hartia. Bineinteles ca Andreea avea servetele in geanta si am refuzat politicos 1-0 noi:))<br />
2. tot Andreea:))....ma cheama intai pe mine la amprenta digitala si poza...ne striga din pasaport...totul ok la mine. Urmeaza Andreea ( eram doar noi in sala deci era evident cine urmeaza). Striga Seciu ( ma rog cu aproximarea limbii americane:)) Romana...Andreea da sa plece si se opreste...ne uitam in jur ca prostii...cu cine vorbeste asta???:))...mai striga odata Seciu Romanna...Andreea se duce si il corecteaza...se mai uita omu odata in pasaport si se dumireste...zice un nevermind zambind..continuam procedurile...plecam si ne uitam in pasaport ca sa ne lamurim:)...Striga Seciu ( numele) si Romana ( cetatenia) ...sarise randul cu prenumele:)))In apararea lui sunt si apropiate liniile.<br />
Iesim din aeroport, ne astepta Adi cu masina si pleca spre Philly, ajungem acasa dupa vreo 2 ore si deja oboseala era mare si ne culcam sperand sa nu suferim prea mult din cauza fusului orar.<br />
Nici nu a fost problema cu adaptarea la fusul orar...ne-a luat cam 2 zile.<br />
Urmatoarele 2 saptamanii au trecut incercand sa invatam cat mai multe, sa te adaptezi cat mai repede, sa intelegi tot. E greu sa iei totul aproape de la zero si sa ai si rabdare. Rabdarea e foarte importanta pentru ca evident ca multe lucruri au mersul lor si orice ai face nu se poate mai repede. Voi scrie despre toate maruntisurile de inceput iar ordinea lor este aleatorie.<br />
<b>Casa si masa</b>: Noi avem noroc pentru ca am scapat de aceasta grija la inceput si este un mare mare avantaj. Este mult mai usor cand ai pe cineva la care poti sta si macar 2-3 saptamani. Chiriile prin Philadelphia sunt undeva intre 700$ si 1200$. Ma refer aici la apartamente si case cu 2 dormitoare intr-o zona buna. Mancarea de la supermarket nu este scumpa...din calculele mele un cuplu s-ar descurca decent cu aproximativ 700$-800$ pe luna. Tinand cont ca un salar minim este undeva in jur de 8$/ora rezulta ca o familie de 2 persoane se descurca ok din doua salarii minime.<br />
<b>Joburi: </b>De munca se gaseste in SUA. Nu inseamna ca suna companiile ca ne vor sa fim managerii lor insa nici nu ne asteptam la asa ceva. Noi am avut noroc din nou ca datorita situatiei noastre( avem unde sta si avem si ceva economii in cont) ne-am permis chiar sa nu mergem la orice job. Dupa ce ne-am actualizat CV-urile pe vreo 6 site-uri de joburi am si inceput sa trimitem la ce joburi ne faceau noua cu ochiul:). Bineinteles ca nu acestia sunau ci tot felul de companii din domeniul asigurarilor. Bine si experienta noastra in domeniul asigurarilor probabil ca ne faceau ,,atragatori'' pentru acestia. Am avur fiecare cam 2-3 interviuri telefonice insa nici unul nu mai doream asa ceva, astfel ca am decis sa mai asteptam. Ulterior nici nu am mai fost la asemenea interviuri. Intre timp Andreea a gasit ceva la Macys ( asa cum ati vazut in postul ei anterior) iar eu voi incepe la 1 Decembrie un internship in accounting( taxe si audit) la firma unde lucreaza Adi ( a contat mult recomandarea lui:). Daca ma descurc si totul decurge ok foarte probabil ca si raman :).<br />
<b>Driving licence + car: </b>Foarte necesar aici datorita distantelor mari intre obiective:). Mai greu e sa gasesti masina decat sa dai de permis. Examenul pentru permis are partea de sala care este extrem de usor - trebuie sa faci 15 intrebari din 18 si dupa o citire a manualului am luat amandoi. Am stat cred maxim 10 minute.Dupa ce iei sala ai un fel de permis de incepator si poti conduce doar cu cineva major si care are permis Partea de traseu e la fel de usor, cu programarea e mai greu. Este foarte aglomerat si programarile se fac peste 6 saptamani. Asta daca nu ai noroc ca Andreea si prinzi exact in momentul in care a anulat cineva:). Ea deja are permis eu astept sa se faca 9 decembrie. Examenul de traseu incepe cu o parcare laterala cu spatele, in poligon, intr-un spatiu 7.5m lungime si 2.5 m latime. Destul de lejer indiferent ca stii sa parchezi sau nu. Apoi te plimbi mai mult prin parcare si vreo 5 minute in trafic si gata...ai permis de SUA:). Acum sper sa nu pic si sa ma fac de ras:))<br />
<b>Timp liber: </b>Activitati de recreere sunt nenumarate in Philadelphia. Daca ai si bani e si mai usor:). Pana in prezent noi am experimentat mancatul in oras ( diverse restaurante) si costa pentru 2 persoane un minim de 50$. Pentru localurile mai de fite ajunge cred pe la 100$. Am vizitat Atlantic City ( aveti poze in postul Andreei) plus alte cateva mici excursii in zona. Mai avem de bifat New York, Washington ca si orase plus meciuri de baschet si hochei. Asta ca sa insir doar variantele cele mai accesibile.<br />
<br />
S-a facut tarziu si mi-e cam somn - e aproape ora 1 aici.<br />
Ca si concluzie as zice ca ce m-a impresionat este faptul ca lucrurile chiar par sa functioneze aici. Sunt asezate, fiecare isi face treaba pentru ca altfel ar exista un blocaj si toti sunt cu zambetul pe buze chiar si atunci ca iti dau o veste proasta. Pentru a reusi trebuie sa te integrezi si sa accepti regulile de aici chiar daca cu unele nu esti de acord. Altfel nu ai nici o sansa.<br />
Ce nu m-a impresionat este civilizatia. Nu pot sa zic ca sunt dat pe spate de civilizatia de aici. Am fost in tari in Europa care erau mult peste Philadelphia. Am inteles ca asa sunt cam toate orasele mari de pe coasta de est. Este o populatie pestrita, un oras mare, lume agitata si de aici si comportamentul lor.<br />
<br />
Promit sa revin mai des si sa fiu mai scurt.<br />
<br />
Pe curand:)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hear, hear I finally decided to write on out blog. I will
try to go up to date so the first post will be longer with all the information
and experiences so far. I will write both for my friends back home and for the
winners on DV Lottery forums. Let’s start with the beginning…the flight<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. I heard before our
trip here that the transatlantic flights are big and spacious…not…especially if
you decided to buy the cheapest ticket ( the equivalent of a low cost flight in
Europe). You still are crowded and stay with your knees close to the mouth<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. The only difference
is that there are 3 lines of seats instead of 2. We flew with LOT Airline, a
Polish company, because they had the lowest price at that time: 1400$ for 2
tickets…just one way<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.
