2am reflections on a plane

According to the flight tracker, I still have 11 hours and 4 minutes until I land in Dubai, which will be followed by another 8 hour flight to Madrid. I’m currently 35,000 ft in the air, George Ezra is serenading me, Mic is beside me trying to get some sleep (as I type loudly) and the man behind me is snoring away. This all feels so surreal. I have been waiting for this for three years. THREE YEARS.

Today went incredibly fast and for a good majority of that, I spent it absolutely numb to the fact that I was about to board a plane that would take me away from my life in Sydney for a year. I slept in, had a visit from the best friend, did last minute packing and bag swapping, had a visit from another friend (who hugged me about 10 times) and made my way to the airport. There I was met with the whole fam and my closest friends. Honestly, I didn’t expect any of them to see me off – but they did and I’m so grateful for it. I’m glad I spent my last moments at home with the most important people in my life. Thank you everyone.

I’ve got to hand it to myself, I did a pretty damn decent job of making sure no tears fell as I did my round of hugs and goodbyes. I was constantly asked “Sooooo, how are you?”, “How are you feeling?”, which I obviously met with a calm and collected “Yeah, I’m fine aye”, “Pretty sweet”.. ish. But then it came to say bye to Emilie. That idiot. She started crying. Then I started crying. And then mum. And dad. I guess that’s when it sort of clicked. I’ll miss them all. You know, I hadn’t even reached my gate yet and I already had calls from mum. Which were then followed by numerous text messages. Bless.

 

Even as I sit here though, turbulence, crying baby and all, it still doesn’t completely feel like I’m starting my year of complete independence (in a country that doesn’t speak my first language… brilliant).

 

Here’s to a year of new adventures, discoveries, growth and spontaneity.

 

Til my next post,

Besos para ti xx

 

(Obviously this was posted once I landed here in Madrid hehe

Also, the plane had little holes in the ceiling, letting light through so it looked like a sky of stars. Full Harry Potter styles. Pretty cool. That’s all.)