Being Nobody

The Land Of Freedom - by all means, but also a surprisingly great deal of bureogracy. These past two weeks we've worked our buts off to get started here in the US, but as we haven't gotten our social security cards (Benke got his for two days ago) we haven't been able to apply for OH driver's lisence. As we don't have the driver's lisence, we can neither buy a car nor apply for cell phones. As we don't have the cell phones we can't apply for any other bargain cards at the stores. As we can't get the bargains our account is empty, and we have difficulties to get money transferred from Sweden, just as Benke's secretary was not too happy about paying his salary because "it's not normal to start an employment by having a 2 weeks' vacation". Having no money we decided to relax and watch the TV, which we don't have. Trying to buy a TV on the internet was blocked - they wouldn't accept any foreign credit cards.

Well, we HAVE managed to open a check account, internet, I've signed up for a gym, the kids are registrated at school, I've booked a doctor's appointment for them. And of course, taken part in the consumption society - big time! So after all, for not existing we still seem to leave some foot prints here and there. And I have to say: people are in general very helpful, understanding, friendly and supporting. And, by the way, much much more feet on the ground than you guys in Europe might think. This is not Hollywood.

//Hanna