This is the story of my first day.*



DEPARTED FROM
Amsterdam, Netherlands

ARRIVED IN
Boston, Massachusetts

YEAR
1978

What do you remember from your first few days in the United States when you arrived? Can you share what it felt like and what your first impressions were?

I had traveled to Amsterdam from Copenhagen by train and then took a stand-by flight on a very inexpensive flight to Boston. $148.

We, my wife and I were to travel to Georgia after a couple of days of stay in Boston. I had a preliminary Visa granted by the US Embassy in Copenhagen and they had told me that I would get the real Green Card after a few weeks or a month or so. There should not be a problem as I was married to an American, native-born citizen. I had my TB photograph (large size) and a few papers ready in my hand. I had my trepidation because border security officials can be capricious.

At the airport, I was almost deflated when I saw that the Immigration official was shorter than I was (I had my stereotype of very tall Americans) and he had jolly, Italian American-looking face, given to smiling and laughing perhaps. He was one of the most friendly people on earth, even more friendly than the very friendly folks in the Copenhagen embassy.

My fear of officialdom, built up over my years in India where "Clerk is King," dissipated by this Immigration official's totally non-threatening behavior. And after examining the papers he waved me in (my wife was in the line for citizens) -- into the US.

What did you do during your first week?

Sightseeing in Boston, watching a Yale-Harvard rowing race, visiting bookstores, traveling to Georgia by train. On the fifth day, I was already working for a disabled veteran doing yardwork while contacting potential places -- intentional communities -- to live and work and acquire skills in organic farming, alternative energy, sustsinable architecture, etc. I was pursuing a unique path which most Indians are perhaps not familiar with.

Was there anything you ate that was brand new to you?

I do not remember anything about the food except we ate a lot of whole wheat bread, yoghurt, muesli, granola, salads, fresh fruit, etc. We both were into health food and wholesome food. So, we clearly did not go into junk food outlets.

What were some of the biggest cultural differences or cultural similarities you noticed?

People being quiet (Indian cities are not monasitc in terms of silence), vehicles not honking their horns (which i had gotten used to during my stay in Denmark and Amsterdam), the cautious driving style, friendliness on people's faces although my wife and I were obviously an inter-ethnic couple.

Is there a specific memory that you’re surprised you remember? Is there anything that makes you smile or laugh or cry when you think about it?

I had met and lived with Americans, Australians, Europeans, the Japanese, etc. for the previous five years or so, and therefore I was used to being around poeple who are ethnically different from me.

Perhaps hearing the American "R" with great frequency was a new experience. The frequency of various words that smooth out social intercourse such as "Please," "Thank you," "You are welcome," "See you later," "I appreciate it," "I am sorry," etc. showed America's desire to be a smoothly running society.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your first days?

I realize my memories are beginning to fade although I have clear memories of Denmark and Amsterdam still lingering in my mind.



* The contributor of this story has asked that their name be withheld.

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