Today was my first time out of South Africa (i know, im a late bloomer)
The picture i've imagined in my head of this "international travelling" is not as glamorous as i thought it would be.
Dont get me wrong, the shiny planes are very fancy, what, with their individual tv screens, with over 750 hours of onboard entertainment. (Yes i've read the brochures) I'm sure if i was travelling in first or business class my view would be slightly different, but like I said the flying itself is not so bad, its the landing and waiting for your next fight that gets to me.
*Side note: i was sitting infront of a young girl who constantly kicked the back of my seat, after many dirty looks i finally turned around and spoke to the mother. Words were exchanged, but soon after the kicking stopped*
We (Warren and I) landed in Abu Dhabi today after a guelling 9hrs of travel. While on the plane we heard that there is a lounge for economy class travellers (thats me). We proceeded directly to this lounge, with the intention of having a bite to eat and use the wifi, as we were only due to board our next flight to Thailand in 10hrs time.
When we get to the lounge we're told that the lounge is not free, you have to pay to use it... per hour! Works out to approximately R100 per hour. We passed on that option! Next to the lounge is the airport hotel, that costs around R2400 for the night. Once again, we passed. (I get the feeling they are trying to discourage pre-marital sex, as the room that sleeps 1 person was far cheaper than the room that sleeps 2.)
We were given meal vouchers from the airline for dinner and breakfast. This was a great help, but it didnt assist us with what we were going to do for the next 9hrs after supper.
We've walked around this massive airport, twice, had something to eat and have taken total advantage of the free wifi.
For once in my life i do not mind standing in these long ques as i have to go through security checks or wait for my food. Time is seriously dragging.
The selection for supper is sad. Im from South Africa, and this is my first time in a foreign land (well, foreign airport) i do not want McDonalds, Burger King or pizza, i want the stuff that the locals eat, i want the things i cannot pronounce! Give me culture damnit!
One last thing before i head off. When i was a kid and would fly from Cape Town to Durban to visit my family i would travel with my teddy bear, Edwina. My father gave her to me for my 1st birthday. Edwina was my travel companion. All i could think about before leaving was how badly i wanted to take Edwina with me. I feel kind of bad travelling internationally without her.
No need to comment, i am fully aware of how silly this sounds.
Thats it for now, i have another 6hrs left in this airport!
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