Pga. min ejendomsmæglers uansvarlige opførsel, havde jeg ikke blot mistet min oprindelige lejlighed, boet over tre uger på hotel, mistet tæt på $6000 … ja, nu skulle jeg tømme alt for at have råd til at betale indskud endnu en gang. Skulle jeg grine eller græde?
Mahwah, NJ til Elmhurst, NY
At køre ind til New York City var følelsesmæssigt meget stort for mig. Selvom der stadig var en snert af uvished i kroppen, så var vi så tæt på. At køre over George Washington Bridge, ind i Harlem, og ned af østsiden af Manhattan til Queens var stort. Jeg var taknemmelig men også godt “brugt”.
Willow Grove, PA til Mahwah, NJ
Køreturen til Mahwah var dejlig. Vi kørte ikke ad motorvejen, men mere af små veje. Jeg fornemmede landskabet, de små byer, de historiske, og gamle bygninger. Og så ramte jeg en Bambi! 🙁
King of Prussia, PA til Willow Grove, PA
Jeg fik opkaldet fra en anden ejendomsmægler: “”I don’t know who you are, who you’re working with but I’m the exclusive realtor on this property. The owner does not know who you are. It’s not your apartment”.
King of Prussia, PA til … ja, King of Prussia, PA.
Mens jeg gik forvirret rundt, spurgte min 4-årige mig: “Mommy, hvad er det nu du også hedder?” .. Jeg forstod ikke umiddelbart hans spørgsmål. “Nå ja, tour guide. Du sagde tour guides aldrig farer vild?”. Og jeg grinede og grinede over drengens ærlighed og observans.
Columbia, MD til King of Prussia, PA
Det var hjerteskærende at høre, hvordan de har mistet 75% af deres besøgende som følge af pandemien. Jeg kunne fortælle, at jeg har mistet 100% af mine kunder. Det gør ondt. …
Staunton, VA til Columbia, MD
For det var den første – og eneste gang – på vores tre uger tur over USA at baby havde en “puha-uheld” der krævede vask. Og så skete det lige præcist, så det kunne klares ved et besøgscenter. Heldigt, alligevel? 😉
Boone, NC til Staunton, VA
Efter en god, oplevelsesrig dag i går var tanken egentlig bare at komme tættere på New York i dag. Og det var hvad der skete. Nogle ligegyldige stop efter mad, drikke og benzin men ellers bare krydse grænsen ind til Virginia og lede efter en magnet på en benzin station.
Asheville, NC til Boone, NC
Vi stoppede ved et par af parkvejens “Overlooks” og ellers talte vi rigtig meget omkring sæsoner og dyr der bor omkring os. Vi legede en fjolleleg, hvor vi spurgte træerne dumme spørgsmål og de svarede os fjollet tilbage. Det fik mange grin frem hos den 4-årige dreng, når træerne svarede: “Fordi Markus slog en prut!
Knoxville, TN til Asheville, NC
Hver dag, bad jeg til Gud om hjælp til at holde os sikre .. og vi kørte hele vejen fra Las Vegas til New York uden nogle problemer. Og den eneste skramme bilen fik, var fra en sten i Great Smoky Mountains
Nashville, TN til Knoxville, TN
Nashville er en spænende by, men de oplevelser jeg var interesseret i at få, var ikke super børnevenlige. Så det blev kun til en kort køretur igennem, og så lige at se The Panthenon i Centennial Park.
Southaven, MS til Nashville, TN
I dag kørte vi ind i Alabama for at komme på Natchez Trace Parkway, som er en gammel skovvej på over 700 kilometer, der forbinder Nashville, Tennessee med Natchez, Mississippi. Vi skulle kun kører lidt af ruten, og den tog jeg som en smagsprøve på en oplevelse jeg gerne vil have i fuld – om nogle år når børnene er ældre.
Southaven, MS til Memphis, TN
Vi lyttede til guidens spændende fortællinger mens vi “sejlede op af åen” … eller, jeg mener, Mississippi River. Min søn fik nogle popcorn og sodavand, og blev meget ivrig da han hørte vores guide sige, at der havde været alligators i vandet.
Jonesboro, AK til Southaven, MS
straks kom en flot, sort ung mand springende for at hjælpe mig med baggage, klapvogn og børn op til anden sal. Min skandinaviske beskedenhed blev mødt af hans sydstatscharme og hans mange “Ma’am’s”. Det var så skønt.
Springfield, MO til Jonesboro, AK
I dag blev en ungpige drøm opfyldt, da vi besøgte Laura Ingalls Wilder husmuseum i Mansfield, MO. Selv min 4 årige dreng nød det.
Oklahoma City, OK til Springfield, MO.
… det gav mulighed for en lærerig samtale og resten af vores tur brugte vi begge ordet ‘museum’ flittigt omkring forskellige ting. Kan man for eksempel have et museum kun om biler? Ja. Om sodavand? Ja. Om legetøj? Ja. Om bussemænd? “Neeeeej, adddddd” sagde sønnike.
