FAREWELL TO HOMELAND

Joe and Mary were only children when the Hungarian people rebelled against the communist dictatorship maintained by the Soviets, which was ultimately drowned in blood by Russian tanks. Later, when they were adults, they decided to leave their country. They could not leave legally, so they crossed the Iron Curtain illegally.

Socerb, Slovenia at the Italian border

They spent some time in Italian refugee camps in poor conditions.

Capua, Italy

At last, they could immigrate to the United States, where they had to face an even harder life in the beginning.

Manhattan, New York

They were fighting for their lives, moving through three states.

Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA

After four years, they gave up and moved to the still communist Hungary.

Budapest Airport

The Hungarian government betrayed them despite the general amnesty. They could not leave this country again legally; they escaped to Yugoslavia using a small boat at the border river.

Drava River at Barcs, Hungary

They traveled through the country to reach the Italian border. Joe was afraid to cross the border through the dense forest because Mary was pregnant. They tried to cross the border with their American documents but failed.
Border crossing in Yugoslavia

They obtained an entry visa at the nearest Italian Consulate and fled to Italy again.

Italian Consulate, Koper, Slovenia

They traveled to Milan, where they could get entry visas to Switzerland. Joe called his old-time friend in Switzerland, asking for his help.

Milan, Italy

They arrived in Zurich, where his friend helped them.

Zurich, Switzerland

They were afraid of a return to the United States because of Mary’s condition. They spent some time in a refugee home where Chris, their son, was born

Altstätten, Switzerland

After another refugee camp close to Zurich, Joe found a job, and they moved into a nice apartment. A local Swiss family helped them, and they became excellent friends.


Zurich, Switzerland

Later, Joe got sick. The burden he was carrying on his shoulders for years caused problems, but with professional help, he could get out of trouble. He started a part-time job in a gift shop. Later Mary also got a job, and little Chris went to daycare. After years of staying in Switzerland without any settlement status, Joe and Mary decided to move on. Mary’s girlfriend helped them get into Canada, but they had to show up with $10,000, which was not easy to accumulate.

Movenpick Hotel, Zurich Airport

When they obtained the money, they were able to fly to Canada.



They settled down in Toronto. Joe was lucky because he got an engineering job soon, and he was able to support his family.

Toronto, Canada

Joe got sick again and could not walk for a while, but with excellent treatment and positive thinking, he could overcome his problem. He and his wife graduated as interior designers and started a new business.

Interior decoration

After some good years, the bad years came. Due to the recession, Joe and Mary lost their business. Joe overcame it again when he started a remodeling business beginning with churches.

Kitchen Remodeling

At last, he was doing very well. He took a business trip to his native Hungary, where he had so much fear and bad dreams of could not get out.

Budapest, Hungary

Fortunately, nothing went wrong, and he completed his business trip.

Construction Trade Show, Budapest

He finally arrived in Canada with joy. His journey ended because he was at home in freedom.

Toronto Airport, Canada

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