at the airport

My 38th flight in my young life. It's strange how up until 2003 I haven't even dreamed of flying. It all changed that fateful summer when I embarked on my first trip to the United States. Of course being a small-town guy, had no clue what to do, but in the end it all turned out for the best - my comprehension of the English language was a big plus, let me say! Ever since then, not a year passes by without me flying somewhere. And I truly love it.

The first question my family asks whenever I tell them I'm flying somewhere is "Aren't you scared the plane will crash?"...for the first dozen times I let it pass, but at this moment it's starting to get on my nerves - seriously, how many times do you have to ask that question in order for the message to sink in. I tell them that each time the plane takes off I feel a twinge of fear, wondering what if it crashes. But then I relax, the same voice telling me that if it's supposed to crash, it will - after all everything happens for a reason. Personally, I'd rather suffer a plane crash, rather then being a victim of a car accident which could cause paralysis - that is not a life. I know it seems the easy way out, but I'm a coward at heart.

Since flying so often, I tend to get bored during the basic instruction before take-off, but force myself to listen carefully. Then I settle in for the take-off itself; I love the feeling of being pushed in your chair by the centrifugal force, and being able to see as the ground gets farther (if you get a window seat that is - not always the case).  What really bugs me it's people's attitudes towards the cabin-crew's advice. When they mean "keep cell phones off until the plane has come to a complete stop", they mean it. But some people refuse to listen, turning on their cells as soon as the plane has landed. Is there an emergency? Do you need to see if your network has coverage? And would it kill you to keep the safety-belt on until the plane stops? Why do people have troubles respecting some simple rules?

During the flight I have no issues. I like to watch the clouds below and get in touch with the sun/moon. Today I saw a really cool picture. We were preparing for landing, when we became the meat in a cloud sandwich. The upper slice was comprised of white clouds, the lower one of gray clouds. And where we were, the meat space, it was empty - you could see the various shapes the clouds took, and here and there some sun rays. Truly magnificent.

And during my voyages through airports, I could see people with laptops, watching movies, working and what not, and always felt a pang of jealousy. Well, NOT ANY MORE!!!! This week I bought a handy dandy little netbook, AND was using it at the terminal I was supposed to wait for the plane. Wireless internet, nice view, what could a guy ask for more? Well, I would ask for sockets to plug my little machine into. It may be tiny, but it still needs to feed. Other than that I am more than happy with it. 

So yes, I barely got home from a trip, but I'm already waiting my next one - Germany and Switzerland.

When I go visit my parents and let out a strong sigh, they automatically ask "where are you heading now?" - they know me. 

If I could have any wish granted, this would be it - I would like to have enough money to travel, to see the world, I feel the need to do it. Recently I got an idea - why not apply for a flight-attendant job for about 2 years? See the world, then be on my merry way. Who knows, maybe I will give it a shot. Until then, I will settle with my little travels, and big dreams and plans!