Anticipation

We can all share in someone else's excitement at a change in life, whether it's a new baby, an engagement, marriage or simply a milestone like a birthday, or an arrival or departure.

Counting the days, and hours helps to maintain and build the excitement.

The first time that Aussie Lass flew back from France, I tried to imagine where she was at various times during the long flight from Europe..., counting the hours: thankfully sleep provides a respite for us, at least. All of a sudden, it's off the airport, and waiting for what seems like hours, but is really not very long at all. This time, she and muffin man will be arriving in the evening, so we'll have all day to wait.

Yesterday one of my colleagues was waiting to depart for her first overseas trip, leaving plenty of time to get to the airport, while our more well travelled colleague was much more laid back and blasé about arriving at the last minute. The plane was delayed once, by two hours, then again by another two hours, so that an unpleasant arrival time of midnight (destination time) turned into 4 am arrival at the airport. By the time they got to their hotel it would have been 5 am, and with three hours driving and meetings to attend, today will have turned into a difficult one.

I love going to the airport to meet travellers. If you stand at the gates waiting, you can can see the excitement as people come through the doors from customs, anxiously looking for friends or family, amidst the exhaustion that comes with long haul travel in economy class. There are many stories to be told, no matter where the traveller comes from.

Oh yes, and I am counting the days until the first of the imminent arrivals....49 days until the Aussie Lass and Muffin Man arrive, and doubtless many others to anticipate over the years to come.