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“The true alchemists do not change lead into gold;
they change the world into words.” – William H. Gass
Fourth blog and everything become intricate… For this blog we have to read Hills Like White Elephants (Ernest Hemingway) , find and discuss symbolism. This story is about bringing a new life in the world and family, about a hard decision that a person is faced, and possible future changes. Everyday we have to make a choice or decision. Sometimes it likes what kind of yogurt I will eat, but another time it is more complicated and weightier one that could switch routine life on 180 degrees. It was already two years how my family and i have settled in Toronto. In Ukraine, we had a cat, but we gave him to another family because of the relocation and we did not know anything about a process of cat “immigration.” After two years, finally, I was able to visit my parents in Ukraine. I had one long shot in my mind and even my dear husband did not believe in it. As you, I hope, understand, I decided to bring a cat from Ukraine. Why??? We want a particular breed and color. Such kind of kittens are too expensive in Canada, but we can afford such kitten in Ukraine. When I came to Ukraine, I did all research about breeder company and necessary documents and payments. It was a long sleepless trip with a delay in Amsterdam and a long line for check out in Pearson International Airport in Toronto. And, here are totally tired me with a screaming cat in a bag, always hungry teenager’s son and a border security officer. The officer asked me,” Madam, do you a cat with you?” “Really?” I thought, and said,” Yes, I bought it back home and bring her, and of course I have all the necessary documents for a cat.” “But you did not mention it in your declaration! It is mandatory to do!” In my best polite manner, I said,” Yes, I know that animal must be indicated in the declaration, but I could not find a proper line for my kitten.” “Okaaaay… you must go to the Red corridor where another officer will explain and check you and your cat.” We resignedly went in the pointed direction with hazy thoughts about our future. “Why are you here?” asked next border security officer. I again started my explanations, and he patiently, like all Canadians, listened to me. “Ok, but in the declaration, there is a line for cross-border with an animal? Why do skip it?” “I saw that line, and as I understand it is for the product made from animals, but my cat is alive.” “This line is also for live animals, and you should know about it if you travel with a cat. It is stated in bla-bla-bla law act.” “Good for you that you know it,” I thought, but said, “I am so sorry for my mistake. What must I do now? Can we correct my mistake?” At this point, I was enough scared and did not wait for anything good. But, to my big surprise, officer-veterinarian was absent on the workplace and no one check or cat’s papers either her. They just imitated some action. “You are free to go. Good luck, madam,” said the officer. “Wait, I must pay a fee for a cat, my husband told me to not forget to pay!!!” “Fee??What fee??” “You ask me what fee?” I almost told them. “Madam, it seems to us that your husband is waiting for you and your cat. Go to him and good luck.” How I could argue with border security officers, so I went to exit. For a couple of mouth, I was waiting for a penalty, but everything went well. Our cat with us, she underwent the second “immigration” to the USA.
4 Comments
Julia
2/11/2019 07:21:29 pm
I really liked this story, I feel like your cat represents home to you, and you wanted to bring your kitten to your new life. I was able to follow along with your story as well, you built an easy scene to follow along too. I love cats!
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justinee
2/12/2019 02:19:26 am
oh my god your cat! its precious! and I loved how descriptive this was, and the emotion you felt for wanting this cat!
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shaymaa
3/3/2019 05:21:06 am
what a cute cat...your scene is complete and the story is flourishing
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AuthorI will use this page to post blogs throughout my English Composition I class. Archives
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