While mindlessly scrolling through Instagram the other day, I noticed that after being locked up for close to 7 months in our respective cities, many are now willing to consider travel options. Some were also seen sharing their travel experiences on social media platforms for the benefit of others. As I read through these posts from the comforts of my bedroom, I felt a sense of nostalgia over power me. After all, airports were like my second home.
Owing to the fact that I took a flight at least once a month - more often to my hometown (Goa) from Bangalore. The sheer thought of me being in one city for the day and another one by night used to make me feel invincible. The excitement of greeting my family, of uncovering old belongings in my room or yearning for a night of restful sleep on my comfortable bed made me look forward to reaching the airport with a sense of urgency. After all, Bangalorean traffic was highly unpredictable.
I had a favourite spot at the airport just outside the first departure terminal. There was an ornamental shrub planted there, which over the years I have seen it grow into a mighty fine tree. Various eateries have been established and done with at this spot - Cafe Noir, FreshMenu and Brea being some of the few.
I remember reaching the airport in various states of mind - exhausted, bored, sleepy, cranky, agitated and frustrated. I reminisce sipping a cup of hot coffee while rubbing my palms aggressively to comfort me in the much so admirable chilly weather of Bangalore. I also remember running often to the departure gate in a frenzy only to realise that i was late, the flight had departed or worst - i had a booking for a different day!
Airports are always brimming with a sense of hope. It could be someone who is hopeful of starting a new chapter of his life by moving to a new city, someone looking to end a not so good chapter, someone ticking off a holiday destination from his bucket list or someone yearning to meet a loved one. They say energies that emanate from a place never go unnoticed. In other words, the vibes are unmistakable and perhaps that’s why airports hold a special place in my heart.
They’ve always made me feel safe.Even if i had to spend the night at the courtyard or arrive in the wee hours of the morning to catch an early morning flight - like a similar guarded feeling that you get in the confines of your home which is both soothing & comforting.
A mention of airports would be incomplete without a reference to the bookstores. Oh the joys of picking up fresh, crisp copies of all the leading newspapers from the stand or browsing through copies of books at Relay. Devouring a book until the flight is announced for boarding or pushing myself to hastily complete another chapter before proceeding to the boarding gate. Pampering myself with a mini treats, Twix & Skittles or calming my nerves with a cup of piping hot coffee and idly sambar. I realise that my journey to the airport was an experience in itself and nothing short of some quality me - time.
And the tiny bit of realisation that as I board this flight, a small part of me would be left here and when i return, this part will cease to exist. It would be filled with a new thought, a new experience which would render the old one obsolete.
Isn’t that supposed to be how we grow?
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