Terminal+examination

//I am running. Faster and faster for each step. I have to reach the ship! I refuse to get stuck her in Norway; this is my one and only opportunity. While I am running I can see that the people are boarding the ship. The ship starts to hoist its ladder, and the panic spreads through my head. I have to reach it, have to reach it…// All of a sudden I wake up sweaty and breathless in my bed. Totally confused I glanced around in my well-known bedroom, before I figure out that I just had a dream. I have been nervous all week for my journey to America, and that has probably lead to this awful dream. I have no idea why I am so nervous, really. Everyone have been talking about the good life in America, and I saw this as an unique opportunity for me too. As the youngest brother of two, I have no rights to inherit our family’s farm. And as the situation in Norway is right now, it doesn’t seem like anyone would sell me one either. I have with my one two eyes seen that Norway doesn’t have enough work for everyone, and the people are getting poorer every day passing.

Luckily, I have plenty of time before the ship leaves town. On the ticket I bought it says that the ship leaves at noon. Fortunately I don’t have to run, like in my stressful dream. Therefore I try to calm down; I get out of bed, and I put some new clothes on. I start to gather my last belongings, and while I am doing that, I think of all the things I will be missing in Norway. Some of the things I specially will miss are of course my family, all the friendly people in Norway and the colourful and lovely flowers outside my street. However, before I get too sentimental I throw my luggage over my shoulder, and starts to walk towards the quay.

Down in the streets there are people everywhere. Shouting with joy, and celebrating this big day. This special day for all adventurous Norwegians. The day that the first ship with Norwegian travellers leaves Stavanger. The cheering in the streets infects me. I find myself walking in the streets with a grand smile in the middle of my face. I couldn’t have been more ready for a better life, for the American dream. The anxiety that I had earlier was now vanished into the back of my head.

When I reached the quay, the line of people was started to disappear into a small ship. It had to be my ship. . On the front of the ship it said “Restauration” with large, shiny letters. I was right; it was my ship. Suddenly I found the ship a bit frightening again. The ship was smaller than I could have imagined. How could all these people fit in there, and how could it survive a journey over the endless Atlantic Ocean? A chill felt down my spine as I waved goodbye to my homeland, and boarded the frightening unknown.

Inside the ship it was almost impossible to find a place to sit. With all the travellers, the crew, and the entire luggage it was totally packed. It had to be at least 50 people gathered in this little ship! Everyone were total strangers for me, so I just sat squeezed between two men at my age, trying to relax. All the other one’s talked about their dreams and goals, but I am not much of a talker myself, so I just enjoyed listening what the other one’s were saying. Some of them were going to buy some land, and become a farmer – just like me. A young girl was going to America to seek work as a maid. Another man told small stories about Americas fight for freedom, and the declaration of independence. After I while all of the voices disappeared and turned into a modest snoring.

It has now been over three months since the departure in Stavanger. Over these months I have reached to bond closely with the group of travellers. And even though it have been a rough experience, everyone have survived. The last week we all have been dying of excitement, and today is finally the day when we are going ashore in New York. It is a warm October day, and it’s the day that we have been waiting for and dreamt about. I find it hard to describe the feelings and thoughts that are flying around inside of me; I really can’t believe that the day finally has arrived. The daylight outside of the boat was dazzling. After being stuck inside a dark room for three months, it took a while before my eyes adjusted. Nevertheless, when I got my sight back, I could see the wonderful country I had arrived at. The Americans in the streets are just as smiling as the one’s back home. They even looks the same as us Norwegians. The optimism bubbles inside of me while I follow the rest of the immigrants to pass through Ellis Island to get our registration.

A few hours later, with registration papers in my hands, and the little I have of money in my pockets, I start to wander through the city. I don’t know where to go, or what to do. I don’t know whom I should talk to, and I don’t know where I am going to sleep. But one thing I do know, I will never regret taking this life changing risk!

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