Once I reached Bart, it was about 11AM. Got on Bart with my big and small suitcases along with my backpack carrying the stuff from people who have donated things that was requested by the Refilwe Organizations in Johannesburg.
Some of the things I got were kind of new and educational for me. For example I didn't know what a tie-dye kit was. Jennifer Sanan from work got me 3 kits. It is a T-shirt designing kit. It can also be used for designing socks, hand kerchief or any piece of clothing that is plain and can spruce up with some character.
Jennifer also had bought some jeans for the boys at Refilwe.
Andrew Mckenna, John Crevelli, Kevin Krayanak and Deborah Kelley had all donated money. Ratna Bikki from San Ramon had donated money as well. Vijayanti, our neighbor from San Ramon bought a bunch of supplies like toys, writing books, construction papers etc. Julie Gilligan and Patrick Madigan from work had provided construction paper, snacks and a few other things. I did't know what construction paper was util I saw it. It is just a thick colored paper that can be used for various projects by kids.The help that poured in was overwhelming. I couldn't fit all in my suitcase and so Brian who is with the air force can carry an extra piece of luggage helped out by carrying 3 pieces of checked in luggage.
I had bought a few things myself like animal crackers, under wear for kids, Parle biscuits from Indian store and a few chocolates and M&Ms that I had saved up for the trip.
I was talking to Srini Reddy on the way to the airport. He was telling me how he was worried about his green card process and his status in US. I told him not to worry as I went through the same scenario a few years ago. It is interesting how we humans worry about life so much and start being pessimistic. There is a saying that 90% of the things that humans worry about will not happen. I wish Srini understood that. May be I should show him a crystal ball which would show his life 5 years from now happy with his green card and possibly a house in Fremont. He deserves better for all the hard work he puts in.
Reached he airport and got my boarding pass and walked into security. Met a young kid who is going to Thailand on a mission as well. He is going there with friends to work on a project that brings awareness to human trafficking and stop it. Sounds like a great organization and cause. In my hurry to get to my gate, I forgot to get more details.
Once I reached my gate for boarding, saw Brian waiting already. I wanted to check out the little video camera I had and started playing with it. Brian looked at it and called it plastic. It definitely felt like plastic as I couldn't get too much out of it.
We boarded the plane and I got the window seat and Brian got the aisle as he is tall and needs the leg room.
The flight started as scheduled at 2.45PM. We were flying in a United Airlines flight operated by Lufthansa. We were very disappointed with the service. To begin with no individual TV screens for passengers unlike other international airlines like Emirates, Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines. The food menu was very simple and the seats were really cramped. United Airlines forgot that it is an international flight flying more than 10 hours. The passengers need little bit more comfort than a local flight. For example breakfast was a muffin and a few pieces of fruit. International flights provide a hot breakfast with eggs or sausage usually. I was telling Brian about it and he was defending United. I told him he hasn't flown in other international airlines for comparison. He will change his opinion about United hopefully at the end of this trip.
There was a heavy German who sat between us. He spoke very little English. I usually relish the challenge of speaking to someone who doesn't speak English or those whom I cannot communicate with. I managed to communicate with him somehow and got some information. He lives near Halle, Germany and is an instructor at an Electronics repair industry. He was on a tour in Las Vegas, LA, SFO and is also travelling with his son and he likes chicken.
I watched Silver Linings Playbook with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in it. Both have done some excellent acting in the movie. Jennifer in fact had won the Leading actress Oscar award. Bradley was nominated for best actor. It wasn't too much fun watching the movie in a common screen than your individual one.
Some of the things I got were kind of new and educational for me. For example I didn't know what a tie-dye kit was. Jennifer Sanan from work got me 3 kits. It is a T-shirt designing kit. It can also be used for designing socks, hand kerchief or any piece of clothing that is plain and can spruce up with some character.
Jennifer also had bought some jeans for the boys at Refilwe.
Andrew Mckenna, John Crevelli, Kevin Krayanak and Deborah Kelley had all donated money. Ratna Bikki from San Ramon had donated money as well. Vijayanti, our neighbor from San Ramon bought a bunch of supplies like toys, writing books, construction papers etc. Julie Gilligan and Patrick Madigan from work had provided construction paper, snacks and a few other things. I did't know what construction paper was util I saw it. It is just a thick colored paper that can be used for various projects by kids.The help that poured in was overwhelming. I couldn't fit all in my suitcase and so Brian who is with the air force can carry an extra piece of luggage helped out by carrying 3 pieces of checked in luggage.
I had bought a few things myself like animal crackers, under wear for kids, Parle biscuits from Indian store and a few chocolates and M&Ms that I had saved up for the trip.
I was talking to Srini Reddy on the way to the airport. He was telling me how he was worried about his green card process and his status in US. I told him not to worry as I went through the same scenario a few years ago. It is interesting how we humans worry about life so much and start being pessimistic. There is a saying that 90% of the things that humans worry about will not happen. I wish Srini understood that. May be I should show him a crystal ball which would show his life 5 years from now happy with his green card and possibly a house in Fremont. He deserves better for all the hard work he puts in.
Reached he airport and got my boarding pass and walked into security. Met a young kid who is going to Thailand on a mission as well. He is going there with friends to work on a project that brings awareness to human trafficking and stop it. Sounds like a great organization and cause. In my hurry to get to my gate, I forgot to get more details.
Once I reached my gate for boarding, saw Brian waiting already. I wanted to check out the little video camera I had and started playing with it. Brian looked at it and called it plastic. It definitely felt like plastic as I couldn't get too much out of it.
We boarded the plane and I got the window seat and Brian got the aisle as he is tall and needs the leg room.
The flight started as scheduled at 2.45PM. We were flying in a United Airlines flight operated by Lufthansa. We were very disappointed with the service. To begin with no individual TV screens for passengers unlike other international airlines like Emirates, Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines. The food menu was very simple and the seats were really cramped. United Airlines forgot that it is an international flight flying more than 10 hours. The passengers need little bit more comfort than a local flight. For example breakfast was a muffin and a few pieces of fruit. International flights provide a hot breakfast with eggs or sausage usually. I was telling Brian about it and he was defending United. I told him he hasn't flown in other international airlines for comparison. He will change his opinion about United hopefully at the end of this trip.
There was a heavy German who sat between us. He spoke very little English. I usually relish the challenge of speaking to someone who doesn't speak English or those whom I cannot communicate with. I managed to communicate with him somehow and got some information. He lives near Halle, Germany and is an instructor at an Electronics repair industry. He was on a tour in Las Vegas, LA, SFO and is also travelling with his son and he likes chicken.
I watched Silver Linings Playbook with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in it. Both have done some excellent acting in the movie. Jennifer in fact had won the Leading actress Oscar award. Bradley was nominated for best actor. It wasn't too much fun watching the movie in a common screen than your individual one.
