In the twilight of my laidback bachelor's life, I embarked on a journey that would redefine my existence—a leap from the familiar to the unknown, from the vibrant South to the land of Enchantment, the United States. The allure of the American Dream played in my mind like a reel of fancy fascinations. Little did I know that reality would shatter those illusions upon my touchdown in the border city of El Paso.

In the twilight of my laidback bachelor's life, I embarked on a journey that would redefine my existence—a leap from the familiar to the unknown, from the vibrant South to the land of Enchantment, the United States. The allure of the American Dream played in my mind like a reel of fancy fascinations. Little did I know that reality would shatter those illusions upon my touchdown in the border city of El Paso.

Expecting a panorama of skyscrapers and picturesque valleys, I found myself surrounded by a stark desert landscape, dull buildings, armed military soldiers, and K-9s. The airport, nearly deserted, echoed the sound of my lone flight arrival. Regret gnawed at me for opting for a cheaper flight that seemed to have led me astray.

With dusk settling in and no sign of the promised university pickup, I waited in an airport that felt like a relic from colonial times. As the Sicario theme music played in my mind, my patience wore thin. Just when frustration reached its peak, two figures appeared, claiming my luggage and ushering me into a reality that felt far from the United States I'd envisioned.

The tall guy, introducing himself as Savvy, confirmed I was still in the United States but in a remote area. Exiting the airport, the first sight that greeted me was the infamous "Border Wall" standing as a stark reminder of the geopolitical reality in this region. It wasn't a tourist's dream but a stark introduction to a different facet of the country.

Driving for forty minutes through the desert, we reached a small American town resembling scenes from a cowboy movie—Las Cruces. The name felt fitting for a place that appeared frozen in time. The housing complex, seemingly weathered by the wind, was to be my new abode. Grinning Indian students, seemingly accustomed to the quirks of the place, welcomed me with a mix of camaraderie and silent judgments.

The most shocking revelation hit me—the absence of fellow Malayalis. Why had I chosen this nuclear testing desert as my destination? The numbness of a man who had never lived beyond the embrace of Kerala set in.

Midnight brought a helping hand with a pillow and comforter sheet, informing me that all bedrooms were occupied, and I was to spend the night in the living room. The room mirrored the labor camps of the Middle East, evoking a surge of emotions. Holding back tears, I called my mom, whispering reassurances through the phone, "Amma, I've reached here safely. I'm okay and will talk to you later."

Thus began my journey in the United States—a tale of unexpected landscapes, cultural contrasts, and the resilience that accompanies the pursuit of a new chapter in life.