Amarillo, TX til Oklahoma City, OK
Så mange små ‘roadside’ attraktioner, er pga. Corona lukket midlertidigt eller permanent. Det er også i denne by, at de har et sært lille museum dedikeret til pigtråd. Det havde også lukket!
2020 – en epilog
Smid et tæppe af en global epidemi over verdens befolkningen, og tilføj nogle pyntepuder af civil urolighed, økonomisk ødelæggelse og social distancering og du har en menneskehed med store, store problemer. Vi kommer aldrig “over” 2020.
Albuquerque, NM til Amarillo, TX
Så det var bestemt ikke med vilje, at jeg drejede til venstre på grøn men næsten blev smadret ned af en dyttende, modkørende varevogn. For det var altså ikke grønt for mig. Hovsa. Venter stadig på en bøde i posten.
Flagstaff, AZ til Albuquerque, NM
Min søn sov igennem det, og jeg sad og skrålede alle de hjemmelavede kærlighedssange, jeg kunne finde på, for at berolige hende. Ligeså snart jeg så skilt mod et rasteplads, kørte jeg ind for at amme og berolige hende.
Las Vegas, NV til Flagstaff, Arizona
Vores mest interessante stop i dag blev Williams, som er en historisk Route 66 by, med levn fra fortiden der gør den meget hyggelig.
Spontan roadtrip – hvordan gjorde jeg det?
I og med, at beslutningen om at tage turen fra Las Vegas til New York City blev taget på cirka 30 timer så havde jeg ikke nået at planlægge ret meget. Det vil sige, det eneste jeg sådan set havde besluttet var at jeg ville tage turen “syd på” ad Interstate 40 (og følge Route… Continue reading Spontan roadtrip – hvordan gjorde jeg det?
Hvordan får man en bolig i NYC – Del 3
Sidste del af blogserien, hvordan finder man en bolig i New York. Men denne kunne også hedde: Hvordan man IKKE bør finde bolig i New York.
Hvordan får man en bolig i NYC – Del 2
Dette indlæg af del 2, af 3 indlæg hvor jeg deler mine erfaringer med at finde bolig i New York. Læs første del her: Hvordan får man en bolig i NYC – Del 1 Så da jeg i august i år, mens jeg stadig var i Las Vegas, skulle finde en ny lejlighed men ikke… Continue reading Hvordan får man en bolig i NYC – Del 2
Hvordan får man en bolig i NYC – Del 1
Hvordan finder man en bolig i New York? Jeg har gjort det flere gange … læs mine erfaringer, og stil endelig spørgsmål.
Hvorfor ikke bare kører, Maria?
Det var faktisk min mor, der satte tanken i hovedet på mig. Jeg havde bestilt en auto transport til Toyotaen til den “nette” pris af $1150. Den laveste pris, jeg havde fundet hvor gennemsnittet lå på $1600. Fra en mægler, der ville tage $250 gebyr for at finde en billig transport. De havde ikke de… Continue reading Hvorfor ikke bare kører, Maria?
Flytte til New York midt i pandemien 2020
Jeg tog et par år væk fra New York City af personlige årsager, hvilket gav mening da jeg traf beslutningen om at bryde mine bånd med byen. Det var ellers altid ønsket, at blive i NYC forevigt … Det viste sig så, at selvom jeg flyttede væk så var byen stadig i mine tanker, og… Continue reading Flytte til New York midt i pandemien 2020
Transferring money abroad – Transferwise
Let me start out by saying that, yes, this post has referral links and if you use them you’ll get your first transfer free! And yes, I will also get a little thank you for every 3 persons who sign up. But this is good – so continue reading! When I started my days as… Continue reading Transferring money abroad – Transferwise
To be a student in New York
Important links U.S Department of State – Student Visa USCIS – Students and employment Homeland Security – Study in The States Danish Students Abroad Facebook-side For International Students Many dream of studying in America, or more specifically study in New York. The opportunity to mix a stay in the greatest city of the world with… Continue reading To be a student in New York
POE and other anecdotes
This is my tale about my POE (Port of Entry) into the United States of America: So after finishing up my business in Denmark it was time to gather my stuff and get on that plane back ‘home’! I got a one-way ticket with Icelandair for $500 on cheapoair.com which was a pretty good deal… Continue reading POE and other anecdotes
My F-1 Visa interview
I wasn’t able to sleep last night. I was “over thinking” my F-1 visa interview, completely convinced that they were going to deny me. For what reason you might ask? – For spending too much time in the U.S the last couple of years. I arrived at the embassy too early. My appointment time was… Continue reading My F-1 Visa interview
Black Friday – the aftermath
Sorry readers, I was busy sleeping so didn’t have time to update you all on MY black friday adventure. I went to Queens Center, a large mall in my neighborhood. I was there 10 minutes after they opened at midnight and it was crazy. They call the event: ‘Midnight Madness’ for a reason! There was… Continue reading Black Friday – the aftermath
My first Black Friday
Black Friday is the day where the official sale for Christmas starts. Since it’s the day after thanksgiving, it also means that it’s this upcoming Friday. I never really understood what the dealio was but now I do! I love a good sale, and I get a kick out of buying things and paying less… Continue reading My first Black Friday
From Paris to JFK airport
After 2 miniature bottles of Absolut Vodka, sophisticatedly mixed up with Orange juice, half a bottle of white wine and a deliciously combo of a Cognac and a benadryl I went to sleep!
