The Journey Begins: Almost Deported, Big Mouth and All!
Monday 7th october
After a sleepless flight, I stepped off the plane and navigated the labyrinthine airport corridors toward customs. No checked luggage meant a swift journey, and as I rehearsed my answers for customs, I thought, “If I get held up, this’ll make one heck of a story.” Sure enough, I found myself face-to-face with an officer who looked ready to interrogate me on my six-month USA adventure.
The officer eyed me and asked why I was visiting. “I’m here to travel for six months,” I replied with a bright smile. He raised an eyebrow. "On an ESTA?”
Panic set in. I started rambling about my trip to Tacoma, my upcoming flight to Fairbanks, and my plans as a workawayer. Before I knew it, he took my passport and phone, asking me to wait for further questioning. For the next hour, I fielded questions about my travel plans, accommodations, and whether I had a return ticket. Eventually, they let me through, but I was beyond relieved when I finally stepped outside and spotted my friend, Gülbey. Whilst I am dressed as "Heidi" wearing all of my bulky clothes since I dont have any room in my suitcase and meeting him only wearing a t shirt.
Tuesday 8th of October
History, Point Defiance Park & Shawarma
Our first full day kicked off with a trip to Washington State History Museum, where I learned some surprising (and disturbing) pieces of American history, like the concentration camps for Japanese Americans during WWII. The museum’s displays spanned topics from Native American history, eerily reminiscent of the treatment of Norway's Sami people, to the Great Depression and the Wild West. I could’ve stayed for hours, but Gülbey and I moved on to Point Defiance Park, where we walked the pier, marveled at towering trees, and soaked in the almost rainforest-like vibes.
Dinner was at a shawarma place where I asked for egg-free options. I got something resembling dumplings, which weren’t exactly my favorite, but they fueled me for an evening of board games and chilling.
Wednesday 9th of October
Motel Life, Open Drug Use, & a Night of Karaoke
With Gülbey back at work, I checked into a classic American motel—the kind with doors leading directly to the parking lot. The owner assured me it was safe, so I settled in and ordered a Domino’s pizza for the whopping price of $30.
When I ventured out to explore the area, I witnessed open drug use, a bit of public “business,” and some heated bus stop arguments. Feeling a bit uneasy, I made my way to Hula Hula, a Hawaiian-themed karaoke bar. The bar itself was fun, and so many talented on stage. It has been voted best karaokebar so it thook one hour between each song for me. I met a new friend, Muhammad, who kindly filmed my last performance of Don't speak by No doubt. I guess I “slayed,” as one woman told me, which apparently is a good thing. Afterward, I braved the bus back to the motel, keeping a friend of mine on the line for the last leg of my walk.
Thursday 10th of October
Lazy Day & Sticker Shock
Thursday brought a lazy start, with me lounging in bed until the afternoon. I finally ventured out to Ross in search of a power bank but had no luck. Grocery shopping felt like a trip to another planet—$70 for a wheel of brie and Smart Water bottles priced higher than I’d seen back home! After comparing prices and feeling thankful for Norwegian costs, I decided to UberEats Taco Bell. It wasn’t cheap, but hey, I justified it as a cheaper alternative to going downtown.
This trip’s already been a rollercoaster of American experiences, from run-ins with border patrol to karaoke slayage, overpriced cheese, and late-night motels. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but one thing’s for sure—I’m not running out of stories any time soon!