Impressions of U.S.

By PAUL QUIRINI- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

Learning to speak English isn't the only way Peter Tkocz has adapted to American culture during his years as a Polish seminarian for the Albany Diocese.

He also enjoys movies, TV, music and sports in the U.S., and is surprised that life in this country is different than he first believed:

* Favorite movies: "The Green Mile," "Saving Private Ryan" and "Jurassic Park."

* Favorite TV show: "Jeopardy."

* Favorite music: Top 40 hits and music from the '80s, including songs by Kajagoogoo, John Waite, The Romantics, Foreigner, Falco.

* Favorite sports teams: Detroit Red Wings (hockey) and New York Knicks (basketball). Enjoys playing soccer.

* Biggest surprise about life in America: That it's not as violent as he thought. "My image went back to movies and TV shows I saw in Poland, such as 'Roots' and 'Kojak,' he said. "In reality, the percentage of crime is like other countries', if not less. A very positive side of this country that I have been experiencing is a feeling of being a part of this society, not a stranger."

* People he misses most: Parents, brother, other relatives and friends. (PQ)

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