Carlos' New York Story

My First Day in New York
I came from Ecuador to New York. The day was Tuesday, November 19, 2003. When I left my home, all of my family was crying and my girlfriend said, please don't leave. But I said to her, don't cry, I come back very soon. Then I took a plane from Quito, Ecuador and flew to JFK airport.

I took a yellow taxi. He charged me $50. I paid too much but I didn't know how much that cost. I brought with me just a black bag. I wore black pants and a blue jacket. My father was waiting for me in his apartment, and he met me. I cried the emotion.

My first day, I and my father went outside to walk. When we were walking on Roosevelt Avenue, we met with my father's friend and we said hello. Then my father asked him about a job for me. He said, yes, I have a job in a restaurant, the position is dishwasher. But I said, today I can't, please, I want to start tomorrow. He said, ok, start tomorrow at 11 a.m. I started to work, that wasn't easy.