First Sea Voyage

Manuel · #1 (**permalink**) September 2nd, 2010, 10:48 PM

My first sea voyage came to an end on 9-3-1957.
I arrived in New York as new immigrant. My parents and I sailed on the SS Olympia from Lisbon Portugal.
I celebrate every year, with some kind of party or a trip. This weekend we will be going to Niagara Falls with some frinds.
After all these years I am proud to be an American and a US Army veteran.

God bless the USA, it has been a great place to live.

TM

green_rd · #2 (**permalink**) September 3rd, 2010, 07:51 AM

Maravilhoso Manuel.

We're glad to have you

Manuel · #3 (**permalink**) September 3rd, 2010, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by green_rd

Maravilhoso Manuel.

We're glad to have you

Thanks Bob.

Tm

Henry43 · #4 (**permalink**) October 20th, 2010, 10:33 PM

My father came to the USA on the USS America looking for streets paved with gold

Manuel · #5 (**permalink**) October 21st, 2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry43

My father came to the USA on the USS America looking for streets paved with gold

My father just wanted a job, and in those days there were plenty of them.

Back then everything was made in the USA, unlike today when everything is made in China.

TM

Henry43 · #6 (**permalink**) October 21st, 2010, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manuel

My father just wanted a job, and in those days there were plenty of them.

Back then everything was made in the USA, unlike today when everything is made in China.

TM

My father came to America in 1912 from Poland .I don't know if it was coming from Poland or from every country but in order to come to NYC he had to have a job waiting for him . He heard stories that America had streets paved with gold .The job waiting for him was in a sweatshop .

Manuel · #7 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2010, 08:24 PM

Henry, in those days life was pretty harsh.

TM

Henry43 · #8 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2010, 08:34 PM

It was very harsh .He came here not speaking a word of english and no education .

Manuel · #9 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2010, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry43

It was very harsh .He came here not speaking a word of english and no education .

My dad was in the same situation, but he got a job right away and worked a the same place untill he retired.

TM

Henry43 · #10 (**permalink**) October 22nd, 2010, 10:10 PM

My father ultimately taught himself and became fluent in six languages .He retired as President of a division of a prominent labor union .

Manuel · #11 (**permalink**) October 23rd, 2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry43

My father ultimately taught himself and became fluent in six languages .He retired as President of a division of a prominent labor union .

Imigrants have contributed a lot to this country.
I have helped the travel industry a bit myself.

TM

Henry43 · #12 (**permalink**) October 23rd, 2010, 10:09 PM

So very true ,Manuel .

Manuel · #13 (**permalink**) October 24th, 2010, 11:54 AM

What is sad is that when my parents and I came to the US there were plenty of jobs for everyone, and today even people with college degrees can't get a job.

TM

Henry43 · #14 (**permalink**) October 24th, 2010, 06:11 PM

Today one needs more than a college degree to get a good job and even that is very difficult

Manuel · #15 (**permalink**) October 29th, 2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry43

Today one needs more than a college degree to get a good job and even that is very difficult

It helps to have friends in the right places.

TM

Henry43 · #16 (**permalink**) October 29th, 2010, 05:34 PM

Or to be devious and run for office

Manuel · #17 (**permalink**) November 1st, 2010, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry43

Or to be devious and run for office

Of course, if you are honest you don't qualify.

TM

Henry43 · #18 (**permalink**) November 1st, 2010, 10:02 PM

I have known a few people who ran for elective office and achieved their goal .All with the promise that once in office they would be there for their constituents .One guy was disgusted with life as an elected official and quit .The others are still in office .

Manuel · #19 (**permalink**) November 2nd, 2010, 01:57 AM

Of course I have to admit that it's not easy to run for public office.

The average person can't handle the truth.

TM

Henry43 · #20 (**permalink**) November 2nd, 2010, 08:30 AM

One guy who I've known since 1983 is on the ballot today in the state of NY .When I resided in NYC and he was a Congress person representing the district I lived in he would personally answer calls directed to him by his local office .He would often come into my community to listen to the residents and not just in an election year .He was considered by many to be "a man of the people ". Since ascending to higher office he is still available .While I do not necessarily agree with some of his recent decisions I still have the utmost respect for him and I will vote for him today .

Manuel · #21 (**permalink**) November 2nd, 2010, 04:35 PM

Henry I did vote today.

And let me tell you that we live in a great country. When I took my first sea voyage I never imagined that 9 years later the US would send me on another even longer sea voyage. Crossing the Pacific, with all expenses paid. ( WHAT A COUNTRY!!! )

TM

Henry43 · #22 (**permalink**) November 2nd, 2010, 09:09 PM

Unfortunately too many americans went on that journey courtesy of Uncle Sam

Manuel · #23 (**permalink**) November 3rd, 2010, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry43

Unfortunately too many americans went on that journey courtesy of Uncle Sam

We did get to see some countries that we would not have seen. I was in Vietnam but also had an opportunity to visit Japan and the Philipines.

Also stopped in Honolulu on my way back and had enough time to take a tour of the city.

TM

PS, I like to accent the positive.