AVLIC Conference – Saint Johns, Newfoundland Canada

 

The view of the harbor from my hotel room, Saint Johns, Newfoundland, Canada 

 

 

 

After a complex and exhausting flight schedule, I finally arrived in Saint John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Taxiing to the gate had the feel of England – with a pervasive fine mist and overcast, haunting dimness and those unique conifers specific to northern seacoasts. After going through the airport, I grabbed the first cab I could find and found myself talking to a man who could have been straight from Ireland. What were the odds of that? As we drove through town, I saw flag after flag of what I thought were Irish flags, streaming in the wind, on people’s homes. I asked the cabby if there were a lot of Irish people in Saint Johns, and he misunderstood me and thought I was asking about his parentage. I arrived at the Fairmont hotel and checked in. I was thrilled to be settled in and unpacked – even if it was only going to be for a day. I called the presenter coordinator, Denika (Da-nee-ka) Lewis and was pleasantly shocked by her brogue. Hearing that Irish lilt is like coming home.  

 

 

 

Had some dinner, lovely fish and chips. Called the hubby and went to bed.

The next morning it was time to present for AVLIC – and I have to admit I was a bit nervous about presenting on the (inter)national level. I don’t know if perhaps I have just been blessed with the people who attend my workshops, but it seems like I get to see the very best in people. And it fills my heart when people say things at the end like “you made it a safe place to try something outside my comfort level.” It might be a bit cheesy, but I strongly value the intent of creating a sacred/safe place – I want to give people the opportunity to try without fear of judgment. Through my ITP training and in most of the workshops I have gone to, it didn’t feel safe and judgment was heavy in the room. There is also no reason that learning has to be boring, it should challenge and stimulate the mind and leave an impression. And most importantly, it’s not about me. It’s about sharing collective wisdom to help us all make better choices in the future. While I do share some personal stories in the workshop, most of the time I just want to stand back and let them talk to each other about it – everyone has something to offer and needs help sometimes. I feel that my role in the workshop is to give them a way to talk about and define profanity, then just facilitate the learning that happens naturally. Interpreters are a special breed, set apart, because of the inherent intelligence and swift analytical skills that we develop. In the workshop we were also fortunate to have a number of deaf attendees/interpreters – their insight on our work is more valuable than gold.  I believe that people learned a good deal and had a good time – but the evaluations will tell!

Many of the people of Saint Johns are Irish blood and they carry with them that archetype of Irish hospitality.  They were all genuine nice people and I can’t wait to go back and really get to know that town and its people. Interesting fact: Newfoundland did not become a part of Canada until 1949. So slightly over sixty years ago they were their own republic – less than a generation really. I can’t wait to go back – it’s a place that calls to me.

Thanks for reading as always!