Beldangi camp
Delved in the process of resettlement in the US, the process facilitated by International Organization of Migration (IOM), I with my family, have had a busy time schedule in last week of December 2008, and beginning of the new year. I had to be careful in time management and meet relatives and friends, especially my team of Bhutan News Service and Association of Press Freedom Activists (APFA) Bhutan. Pre-departure medical check-up was scheduled for second day of January, limiting the three day cultural orientation to just December 31, 2008. January 3 was the date for departure from camp.
The evening of January 2 became a worth event to recall and rejoice. There was gathering of in-laws, even from Bhutan, who came to see their parents whom I never met before. Among all it was good time for me talking to Ichha, Thakur and Khem Kafle regarding our mission of disseminating information through media.
January 3 was the day of my family’s departure from camp to Kathmandu. Before the dawn everyone in the house woke up, prepared breakfast and tea for our travel. There were helping hands to carry our bags/luggage to Beldangi –I from Beldangi-II, gifts and souvenirs, tika and all well wishing for the journey. More than that were tearful eyes of kith and kin bidding farewell.
Three IOM buses ferried the first batch of refuges in 2009 from camps to Bhadrapur airport. The chartered flights of Yeti Airlines were delayed several hours due to foggy weather in Kathmandu. It was only at around five o’clock in the evening that we, the last group could board the small aircraft, that flew for forty-five minutes to reach the only international airport of Nepal, TIA.
Flying to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur appeared no less than a thrilling mountain flight. The setting sun in the far end of western horizon was a glowing red ball. The mountain peaks seemed to be floating above the sea of clouds glowed golden yellow to tawny red in the twilight. I felt, the charm of lofty Himalayas could be hardly erased of anyone who chanced to see it even once.
In IOM transit center, Mahargunj Kathmandu
My thirteen years stay in Kathmandu for study and job was summarized to three days before flying to US. Friends- Tirtha, Anjoo and Naveen came to see me and say goodbye. Indra could not arrange time to talk face-to-face, so made a phone call for reasserting our plan of continue uphold media. There was the formality of signing a document of credit to IOM that it loaned to all after being resettled in US.
At the TIA
On January 6, thirty-five of us were scheduled to fly to Delhi from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Heading towards the airport by IOM bus, we experienced an unexpected “bandh” at Chahabil and had to choose a round-about way via Bishalnagar. It took around one hour for the bus to make through the way to Gaushala and finally to the airport. We waited for more than four hours to complete the formalities of exit at TIA. Although we were provided with the boarding-pass for Nepal Airlines (formerly RNAC), it was not likely to be ready for the flight. At about 5:30 pm our escort, Mr. Pascal and we, boarded into the Boeing 787 of Jet Airways that took one hour and forty-five minutes to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
In New Delhi
The grandeur of this airport was beyond my imagination. The airfield was fabulously lit with sodium lamps and it was quite warm comparing to Kathmandu. We entered into a more technology-driven world of Asia. Some of my companions were astonished to see the automatic sliding door working while others were bewildered not being able to use drinking water in the lounge.
Delhi was never a hospitable place for Bhutanese refugees in the former years, particularly for the purpose of lobby and advocacy. But now, airport staffs were ready to receive us, serve our dinner in the lounge and guide us to the exit gates leading to the jet plane. Probably south bloc’s idea of making a demographic balance in Bhutan, as expressed by the Indian foreign minister in early 2008 has been working well.
To Brussels
We boarded into a larger aircraft of Jet Airways at about 3:30 am flying from Delhi to Brussels. In the sky the night overlapped moving westward to Europe, and in Brussels it was about 7 am as the aircraft prepared to land. Brussels was covered with snow and temperature below freezing.
Pascal handed over his responsibility to another IOM official who guided us in the airport building for check-in formalities. Brussels was our transit from Delhi to Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey. Before boarding into another jet plane to Newark, we spent a brief period of forty-five minutes in Brussels International Airport.
At Newark
The plane was scheduled to take-off from Brussels at half- past eight, local time, but was late by half-an-hour. The jet flew across the Atlantic Ocean and landed at Newark airport at about 3 pm, local time. Newark was our port of entry to US.
