Somewhere over Indonesia
Trip Start
Oct 11, 2002
1
20
Trip End
Nov 04, 2002
Thai Airways,
Indonesia
Saturday, October 12, 2002
Every time an update would appear in between movies I would eagerly look up at the screen, disappointed only to discover that we were flying over outback South Australia or the Pilbara. We are currently cruising at an altitude of 35,000 feet. I love the updates we get on the TV screen! The map charted our progress with the little aeroplane that kept twitching about and changing direction by 45 degrees.
Nicole and I are perfectly positioned to watch the TV, in the middle on the aisle and 5 rows back. Even better is the fact that we have two spare seats next to us - plenty of room for me to strew my belongings.
Going through the big steel doors at the airport was a little emotional - but only for a second! It disappeared as quickly as it came on. Getting on the plane was great and the time taken between getting on the plane and departing was quite quick. We only had a short time to browse the duty free bookshop for a book for Nicole and then sit in the lounge for 15 minutes before boarding. Whilst sitting in the lounge I saw my General Manager boarding a flight to Germany from the next gate. I couldn't wait to get away from work and I had three weeks to forget about all responsibilities. I would be getting paid for being in another country, lying on the beach, sitting in a cafe and checking out famous landmarks. What was even better is that I was accruing more leave while away!!
As soon as we got on the plane, I felt as though I was already in Thailand. The flight attendants looked great in their coloured uniforms and I saw and heard Thai written and spoken. When I looked out the window as we were making our way to the runway I felt disappointed to see the grey Melbourne afternoon meld into tarmac. I was already in Thai mode.
After showing a very crappy movie - Reign of Fire which I refused to watch, I was quite fidgety, unable to get comfy and jumping from crossword to book. Nothing could keep me occupied. They then showed K-19: The Widowmaker, which was much more viewable. I felt as though I was at the cinema. The sound was like surround sound - not earphones.
