Welome to Australia, Roberto -1951

It was may years ago before you were born. The war in Italy had destroyed much of my home, there wasn't much for work. As a young boy i worked as a labourer laying bricks. Getting work wherever i could. We had a big family you see, eight children, everybody had to contribute. I saw a newspaper article talking about all the workers that were needed in Australia. So i got myself a ticket and got on a boat bound for Sydney. None had enough money for a air tickets back then, i don't think there where commercial flights out of Italy. It was a long trip, i don't like boats. I had family here already, so after going through customs and sorting out my papers i went and lived with my cousin. We worked hard back then, we couldn't afford a car, and people didn't really trust us. Our dark hair and olive skin was so different from their own. I took a long time to learn English, it's a very difficult language. We had dances in those days. We would all dress up in our Sunday best and go out to see the girls at the town hall for a dance. I was shy but i am a good looking man, so i enjoyed myself. That's where i met Valerie, she was a very beautiful young girl then. She had dark black hair and smooth pale skin, a woman's body, she was very attractive girl you know. I made sure i was always on her dance card. I loved to be with her, we had allot of fun. Soon Valerie found she was pregnant. I was so pleased, but people where going to talk and i didn't want to cause her trouble. We had a beautiful girl, i was so proud, you know Valerie is a strong women. And after some time we got married, it was one of the best days of my life. Valerie looked so beautiful i couldn't believe it. I wore a new grey suit and we had a wonderful party. Our baby girl spit up all over my new suit, we never could get the stain our. I really liked that suit. Valerie and i had four more children, we have had some bad times but also some very good times. I am a very lucky man, god has really blessed our family. Now our children have grown and i am a great grandfather. I love her more now than i think i did before, and i appreciate her even when we argue. We've had some great times you know.