However, even though I was not very comfortable, 9 hours of flight passed by
rather quickly. There are numerous ways of entertaining like movies, games,
music, etc. All this in the back of the seat in front of you. If you fly during
the night and you manage to get some sleep is even better. After we landed in
New York<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all the formalities finished
quickly in about 15 – 20 minutes. The airport staff didn’t know very well what
a lottery visa winner is. They had 2 lines to have your passport checked. One for
green card holders and one for tourists…we were neither<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. We stayed at the tourists
line and when we reached the booth they turned us around to the immigration
office where we should had stayed from the beginning. We entered the office,
waited for a few minutes, we were called for fingerprints and that was it<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> Two funny scense here:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
called Andreea for fingerprints<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so she
had to put the ink on her fingers and after because 3 people couldn’t find a
napkin for the poor girl to wipe out the ink they came with a brilliant idea: <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>…One of the staff saw a
piece of paper freshly thrown in the bin and with the appropriate apologies he
reached for it….Of course that Andreea had some napkins in her bag and she
polite said no….1-0 for us<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Still Andreea…first they call me for the digital
fingerprints and picture …one of the staff was calling us with our passport in
his hand…all good. Next is Andreea…only us two were in the room so it was
obviously who is next…the guy says Romana Seciu…we were surprised…he says
again…Romana Seciu…Andreea approach carefully and says…it’s Andreea Seciu….the
guy looks again at the passport…apologies and continues the fingerprinting and
picturing procedure. …We were kind of confused…and after we left we look in the
passport…the guy was calling the family name Seciu and Romana the nationality
which was right next to the surname<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.
Funny.</div>
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We exit the airport, Adi was already
waiting for us, and we headed to Philadelphia. After a 2 hour drive we arrive
in Philly and was about time because we started to feel kind a tired. We went
to bed after a long trip. We were hoping that the time difference won’t affect
us to hard. </div>
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Actually there wasn’t any problem with the
time difference…we adapt in maximum 2-3 days. </div>
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The next 2 weeks passed by with us trying
to learn as much as we can, trying to adapt to a lot of things, trying to
understand everything that was new…and there were a lot of new things. It is
difficult to start over from zero and to be patience . Patience is very
important because most things requires time. Next I am going to write about
some small details in every day life.</div>
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Acommodation – We were lucky because we
didn’t have to worry about this in the beginning and that is a big plus. It’s
much easier when you have a place to live even if only for 2-3 weeks. A rent in
Philadelphia is between 700$ and 1200 $. I include here apartments and houses
with 1-2 rooms located in good areas. The food in the supermarket is not too
expensive. From our calculations as far as we know so far 2 persons could
manage with 700-800$/month for food. If we consider that In Philadelphia the
minimum wage is about 8$/h I think that a 2 persons family could manage decent
from 2 minimum wages.</div>
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Jobs – If you want to work there are a lot
of jobs in USA. This doesn’t mean that companies are calling asking to hire us
as managers but we didn’t expect that. We were lucky because we had a place to
stay and some savings in the bank so we didn’t have to accept just any
job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we updated our resumes on
several job sites we started to apply for those that seemed interesting. Of
course that the only insurance companies were calling because our experience
and background in this field. We both wanted to change the career path so we
didn’t accept any of these jobs. After a short time Andreea found a job at
Macys and I will start at December 1 at the company where Adrian works as an
intern in accounting. </div>
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Driving license and car – Car is a must
here because of the long distances between places. The driving license exam has
2 parts. A theoretical one that is very easy. You need to answer correctly 15
questions out of 18. After we read the manual <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we both manage to pass. After you pass this
you are allowed to drive accompanied by an adult with driving license. The
driving test is harder to schedule. Usually it takes about 6 weeks because they
are very busy. That is if you are not lucky like Andreea we manage to catch an
empty place of somebody who just canceled. The road test starts with a parallel
parking in a 7.5m x 2.5m space. Pretty easy I would say. After that you take a
ride for maximum 10 minutes and that’s it. You passed. </div>
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Free time – There are numerous ways to
spend your free time in Philly. If you have money is even easier <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. Until now we
experienced eating out ( for 2 persons is about 50$), we visited Atlantic City
( you can find some pictures in Andreea’s post) plus several other short trips
around Philadelphia. We still have to see New York, Washington as cities to
visit and basketball and hockey games. This are just the things to do that
comes in handy.</div>
