Flying High

Bad trips are wonderful as long as they happen to other people. Of course. We all love travel misadventures stories, partly because they make us laugh, mainly because they could have happened to us but didn't. At least not this time around. -Douglas McArthur-
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I used to think that flying was one of the highlights in life. Sending people to the airport and watching them going to the waiting lounge, seeing the pilot and stewardess walking and laughing and lastly seeing the airplanes taking off. Eyes shining, hand on the glass wall at the terminal. I was determined that one day, when I am older that I am going to fly high in one of those planes.



The Japanese tele-series at that time were not helping at all. They were showing the glamorous life of a stewardess and of people falling in love on an airplane.

Flying is definitely a different thing than what was shown on the television. Statistics tells that only 2% of people meet their spouses on an airplane.



The reality is, it's hard to look alluring when you are flying on economy class. :p Firstly, the tiny seat.. luckily those who are small. (pity the other passengers!) Secondly, comes the discreet elbow fights for the armrest..yes..4 passengers in one row and each entitled to one elbow rest. (laughing). Thirdly, having your neighbour either trying to make small talks or falling asleep on your shoulder. Hated that.

And there's always annoying characters who loves playing around with their friends : tossing peanuts and talking out loud. Lastly, and the most disappointing thing is wherever they sit you (at the aisle or next to the window..there would be no view except a few minutes before taking off and a few minutes before landing. In the middle of the flight, the windows were to be closed. No view of the clouds. Just sitting in a chair for hours after hours doing nothing.



But the best part about flying is arriving at your destination. Walking through the arrival halls, a sigh of relief escaped from the lips. What a luxury it is to be walking on your own two legs again and going through the motions of taking your luggage and going to the hotel. Sometimes, if you are lucky, it's bliss when you have someone waiting for you (whether the other party representatives, friends or family). It's still a joy to have people welcoming you after the long flight.



Can't complaint though. I would certainly miss all this one day..when I am so much much older than now.. :)

Signing off,
Cat