The Journey Back

Returning to a country after being away for a while is a nostalgic feeling. The hot humid air of Singapore, a country located near the equator with plenty of sunshine all year round, is different from the four seasons of the United Kingdom. The plane journey took more than 10 hours with ample entertainment provided by the selection of movies, music and games in-flight. On board the plane were holiday travellers, business travellers and students. You can always tell the students apart from the other travellers. They have their school sweaters and hoodies and the bleary-eyed look from studying – or partying – too hard. I had checked in my luggage before boarding the flight and only had my backpack with me, which I kept under my seat.

I did not know the passengers who were seated next to me so I busied myself with the selection of movies and a book that I was reading. Sitting in an airplane has its perks sometimes. The long journey gave me some time to watch the movies that were recently released and my favourites were the superhero movies. Plenty of action with humanity at its worst and finest. I sipped on my drink and munched away whilst enjoying the movies.

In a few hours, I will be at a new destination with an eight-hour time difference from the place where I had left. I had taken an evening flight and the sky outside was dark. The cabin was dim and light from the recessed light overhead shone down onto my seat table. Familiar faces will greet me at the airport and I will be away. I finished the page that I was reading of the book, turned off the recessed light and pulled a blanket to sleep. I have had a long journey.

Light shone into my eyes as the lights in the cabin went back on and the pilot spoke on the speakers. I woke up as the air stewardess handed out some hot towels to freshen up. The plane will be landing soon. I took the food that I was offered and helped myself to the chicken. It is amazing what technology can do. To be able to eat hot food and drink in the comfort of an airplane flying at about 1000 kilometres an hour is a marvel of human accomplishment. When the plane lands, the country that I know will have changed. New buildings were constructed, new roads made and there will be new places to visit.

I looked outside the window and admired the scenery. When the seatbelt sign was turned on, I fastened my seatbelt and felt the plane lurch downwards in its descent. The clouds disappeared from view and trees, buildings and the sea came into view, growing in size as the plane descended. The feeling of nostalgia hit as suddenly as the wheels of the plane hit the runway and careened to a stop. There was a moment’s pause.

The pilot’s voice could be heard on the speakers, “Welcome back”.