The Airport

The moment I waved goodbye to my cousin is the same moment I knew I was on my own again. The journey is interesting. And my heart burns in fire of passion for travel. I have waited for this. Now I’m all geared up.

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.