Homework: Write an essay comparing your home city and Rolla.

Two Different Cities

My home city and my current city are two cities with different characteristics and lifestyles. I
have been in Rolla since March 14
th
, 2014. Before, I had lived in my home city in Brazil. Aracaju is a
coastal city located in northeast of Brazil. Its population is approximately six hundred thousand people
and its growing, while Rolla is located in the Mideast of the United States and has just twelve thousand
people. There are many differences between these two cities such as size, pace, localization, customs,
safety, weather, etc. Both cities have an important participation in my life, and their differences have
shown me how life is in other cultures and places.
My home city is the capital of Sergipe state and it is the biggest city of the state. Aracaju is
bigger than Rolla, almost 7 times in extension. There we can find several malls, parks, squares, beaches
and touristic places. The people live in a fast pace all the time. The traffic in the streets is pretty heavy
reaching an average of 2.5 people per car. An interesting cultural aspect is the culture; the people are
more friendly and outgoing. All over the city, there are always many events happening such as feasts,
religious customs, and sport events. Unfortunately, the safety is a point of weakness. Every day we have
reports of thefts of cars, houses, or personal objects. The feeling of unsafety is present among the
people.
In contrast, Rolla is a small city of Missouri. The pace is very slow, since the city has few
inhabitants if compared with Aracaju. But, it is an excellent place to live if you are seeking a calm and
quiet place. Unlike my home city, Americans sometimes are closed to making new friends. The main
activity of Rolla is developed around at Missouri University of Science and Technology. During the whole
year, students move the city in its activities and they promote meetings, parties and conferences. With
respect to safety, Rolla is a good example, different from Aracaju police cars circulate the streets with
frequency and the crime rate is low. In addition, the seasons are well defined. Only in Rolla, I have had
opportunity to see snow for the first time and it has been a good experience.
In conclusion, both cities have their own characteristics and specialties. Each difference shows a
specific culture that reaches many people. These places represent different lifestyles, one with speed
and movement, and other with tranquility and rest. These two cities participate strongly in my learning
as a person. I will always remember each contrast between them.