The check in process at Perth airport was very first world for me. Too first world. There were no tellers. No people checking you in. You had to print your own boarding pass and luggage tag, and weigh your own bags. I hadn’t got a clue what to do and I had to find someone to help me. And that individual was rude and sarcastic with her help saying “Oh! So you’re used to people doing things for you, are you?” Well, Ms. At least it gives jobs to others.
I wish I had thought to say that.
During 2009-2010 when I lived in Perth, I never made it anywhere else in Australia. I was naïve back then. I wasn’t very confident or sure of myself, and I think that must have played a role. I had a boyfriend at the time, and one friend from Tafe. I regret deeply not traveling and not using the opportunity. I had 2 jobs, so with some good savings I could have… but I didn’t. A stubborn, immature 19 year old I was.
All of this went through my mind as I was on my way to Brisbane.
My flight went quickly, aside from a screaming toddler for almost the whole 5 hours.
I normally feel sorry for the parents when their baby is crying (or screaming), because I know that almost every other passenger is silently cursing them. In this case though, and it seemed to be the case with a lot of the young children- they were being left to the American flight attendants to look after at the back of the plane. (Getting to the toilet was a precarious process with all the little, moving obstacles in the way). It was a Virgin Australia flight (my first time flying with them), but it seemed like common practice to let the kids run free.
I normally opt for an aisle seat, but I wanted to look out the window. I wanted to see Australia from the air; watch the landscape change underneath me. I wanted to let my thoughts disappear with me- and trust me my head was full of them- . I wanted to disappear for a moment into nothing. I wanted to forget all my troubles and think ahead.
I knew that on the other side there was a little boy who I hadn’t seen in 4 years who I was so excited to see.
Before I knew it I was in Brisbane.
A Kenyan Slice of Life 