Interview with an immigrant

HANI 

                                                              

We got to interview an immigrant from Syria, and we learned a lot about Syria and what it is to be an immigrant.   

Why did you escape from Syria? 

-In Syria there is a war, and I don't like war and blood, and sometimes you must escape from a country.  

Why did you come to Norway? 

-I came to Norway because it is a peaceful country. I think Norway is a very nice country to live in.   

How did you come to Norway? 

      -I came from Syria, with  my brother. I took a plane from  Syria to Turkey, and then I took a boat from Turkey to Athens in Greece, Makedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and finally Norway.   

                                               

Do you have family and friends in your home country? Do you miss them? 

-I have a wife, a mom and a brother and sister in my home country. Of course I miss my family. Today is it Mother's day  in Syria so I am going to call my mom and congratulate her.  

Do you know someone who was killed in the war/conflict where you came from?  

-My friend was killed in the war. He was very kind. He was struck by a bomb from an airplane.  

Do you want to return to your country later? Why? Why not? 

-I would like to stay here in Norway. If Norway would want that. 

What is your dream for the future?  

-I have many dreams, but I hope to see my family again. I hope that Norway will always have peace. 

What do you think about Norwegians? 

-Norwegian people are kind but they are a little shy. In Syria we can talk with everybody, but in Norway it is more difficult. The Norwegians can get a little embarrassed when we talk to them. 

Is there anything you could do in Syria that you can't do in Norway, like hobbies? Maybe other sports or activities? 

-In Syria is it easier to go shopping, in Norway the shops are more spread out than in Syria. 

Can you tell something from your own country?  

-I come from a town which is 60 km from Damascus. 5 million people live in Damascus, which is the same as in the whole of Norway. In Syria there are always many people to meet. Damascus is a very nice country, but it's bad to live there now because there is a war. I recommend you to travel to Damascus when there is no war. In Syria we don’t have a lot of snow and it is a very nice summer. Syria is separated from all other Arab countries around Syria by a very big mountain, so it is a natural wall.