A long 24 hour journey.. from bombay to new york..

Very tired..
very tired..

got off at the airport-- the port of entry (It's hard to think of an airport as a port)

The immigration line is unbelievably long, we inch along, at last it's our turn.
 Then they take a picture.. a picture for greencard-- a resident alien card- an identity card.

A picture that is taken when you haven't slept for 24 hours.. when you are so tired, you don't care.. a moment that will be regretted for many years to come.

Another number is issued. something called a  social security card.  god know what that is..

Then it's time to find luggage.. by now the conveyor belt has already stopped going round and round. The luggage is waiting as if asking, "Where were you. I hold all your belongings, all your belongings for your new life here."

It seems this is it.. but no... next is the agriculture police..

They as rudely as possible ask, "Do you have any fresh fruits?"
you say no.. then he asks," any pickles?" and answer is yes.. to this another question.."fresh pickle', and answer is "no",

The agriculture police is just worried about the bugs you might have brought with you.-- but it's still scary and annoying...

At last the door to exit..

WELCOME TO USA...