For many of us working as independent contractors and freelance interpreters, the government shutdown had devastating consequences. Many of my colleagues have one or more government workers in the family. Many of them were unable to fulfill their financial obligations, and to top it off, this came right after the holidays.
When the government shutdown ended on Friday, January 25, 2019, I knew my phone would be ringing soon. Well, the call came that Monday, and off I went to a place I had never visited before in the United States, Louisville, Kentucky.
I arrived at the airport promptly on Monday, happy to finally be able to go back to work. Well, it was not meant to be. The plane had mechanical problems and the airline was unable to get me to my destination that day, so back to my house I went. By the way, when something goes completely array, I can assure you that there is divine intervention at work. My flight was supposed to stop in Minneapolis/San Paul (the Twin Cities) before heading to Louisville, and temperatures there plummeted to -20º F that day.
The next day, I tried again and arrived in Louisville, KY (which was 13º F at the time, and snowing cats and dogs), ready to face the weather.
Just a few pointers for future reference for us traveling interpreters. Always carry a sweater… or two. You never know when you will be faced with sub-freezing temperatures. Thick socks, an umbrella, thermal underwear, gloves and a scarf. If it snows, and your shoes are not waterproof, a plastic bag around your socks will do the trick. If you are a female, do not wear high heels in extreme cold weather or snowy weather. You can end up on the ground, and that can have dire consequences. Also, dress in layers, if you are not completely prepared and/or without an available winter coat. Always protect your head, as a large percentage of your heat escapes through the area of your neck and the top of your head. And, of course, stay well hydrated at all times.
Until next time, keep warm and safe this winter!
The Traveling Interpreter 