Azore's Culture Interview

Eduardo

1. When and where were you born? And why did you decide to move to the United States?

Where: Cedros, Faial. November 27, 1929. Why: Very simple, to make a better life for himself, and create a better future. Was 19 years old when he came here. Came by plane on Pan AM airlines.

2. Did you or do you still visit home, if so, how often and why? Yes, once in a while and to visit his childhood friends and to see his old home and he still has a longing to go back to his homeland/roots. “sodad”-longing in Portuguese.

3. After moving to the U.S. where did you first settle and why? Have you moved since? If so why? Brookland NY because his mother was living their already with your uncle. Yes- New York for 43 years from Brook Land to queens then to north Babylon long island. Now lives in Wilmington Delaware 21 years next month. Why: From queens because he bought a house in the suburbs to have a better house for his son, away from the city.

4. What was life like here versus back home? Much better here. Home was difficult, poor, hard working condition. Grew up in WW2 and things were tough and came to the USA for a much better living.

5. Did you experience any culture shock when you first moved? If so, what were some examples? Yes- a little, you always feels a culture shock because you didn’t understand the language and the food was different too. It was a “real” shock. But he recovered quickly – 2 years and he was in the Army and adopted himself to the system. EX: Food-not seasoned like the Azores-so much better there.

6. What were the biggest challenges and achievements you experienced since moving here? Challenge was to adapt and learn the language, he’s been here quite a while and people look upon them with suspicion and they have to earn our trust. Americans don’t adapt to foreigners and that made it difficult in the beginning and it continues throughout. Whenever he talks he speaks with an accent and people look at him and knows he is...