멘로파크에서 기억하는 것들: 장소, 음악, 그리고 사람들
The transition back to life in South Korea has been unexpectedly difficult. Even now, struggling to adjust to the time difference, lying awake in the dark, I find myself picturing the familiar street leading to our home in Menlo Park, a wave of sadness and longing washing over me.
A New Perspective on the Bay Area
When my wife and I first arrived in the United States three years ago, I initially assumed the entire Bay Area was simply San Francisco. I envisioned a metropolitan area with cities like Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Redwood City, and San Mateo functioning as neighborhoods similar to Itaewon, Yongsan, and Banpo in Seoul. I even told my wife I wanted to live near Palo Alto, completely unaware of what those cities actually entailed.
My initial impression of the Bay Area differed greatly from the image of Silicon Valley I had in my mind. Instead of towering skyscrapers like those in New York or Chicago, I found a town harmoniously blended with nature. It was a surprisingly peaceful and welcoming environment.
Adapting to a New Life
Adjusting to American life wasn’t easy, but it gradually happened. My memories are most strongly tied to my senses – the places I visited, the music I heard, the feelings I experienced, the food I ate, my work, and the people I shared it all with.
Places and Experiences
Our family settled in Menlo Park, conveniently located near Stanford University, University Avenue, and the downtown area. A significant portion of our time was spent with our eldest child’s activities. We frequented the Menlo Park Library, where our child participated in programs like theater, swimming, and gymnastics. While waiting, I often strolled around the library and the nearby downtown with our two-year-old, enjoying the warm weather and creating countless memories – some of which are best left untold. Safeway in Menlo Park became a special place for our youngest, who would excitedly shout “shark gummy” whenever we passed the blue shark-shaped jellies. As our eldest’s activities expanded, our weekly routine included trips to Palo Alto and Cupertino.
Another memorable location was the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Obtaining or renewing a driver’s licence proved to be a challenge, especially when the DMV system experienced an outage during a renewal attempt. It required visiting three different locations, a truly frustrating experience.
The Soundtrack of a New Life
Our eldest child’s love for the K-pop group IVE led us to attend a concert in Oakland, and I unexpectedly became a fan myself. I began to appreciate the impact of the idol business and the energy of live performances. As my child made friends and shared musical tastes, I discovered artists like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, Tate McRae, and Catts Eye. I also enjoyed musical soundtracks like Wicked and K-pop Demon Hunter’s OST. I realised why senior colleagues often knew the latest songs.
The popularity of Rosé’s apartment and K-pop Demon Hunter’s music also increased my appreciation for Korean culture.
A Sense of Place
The weather in Menlo Park was consistently pleasant. It felt different from the areas slightly north in San Francisco and south in San Jose, perhaps due to the abundance of trees. The warm temperatures and long days created a sense of optimism.
I was fortunate enough to continue my career while living in the United States, working remotely for Linggle and later at the mental health app Quabble. I also pursued a long-held interest in creating educational content, leveraging opportunities at Fastcampus and creating product management content on my personal YouTube channel. Programs like Stanford Code in Place and the Perplexity Fellowship were also accessible and beneficial.
The Value of Connection
Most importantly, I was able to spend a significant amount of quality time with my family. I often wondered if I would ever have such an opportunity again. I cherished watching my children grow and constantly questioned whether my presence had a positive influence on their lives. Bringing both of our parents from South Korea to experience America was one of the best decisions we made. It allowed us to share our new life with them and create lasting memories together.
I also formed connections with our neighbors, many of whom were connected through our eldest child’s activities. The diversity of backgrounds and professions broadened my perspective. One neighbour, an elderly gentleman, offered unwavering support and assured me that every moment spent there was valuable and meaningful.
Living in America, I observed how proudly people of various ethnicities celebrated their heritage. Now back in South Korea, I am rediscovering the value of home and the simple joys of everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the author’s initial impression of the Bay Area?
The author initially believed the entire Bay Area was San Francisco and envisioned a landscape similar to the downtown areas of New York and Chicago, filled with modern buildings.
Where did the author’s family live in the Bay Area?
The author’s family lived in Menlo Park, near Stanford University, University Avenue, and the downtown area.
What did the author do for work while living in the United States?
The author worked remotely for Linggle and Quabble, and also created educational content on YouTube.
What aspects of life in Menlo Park do you find most compelling, and how might those experiences shape your own perspective on adapting to a new environment?