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It’s getting late and I am tired.</div>
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As a conclusion I can say that what
impressed me so far is the fact that the system seems to be really working
here. To have success you need to integrate in their system and to accept their
rules. Otherwise you don’t have a chance. </div>
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What didn’t impressed me is their level of
civilization. I’ve been to several European countries and cities that were way
above Philadelphia. I understand that most major cities on the East Coast are
like this. </div>
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See you soon!</div>
Catalin Seciuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03408258778104313117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-56972667187239768122014-11-08T16:22:00.001-05:002015-02-22T00:28:49.203-05:00Atlantic CityLa o ora si un pic de mers cu masina ajungi la frumosul si renumitul oras Atlantic City, asa ca intr-o sambata ne-am facut curaj si ne-am dus sa-l vizitam. Frumos orasul, la ocean, alta atmosfera mai relaxata si mai destinsa. Fiind toamna vedeam doar 25% din ceea ce poate oferi acest loc in sezonul estival. Cazinouri peste cazinouri, tarabe cu tot felul de prostii, haine, ochelari de soare, jucarii pentru cei mici, restaurante, cafenele....m-am simtit ca la mare:). Va las cu cateva fotografii dupa care am sa va povestesc unde am mancat:)<br />
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At about one hour of driving<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>you get to the beautiful and famous Atlantic City. So one day we decided
to visit it <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.
Nice city, near the Ocean and a more relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. We were
there in October so we can only see about 25% of what this city has to offer.
Casinos everywhere, all kinds of store on the catwalk, clothes, sunglasses,
toys, restaurants, coffee places…you feel like in a seaside city<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. You have below some
pictures and after that I will tell about the place where we had lunch.</div>
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Ne-am plimbat noi ce ne-am plimbat pana ne-a razbit foamea si cum erau atatea localuri era greu sa ne decidem asupra unuia, asa ca am urmat sfatul prietenilor nostri si ne-am dus la Rainforest Cafe. Foarte foarte dragut, mai ales pentru cei cu copii. Localul este amenajat ca intr-o jungla, cu animale peste tot, cu tot felul de copaci in jur si cu niste acvarii impresionante. Pur si simplu zici ca ai pasit intr-o alta lume. Iar daca nu ma credeti, pozele sunt dovada:)<br />
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We walked around for a while until we got hungry. Being
surrounded by so many places it was hard to decide where to go. So we followed
our friends recommendation and went to Rainforest Café. Really nice place
especially for children. The place is designed like a jungle with stuffed
animals everywhere, with all kinds of trees and some impressive water tanks.
The pictures are proof enough about how beautiful this place is.</div>
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Din cand in cand, un mecanism facea ca in acest local sa ai impresia ca vine furtuna, adica incepea sa tune, se intuneca, animalele incepeau sa se agite, totul ca sa ai impresia unui loc real. Foarte dragut localul, il recomand cu placere pentru ca pe langa aceasta atmosfera serviciile si mancarea au fost bune.<br />
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From time to time some sort of mechanism made a sound and
gave you the impression that a storm is coming. The place got darker, you can
hear thunders, the animals were starting to move..just like in a real jungle<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. Very nice place and I
highly recommend it for the atmosphere but also for the good food and pleasant
services.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-27547593205394622422014-11-04T21:30:00.002-05:002015-02-22T00:29:19.437-05:00Interviuri si joburi/ Jobs and Interviews<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Romanian: </span></h4>
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Ei dragilor, dupa ce v-am povestit un pic cum e in Philly, cum ne-am descurcat cu actele, urmatorul pas a fost cautarea unui job. Initial ne-am facut fiecare resume-ul boboc (aici nu e CV, e resume) si l-am postat pe toate site-urile de joburi pe care le stiam: Monster, CarrerBuilder, Glassdoor, Snagajob, Linkedln, Indeed....In primele doua saptamani ne-au innebunit cu telefoanele ca sa fim agenti de asigurari (viata si sanatate). Au vazut ca amandoi am lucrat in asigurari asa ca dai bataie si suna:). Toate bineinteles ca erau firme "cunoscute" care se extind si au nevoie de echipa de vanzari. Ofereau training si cam atat......comision la incheierea politelor. La inceput pentru ca nu aveam masina si permis si pentru ca interviurile erau si la distante de 2 ore de mers cu masina le-am mai triat sau ceream sa dam interviul telefonic sau pe skype daca se poate. Majoritatea puteau pentru ca de fapt nu era un interviu, ei aveau nevoie de oricine, ei te convingeau sa mergi la ei. Am dat cateva interviuri telefonice, nimic senzational, toti cereau sa ai o licenta in asigurari pe care noi nu o aveam si bineinteles masina proprie sa te poti deplasa. OK, am vazut cum sta treaba cu asigurarile, oricum nu voiam sa facem asa ceva aici, asa ca am inceput sa zicem pas cand ne sunau pentru interviuri.</div>
