It is not too long ago that Carla and her boyfriend Inema had just moved to Oslo or actually to Norway. Inema had been living in Tromsø now for nearly five consecutive years. After so many years of their relationship on distance, Carla had made an effort, quit her job in Italy and left everything behind to move up to her boyfriend.
I'm not surprised that Carla didn't manage to stay in Tromsø. In the end she is too much a typical Italian to be able to live that far up in the North ;-) Tromsø wasn't really her dream place to live. Neither was/is Oslo, though they decided after about half a year together in Tromsø to move down to Norway's capital.
Here they quickly made friends and fully integrated. Also Carla started to like living in Norway :-) They became friends with and became a part of a group of Italians here that know each other, they knew already Jana and me from before so that she was immediately taken up into our group as friend. Even workwise Carla was on a good way; she had just accepted a part-time job in our company. Inema had also found a new job. So everything seemed to be/become perfect for the two...
...until beginning of March...
...when Inema didn't get the renewal of his residence permit. Since Inema is from Kenya he is subject to more strict residence conditions. Until now noone knows why the State of Norway hasn't renewed his permit. It is said that they think Kenya is now safe enough for him to go back.
However, Inema is a super nice and pleasant person - ok, this is a subjective view, but it is rather objective that he is one of the most integrated people in Norway. He speaks fluent Norwegian, he loves the country, he had a job (for which he even got up every morning at 4.30/5.00 a.m.) and still... these b****** just didn't want to extend his permit to stay and just told him to leave... within the next 3 weeks!
This was a huge slap in the face for both of them. For Inema there was absolutely NO other choice than following the orders of leaving the country. And as a consequence Carla was following him!
So after just half a year they had to leave everything behind they had just built up: friendships, jobs, a flat...
Of course this is so super unfair and shit for Carla & Inema, but this act of the Norwegian State also hits us, their friends! We lose a really nice couple, two friends which are so frank and open, so pleasant and joyful!
But well, that's the way it is now and we can't/couldn't do anything about it and for them than just make a big farewell party.
So for Saturday 17th of March, Mina, one of Carla's Italian friends, had organised a party at a Rachele's place. We all came together and surprised them. Carla & Inema had no clue of this party and were called to this place under another excuse. We had prepared a huge fingerfood dinner and an evening full of fun, games and music.
Though they first couldn't believe it, I think they pretty much enjoyed their party.
Here some pictures of the evening - well selected... as not all of them pass the criteria for being made public, especially not without the permission of the people depicted on them :-)
Surpriiiiiiiiiiiiiiise!!!
Carla still couldn't believe it!
First game: trying to pick up this cardboard box with your mouth without anything but your feet touching the ground.
Second on the programme: some limbo dancing.
And this picture is just the beginning of a series of pictures of the third "no comment" game...
GOOD BYE, CARLA & INEMA!!!
We wish you good luck for all that lies ahead of you now and hopefully we see each other again back in Norway, when the papers are much more favourably for you! It was so nice having you here in Oslo. The time with you was great, keep your heads up and stay as you are: happy, warmhearted and positiv!
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