If there is one thing the Americans can do well, it is to party. We think we do it well? Please. They take the cake … and the wine and the beer and the bread and even the picnic food as well.

Honestly, this is one nation that knows how to eat. They practically made an art form of it. I think in the eleven months I have been here I gained eight kilograms – I am too scared to get on the scale and find out for sure.

Let us bear in mind that more than one festival is being celebrated in less than three months: First, Halloween, thereafter Thanksgiving and then of course Christmas and lastly, New Year’s Eve. Let us also bear in mind that all these festivals take place in the coldest seasons of the year – autumn and winter – and that no one really spends time outside to shed the extra kilos. In fact, the weather forces you to park in front of the television with a mug of Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Latte and a few Hershey’s S’mores. How bad does that sound? I know!

Alright. Let us forget about the worst position in which a First-world individual can find oneself, and apply our focus to my unsuspecting, but challenging decision to come and live in the United States of America (USA) for twelve months. At the sweet age of twenty-one I was sick and tired of my studies, job and routine. So, what else to do than naturally go overseas? I packed my bag, greeted my parents and took off to New York City. As an au pair, I have weekends off and I am lucky enough to have a vehicle available for my use. Another advantage is that I live an hour’s train trip ($12,50) from New York City, so Saturday morning I get on the train and only get back home at midnight.

My two weeks’ paid leave I split to see the two coasts of the USA. My first week I visited the west coast – Los Angeles, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. If anybody ever asks me: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. I can’t remember, and I don’t think I want to. All I can say, is that everyone needs to experience it someday. It is like a giant playground for adults. The Grand Canyon is indescribably beautiful and you lose your soul in the depths thereof. (How well was that put?) No, really. It is something I would want to see again – maybe even from a helicopter.

My second week I was aboard the Carnival Splendor cruise ship and visited the Caribbean Islands: Jamaica, with its beautiful landscape, but one must be careful what you are offered within the first ten minutes; the Cayman Islands with its crystal waters and the most beautiful men; and lastly Cozumel, Mexico, with an unbelievably rich culture and tacos.

For all the hard times of this year, I wouldn’t turn back. Those two weeks made my year worth it, and exposed me to the diversity that can be found in and around the Americas.

My first three months was probably the hardest. I had to adapt to a new family, get used to the American English, food and the weather. For the first time in my life I had to live in cold, snow and heated houses. Believe me, it is difficult. The snow looks pretty for a few days, but then it becomes soggy and dirty, and you have to plough through it in waterproof L.L. Bean ‘Duck Boots’ to get to the front door.

Where is my Africa sun?

Nevertheless, I survived and I am looking forward to my first white Christmas. After a heavenly Thanksgiving with stuffed turkey, pumpkin pie, family and American football I don’t know how my stomach will survive the Christmas meal. Apparently I also get a Christmas stocking to hang above the fireplace for goodies, and special shoes and a jacket for when we go pick out the Christmas tree later in the week. How exciting! I am very blessed with the family I am staying with – hospitable, friendly and comfortable people who are interested in my country and my future.

I fly back to South Africa early next year, and although I had an unforgettable year I will be glad to be back in my home country. I am after all, and will always be, a South African boeremeisie.