Flying solo, LGW - SXF.
I
did the thing. I flew, all by myself – from one country to another,
within Europe mind you, but still a good few hundred miles of land
and many thousands of feet in the air.
I
couldn't help but feel it barely counted though, as really I was only
doing the flying part alone. I had a drop-off and a pick-up arranged
there and back, and 'accommodation' sorted in the place I was
visiting – most excellent bed-sharing best friend-type
accommodation – I mean, I barely had to think about anything save
the flights. Still, I did it. One small step, etc., etc. I checked in
all by myself, I packed my backpack (then had it slightly re-jigged
by mama, but whatev still counts), and I kept myself company on The
Other Side of the Doors in the airport itself. I squeezed my own hand
as we took off. I read my latest and most delicious non-fic and
surfed the free plane wifi (?!!) all the way there and back.
I
think what surprised me most about flying alone, was how peaceful
it was. How easy it was. To an extent, anyway. My flight
out there was delayed, and my heart would stutter and stomach plunge
every time I checked the boards and thought it had been cancelled
altogether or suddenly rectified and I had a matter of minutes to get
to the gate......I didn't have my lovely long-distance board-reading
glasses on, so that was my own fault really.
I
definitely had that feel of but I'm not a responsible adult...how
can I be trusted and allowed to fly?!!? They must know...several
times. I would constantly reassure myself: you're 23.
You've flown more than most in your life, with friends, with
family...hell, you've done long haul 7+ times. Chill your beans. You
got this.
But
yes, peaceful. Mostly. I was able to coast along, not worrying about
anyone else and not worrying about anyone else worrying about me; I
watched others from a distance, I saw them fret over baggage, buy all
the snacks imaginable and squeal with joy whenever they just
remembered they had
this exciting adventure together lying ahead of them.
God,
I loved people-watching. Not just the super-cute men boarding my
plane (steady on), either. I loved seeing the women cuddled up or
sleeping on each other's shoulders in the seats between gates,
feather boas peeking out of their backpacks; the middle-aged men
obviously prepping for a big meeting but also taking turns showing
off photos of their kids; that cute ginger dude with absolutely no
distinct style; the older woman with tinged lilac hair proof-reading
a script while checking her bags...and the couple I sat with en route
home, her in the mustard jumper complimenting my China pattern boots
and him taking the first opportunity to nap on her shoulder after
take-off. She then smiled at me and settled her head on top of his,
passing out almost immediately. I wondered where they'd been, in the
city we were coming home from. I carefully ate my remaining Oreos,
easing each one out of the plastic packaging, not wanting to wake
them. I wondered if I'd ever want to travel with anyone, in that
way. Probably. But for now, I'm
happy to go alone. On planes, and in life. With that thought settling
happily, I re-opened my book. (And then learned way too much about breastfeeding, like whoa. Bravo, Cherry.)
This sounds so peaceful and pleasant! I'm 31 and have never left the UK so this wa s so nice to read.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a lovely time away! ��
It really was both of those things! I'd highly recommend time away from our beloved UK. Let me know if you ever go anywhere!
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My family live in Spain so I fly alone all the time, it is SOOO much more chill than with someone else/multiple others. Glad you had a good time!
ReplyDeleteThat must be amazing! I'm so envious - half my family are out in Australia, so it's a real effort to trek out and see them. I wish I could do it more, and someday I hope I can do it alone!
DeleteThanks, cutie. I'll stow away with you to Spain one day, yeah?! xo