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Pasul doi a fost sa ne modificam un pic resume-urile pentru ca apaream amandoi manageri la ultimele joburi, dar aici nu aveam cum sa lucram asa ceva si trebuia sa o luam de la zero. Asa ca ne-am facut niste resume-uri ca pentru incepatori si am decis ca pentru inceput sa aplicam la supermarket-urile din jurul casei unde toti aveau afise in geam ca angajeaza pe perioada sarbatorilor extra ajutor. Dar noi am crezut ca mergem pe la magazine, lasam resume-urile si daca e ne cheama ei la interviuri. Total gresit! Aici aplici online pe site-ul magazinului, incarci resume-ul si apoi faci un scurt chestionar despre tine: ai drept de munca?, rasa?, gen?, varsta-intre 18 si 40?, esti veteran? primesti ajutor de la diferite institutii si le enumera ei? iar cea mai tare intrebare a fost daca suntem asistati social de pe urma urganului Katrina? Apoi urmeaza chestionarul propriu zis unde intrebarile nu sunt grele, sunt de personalitate, cu raspunsuri de la dezaprob in totalitate la agreez in totalitate, dar sunt foarte foarte multe.....adica la un magazin au fost 94 de intrebari!!! si bineinteles ca se repeta sub alta forma ca sa te prinda daca minti. Cea mai tare intrebare a fost: cat la suta din politicieni credeti ca sunt corupti? cu variante de genul: peste 10%, peste 25%, intre 50% si 75%....etc</div>
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Va repet, joburile erau sezoniere, majoritatea part time si puteai fi caserita, la relatii cu clientii, merchandiser, nu cine stie ce pozitii. Am ajut timp si rabdare si am aplicat la cateva magazine: Target, Wallmart, Macy's, Bloomingdales, etc. Spre surprinderea mea, ne-au sunat cei de la Target pentru un prim interviu, pentru ca si pentru aceste job-uri poti sa dai cate 2-3 interviuri. Am dat eu primul interviu telefonic, am fost intrebata de tot felul de situatii din care am iesit cu brio de genul: Spune-mi o data cand ai fost creativa intr-o situatie. Ce ai facut exact si care a fost situatia? sau Da-mi exemplu cand ai avut mai multe lucruri de facut la job, ce exact aveai de facut si cum te-ai descurcat? si tot asa vreo 20 minute....eram pregatita pentru ca internetul e plin de oameni care scriu cum a fost la interviuri asa ca stiam la ce sa ma astept. La sfarsit imi spune duduia cu care am sustinut interviul ca daca voi trece mai departe ma vor suna. Apropo eu am pariat ca este asiatica sau indianca pentru ca abia abia o intelegeam ce ma intreaba din cauza accentului si nu eram la primul interviu telefonic. Toate bune si frumoase, a doua zi primesc mail de la Macy's ca ma vor la un interviu si sa intru la ei pe site sa-mi programez ziua si ora la interviu (alegeam eu cand pot dintr-un calendar dat de ei). Aleg repede ziua de 29 octombrie, ma pregatesc din nou cu intrebari pentru ca e plin internetul, de data asta era un interviu fata in fata ceea ce ma facea sa ma simt mult mai confortabila, fac si niste simulari acasa cu Cata, merg in magazin cu o zi inainte sa vad despre ce e vorba ca nu ajunsesem si in 29 merg frumos la interviu. Macy's este un magazin destul de mare cu haine in general, cosmetice, lucruri de casa. Ajung la interviu, ma intreaba cateva chestii de inceput ca apoi cu aplicatia mea online sa inceapa setul de intrebari. Cred ca erau vreo 4-5 pagini. Ea ma intreba, eu raspundeam, ea nota. Din nou pe aceeasi idee: de ce Macy's, zi-mi o situatie cand....? dar cum ai facut asta?....care ar fi aportul tau in x situatie?....cum ai vinde un card de credit Macy's? daca un client iti spune ca a avut o zi proasta ce ii spui? cum faci un client sa nu se simta prost ca nu a cumparat nimic din magazin?...cam asa vreo 30 minute. Ca la sfarsit sa-mi spuna ca sunt ok, ei ma vor si cred ca ma potrivesc la parfumuri sa fiu ajutorul vanzatoarei. Salariul fix, platit la ora, postul este part time cu posibilitatea de extra ore si momentan sezonier, urmand sa discutam ulterior o posibila colaborare pe viitor. Ies de acolo fericita, completez niste acte si plec multumita ca am inceput de undeva. </div>
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Voi continua sa caut job-uri insa e greu sa-ti schimbi domeniul dupa 8 ani de asigurari fara sa o iei de la zero, asa ca sunt constienta ca e un nou start. Am sa revin cu detalii de la locul de munca in decembrie ca doar atunci voi incepe.</div>
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Concluziile le trageti voi, fiecare cu personalitatea si stilul lui. Eu pot sa va spun ca ma asteptam la ceva mult mai simplu, dar asa cum am mai auzit de multe ori America nu e pentru oricine iar aici trebuie sa uiti cam tot ce ai invatat acasa.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></h4>
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Well, dears, after I told a little bit about how is Philly
and how we had our first contact with USA authorities the next step was to
search for a job. We started by creating a good resume, posted to all the job
search sites that we knew: Monster, CareerBuilder, Glassdoor,, Snagajob,
Linkedin, Indeed, etc. In the first 2 weeks we received a lot of calls for jobs
like insurance agents. We both had experience in this field so normally that we
received this calls. All the companies were of course ,,well known’’ and they
provided training but that was about it. You were only getting paid in
commission. In the beginning because we didn’t have a car we couldn’t go to all
the interviews. Some of them were even as far as 2 hours drive. We skipped
some, we interview some over Skype but overall nothing was too serious. This
were not actually interviews because most time they were just hiring anybody (
after all they only paid a commission on policy signing). Anyway most of them
were asking for personal car and for insurance license which we didn’t had. We
didn’t even want this kind a jobs so we started to skip the interviews in this
field of work. </div>
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Next step was to make some changes in our resumes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both had managers jobs back home but we
thought that there are little chances to get similar jobs here. We knew we had
to start from zero. So we decided to adjust the resumes so we both will appear
as beginners. The holiday season was coming and all the stores were hiring
seasonal workers. We thought it will be a good way to start. We were ready to
start walking around from store to store and leave our resumes with the HR
department. Big mistake. Nobody does that anymore<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.