A little drama at Newark airport
At Newark, it took over more than three hours to complete the formalities of registering ourselves with custom and security officials. IOM officials at Newark airport were too hostile to the refugees. They could not make people feel comfortable on the very first day of their entry to US. The lady officials particularly shouted and even yelled to the top of their voice and make timid refugees confused and worried. I could see their inefficiency in work-they try to separate members of family without giving adequate information what they were actually doing to them.
In our group some families were destined to fly over to their given destination, while some were prescribed to stay in hotel. There was a mess of inefficient management exhibited by IOM-tag holders; themselves not being clear about stay in hotel or arrange connecting flights. The two Bhutanese refugee youths assisting in the airport were reticent enough to communicate with us openly. For a group of five families night halt at Days’ Hotel was arranged where people had an awesome experience not being able to open the hot rooms with the given key-card.
The next day episode
Early at six in the morning, we were virtually ordered to pack our luggage and get down from the lift to be transported to the airport. We could see a lady in the lobby of hotel, shouting at refugees from other part of the world. She was running in and out, here and there; shouting the names of refugees several times, make them stand in line, at times ordering to take their luggage out and at other times carry inside. She was also yelling at other IOM escorts as if she was the sole manager of whole affair. I felt a deep sense of pity for their whole mess of work, and quite uncomfortable for having got such rowdy- natured escorts at a far-away place. We all were worried whether we could reach our designated destinations safely. Finally we were taken to the airport and guided to respective exit doors of the building to board the domestic flights of United States. Three families flew to Chicago and again divided to take respective airplane to our destinations.
At Louisville international airport
It was about 3 pm when my family landed at Louisville international airport. As we were walking through the hallway of airport building, a bit of confusion in mind, we were greeted by a stout, black man of clearly-African-origin who happened to be our case-worker, Hassan. He helped us with our carry-on and luggage, opened the door of his office car and took to our apartment.
January 2009
Thank You for sharing details of your journey. That wasn’t nice of the IOM staff to behave that way with you all, she seems like one frustrated woman.Anyways, all the best to you and your family in your adopted country and land of opportunities. Initially life in the States may be tough but we can make it.I am confident that our people will progress in whatever they undertake in few years.We are descendants of hard working people, our forefathers immigrated to Bhutan several decades ago when there was no human settlement in Southern Bhutan. Our forefathers cleared the dense forest and made the land cultivable, some of them lost their lives to diseases like malaria (aule joro) and small pox, some to wild animals. Despite all the hardships they flourished through their hard work. Lets keep that in mind and move ahead in life to make our and our children’s future bright wherever we are. Good luck to all my Bhotange brothers and sisters for their successful life in their adopted country.
Mr. Dhakal,
Good narration. Good expression. Good english. Above all, thanks for sharing and was nice to read however discomfort you had. There are expectations and responsibilities that we need to take in mind.
Hundred of thousands of people cross illegally to US though huge porous borders. There is no one to arrange a hotel, flight, escort or what so ever to them. These illegal people do manage wel in US. So I hope Bhutanese wil also definitely do. So called Bhutanese leaders, their brothers and sisters, bhanjas and jwais, kith and kins en “miteri relatives” also have done wel. Finally, the turn of civilians has come – I presume Mr. Dhakal that you are a civillian. Definitely you will also succeed.
But who is this stupid Gyalmo. Why in disguise? And why GYALMO?
Kiran
Dear B.M,
It is an excellent diary. It is a matter of dismay that the IOM officials at New york are frustrating. They give bad impression to refugees upon arrival.Welcoming new Americans is their duty. They should not behave in that way as they are paid for their duty. IOM should be conscious enough to appoint hospitable officials so that refugees from distant land won’t be frustrated.
Welcome Bubbha to America. I am a little perturbed to know of your horrible experience with IOM recruits at Newark Airport.Hopefully your story will be an eye opener for the IOM officials. Lets hope, our people will receive better treatment in the future. You did a good work putting up good report for that. Kudos!
Other than that life should begin to sail pretty much without big problems here. Of all the refuges resettled here, the Bhutanese refugees are better prepared than anybody to begin with. Their proficiency in English language puts them in a unique advantage compared to refugees from Burma, Iraq etc.
The heavy reliance on technology here may look a little unfamiliar to us in the beginning. Please know that the plastic cards (Social Security, Credit cards, Food Stamp, Medicaid, Smart Trip, Driver’s Liscence, Gift Certficates etc are all too important stuffs on which our lives will depend running. The revolving doors,the work place cameras, lifts, air conditions and central heating, shopping lines etc will soon become part of our living.
