DEPARTURE DATE

The morning of the 11th February arrived. It was 4am and I was leaving my home to the airport and not returning for 3 months. I hadn’t even checked in and my eyes wouldn’t stop crying, this was a huge step and I was terrified. Ever since my terrifying turbulent plane flight from Auckland to Palmerston North late last year (2014) I have been absolutely horrified to step foot on another plane. Auckland to Palmerston North flight was only half an hour; I was about to board a 16-hour flight. After walking through security I was drooling for an over-expense half-decent coffee. Off I go and order a ‘small soy hazelnut latte’ as an expense of $5.70. While sitting down at a table, my hands were very shaky. I go to take my first sip and poured out a puddle of coffee onto my table- thankfully not on my clothes! I was watched and couldn’t help but lay out a good laugh on myself for looking like such an idiot. By this time, it was 9am and time to board my flight.

As the plane took off I couldn’t resist but glance out of my window looking back at the beautiful Brisbane until we were high up in the white clouds. The tears wouldn’t stop; I knew there was no turning back. As the hosts began to come around to the passengers, we were unexpectedly told the plane was stopping at Cairns for an hour. I was furious. The only reason I had booked with Cathay Pacific was due to the previous experience I had with them, which was excellent and was only ONE STOP in Hong Kong. Booking with Cathay Pacific was more expensive than the other airlines and also meant that I missed out on my air points, however, I prioritized their ‘service’ over all of that.

Nevertheless, I had a few wines then I was out to it for the rest of the trip.

I had finally arrived in Hong Kong and it was about 10PM Brisbane time, I was exhausted. The airport is complete havoc and overly populated. I had no idea where to go, but I had an hour to sort myself out. I faintly remembered the way after my previous China trip 2 years ago. I looked through the high-end retail shops then made my way to the gate. The airport is so big; it took a train and bus ride with a 2-kilometre walk to get to the gate. I sat and waited for an hour and a half to then hear a delay in the timetable. By now I just wanted a hot shower and bed, I was a wreck.

After finally arriving in Beijing Airport, I was greeted by my supervisor at the arrival gates. Kevin, my supervisor held the sign of “Georgia Falloon- Focus On China”. We both introduced each other and got in a cab to my apartment. By the time I got to sleep it was 4am.

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