Take off

The KL send-off party was not only the best part of the flight, but one of my favourite parties ever.  Thank you guys.  I am so blessed in my friends.

By the time the plane took off for Riyadh, I knew I’d made the right decision.  Despite the broken tray table, hanging phone charger, and suspicious noises emanating from the engine [‘Don’t worry,’ said my neighbour], there was a charming feel of a living room in which everyone made themselves at home. 

‘Water? Of course darling. I will bring it,’ said the waitress as if there was no such thing as a drinks’ service or meal times.  Just visitors who must be made welcome.  And were there meal times.  In less than 8 hours we were fed four times.  Even the gluten-free meals, usually devoid of dairy, red meat, fat and flavour were delish.  A massive chunk of salmon and then beef, chicken and eggs.  ‘Would you like some candy, darling?

Across the aisle, a father attended to his three daughters, the youngest sporting a small tiara, even after he dressed them in identical pink pyjamas.  After playing with his girls, the dad reclined across the four seats and the daughters positioned themselves on top of him, each watching a different movie while he chatted with them, fed them and slept.

It was roomy for economy.  No one did the rules of seat belts, phones or tray tables.  The kids ate candy, watched whatever they wanted and visited – up and over seats in the case of the smallest. 

Around me sat a family. I’d made friends with the grandmother when we boarded, making the jokes that are only funny when you don’t share a language.  The mother handed me her phone to input must-see places in Australia, and after meeting their ‘Hi I’m the father,’ ‘Good luck with that,’ I put some ear plugs in, a blanket over my head and slept until we were almost there. 

As we flew into Riyadh, the mother and oldest son reached each side of the grandfather’s head and kissed him above the ear, welcoming him safely home.  ‘Why are you putting on make up?’ asked the small daughter first in English and then via her dad in Arabic.  ‘Because I’m old and tired,’ but very relieved to be here.

Hope you get to where you need to be.  Hope too, to catch up with my wonderful friends in the Gulf and Europe.  And for you, KLers - Vancouver!

Love and hugs,

Simone, the Safely Arrived