Yalda Eslami
ESL 100
March 2,
2025
Lost on a Silent Street
Moving to a new country is more like starting a new chapter in my life. I was born and raised in Tehran, where nights are alive, streets are filled with people, and the air is full of laughter and conversation. When I moved to Chicago, I expected something like this, but I soon realized everything was different. This journey of moving from Iran to the United States taught me many lessons, especially about how people misunderstand my culture and how I have embraced new experiences here in the U.S.
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One of those things that people often misunderstand about my culture is how much our nights are active and alive. In Tehran, evenings are truly alive and full of lights. Stores close about 10p.m, but some of them remain open later. I remember going out with my family and friends at night, walking through busy streets, eating food, and sitting in the parks until late hours. One of my favorite memories is buying ice cream and something called Maajon with sour flavor with my friends after 10 p.m. We used to talk for hours while sitting in the car with our ice cream in our hands or walking in Valiasr Street. When I first arrived in Chicago, I felt lonely at night, because the nightlife I remember had changed. I remember that I went for a walk around 8p.m. and was surprised about the empty and quiet streets. Most of the places were closed and no one was outside. Sometimes, I try to explain this part of my culture to people here, but they don’t even understand what I mean by nightlife because there aren’t any bars or clubs. They couldn’t even imagine that nights in Iran could be so alive with lots of fun, without hanging out in bars.
Although
some things are different, I have really embraced new experiences in the U.S.
One thing I really appreciate is the independence which I have. In Iran, I was
always surrounded with family and friends, and there were just a few moments when
I could be with just myself. In the United States, I have learned how to manage
my time, enjoy being alone, and make decisions for myself. I remember the first
time I navigated the city by myself to find the college. It was scary at first,
but I felt proud of myself when I figured it out alone. This independence has
made me stronger and more confident. While I miss the social nights of Tehran,
I now enjoy quiet evenings where I can focus on myself, study, or exercise. My
experiences in Tehran and Chicago have shaped me that I am thankful for.
Living
between two cultures has taught me valuable lessons. There are things I miss
from Iran, like the nightlife over there, but things I have embraced in my new
life, such as independence. This journey is not really easy, but it’s helping
me to grow up and see the variety of cultures and experiences. I have learned that
some things may be misunderstood or different, but they may add some new
experience in my life and make me who I am.
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I can understand you. When I was in China, sometimes I didn't go home until 1 a.m. Althouth I think the night of Chicago is so beautiful and unique, I dare not wander outside so late at night because of the safe. Have you been able to find any other places or activities in Chicago that bring you back to the sence of Tehran, even if it’s not quite the same?
ReplyDeleteHave you experienced the Chicago summer?
ReplyDeleteIt's totally different, I always stay out late with my friends at the beach, at the lake, in West Town or River North. There are areas in Chicago where the nightlife is very varied and fun. It may not look like your country or mine but in the summer it feels a different atmosphere
I think finding your independence in the streets of Chicago is a good thing because it is beginning of a long journey of yours through your adult life. I also relate a lot to your nightlife in Tehran because I lived the same thing Cotonou before moving to Chicago. However, with your experience living in Chicago would you like to settle down here?
ReplyDeleteDo you think that you will find some Iranians here with who you can go out and eat ice cream at night?
ReplyDeleteWhen you talk about hanging out with your friends at night that brings up to me so many good memories, because I used to do that with my friends all the time when I was in Mali.
ReplyDeleteI can feel you. I don't know what I can do after 10pm in Chicago. That makes me upset. I feel like I am losing my nights. We need Chicago nights to be alive.
ReplyDeleteThis essay makes me want to book the next flight to Tehran just to experience the night life. I already personally think that the world is a whole different place at night but the way you make it sound like a dreamland I want to confirm it myself
ReplyDeleteAfter hearing your description of Tehran's nightlife, I really want to experience it for myself and find out what Maajon tastes like! But hey, the good news is you’ve traded late-night ice cream for some seriously impressive independence.
ReplyDelete