That was my first visit
to 'W' land. It was a businuss trip. As usual I strted searching the clubs based in
Richardson, Texas and started emailing few of those indicating my willingness to visit
their club station etc.. Within few days, the word has gone around so quickly and I
started getting responses from many clubs and individuals asking me to visit them. But I
realised that, with my busy businuss schedule, I won't be able to make it all.
I was invited for a evening meeting of
'Richardson Wireless Club' by the president Hal Wolf. I also got the opportunity to
speak about the Ham radio activities in Sri Lanka. The main item of the meeting was the
presentation about RACES activities in shuttle Columbia disaster. Radio hams in
Texas have played a major role in recovery activities everyone contributing in their
capacities.
Photo by Maria Ashna
Then I visited K5UTD, University of Dalls
Amateur Radio Station for one evening meeting. Justin K5AEA took me there and he is very
active as the president. Even though I didn't make any contacts as such, the meeting and
the discussions were interesting. K5UTD is a very well equipped station. There I also met
Maria the Secretary of the club and few other new members. Another visitor was
Frank KR1ZAN who is also a VE
.
I had plans of doing the US exam and getting a
US call. (No receprocal agreement between US - Sri Lanka). But due to many reasons I
couldn't do the exam even after 3 weeks being in US. Frank KR1ZAN encouraged me to take
the exam and generously offered to tak me to Garland where the exam was held. That was the
day before I left USA. Finally I was able to go throguh CW test, E1 & E2 which ended
up getting me a US Callsign (General class). Luckily the call KA5MAL
was available as a Vanity call and I got it. So I am now 'KA5MAL' too. Thanks Frank !.
Apart from businuss, I didn't have much time
for any other work. That's why you don't see many pictures in this page.
The people in Texas are friendly. When they
meet a stranger, they do not hesitate to break the ice saying 'How are you doing today ?'
Even at a restaurent, you get a friendly, personalized service.. How are you doing today
Sir.... I am fine Thanks. And you ? I am good thanks. The same question
and same answer every time but it means a lot. It was a new thing for me in
this large country.
Once I started to ask around about trying some
typical American food. After a while I found that is a waste of time. Everyone is
referring me to a Burger cafe. It's a world of Burgers and fries. Luckily there is a wide
selection of Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Japanese restaurents everywhere which helped me a
lot.
Hopefully next time when I visit 'W' land, I
am hoping to do some radio activity with my own call.