Everything is online. You sign up for an account on the company sites, you
upload your resume and answer a bunch of questions like: are you legally
allowed to work in USA? Gender? Age? Veteran? Are you a Katrina hurricane
survivor? Etc. Then a questionnaire has to be answered with all kind of
questions. Some of them are really strange<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.
And all this for some seasonal part time jobs. You need time and patience
because each process can take up to 1.5 hours. We applied to some stores like
Macys, Target, Walmart, Sears, etc. Surprisingly Target called and had an
interview with them. The interview was over the phone. There were all kinds of
questions like: tell me a situations when you had to be creative, tell me a
time when you had to multitask. This kinds of questions. You got the idea. The
second day Macys calls and we schedule an interview with them This time in
person. Again I prepare for the interview reading on line what kind of
questions they ask, what are they looking for, etc. The interview took about 30
minutes. Same types of questions like Target and in the end they say I got the
job and I will be working in the flagrance department. The job is part time and
just for the holiday season. After we can discuss the possibility of continuing
for a longer period of time. I fill in some more papers and leave the place
happy that I will start a new job. I will continue to search for jobs but is
hard to change the domain after 8 years in the insurance field without starting
from ground zero. </div>
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I personally was not expecting this kind of interviews for
some basics part time jobs. I thought the process will be much simpler. But
then again America is not for everybody and everything you knew before you have
to forget<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-9934158999802188672014-11-02T22:55:00.003-05:002015-02-15T15:50:04.919-05:00Primele acte/ First American documentsPrimul lucru pe care trebuie sa-l faci cand ajungi in US este sa te prezinti la un Social Security Office pentru a completa aplicatia pentru un Social Security Number (SSN). El este noul tau "cod numeric personal" si fara el nu poti face nimic aici. Asa ca intr-o joi ne-am urcat frumos in masina si ne-am dus in centru sa depunem aplicatia. A fost primul nostru contact cu institutiile americane si pot spune ca am fost foarte impresionati de atitudinea lor. Am urcat la etajul 20 al cladirii, am stat maxim 2 minute la coada, apoi am fost invitati in sala unde ne-am luat un numar de ordine si am primit aplicatia de completat. Nu am apucat sa ne scriem numele ca ne-a si venit randul la ghiseu si un domn dragut ne-a asteptat sa completam aplicatia. Ne-a verificat in sistem, aveam aplicatia deschisa spre procesare insa erau introduse doar numele noastre, asa ca el a finalizat-o si ne-a spus ca in 7-10 zile lucratoare vom primi acasa cardurile SSN. Am plecat incantati de acolo dupa maxim 15 minute, ne-am luat cate o cafea de la Donkin Donuts si ne-am dus sa vizitam orasul:). Luni, cardurile au ajuns acasa, adica in maxim 3 zile. Cam asa merg lucrurile aici!<br />
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A doua surpriza placuta au fost Green Cardurile care trebuiau sa vina cam dupa 45 zile de la intrarea in tara dar pana in 6 luni de zile. La noi au venit dupa 3 saptamani de la intarare, cand nici nu ne asteptam. Tot asa, prin posta, au venit direct acasa.<br />
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Aici fiind distantele foarte mari, masina era obligatorie asa ca dupa o saptamana de cautari pe craiglist.com ne-am luat masina!!! Un Nissan Altima dragut, cu putine mile la un pret acceptabil pentru noi: 3200$.<br />
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Dupa ce am avut SSN si masina, ne-am dus sa dam de carnet din nou pentru ca cel din Romania era valabil 60 zile in Pennsylvania.Ne-am luat frumos cartea si ne-am apucat de invatat, am facut teste, ne-am stresat prea tare zicem noi acuma. A trebuit sa mergem si la un doctor de familie care sa ne zica ca suntem apti pentru a conduce. Cum nu stiam pe nimeni aici, Anca ne-a dus la doctorul ei de familie, un rus simpatic care ne-a inhatat de cate 75$ de persoana pentru ca nu aveam asigurare. Facem programare telefonica prin asistenta Natasha sau Nathalia (depinde cine o intreba), o rusoaica adevarata care abia abia vorbea engleza si care se mira ca nu stim rusa. Cum sunteti romani si nu stiti rusa??? Ajungem la programare la ora stabilita, completam o fisa si stam, si stam, si iara stam.....si uite asa am stat 2 ore ca sa intram la doctor. Acolo ne-am simtit ca in Romania.....orice rus venea era primit in cabinet inaintea nostra, iar raspunsul era intotdeauna -voi urmati!!! Am urmat dupa 2 ore si ceva si dupa ce am sunat sa aman primul meu interviu telefonic....Am fost cantariti, masurati, ne-a luat tensiunea, ne-a pus doctorul cateva intrebari daca avem alergii sau alte boli cronice si am fost gata cu controlul in 15 minute.<br />
Avand foaia de la doctor ne ducem sa dam sala. Primeam 18 intrebari si trebuia sa facem 15 corecte. Intrebarile usoare, aceleasi din carte asa ca a fost floare la ureche. Am primit pe loc permisul provizoriu pana dam traseul. Cu acest permis putem conduce cu cineva cu permis in dreapta. Urmatoarea saptamana reusesc printr-o minune sa ma programez telefonic peste doua zile pe locul cuiva care renuntase. Mare bucurie mare pentru ca programarile se faceau pentru urmatoarele 6 saptamani, iar Cata a prins un loc abia in 6 decembrie. Asa ca joi m-am dus sa dau traseul, care aici consta intr-o parcare laterala care trebuie sa-ti iasa din prima (3 adjustari ai voie) si o scurta plimbare de maxim 10 minute. Toate bune si frumoase, parcarea reusita, de plimbare nu-mi mai faceam probleme dupa 8 ani de condus asa ca la sfarsit am auzit "Felicitari, ai trecut! Pregateste-te sa zambesti la poza din permis:)". Aici lumea la poza nu sta sobra si suparata ca in Romania, aici langa camera care-ti face poza este un smiley face si chiar ti se spune sa zambesti la camera. Si faci poza de cate ori vrei, pana iti place. Mai semnez inca o data, te intreaba daca vrei sa fii donator de organe si gata permisul. Iese pe loc cardul.<br />
