Before we began planning this trip, I wasn't as tired as I am. The number of "to-do's" we had to complete before we lifted off is substantial. Note to self: when planning a holiday, I may need a holiday.
Two flights booked, one 11 hours and the other 7 hours. Our first stop on this 4 month pilgrimage is London. We hoped this would be a soft little introduction to Europe as they speak our language and drive on the left. Packing, preparing our home for vacancy and checking in at the airport was relatively seamless.
There is a certain kind of intimacy when surrounded by 400 strangers sleeping 40 000ft in the sky. Looking at the faces of each stranger as I paced the isles, a thought grasped me. Every person I saw was going nowhere and simultaneously going everywhere. The woman in seat 83G had fallen so deeply into sleep that her mouth hung open and her legs sprawled across the isle. The couple in front of our seats were leaning on each other for support while they dosed. The Italian/Australian english teacher sharing our row had somehow scored 4 empty seats to herself and stretched across all of them. Here, I am greatful for this sleepy silence.
Before flying, I highly recommend buying yourself a set of noise cancelling headphones, this was our first flight using them, and they are worth their weight in gold. My theory on jet lag is that the consistent noise of jet engines is more draining than anything else. We can handle a bit less sleep, but the noise can be unbearable! By now the rumbly, jostling of the aeroplane felt natural. 13 hours in the air and our short strolls up and down the isles are referred to as either a pleasant or a rocky "outing".
Since our arrival in London, I must face the stark reality that my new style is unfussy, crinkly hair and simple. It was expected that we would forget some things during the packing processes, and as it happens, I did. I didn't pack any shoes (only the ones I wore on the plane), and one of my 2 day dresses is too big for me now. I will hereby refer to the big dress as my Italy dress. The brilliantly careless nature of my future wardrobe has filled me with a sense of solace; the steady hand in the chaos of consumerism. Here the air is warm with not even a whisper of a breeze and the rain floats around like tiny bubbles of water, just hanging in the air.
When in London, look up!
Tate x
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