badge

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Finally we arrived in USA...

Kids on the plane (pssstt... watch that boy)

I always wanted to share my dream trip with my friends and now a competition called "Jiyo Life Moments" Sponsored by Club Mahindra and Indiblogger has pushed me into doing this.

If possible help me out by posting some comments and voting for me on the indiblogger

I was worried about my kids reaction to their first flight. They were cool in the beginning.

Farheena started to feel uncomfortable after a while and refused to eat anything. Rayyan in his excitement of taking pictures somehow messed with the mobile phone and the SIM was lost. I was a bit panicky at this because I had no way to get in touch with Paula now after we were to land in USA. I was angry but got control over myself before I said anything. I told myself he was excited and nervous and I should not spoil the memories of his first flight by being angry or scolding him. So I had to calm down and do whatever I had to do when the time would come. We landed in Dubai and had a break of 2 hours there. There we met a couple from Germany in the waiting room. The woman had fractured her leg on her visit to India. Farheena had vomited on the plane earlier and now refused to eat anything. I had a small chat with Rizwan who had torrents of advice for me.

Back into the jet and we were leaving for NYC. I could not actually believe that this was happening but it was. I had seen the pictures of JFK airport and it sort of overwhelmed me with its enormousness. I wondered how would we ever know what terminal to get into for our FL flight.

I knew it would terrify the kids if they knew I was worried, so I had to be the jolly mom on tour of USA and that I was. The invisible help was at hand as we found a very nice person in JFK who guided us and helped us out a lot. At the port of entry I was hit by another wave of nervousness where I recalled the soothsayers words which had warned me about being sent back to India from that point if they felt we should not be visiting USA. But we were asked just a few questions and soon were given permission to enter the country of USA.

Finally we WERE in USA! Meanwhile the woman who was supposed to push Farheena’s wheelchair had vanished somewhere. The officer who had helped us earlier was back on seeing me pushing the wheelchair and walking aimlessly ;). Though an officer he was willing to push Farheena’s wheelchair around though we did not ask for his help. In fact we said we could manage it but he insisted. He guided us to pick up our luggage, get it cleared in the customs etc. This person who was going about doing his duty never knew what it meant for us and how much difference he made to our trip. Finally we were put in a taxi which would take us to the terminal where we were to board the flight to FL and I saw him pay the taxi driver the fare and tip also. He told us not to pay anything for the taxi at all. After thanking him we said bye to him.

At the airport I tried to get some tea (the mamooli chai ) or coffee for Farheena as I was worried about her being dehydrated. I saw a coffee shop and as the flight was 3 hours away I decided to go and bring some coffee for Farheena. To my horror the food in a cafĂ© looked so different and expensive. My mind which always thought in Indian currency refused to accept the prizes on the eatables there LOL. Now I wish I had someone to guide me there as I thought I would get a coffee (ie with milk and sugar) when I ask for it. But all I got was black coffee without sugar or milk. Farheena refused to even look at the cup so I tried it and went cough cough puke puke… eeewwwwww. So I went back there looking for sugar and milk which I found in small sachets. I thought it was very funny. I did not like the coffee but gulped it down because I was not about to waste the money I had spent on it ;). Finally we got on the flight and landed in Tampa.

Once in Tampa we just went with the person who pushed Farheena’s wheel chair and he left us near the airport door where people were picking up their friends or relatives and asked for a tip of 3$ . I had some change with me (from the coffee shop) and so paid him. We waited there for 20 minutes or so and then Rayyan suggested for me to get inside and look for Paula as we were sure she would not be late. So in I went looking for her. It was getting late and the airport wore a deserted look. A lady was sweeping the floors and I asked her how to use the telephone. Luckily I knew Paula’s number by heart. I asked for change but she paid for the call and told me it is OK. As I was talking to Paula I was surprised to hear her voice so clear. I was amazed how different phones are in USA as I could hear her as though she was talking to me standing right there in front of me where a woman stood wearing purple dress talking in her phone. As I was talking to Paula I could see her lip move to the words being said in the phone. The told the woman who was cleaning that may be I had found my friend as I think it the woman talking into the phone right there in front of me was actually the person talking to me over the phone.

She said to me “ If that is your friend then you better find her because she has looked past you four times and I don’t think she is ever going to find you”. So I shouted “ Pee, here I am”. The rest you can watch on the video.

The placard she was supposed to hold was brought out after she met us.. it was beautiful...


To be continued.




share this: facebook

70 comments:

  1. I can feel your excitement of landing in your dream country... your kids must be glad... :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I know..it is difficult the first time you travel to a foreign country...I had the same experience when I bought coffee on London Airport :)

    Your friend seems to be such a sweet person...
    Waiting for the next part :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love how you describe your experiences. It sort of reminds me of meeting my friend at the airport in Tasmania. I was SO nervous to be meeting her for the first time.

    It's so exciting to go to a different country. But the long flights can be difficult.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am sorry that I was not there to welcome you guys. It was the start of some very good times!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love reading about your trip, looking forward to the next installment

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice post. Waiting for the next part.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow!!
    Thats awesome.
    Welcome to USA.
    The place looks really amazing..
    The video is even more fabulous.

    The warmth could be felt even out here..
    May u have a lovely trip and the work for which u are there gets accomplished.

    Cheers

    Nuts

    p.s. Did Farheena eat after that?