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Ne-am dus si la banca sa ne facem cont bancar si card de credit pentru a face history credit. Am nimerit bine la Bank of America la indrumarea lui Adi si pe loc am primit cardul de debit (provizoriu) iar dupa ce am transferat banii ne-am dus si ne-am facut si card de credit. Pentru ca noi nu lucram am gasit varianta in care am garantat cu o suma de bani si am deschis o linie de credit de aceeasi valoare. Dupa un an de zile, daca platim la timp si facem scor bun, primim banii inapoi si putem aplica la un card de credit normal. E buna aceasta varianta pentru inceput ca sa poti face credit history cat mai repede. Fara un credit history bun nu pot inchiria casa, lua masina in leasing, lua credite asa ca e foarte important acest aspect.<br />
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SUA este o tara care m-a impresionat nu prin zgarie norii ei, nu prin magazinele frumoase sau diversitatea oamenilor, m-a impresionat prin sistemele lor care functioneaza!!! Atat cat m-am confruntat eu cu ele. Prin oamenii care zambesc mereu, care te saluta pe strada, care sunt relaxati si asta se vede.<br />
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First thing you have to do when
you arrive in USA is to go to a Social Security Office to apply for a Social
Security Number (SSN). You need that for practically anything you will do in
USA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So on a Thursday morning we went
down to an office to apply for SSN. This was our first contact with American
institutions and we were impressed by their attitude and behavior. We climbed
up to the 20<sup>th</sup> floor of a building, we waited for about 2-3 minutes,
then we were invited in a room where we filled in the application. We didn’t
get a chance to write our name down that we were already called to a window. A
nice gentleman was nice enough to wait for us to finish the application then he
checked our name in the system. He finished the application process and told us
that we are going to receive our Social Security Cards in the mail in 7-10
business days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left the office
thrilled about how easily things went, grabbed ourselves a coffee from Donkin
Donuts and went to visit the city center. On the following Monday our cards
were already home. In 3 days. Things move pretty fast around here <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. </div>
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The second nice surprise was with
the Green Card that were supposed to arrive in 45 days after our entry in USA.
In our case they arrived in 3 weeks. We didn’t even expected them<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. </div>
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In USA the distances between
anything are pretty long. So a car it’s a must. We searched for about one week
for a car on craiglist.com and a nice Nissan Altima from 2002 with
low mileage for that age. We paid 3200$</div>
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After we obtained the SSN and
bought the car we decide to take our driving license. The Romanian one was
valid only for 1 year in Pennsylvania. We started learning, took the practice
tests and stressed out a bit too much<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.
We also had to go to a family doctor who can say that we are able to drive. We
didn’t know anybody here so Anca took us to a Russian doctor who charged us
75$/ person for the visit because we didn’t have any medical insurance. After
the doctor signed our papers we went to the Driving license office and took the
theoretical test. We had to answer correctly to 15 questions out of 18. The
questions were pretty easy , they were practically the same questions from the
book we read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We received immediately a
temporary driving license ( Learner Permit) with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which you are allowed to drive if you have an
adult with driving license in the car with you. In the next week I miraculously
managed to get an appointment for the road test in two days instead of someone
who quit. This was awesome because usually appointments were done for 6 weeks
after. Cata only managed to get an appointment for 6<sup>th</sup> of December.
So on Thursday I went to take the road test. It starts with a parallel parking
which you have to do it from the first try. After that you go for a short ride
of about 10 minutes. All good, parking done the ride was easy with no problems.
Of course all this are after 8 years of driving in Romania. In the end they
congratulated me for passing the exam, I signed some more papers and I had my
picture taken. Here they even have a smiley face next to the camera. They
encourage people to smile at the camera, to look nice in the picture, not like
in Romania where you are not allowed to smile in an official picture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got my USA driving license.</div>
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We went to the bank to apply for
an account and credit card in order to start our credit history. We went to
Bank of America guided by Adrian and we received immediately a debit card and
after we transfer our savings from Romania we went back to apply for the credit
card. Because none of us had jobs we could only apply for a secure credit card.
