First Travel Abroad August 2004

When I first left the country, I was full of anxiety as it will be my first travel abroad. My parents are more worried than me. They kept reminding to check everything and to ensure that I have with me all my documents. I was so calm that I started to worry about myself as well but then at the same time I consoled myself by saying that ‘hey, you should not let others know that you’re first time traveler’. I checked in and found out that I am not allowed to check in my helmet; therefore I ended up with a lot of hand carried baggage, my back pack, my personal bag and the helmet. I felt like I am a Christmas tree, huh! And I think I really look like one hinting from the looks I got from my fellow passengers in the departure area. During boarding time, some of the passengers stared at me and the look in their eyes seems like they’re asking, why is she carrying that bulky thing? Why not check it in? I responded by shrugging my shoulder and pretend not to notice them. One of them bravely approached me and asked and I said, ain’t I too early for Christmas and laugh and she laugh as well and said, oh dear, what a pity that you have to carry all that stuff, which I responded again by saying, well, the check in counter maybe loved to see me struggling and laugh again.

When i arrived at Hongkong as the first stop over, I didn’t realize that the departure area for my next flight is at the other end of the airport. I walked for about 30 to 45 minutes with several stops looking for a pushcart. I am very unfortunate coz I didn’t see one, thus I ended up a walking christmas tree perspiring in spite of the strong air condition of the airport and panting. Finally I reached the designated gate of my next flight. I sat down and started looking for the book in my back pack and readied myself to read and relax. Suddenly I overheard people laughing and seem like having a good time. They are Filipinos and they are also waiting for the same flight. Huh! Surprise? Not really. It was actually a relief. This time I join the conversation, jokes and laughter and the next thing I knew we are going to board the plane.

Inside the plane, I comfortably arranged myself in my seat, put on my blazer and readied myself to sleep and eventually slept. I was woken up by my seatmate in time for dinner. He is Korean so after thanking him, I plan to completely ignore him and get done with my dinner and go back to sleep. It didn’t happen though. The man is Korean indeed but could speak fluent Tagalog. We started talking and surprise again; he is going to Trinidad to join his ship in Tobago and we will be on the same flight from Heathrow to Trinidad. What a relief, I said to myself. After all, I am not going to end up alone traveling to an unknown place (at least to me that time). Instead I ended up with a friend cum bodyguard cum luggage carrier :) We walked and strolled around the airport, had lunch together (which he paid) and check in together for our next flight (that is 12 hours waiting time). Wow, I felt like I am blessed and got instant travel partner. I said to myself, this is one of the perks of being a volunteer. Who says that being a volunteer is not an opportunity, it is also an opportunity to travel, find out places and gain friends.

After all the walking and the long and tiring waiting time (having roam around the airport), its time to go to the departure area. We arrived and comfortably seat in the 2^nd row when I spotted a lady wearing a VSO t-shirt. What a luck I said to myself. Without second thoughts, I approached her and introduced myself and asked whether she’s a VSO Volunteer like myself or working in the PO. Struck of luck? I guess so, she is indeed a volunteer and she said they are expecting my arrival. Her name is Gina and she is a nurse working in Cyril Potter University as Nursing Adviser. Now, I smile to myself and said, what a lucky soul I am. I found a friend from Hongkong all the way to Guyana. I was afraid then to travel but now, worry no more. I eventually introduced her to my other friend and the three of us chatted comfortably until we boarded our flight to Trinidad.