Monday, August 25, 2008

My 10-year anniversary

Today, my friends, it's exactly 10 years ago since I set foot on American soil.

I didn't come by boat like some of my Scandinavian ancestors, nor did I pass through Ellis Island. I arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport via KLM, the Royal Dutch Airline. It was late in the evening, local time. I had been travelling for more than 12 hours.

Thrilled but somewhat cautious, I clutched a large black and yellow ice hockey bag of my most valuable possessions and my white-bellied teddy bear Björne. At 19, I wasn't quite sure what the world would bring or what I wanted out of life. With open eyes and an open mind, I stepped into the humid New York air and began a new chapter of my life.

7 comments:

John Hirbour said...

Awww we're glad your in the USA! We love you long time!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! You've done so very well since we sent you off with that only partly true confirmation of your outstanding qualities as a baby sitter. Well, you were an excellent baby sitter, on that one occasion...

Vickan said...

Thanks John and Anne Sofie!

I actually can't believe all the hoops I had to jump through to get here - including some "fake" or slightly embellished references (my aunt signed one - she has a different last name than me so nobody could tell we're related).

With the exception of an American driver's license, I am now COMPLETELY legal and as close to an American as anyone can be without a greencard and citizenship. It's exciting!

Unknown said...

Grattis! I can't believe it's been ten years already... And I haven't come to visit yet, really bad! :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!

Vickan said...

Thanks, guys! And A-K, you HAVE to come visit soon! We have kitties...

Sarah Caron said...

Happy anniversary -- a few days late. Wow. That's really a milestone one.