tribeofone

At some point you start looking at the signs on every building you pass, sounding it out to yourself to see if it's a word that's the same in all languages, or at least another one you know. That's the point at which I found the alphabet clicking into place for me. I had the good fortune that this actually hit me the first day, after a short-slept night and fighting off the fatigue with podcast cyrillic lessons. But I imagine the principle holds true.

I've only been in the US twice, for 6 months in total, but I know exactly what you feel.
It's like I've spent my entire life somewhere else, and then just came to Russia, the country I can't even comprehend at times.
Getting used to a number of conveniences is way easier than trying to do without them. I still miss 7/11 stores. Mind, I'm not even American, I was born to Russian parents and spent all my life here, speaking Russian, and being pretty obscure about the rest of the world
Ugh, just realised I've been all the way addressing a person I don't really know, and never introduced myself. (Hi, I'm Lou, it's a pleasure).

And it's been just a lame introduction for a serving of pancakes made in the USA



As for the local language, I can't be very helpful either. The Ukrainian language - is the one that I understand, but do not speak (as well as German and Italian). Just think if you really need it, you can always do with a phrasebook. And there's always someone willing to help, as a matter of fact. Just don't feel stuck, enjoy your experience. It will also pass...