Seemingly
endless border security checks, x-rays and on one occasion, a pat down.
Different countries have different requirements. Boarding an aircraft in
Germany required presentation of all electric items for inspection. I was a
little amused at the interest in my quite basic compact digital camera.
On another
occasion, the metallic buttons on my pants generated some interest and a bonus once over with the metal detector.
Should I
feel more safe travelling by plane from, and within Germany, or more concerned?
And, when
the next stop is Australia, there is an additional search of hand luggage. At least from Abu Dhabi anyway.
But, these
little events are all a part of my story.
And there
are the people you meet.
On the
flight from Abu Dhabi to Melbourne, I sat next to an 85 year old gentleman. He
lives in Hawthorn with his daughter and son in law. A more polite person you
would never meet. I assisted him with a number of things during the flight
including his seat belt and immigration forms. His expressions of appreciation
were almost embarrassing. He was of Iranian descent, spoke with a very heavy
accent and held an Australian Passport. I suspect he has a most interesting
life story.
He was a
charming and content Gentleman, understated and happy.
I met a 30 year old Singaporean lady. She had attending
Oktoberfest with two friends prior to seeking some alternative German culture
after which they were each taking their own journey home. Her next stop was
Paris. She was saying she would like to be away longer however her clients were
wanting work done. She owned her own Interior Design Business and travelled the
world to visit clients. She referenced several long standing high-profile
clients.
So, what
have you planned for Paris I asked and the answer was evasive. I sort
clarification and she advised she has not been to Paris for nearly 3 months and
the apartment she bought there needs to be occupied by her for a minimum number
of days each quarter otherwise she is obliged to lease it. She has many clients
in Paris however her work has unusually not taken her there for some time now.
She suffered
from severe Ornithophobia and our conversation started by her asking if I would
help protect her from the birds in the trees.
She was an
articulate friendly, down to earth lady, easy in conversation with everyone. No
airs and graces, just happy and inclusive. And most successful too.
The lady
from New Zealand did tell me her name but I cannot recall it.
I noticed
her peering through the windows of the restaurant as I crossed the road. The
restaurant was my destination for dinner.
I entered
and was shown a table and shortly after she did too.
Well
dressed, she was perhaps in her 70’s.
We paid and
left at the same time and she spoke to me as I held the door for her to exit.
She asked how you tell if a restaurant is happy to accommodate sole diners,
adding that when she noticed me going in and sitting by myself, she followed,
comforted by my example.
I explained
that I had not even considered that question and suggested restaurants probably
quite like solo diners as we tend to eat and leave and they have a table free
again.
She explained
she was recently widowed and this is the first time she has ventured travelling
alone and tonight the first time she had dined outside of room service.
I suggested
she should be proud of herself for that, she thanked me and we went our
separate ways.
There were
many more encounters and conversations during my brief trip. Most were
interesting, often they were educational and all were valuable.
I have
highlighted these three for their cultural diversity, unexpected outcomes and
overt politeness. I have also chosen to write about these three because in the
space of a short time, they each openly and comfortably revealed fears and
concerns.
They are all
writing their own story and importantly, continuing to write it.
It is important
that our own story is not one of repeating the same chapter over and over. We
are better for embracing new experiences, sharing our learnings, expanding our
mind and our sole and acknowledging rather than conceding to our fears.
What is your
story, and are you still writing new chapters?
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