Austin, Texas

Travelling to Texas was my second trip in USA. It was the first time I have travelled alone. It was such a great experience! I was going to visit my elder sister’s family who lives in Texas. Before I was in Texas, I spent a lot of time to research the places which I wanted to visit. And though some are optional as those are very far and seasonal.

The first things I saw for the first time are large vehicles, the big street name signs, and wide highways. The ground is even. There are no mountains. And, I was confused by the weather. Some days are warm and cold. It’s such a roller coaster. I bet I was always complained about it as I hate being in dilemma about wearing clothes. haha!

As for people, I felt like I was surrounded by a big number of white/black people. They are more in Austin than Asians in Houston & San Antonio. I found it interesting to see black people comparing others in Vancouver. They have good outfits. There are not lots of black people in Vancouver. They have good-looking as well.

Food… BBQ is more than delicious! The aroma is like the heaven! I can’t eat without sauces! haha! Guess what? I have eaten scorpion rolls. I thought it was shrimp but it was a real scorpion. It tastes like a mixture of meatloaf and shrimp. It’s really good though!

The Salt Lick is an amazing restaurant. The aroma is so goood!

Under large Christmas light. Looking up made me dizzy.

Scorpion rolls

We went a Japanese restaurant for lunch. I realize that I quickly ordered some rolls without knowing what are inside the rolls. But scorpion rolls are so good!

Different types of cloud in Texas

OMG! It’s bigger than my face!

This was taken in the tunnel near my elder sister’s place.

We drove around the places in Austin all day. There was a lucky place I found on the Internet. My elder sister’s family enjoyed “Hope Outdoor Gallery” which is full of graffiti. There are some artists spray painting the walls.

iFly Indoor Skydiving was so much fun! I flew higher than other people. I was a bit frightened! haha! I wish I could take a picture of my instructor with me but he was so busy. He is really great! By the way, my niece asked me how I learned so fast. I actually had no idea. At the same time, I only learned and watched people’s actions. That’s all.

Austin’s 360 Bridge and Convert Park at Mt. Bonnell

Flying Alone

I booked a flight to Austin, Texas on December 18, 2014 until January 3, 2015. For the first time, I rode in the airplane without my family. It’s good for gaining experiences and improving independence.

Departing

Viewing over San Francisco

Arriving Austin, Texas and claiming my luggage

Of course, I went to the Philippines with my father in 2013 and I was the one who was responsible for helping him, such as offering him a seat, asking him what airline meal he wanted, etc. I learned some. However, it was not enough for me as he talked to somebody to help us and I missed something.

With my sister, we went to Hawaii in Summer 2014. She was way too fast to get tickets and to arrive the gates. I missed something and got many distractions as she tapped my shoulder all the time.

How did I feel while I travelled alone? I guess I felt much better without my family as I am focused and alert. I like to figure out on my own. I don’t care if the workers at the airport are awkward whenever I said I am Deaf. It helps them to know and to do their best. I can use gestures, anyway. Was everything fine when I arrived Texas from Vancouver? Yes, it was all good. No problem!

It’s about hearing aids. Some Deaf people don’t need hearing aids and they can use gestures and write forth and back. As for me, I wear them even though I don’t understand what they say. In fact, I didn’t want to wear them due to the noise, yet I have to. For the reason, I want to be alert whenever the announcements appear. The flight attendants notice my hearing aid and they use gestures and write a note for me. It’s nice of them.