I have a fear of so many little things. I dislike being alone in
airports. But discovery is like a long chain that leads you to another new
find, a new encounter. And I love it. I love the way it tortures me with stress
and solitude.
So as I make my way to the gates, I grabbed some coffee to perk me up
from boredom and the freezing airport temperature. I got up early for a flight
to Ho Chi Minh and I counted the hours with curiosity and excitement.
I can only recall arriving Tan Son Nhat (HCM) after sleeping the whole
flight from Don Mueang (Bangkok). It was a challenge when I arrived
Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) a couple of nights before, and now I’m venturing alone
again.
Alex was waiting for me. I was stuck waiting for my baggage. But seeing
him right there was the main reason for all of this. And I couldn’t wait to
start my holidays out of my comfort zone but still feeling more
like home with my partner.
Finally, the adventure began. I could see myself in a world I’ve never
imagined in my childhood. Leaving my country again, leaving my family, and away
from a typical 25-year old routine. It’s the longest I’ve been away from home.
So as the days go huff and puff we rode along with our happy feet. Like
good old travelers we planned and accounted. Like a little child I was amazed and enchanted. And in the nick of time
it was gone with the wind.
I cannot explain the joy in my inner world. At the back of my head I
know it may be temporary, but I’m looking straight ahead and I see no end. Who
says the ride is over and done? Every new
beginning is another new beginning’s end, ika nga.
Once again we’re sitting on those benches as the clock ticks every
second away. I lay my head on his shoulder but I can’t sleep just yet. As
midnight approaches I will become Cinderella who has a flight back to my
homeland.
I kissed Alex and I walked past that line to where I’ll be alone, on my
own, again. All I’d really want to do is stay there, hide and snuggle myself in
his arms. But as the trip goes on we will drive along. And in that big cold place I took a
seat a few walls away from where he settles to sleep.
