In October 1964, we traveled from Amsterdam to New York by plane
And continued on to L.A. by train.

Immigrants…
With a bit of ambivalence.

Anticipating the new start…
Could be hard.

With everything, John’s brother assisted,
And to stay with him the first month, he persisted.

We scouted for an apartment from morning ’til dark
And rented a new one in Baldwin Park.

A corner unit above the pool…
Window air conditioning to stay cool.

Walking distance to the store,
We could not ask for more.

Pleasant neighbors…
Eager to do this young immigrant couple favors,

It was pleasant to be…
At Villa Capri.

There was no Google or Social Media,
Our first investment was a Collier Encyclopedia.

It was money well spent.
On its contents, we often did depend.

Soon, we were settled in;
Our future in America could begin.