Saturday, December 31, 2011

From the air

This post was originally written during last night's adventures. This morning, as it is 11am in Delhi, India, I finally got my wifi connected. So I will be posting more tonight........ On international flights, things are different. I'm used to flying on JetBlue, Southwest, or United Airlines. These planes are tadpoles in comparison to the behemoth toad that is his double decker, tripper rowed, free meals and drinks provided Boeing boat of a plane. Also, the environment is different. Of course while flying a German airline, it would only make sense for signs, announcements, and the staff to all be in, you guessed it, German. For the first time, I feel like the different one. Well maybe the second time. My first few weeks at Gallaudet sure evoked feelings of being an outsider. Anywho, I have to remind myself how much emphasis Americans have about 'personal space.' that doesn't really exist on an international flight. Suck it up and go with the flow. A little arm brush never hurt anyone. The babies are awful. If you have seen any of my recent tweets, I'm sure you know I'm not particularity fond of children in airports. There are three in my row. One could not stop wailing/screaming for about half and hour after take off. Thankfully, that stopped. I was offered a window seat at check in, but it's far away from the group. Looking back at them, I noticed all the deaf folks standing up in the back chatting. I finished my free German beer, which tasted like buttery amazingness by the way, and joined all the cool kids in the back. I'm so glad I did. When I came to return to my cornered window seat, the other two people in my row had their feet on the wall sleeping. So I decided to go back to the Deaf Area and have a seat. Luckily there was a spare. Looking out the window, the lights are beautiful. I think we're in Europe, maybe England and France?? They look just like Lancaster and Southern California except a bit more geometric and village oriented (also see: not spread out). I'm running on basically no sleep and still so happy. I gonna crash at the airport in Germany, and then I can sleep on the flight to India. We arrive in the morning so that means I won't have time to really sleep for another day. Good grief. Again, I'm meeting more amazing people because of Gallaudet. More on that later. There are Deaf Ambassadors from Mali, Jamaica, Nepal, Kenya, and India. I feel so humbled and blessed to share this experience with such influential people. Now time for breakfast on the plane. - 📳Posted using 📝BlogPress from my iPad📲.

Location:Hans Raj Gupta Marg,New Delhi,India

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Snakes on a, er... I mean: Kids on a plane to Germany

This is my fifth plane in 14 days. I'm starting to get the hang of it. Traveling lightly is definitely important, but also difficult during the holidays. I'm sitting in a window seat, the friendly German flight attendant hooked me up. The only downside is that I'm separated from the rest of the group. I hate feeling like an outsider. But maybe this will help me sleep. I know if I was sitting with Gally folks I would be much more likely to chat and stay up. But I can do that in Frankfurt, too. It was so nice to bump into friends after the break. I forgot how much I love being here. I wish everywhere was like Gallaudet, sign language everywhere!!
I'm not sure it's really hit me yet. Maybe it won't until I arrive in Germany. Right now my brain is just processing this as another flight to CA or some other American place. But my brain sure has a surprise in I store when we hang out in Frankfurt for five hours. I'm sooo looking forward to this adventure. But I'm not looking forward to the babies on the plane. In case you are unaware, I hate traveling with kids. They get their own coloring mats at restaurants; they deserve their own airline.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:43A

Pre-Boarding.

We are the first folks here. I'm getting so excited. I'm back signing again with all my Gally friends. So many folks here have travelled internationally before, or ARE international themselves. This trip will be so much fun! I feel like its just the beginning of my international journeys in Deaf Education. Cheers to the first flight! I'll update you in Frankfurt, Germany.


Here's some Indian Sign Language Alphabet for practice:



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Morning of India

So after a fun night of wine, cheesecake, Bravo, and the Internet... I couldn't sleep until 5 am. Horrible timing the night before my big trip. After this free breakfast provided by the hotel, filled with crying and coughing babies everywhere, I'm going to try and nap. Oh, and I have to finish reading that book, clean up, shower, pack and be all checked out by 1pm. Good grief. - 📳Posted using 📝BlogPress from my iPad📲.

Location:Still at the hotel: Sterling Rd,Dulles,United States

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

'Tis the season

A Self Portrait.


Wow, I haven't updated since September. If its any solace, I got all A's and a B+ and worked 20 hours a week. And got sick twice. And my dad was in and out of a nursing home and hospital. But now, I have time and even MORE reason to blog. I'm going to India. Remember during orientation week when I was a hot mess? I didn't know what I was doing and was interested in international deaf education? Well, Gallaudet is hosting a study abroad program in India and I'm going!!!!!! First time out of the states. Don't tell anyone. It's a little embarrassing. Especially since I'm from California. You'd think I would have at least been to Tijuana. Anyway, I'll be updating here, at ASLshauna.blogspot.com, at least daily with pictures and anecdotes. I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait! I other news my Dad is doing better, but as of tonight, back in the hospital. I'm just hoping for the best. Also as of tonight, Chelsea Lately is hilarious. I digress... So school is awesome. I'm so glad I put on my big girl pants and dealt with it all. I almost feel like a grown up. Spring 2012 semester has a big surprise I store, stay tuned... I (finally) got to spend the holidays with my parents this year. Just in time for my mother's 70th Birthday!!!!! Wow. 70. That's a big deal. I'm so happy for her and so proud of her for being a strong woman. Happy Birthday, Mom! This past year has been intense: Promoted. More ASL classes. Rocky relationships. Self confidence. Dad's stroke. Seeing my long lost brother and sister. Choosing and going to a grad school. Moving. Accepting newness. Transferring jobs. Dealing with the reality that is the horribleness of the DC metro. Finding my strength. Letting go and moving on. If I keep this up, I just might post my New Year's Resolutions. Happy Holidays.





- 📳Posted using 📝BlogPress from my iPad📲.

Location:A Hotel: Sterling Rd,Dulles,United States