I hope, you will explore more as you begin making new adjustments, culturally and socially. Just keep reporting – that itself is a great service to the community.
Dear BM Dhakal,
CONGRATULATIONS FOR LANDING ON THE DREAM LAND.
Great write up.
I read your writing with enough curiosity with two things in mind.
a. A bhutanese with English ability at par with the americans going to america.
If you regarded those were the problems, you had too big expectations. I wonder how the less prolific english speaker will deal with many harsh speakers there.
B. You would write the answer to those curious questions floating in the camp, which ran through you 24/ 7 for months or years. I was expecting all answers. You have answered many.
But you have have not done a fair justice, especially on this point.
1. “..There was the formality of signing a document of credit to IOM that it loaned to all after being resettled in US…”
What was the amount, individually or family wise? How could you miss such an important figures from your diary? Besides it will give some proof in the future.
I was also expecting something here:
“…..There were helping hands to carry our bags/luggage to Beldangi –I from Beldangi-II, gifts and souvenirs, tika and all well wishing for the journey. ….”
what items were allowed to carry, what were not. How important were your documents, what documents did you carry?
Recently there have been selling and buying of Bhutan related documents in camp and nearby there.
Your expectations must have been very high!!! here
“…. I felt a deep sense of pity for their whole mess of work, and quite uncomfortable for having got such rowdy- natured escorts at a far-away place. ………”
It seems you were better cared than others. People miss their connection (relay) flights just because of landing check and permit hazzles. The airport people simply dont care of the passengers.
I hope to see a fine mail may be after some time, explaining how the people there have become self relient.
BEST of all keep writing.
Regards
Beautiful narration and great job. We too faced similar consequences in Port of entry and transit centres. As i go through the article i feel like i am travelling with you. Really appreciable, keep writing. Hope to read more like this.
Kiran, while you can write only Kiran why can’t I write Gyalmo. I have no time for an ignorant person like you who ignore Tamangs and Sherpas who are Budhists among Bhutanese refugees.For the education of your ignorant mind if I may say Gyalmo is a Budhist name.Do you even know the meaning of disguise, what do you think you are doing by writing only Kiran, there are thousand and one Kirans in the World. You seem to have grudge against the so called leaders, America is a democratic country, you can settle your score with them in free land, you can even sue them for their past deed.I suppose you didn’t get the crust of the cookies they had.
By going through the beautiful narration of the journey experienced by Mr. Dhakal I found two contrasting points worth mentioning;
1. Excitement that narrator had before leaving camp(mentioning farewell bid by relatives and peers)
2.Depression(he was treated by IOM staffs in airport)
As we know heavy rains will be followed by beautiful sun, so is the case with excitement and depression.This is the minor phenomenon we bhutanese have been experiencing.Anyway, narration is worth reading. It too reminded me of my journey in verse of my relocation to United States in May of last year wherein I too happen to argue with a lady with blunt curly hair who seemed to be an asian by origin.
But by reading the comment expressed deliberately by Gyalmo, I felt pitty on her. No one has ignored anyone. No one is brought here without their knowledge,it is willful. So she cant say this as this is the outcome of bewildered mentality. IOM or UNHCR might not send them home empty handed if wished to visit damak or what so ever.there are many buddhists and kiratis relocated here and apart from this i need to ask her who are called ASIAN in US.
its worthless to create concept of racism in here.
Its ok if she has written on her own but if she is directed by our so called leaders,sorry for that.
propogandas, thutee rajnitti garda garda par na lagera hamri puchar pachya eko her na yo Buddhey ley!
Shit!!! ma ta Bhutan ko foerign minister nai hun bhanney garthiyo
Hey
This Diary is based on pro-entry to USA.I think many things are not included.It is just a journey from IOM to USA.I think life is no good here.People write lot of things at first,feel excited too,but when they realize that they need to work in Hotels, Companies in low level position forgetting their experiences and work back home ,they start to feel like life here is no more than hell.so,I think there is no need of concern over this diary.
I think Dhakal is also lenient person.He was tail of TN once.He used to talk about repartition only . I hope you got what I mean.