You guarantee the amount on the credit card with your own money. This is for an
year. After that if you pay on time you can get a regular credit card. This is
a good way to start building on your credit score.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without a good credit score you can not apply
for renting a house, leasing a car or buying a house. Actually you can but the
interest rate is much higher. </div>
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SUA is a country that impressed
me not with its sky scrapers or its big stores or its people diversity but with
their systems that really work!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
are always smiling, say Hi on the streets, are relaxed and that is visible from
the plane<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-53126113321015576272014-11-02T16:05:00.001-05:002015-02-22T00:29:35.183-05:00Philly<b><i>Philadelphia</i></b> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">este un oras dragut, cu cativa zgarie nori in centru, dar si cu o parte istorica ceea ce-mi aminteste de Europa. Noi locuim in NE orasului, in Cheltenham, o suburbie foarte frumoasa si linistita. In Pennsylvania cu cat mergi mai in nord, cu atat vei vedea case mai frumoase, mai ingrijite, cu zone pline de verdeata. Va las cu cateva imagini din centru Philadelphiei, poze facute la prima noastra iesire in centru.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
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skyscrapers downtown but also has a historical part which reminds me of some
cities in Europe. We live in the Northeast part of the city, in Cheltenham, a
nice and quiet suburb of Philadelphia. In Pennsylvania the farther you go north
the houses are more beautiful. I leave you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>now with some images from city center on our first visit there</span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.com0Philadelphia, PA, USA39.952335 -75.16378900000000839.563109499999996 -75.809236000000013 40.3415605 -74.518342tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304524631582878645.post-33722128833337259182014-11-02T12:02:00.000-05:002015-02-22T00:30:08.392-05:00Spre America / To America<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romanian:</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello lume! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am creat acest blog atat pentru cei care vor sa vina in US dar si pentru cei care vor sa stie care au fost primii nostri pasi pe pamant american.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In octombrie 2012 aflu de loteria vizelor si-mi reamintesc ca aplicau si parintii mei cand eram eu mai mica, asa ca zic...Cata hai sa ne incercam norocul. Daca iese inseamna ca asa a fost sa fie si asta e drumul nostru! Trag de Cata in fiecare weekend din octombrie sa stea la pozat, tot amanam pe urmatorul weekend pana in ultima clipa cand intr-o duminica seara ne punem la pozat unul pe celalalt. Eu ma ofer sa editez fotografiile la dimensiunile cerute si uite asa se face ora 1 dimineata si eu tot lucrez la el in timp ce Cata dormea ca un prunc langa mine. Trece momentul octombrie, ma mai gandesc eu la America pe parcursul anului, dar nimic special. Vine 1 mai 2013, zi de sarbatoare in Romania, asa ca asteptand sa se faca ora 19.00 in Romania ca sa putem verifica, avem musafiri acasa si uite asa ne intindem la distractie si povesti pana pe la 3-4 dimineata. N-am mai verificat la ora aia ca eram rupti de somn. A doua zi ne invartim, ne sucim prin casa ca trebuia sa plecam din oras pana a doua zi si iarasi uitam sa verificam. Noroc ca a trebuit sa stam 10 minute inainte de plecare asa ca ma pun in fata laptopului si sunt gata de verificare. Intai numarul meu....has not been selected:(. Verifica si Cata si ii apare frumoasa scrisoare in care ne anunta ca a fost selectat:). Mare bucurie mare pe mine, Cata care nu prea stia ce presupune loteria vizelor nu intelegea de ce ma bucur asa tare....el credea ca trebuie sa castigam amandoi si acum ce faceam daca a castigat doar el:). Daca nu a stat ca mine pana a 1 noaptea sa aplice, nu stia ce presupune. Anuntam familia, prietenii, mare bucurie mare si de aici incepe munca de cercetare. Trebuia sa trimitem formularele la KCC (in Kentucky la consulat), trebuia sa dam o adresa unde sa ne vina Green Cardul, asa ca am inceput sa ne gandim ce facem? Eram hotarati ca mergem mai departe cu actele, ca ne incercam sansa asa ca a vorbit Cata cu un vechi prieten din facultate de-a lui plecat in State de 12 ani caruia i-am cerut adresa ca sa o putem trimite la KCC. Adi si Anca au fost foarte draguti de la inceput si s-au oferit sa ne ajute cu casa si masa, asa ca pentru inceput stiam ca vom veni in Philadelphia la ei. Completam actele, le punem la posta prin TNT in 13 mai si plecam in vacanta cu nasii in Italia pentru ca aveam bilete cumparate pentru un city break in Bologna.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Venim din vacanta relaxati si plini de energie pentru a incepe cautarile pe forumuri/site-uri despre ce inseamna America si mai precis Loteria Vizelor. Incepem sa ne facem calcule, sa ne gandim serios daca plecam sau nu pentru ca plecarea o vedeam din primul moment ca una definitiva si pe termen lung. Parerile prietenilor erau impartite: De ce plecati din Romania ca va descurcati bine aici? Pai si plecati asa departe? Si va asigura acolo cineva job sau casa? Nu! Pai si plecati? Adica o luati de la zero??? sau Bravo! Plecati acum ca sunteti tineri si aveti forta sa va descurcati! Nu aveti copii, rata la casa in Romania, asa ca incercati ca nu aveti ce pierde mai mult de niste job-uri!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aveam niste bani stransi, dar ne mai trebuiau cel putin inca pe atata pentru a ne prezenta la interviu asa ca incepem sa facem un plan de economisire, neavand case, masini, nimic pe numele nostru. Colac peste pupaza, de Rusalii, Cata castiga 5 numere la Loto 6/49, suma fiind exact restul de bani care ne mai trebuiau. Am zis este al doilea semn ca trebuie sa incercam asa ca ne-am hotarat 100% ca plecam in US.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timp de un an de zile am citit tot ce mi-a iesit in cale, am invatat multe despre mentalitatea si stilul american asa ca in 9 iulie 2014 eram pregatiti de marele nostru interviu. Nu a fost deloc greu, am avut toate actele in regula, am avut suport financiar de la Adi, bani in banca cat pentru un an de zile aici asa ca fara probleme am trecut de interviu.