Norwegian Emigration Center

Europe Dept: Today, I zoom across the same ocean that took her weeks to cross. I enjoy my glimpses of the Old World, while remembering that millions of Europeans left it behind forever in search of the New World, according to Vancouver Sun. If you have Norwegian roots like I do, a trip to the southern Norway port of Stavanger should include the Norwegian Emigration Center. This fine facility is in an old warehouse near the wharf where the first boats sailed with emigrants to "Amerika" in 1825 and When travelling to Europe, I sometimes crank up the voice of my grandmother telling stories of her journey from Norway to Canada. The boat ride was miserable. The only thing she could keep down was beer - she became a teetotaller the day she saw the Statue of Liberty. Having entered North America like a bad traveller - not speaking the language, packing too much luggage and not enough money - she navigated the immigrants' road to Edmonton, where she eventually met her Norwegian husband. For those who want to take a closer look at this exodus, visit Europe's emigration museums, which chronicle the flood of departures in the 19th and 20th centuries. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.