Muffins

So far, I was painting San Diego as paradise. Yet, there are also negative things here: My landlady recommended three-berry muffins (a specific brand) as the best she ever found. I have to say that I was very disappointed. They are fatty (not butter-like fatty, but vegetable oil-like fatty) and sweet so that it kills the taste of the berries. Moreover, one is not enough for the breakfast, yet if you eat two, you got 50% of recommended daily intake of fat. That is not even a complete first meal of the day...

Bank

I was expecting better bank experience in the US than in Czech Republic. Still, I was quite surprised.I became a member of a local bank (USE Credit Union)and for free I got the checking account, debit card, online banking, electronic statements and automatic saving account. For fee $10, I got access to money market saving account with 3.5-4% interest rate, which I can transfer money to and from instantaneously (using internet banking). Also, I earn interest on checks even before cashed (transfered to my account). I'm waiting for the catch, because there simply has to be one :-)
PS:As a proof of my address (that I'm actually living there), an issue of The Economist with my name on it was enough.

Bureaucracy

I spent the day arranging things. I needed to pick up my Fulbright welcome package, register at the International Student Center, get an office, obtain an access to the university network, create an UCSD email and to get an university ID card, library card, stamp for public transportation and create a bank account. Well, except the last think on the list, it all went surprisingly well. So well, that I was done at midday. I did not manage to open an bank account, because I did not have a proof of address (I did not know I need one, but it seems reasonable).
On all places I have been today, people were nice, friendly and helpful. When somebody said "this and this is enough", then it was indeed enough. So far, so good.

Travelling

Safe from my new home, I can say it was easier than expected. Immigration officer was eager to left for a break; planes were on time; my landlady picked me up at the airport as promised etc. House is too close to highway to love it, to nice to hate it.