THE NEW YEAR ODYSSEY
By: Abdool A. Aziz
AT age 35, he had it all, a posh residence in Nandy Park, two cars, a wonderful family and an executive job. But the call of North America agitated him. He decided to visit this Land of Opportunity.

AIRPORT HUMILIATION
The plane docked, all were excited to depart. Then the order “Please remain seated and have your passport ready.” The officials checked each document, no forged one, didn’t the airline and immigration check these documents prior to departure? Why again? Shame then the tedious long trip to the immigration centre and the man in blue got his canine friend sniffing at you. The dog jumped up at him. “Come with me sir!” all looked in wonder.

He was stripped naked and searched. Nothing found, but in his carry – on, he had half – eaten bake and salt fish served on the plane. That odor attracted the dog. He told the immigration officer when asked “No sir I have nothing to declare” “No rum, no pepper, sure achar?” “No sir!” He was sent to customs after a long wait he was cleared to go. They couldn’t believe he had at least no rum.

A DREAM WORLD
He marveled at the galaxy of lights. The concrete monoliths, the traffic and criss-crossing highways amazing! But as he stepped out the taxi, a cold wind caught him. He shivered. “Put on your jacket sir” advised the driver. He had none. He ran into the hotel. The driver laughed. “Wait until its winter” He took a view of the empire state building. Stupendous – man’s ingenuity. As he fixed his eyes on the fairy land he began to think of living this metropolis. Just then a waft of cold breeze swiped his face, though it was summer. He quickly scurried to the room and ‘hit the sack’.

NEW YORK – ALIVE
They say New York is the city that doesn’t sleep but during the day the people hustle about in such a rush. And the congested traffic and the cacophony of blaring horns. Sure it a hive of activity but lonely. And everyone seems to wear a face of gloom. Especially those who running for the buses and sub-way trains. And three – quarters of those commuters are going to work in field, factory, homes and offices. He moved around Manhattan like he was in a stranger land. Bright and busy, but he felt detached. A City of Humanoids. No inter – action. No friendliness.

A TRIP BY TRANSIT
He went below the street, the underground, and he boarded a train. He sat on a row of seat. The white woman rather stand than sit beside him. First taste of discrimination. On the return trip he went and sat beside a white guy. This fellow in disgust got up and remain standing. He later learned that brown – skinned people were labeled ‘Paki’ (Garbage). One time a prostitute refused his money because of her racial hatred.

‘LITTLE GUYANA’ – THE QUEEN LAND
The flat shabby houses, the limited yard space, the Guyanese mentality and the dungeon (basement) fowl air, damp and dark. The kind of life; sleeping, working, shop, more work than play. No family time, husband in, wife out. That’s existence not living.

Everything good about life is found back home. Fresh air, open space, social cohesion, relaxed moment and worry – free. He will not waste away in the white-man country. The ‘Green – Back’ will not be his master. Guyana, the paradise, home sweet home.