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Urmatorul pas era biletul de avion. Trebuia sa intram in US pana in decembrie asa ca ne-am cumparat bilet de avion pentru 27 septembrie si in sambata cu pricina aterizam in New York dupa o cursa Bucuresti-Varsovia-New York (in total vreo 13 ore de zbor). Totul a fost ok, fara peripetii, dar foarte obositor, eu nu am putut sa dorm deloc in avion. Am ajuns la ora 21.00 ora New York-ului si indrumati oarecum de personalul din aeroport ajungem la biroul de imigrari sa facem formalitatile de intrare. Urmeaza amprentarea, semnarea unor declaratii, poze si apoi mult asteptatul : Bun venit in America! Totul a durat maxim 15 minute, am avut noroc ca nu era coada si totul a decurs bine. Ajungem in Philadelphia dupa un drum de aproape 2 ore cu masina, mancam ceva si direct in pat cu noi ca eram foarte foarte obositi.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am ajuns in America si de azi incepem o alta viata!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Somn usor!</span></span><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">English:</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></h4>
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Hello world!</div>
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We created this blog for the people who want come to US but
also for those who wannna know the details of our first steps on American land.</div>
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In October 2012 I come across Visa lottery for US and
remember that my parents used to apply when I was just a kid. So I say…Cata
let’s try our luck. If we win maybe it’s a sign that this is actually our path
in life. I kept asking Cata every weekend in October to take the picture, we
keep postponing it from one weekend to another until the last moment, when on a
Sunday evening we take pictures of each other. After that I start editing the
pictures to fit them to the standards and without realizing it’s 1 o’clock in
the night and I was still editing. Meanwhile Cata sleeps like a baby next to me.
October passes, I sometimes think about America during the year but nothing
special. 1<sup>st</sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of May 2013
arrives, a holiday in Romania, we were waiting for 7 o’clock in the evening so
we can check our status. Meanwhile we were having guests in our house, talking
and partying, until 3-4 in the morning. We didn’t check anything at that time
being extremely tired. The next day we again forget to check it and we were
suppose to leave the city for a day. Luckily just before leaving we had to wait
an extra 10 minutes and I decided to check it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Open the laptop, enter my number…has not been selected <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span>. I check Cata’s number
and the beautiful letter announcing he is a winner appears on the screen. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>. I am of course
extremely happy, Cata didn’t know too much about this lottery so he didn’t
understood why I am so happy. He thought that both of us had to win in order to
leave together to the US. Well if he didn’t spent nights until 1 o’clock. We
make the announcement to family and friends, everybody is very happy but from
now on the research work starts. We had to sent the documents to KCC ( in
Kentucky to the consulate), we had to provide an address where Green Card
should be sent, so we started to think about what we had to do. We were
determinate to continue with all the paper works so Cata spoke with an old
friend from college who was in US for 12 years and we asked him for his address
so we can send it to the Consulate. Adrian and Anca were really nice from the
beginning and they even offered to help us with accommodation. It became clear
that we will start our life in US in Philadelphia. We filled in all the
documents, sent them to Kentucky in 13<sup>th</sup> of May and we leave for a
short holiday in Bologna, Italy. </div>
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We come from the holiday relaxed and full of energy to start
the search on different forums/sites on what America means, more specific DV
Lottery. We start to think about leaving even more serious than before because
we saw this as a long term plan if not for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our friends opinions were split: Why you
wanna leave, you’re doing great here? America is so far away. Will anybody
assure you a home or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a job?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you have to start from zero? or the
opposite thinking: Good for you. Leave now while you’re still young.</div>
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We had some money saved but we still needed at least that
amount in order to be prepared at the interview. We didn’t have cars or houses
on our name so we prepared a saving plan to raise the necessary money. But our
luck was not over yet because shortly after Cata wins the lottery, not the big
prize but still enough…. exactly the amount we needed. We thought this must be
a sign<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>.</div>
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After this for about one year I read everything I put my
hands on about US, I learnt about their mentalilty and life style so on 9<sup>th</sup>
of July 2014 we were ready for our big interview. It wasn’t hard at all, we had
all the documents in order, we had financial support from Adrian, money in the
bank so we passed the interview easily.</div>
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Next step was the airplane ticket. We had to enter US until
December so we bought a ticket for 27<sup>th</sup> of September and on that
Saturday we land in New York after a flight via Warsaw ( a total of 13 hours of
flying). Everything was ok, no special events but kind of tiring ( of course I
couldn’t sleep the whole way there). We arrived at 21.00 New York time and
guided by the airport staff we reached the immigration bureau for the necessary
paper works. Next we had our fingerprints taken, signed some documents,
pictures taken and we heard the beautiful ,,Welcome to America’’! It all lasted
about 15 minutes because there was no queue. We arrived in Philadelphia after a
2 hour drive, grab something to eat and we went to bed because we were very
tired from the road.</div>
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We are in America and starting a new different life!</div>
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Good Night!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17171658444396411230noreply@blogger.com0Philadelphia, PA, USA39.952335 -75.16378900000000839.563109499999996 -75.809236000000013 40.3415605 -74.518342