One way or another, I do quite a lot of travelling, even if that is only between Perth and Sydney, and there’s one part of the trip that I’ve come to love… being met at the airport. I usually travel alone, and there’s usually a sense of responsibility that comes with that – no-one else is looking out for you. There’s just something within me that can breathe a huge sigh of relief when I see that familiar, friendly face.
Let me share what the opposite can be like… You touch down at a strange airport where you’re there for the purpose of meeting a friend somewhere in the area/country. You come through the arrivals gate/hall, pick up your baggage, and feel like you should have reached the end of your journey, only to have to start the next leg – by train, bus, taxi, whatever… As you are responsible for your movements, your mind can’t ‘finish’ the journey. It’s only when you meet that person (who is a ‘local’) that you can mentally deliver yourself into their hands and trust that they’ll take care of the rest of the journey, even if that’s a 2 hour drive.
So to everyone who has ever waited at the arrival gate for me, THANK YOU! You have no idea how much I appreciate it, and your face looks even more beautiful and welcoming because you made the effort to park the car and come in to wait!