    ReplyDelete
  8. That was so sweet to get all the details and the see Paula Anty greeting you and the kids. That was priceless. Will you be coming back out to Florida soon?

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have been reading these with so much love and anticipation.. I'm sure I didn't know so much of the plane trip details, plus having that short video is PRICELESS!!! It just made my day, for sure!
    oh, and the person helping you with the wheelchair- just one of many instances of how the love and joy you and your family project was given back to you.. Now I am missing you a lot :( debbo xox

    ReplyDelete
  10. I cracked up over Pee not seeing the three of you, you not seeing her, you calling her cell phone and hearing her voice behind you when she answered you.... That was SO Paula!

    At least you finally all three were together..... Ahhh so nice to read about and remember.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great post, Farila! I can't but feel your excitement and anticipation!!
    Sounds like you are all thrilled by landing in your dreamy county!
    Love and hugs,
    ~B xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. .. what an adventure. .. what a thrill, and so much anxiety for you .. I'mso glad you got there safely and found your way...

    ReplyDelete
  13. I did not know about Rayyan's blunder.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow!! how exciting could an adventure get?

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think it's nice to be presented with the helpful and nice side of USA. I'm getting tired of always hearing about the mistreatment of Indians. Your post was nice to read. :)

    It is also nice to know that people there were so helpful, something that I think is inherently lacking in most Indians. :(

    ReplyDelete
  16. That officer's too good to be true! Waiting for the sequel :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Even though a bit shaky, the video was priceless - could feel your emotions on arriving at the US of A

    ReplyDelete
  18. Your post is so heartfelt that I want you to win the contest as much as you do! All best Farila!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh I love this post there is such a sense of adventure. I will be rooting for you to win.

    Kate xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Just passing by to hello, and I'm sure your weekend is going to be one of your best so far!
    Kisses to you all!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Never thought you would come back to India again with Farheena.. I am not sure I am glad that you have come back

    ReplyDelete
  22. you mean to say the americans were good to you muslims???

    ReplyDelete
  23. This was a nice post, Farida. Loved the way in which you described your journey. Enjoy yourself. Have a great weekend...:)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wonderful post.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I loved the video.. your friend has a sharp voice. Is she a singer?

    ReplyDelete
  26. It sounds very adventurous trip ..

    ReplyDelete
  27. Back into contests again? But you said you will not be competing again.
    Nice to read about your amazing tour of USA

    ReplyDelete
  28. Great story!! I'm so glad that you were helped by people who went above & beyond their duty to do so. It must have been such an amazing experience. I remember vividly my first trip to another continent!! You captured that scary excitement very well!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Where is the video??? I can't find it!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. great blog madam... hope you and your kids had wonderful time

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi there Farida.. Never knew you were going through on your trip. Just amazed at your decision to go there with your kids

    ReplyDelete
  32. I agree with Palini that it was great of you that you decided to go to an unknown place and meet your friends.

    ReplyDelete
  33. it is nice to know that dreams come true when you hold on to it...

    ReplyDelete
  34. memorable experience.. is there more for this blog?

    ReplyDelete
  35. It must have been a big cultural shock for you.

    ReplyDelete
  36. enjoyed every bit of the tour

    ReplyDelete
  37. What an co-incidence that you loved Disney world and your friend was from FL.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Great journey.. hope everything was good throughout ...

    ReplyDelete
  39. A dream come true.. wonder what would have happened if you could not find your friend?

    ReplyDelete
  40. as you have said earlier 'miracles do happen'

    ReplyDelete
  41. how long did you stay in USA and how did you react to scantily clad people LOL

    ReplyDelete
  42. Great adventure.. Hope you enjoyed your trip to USA

    ReplyDelete
  43. You had better experience than Khan

    ReplyDelete
  44. Poor Farheena.some people do not enjoy flights

    ReplyDelete
  45. god willing everything is possible

    ReplyDelete
  46. happy times for you all i think

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hope everything was set right afterwards

    ReplyDelete
  48. it is amazing how everything worked perfectly for you all.. may be your daughter generates sympathy in people

    ReplyDelete
  49. i think she generates love and not sympathy.

    ReplyDelete
  50. when will you post about the sari party?

    ReplyDelete
  51. hmmmm... is what you tell all true??

    ReplyDelete
  52. why did your hubby not accompany you on such a great tour? are you a divorcee?

    ReplyDelete
  53. No .. I am not a divorcee. My husband was busy working in Gulf and somehow he never showed interest in accompanying us.

    ReplyDelete
  54. wow!! what an interesting account and you are not yet started your tour of USA

    ReplyDelete
  55. Good blog site!
    Liked it.
    [ my poetry at-
    http://diaryoffreedom.tk/ ]

    ReplyDelete
  56. wow.... am so happy for your children... they must be enjoying a lot .... and yes even i flew for the first time, i too din eat anything... i felt something disturbing inside me.... and i loved the video.... its so cool... dont know why i am getting excited but still am soo happy for you :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. like the narration
    i am sure you will enjoy trip.
    wait for next video or experience.

    ReplyDelete
  58. aahh.... i loved the video....Paula was sounding so excited.... :D

    BTW i thought you where born and brought in US..... this wasn't "your" first trip rite.. ?

    anyways....even i have air sickness and have puked a couple of times on flight....so now i opt not to eat anything before flying..... :D

    glad to be back and listen to you...

    ReplyDelete

Your Opinion Matters....

AddThis

Rayyan Lost in Laptop

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
badge