Expelled from Europe at 35 with 2 children 6 & 9
Through privilege, my father became vice-consul of Costa Rica, after the war, which enabled the family to stay in Switzerland. In the acrimonious divorce, he withdrew citizenship from Mother, ergo us children too, which rendered the trio, “displaced persons”. Finding a new home, a single mother (with 2 children) was complex due to international norms. The USA had nationality quotas – country of birth defining that. Mother – Yugoslavia, I – Switzerland, Sister – Austria! Thankfully New Zealand offered us a life-changing opening and we set sail thereto.
Later in Mother’s files, I found the travel documents citing good for one entry and exit to Germany, Holland, and lastly, England getting us on a tight schedule to Southampton, where we boarded the Rangitoto to set sail. For us children this was an adventure, can you imagine how my mother felt? Thankfully the Ship held only 350 passengers, so over the three weeks we, more or less, found groups to interact with despite not speaking English. Before leaving Europe Mother garnered as many connections as she could to try and represent companies in this far-off land. One can see this as a proactive stance, realizing that she had to stand on her own two feet once we were away from the familiar. Lesson learned.
At the first Breakfast, I saw a plate with Bacon and eggs swanning to the next table. My first words in English, and I have always remembered that moment and admit still enjoy the occasional indulgence!
There was a fancy-dress event, and mother painted my skin black, and my sister brown and we carried signs: I was midnight and my sister Half past eleven. We won a wee prize. It was indicative of my mother’s creative mind, and surprisingly no hint of any bigotry, or racism, in my opinion.
Mother arranged English lessons for me with Father O’Sullivan. He was the kindest and most patient of people. He gave me an hour each morning and in the afternoon. Christened Mr. Why (Herr Warum) by my mother, I was totally into my learning. I mention O’Sullivan because he helped me without consequence, and I feel, despite some bad from Catholic history, here was a man who stood for the good. We were supposed to land in Wellington but due to some strange event we first docked in Auckland. Mother, in her tenacious manner, requested and achieved our disembarkation in Auckland, only passengers to do so: “Because Auckland was larger and offered more opportunity”, I recall her telling me. In that, we see again the ever presence of reflection and action, instead of acceptance. She couldn’t stem the tide of expulsion, but she sure took destiny in her hands for the arrival.
So we are left with that thought. Life happens and sometimes the occasion is bigger than your control of it but stay alert there will always be an opening to go through. “Dream but stay awake”.
Thanks for listening, comment if you care to. We have “Travel Buddies” coming out soon. i.e. a small jar of ReviveR and Wound Cream in a package, that you can carry through TSA, in your handbag, pocket, gym bag, etc. You will find the small jar will last you a holiday, no problem, because a little goes a long way!
Gjoko