Application for the Immigration Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20)
Man, so now it is coming down to ‘greens’ ($$$$) whether or not I can follow my dream. Why, oh why?
Sweet return, or?
It was hard leaving New York. Leaving the town of Forest Hills, that is my home. Leaving my friends, that I love so much! I got the chance to say goodbye and hug two of my best friends, and it did break my heart looking over my shoulder when saying the last farewell, on my… Continue reading Sweet return, or?
5 year anniversary
“September 26, 2006. It was an early morning, didn’t sleep all night. My bags were almost packed and all I had to do was get as much coffee down without puking – I was a nervous wreck.
Progress in dissertation
Or lack of it! It’s no secret I’ve been trying to finish school by writing my final thesis/dissertation.
Broadway show and other fantastic experiences
I’ve been so busy, way too busy to write anything. Even my dissertation is suffering from it. But life is so beautiful, and how can I possible say no, when being asked to go out and enjoy life! Since Irene, I’ve been running around, seeing things, experiencing things, hung out with friends. I’ve been spending… Continue reading Broadway show and other fantastic experiences
Irene?
IRENE, how I was anxiously awaiting your visit! I made sure I had candle lights, canned goods, veggies and fruits, water and yes, I even bought a bottle of Captain Morgan. They told me I could expect her Saturday evening. I always get a little stressed out, when I’m expecting company. I find walking a… Continue reading Irene?
Achievements.
I haven’t been able to write as much as I want to. There’s been so much going on and though my intentions are to always update and please my readers, life gets in the way! I do make almost daily updates on my Facebook page, and I hope you will ‘Like‘ it. It’s a way for… Continue reading Achievements.
4 years, 10 months and 12 days later
I did it! Nobody, not even myself believed that I was going to do this. Now, while the tears are running down my cheeks, adding a dimension to the smile on my lips, I know I had it in me. Eventually the struggle, the hassle, the hard work has paid off. It’s 4am; besides from… Continue reading 4 years, 10 months and 12 days later
Confused.
I haven’t been a very good blogger lately. I’ve been so distracted with my day-to-day life and even though I have the best intentions of keeping everybody up to date, somehow the month of July just went by like that. So much have happened. Emotionally it’s been a roller-coaster ride. But where I’m at now,… Continue reading Confused.
I found a studio! vol 2.
After I got the call that I shouldn’t expect problems with getting the board approval I thought it was going to be easy peasy the rest of the way. I was so wrong!!! First I had to fill out two different applications. Make copies (5 in total) of all of my papers, letters of recommendation, references,… Continue reading I found a studio! vol 2.
Relationships.
There’s the ones you decide to be in the ones you didn’t know you where in and then the ones you were meant to be in … … The ones that are a blessing the ones that are a heartache And the ones that are a little bit of both. … And then there’s this… Continue reading Relationships.
I found a studio!
Last week I went for a walk around the neighborhood of Forest Hills, NY to think, relax and look for ‘For Rent’ signs. Some of the houses in Forest Hills are almost mansion-like, big beautiful houses, crazy expensive. Then, I saw a ‘For Sale’ sign. I thought to myself, what if I could buy? Then… Continue reading I found a studio!
My money no good here
– The rental nightmare! When I was 18, I moved out of my mother’s house into a room with shared kitchen and bathroom. I paid about $435/month. I lived there for 9 months. Then, I moved to a studio apartment where I stayed for another 2 years. My rent was then $500. My third apartment… Continue reading My money no good here
Homeless, but fabulous!
– Yes, I might be homeless living out of my three suitcases, sleeping on an air mattress in my friends livingroom but my life is so pretty awesome! – I told my roomie today that I don’t have a broken heart, but a broken spirit! – And then we laughed. – I’m so funny that… Continue reading Homeless, but fabulous!
I’m coming home.
I couldn’t sleep last night. It’s always been difficult for me to finish my things on time, whenever I was moving. Usually it would turn out with last minute panic attacks. For whatever reason, most likely the fact that I know I’m making the absolut right decision, well, I managed to get ready on time!… Continue reading I’m coming home.
Waving my goodbyes.
It is no secret that I’m leaving Copenhagen. Friday morning I’m closing the door to my apartment for the last time. Where exactly my next ‘home’ is going to be – I don’t know. I have a good guess but nothing is for sure. That’s why I love my family and my friends. Always being… Continue reading Waving my goodbyes.