We are going on a family vacation. Guess where? The destination will be marvellous, but the journey to get there is already tiring me out, and we haven't left yet. I'm not overly thrilled about the airport part of the holiday. Security. Long lines. Impatient travellers. Grumpy Customs people. But we have to go through all that to get to where we're going. The airport leg of the vacation is only a means to an end. So I'm trying to figure out what I can do, and what we, as a family can do to survive the airport nightmare.
We will be leaving 1 airport at 7 am. We have to be there a couple hours before our departure. Then when we get to the next airport we will have 8 hours, considering we're not delayed. 8 hours to retrieve our luggage, send it off again, go through security, and customs I think, and wait. At least it will be in the middle of the day. Shops will be open. Restaurants will be open. My son is planning on taking a deck of cards. That will help to waste some time. I enjoy "people watching". I'm pretty sure my family thinks I'm an odd duck for that hobby. But I like to observe people. I wonder what they're doing at the airport. Some look excited. Small kids are so fun to watch. I imagine that for some of them this is their first airplane trip. Some are sad. The last time I flew there was 1 young woman waiting at the gate in tears. She cried all the time. I felt bad for her. I imagine that someone she loved had died and she was going somewhere where she needed to be. Some are rude. Some go above and beyond what they need to do to help other travellers. I noticed this that last time I flew too. It was heart-warming.
Maybe we won't experience a nightmare at the airport after all. Maybe that's the problem. Perspective. I need to change my perspective. Instead of dreading a nightmare I should anticipate an adventure. The Arnelien Airport Adventure. I'm already excited! Where will the luggage go? Can I coax a smile out of the Customs Officer? Will I be 1 of the brave ones signalled out for the scan at securtiy? Will we discover a nook in the airport where we can use our time to challenge each other in a game of cards?
Maybe the means to the end will be part of the excitement of the vacation. I'll know soon enough. And so will you!
Have a FABULOUS time!!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Camille
Thank you Camille! I'm sure we will!
ReplyDeleteBring knitting! I was actually looking forward to airport and flying time because I could devote myself to knitting without feeling like I should be doing something else. I got a hat half-done for Angeline when we went to Mexico. (Would have been done, I think, except I was in a lot of pain then.) Then when you are done the project, you can give it to someone and say that you made it/started on your trip to ______.
ReplyDeleteHowever you decide to pass the time, have fun.
And thank you, for taking the risk of opening yourself up in this blog. I love you.
Hi Heather! I had thought of knitting, but then I thought knitting needles were contraband. so, I've brought books, and am going to look for a good magazine. And then, there's alway the possiblity of conversing with my dear ones!
ReplyDeleteAnd, I love you too!