The adventure of our flights from Tanzania to India didn't stop when we got to the boarding gate on time in Muscat, Oman. Montana was looking for a plug-in to charge her laptop and was about two steps in front of a guy who looked intent on getting there first. LuRue was watching all this from behind. She saw the guy turn & go to another plug-in, but didn't use it, leaving LuRue without any means of charging her computer. She got a little uncomfortable when she saw the guy get up & leave the boarding gate, at first excited about being able to plug in, but then noticed that he had left some personal items on the seat. She debated the situation for a bit, then finally decided to move to the furthest point possible in the gate area. She approached a woman Oman Airways employee, who didn't seem the least bit concerned that someone had walked away leaving personal items on the seat. We in the USA have been very well-trained that "If you see something, say something." Needless to say, LuRue was happy to board the bus, leaving the terminal behind.
On the flight from Muscat to Chennai, LuRue made a point of checking out the other passengers (not worried this time...just interested.) We were the only two Caucasians on the flight with the possible exception of one guy in first class--couldn't tell for sure. Many women in hijabs...one sitting across from us with only the eye slit & wearing glasses. There were many conflicts about seating, no paying any attention to the "Seat Belt sign", and as the plane was taxiing to the terminal in Chennai, people jumped up to grab their things from the overhead bins, driving the flight attendants slightly crazy. When it was actually time to deplane, some very determined hijab-ed women plowed up the aisle with the intent of getting off first. And did.
Once in the terminal, we saw large signs too big to ignore about checking in at the Health Station if we were on any of the named airlines. Which we were. Oh, no, thought LuRue...here we go with the yellow fever issue. But it turned out that we all needed to have our temperatures checked for possible ebola. LuRue's heart skipped a beat when the attendant looked at the result & frowned, taking a second temperature. But she was waved on.
It seemed to take forever for our luggage to make its way onto the conveyer belt. So many people arrived with 12 to 15 large boxes that they were claiming! At last, though, Montana and LuRue left the terminal and without much trouble saw a man carrying the sign saying "Global Volunteers". There was no doubt who we were from his point of view.
Steven (a nickname) led us to the car & drove us to the Guest House, explaining on the way about the way one must drive in India. It is necessary to be psychic...knowing when a pedicab is going to dart over to the curb in front of you to pick up a fare and other such occurrences. We arrived at the Guest House & met Jeff, who arrived yesterday and Sheba, Steven's wife and Roshan (sp?) his 7-yr-old son.
We were shown to our room. Montana was extremely happy to return to the land of AC and wireless. She didn't even try to nap as LuRue did (unsuccessfully). Both are now unpacked and settled in.
We have had 3 meals here already, but tonight will be our first night to sleep here. There is one other couple arriving as this is being written. They are a "return" volunteer from Minnesota...2 years ago. Jeff is a returnee from Portland--four years ago.
At 5:30 Steven & Sheeba (and son) walked us to the SEAM Children's Home, which cares for 39 orphaned, semi-orphaned, and poor children ages 5 to 18. We spent more than an hour there, being greeted by the children, led around the home by them, sung to, and playing games with them. We had nothing prepared, so got initiated to our job here very quickly.
Dinner was at 7:30 when we returned. We have been plunged into Indian cuisine, cooked by Irani, who does not speak English. We're now ready for a night of sleep to begin our very busy four weeks here.
On the flight from Muscat to Chennai, LuRue made a point of checking out the other passengers (not worried this time...just interested.) We were the only two Caucasians on the flight with the possible exception of one guy in first class--couldn't tell for sure. Many women in hijabs...one sitting across from us with only the eye slit & wearing glasses. There were many conflicts about seating, no paying any attention to the "Seat Belt sign", and as the plane was taxiing to the terminal in Chennai, people jumped up to grab their things from the overhead bins, driving the flight attendants slightly crazy. When it was actually time to deplane, some very determined hijab-ed women plowed up the aisle with the intent of getting off first. And did.
Once in the terminal, we saw large signs too big to ignore about checking in at the Health Station if we were on any of the named airlines. Which we were. Oh, no, thought LuRue...here we go with the yellow fever issue. But it turned out that we all needed to have our temperatures checked for possible ebola. LuRue's heart skipped a beat when the attendant looked at the result & frowned, taking a second temperature. But she was waved on.
It seemed to take forever for our luggage to make its way onto the conveyer belt. So many people arrived with 12 to 15 large boxes that they were claiming! At last, though, Montana and LuRue left the terminal and without much trouble saw a man carrying the sign saying "Global Volunteers". There was no doubt who we were from his point of view.
We were shown to our room. Montana was extremely happy to return to the land of AC and wireless. She didn't even try to nap as LuRue did (unsuccessfully). Both are now unpacked and settled in.
We have had 3 meals here already, but tonight will be our first night to sleep here. There is one other couple arriving as this is being written. They are a "return" volunteer from Minnesota...2 years ago. Jeff is a returnee from Portland--four years ago.
At 5:30 Steven & Sheeba (and son) walked us to the SEAM Children's Home, which cares for 39 orphaned, semi-orphaned, and poor children ages 5 to 18. We spent more than an hour there, being greeted by the children, led around the home by them, sung to, and playing games with them. We had nothing prepared, so got initiated to our job here very quickly.Dinner was at 7:30 when we returned. We have been plunged into Indian cuisine, cooked by Irani, who does not speak English. We're now ready for a night of sleep to begin our very busy four weeks here.
I love all the posts. It really helps give me an idea what it is like for you over there. Glad the Yellow Fever vaccine wasn't a problem. Montana can't have it because it is a live vaccine. We should have sent her with a note. Oh well, you made it through. Can't wait for pictures from India. Montana, you will need to buy a sari while you are there.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful welcoming to the SEAM Children’s Home—look forward to your new adventures here in India
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