Everyone deserve to write whatever they think,experienced and is logic for them.Thats great folks!!I cant beleive how people like Mr. Dhakal would have changed his mind to narrate his dairy as his re-settlement express.This is the same man who used to talk about repartiation every time when he used to be in a city called Kathmandu.Forget about Bhutan Folks?? This sorts of dairy will discourage those people those who are still willing to go back to Bhutan?Dosen’t matter whether they go or not!!! Its not necessary that bhutanese refugees has to be treated like President or Prime Minister inorder to welcome them in America.Though i am not against Dhakal but i beleive he might have lost his Patrotism that he used to sing while he was in the camp.Some writes about America,some Canada,Australia,Denmark etc etc,,,Go ahead guys!!!Enjoy your life as much as you can but never underestimate the commitment of those as they will achive their goal one day.I hate to read these sorts of dairy from elsewhere.Writer,,,,bhutantigerforce@yahoo.com
it is nice to go through your diary.i know that it can be difficult during Transitional period, but I do feel one has to be more realistic and expect what is possible. Good luck with your resetlment
Dear Mr. tiger Force crew writers!
Did you see this guy dumping […….]!!!! ha ha ha
Tiger force and the crew! you better understand that your supporters who advocated per favor de resettlement has now moved to USA and they are the cheaters and pretenders!!! This isn’t worth mentioning that there are still many aslikes in your groups …and they need to be sodomized before they leave for America. [……..] So stop propogandas! Stop following your leaders!!! Stop harrasing refugees inside camps!!! And decide your own future.
The other point I would also like to appreciate is GOD OF SODOM comments that this […….] was one of the SOB ( Son of the B**h) who kept swaying away the youths telling that repatraition is the best option. Meanwhile generated a lot of money as he was TN[…..]…. and used for his wife and children!
GOD OF SODOM ! I have been wondering….. how come like he was able to migrate to the U.S??? Patroitic ACT should bar this [….] from entering into the U.S. We have to report this guy to the DHS well in advance!
What do you think??
“Live or let die”
Rock N Roll
Yes, it is good to read the Diary.But Iam surprised how he make the decession to come to US.If I can say clearly,he is the no 1 [….] person woh give the false statement to other refugee saying that not to fill up the Declearation of intrest Form.The Interview given by B.M Dhakal in Saranarthi Sarokar is still fresh in my memory.In that interview he said too many negative things of America.Now WHY? he is comming.So be awair of such Stupid and nutterious person.I hate this type of person
Persuasive ideality.
Under the
sun of a cold
winter the
greatest emotion
becomes a
noble seaside,
with the
care of my
life near a
delicate mirth.
Francesco Sinibaldi
it is good to learn about other and same to all . comments may be negative or
posetive that depends upon individual thinking.for me it is nice.During my journey to pensylvenia I to find some difficulty.Inspite of several difficulties I successfully reached to the final destination.so I would like to give thanks to the family to have good information.
I read all the comments.I appreciate everyone’s feeling and want every body to respects others too.
Refugees actually adopted the third country to find the durable solution.Yes there are some difficulties in new nations but they are way of life.It is the best way to go through then to live in the same camp for another two decades.Here every one has freedom,education and the basic necessities.Children can be well educated.We actually remained in camp so long because of illiteracy.If most people were educated we would have not been evicted or if evicted also we would have gone back pretty soon.I appeal all those to give freedom everybody to take their own decision.
It is the best way to get hail out of the shit.
Thanks mr dhakal for his beautiful creation.Everything he wrote in his diary are normal as its common to every bhutanese who come to us like arranging things,meeting relatives and so on but the rude behaviour done by iom staff in different transit centers still continues so its the matter of concern to everyone specially IOM.Are they doing this job voluntarely or they are paid?if they are paid i would like to draw the attention of IOM Damak and US to nominate the right person in that position so that every bhutanesecomming to us to start the new life will not be frusted at the very begining.well life in America is not as easy as we thought .Its full of oppertunity and difficulties also so i suggest everyone who are comming to US be ready to struggle and alwasy keep in mind that begining is always difficult
Hey Govinda what you mean by saying ‘CONGRATULATIONS FOR LANDING ON DREAM LAND’ in all blocks. Sorry iam in puzzle about what you are talking.You have understood wrong about dream.Dream has a huge meaning but i think you understood only the The USA.Dream can be understood in many folds daydream,nightmare hallucination,delusion and many more.Are you giving congratulations to all that what it mean?ha!Ha.
I am happy now
Come on dude, these facts* and proof* i mean who is posting* lol
Thank you for this! It’s great to see that someone is using proper grammar.