GOING TO THE AIRPORT AFTER TWO YEARS

I could still vividly remember, the last time I have been to the airport. It was around two years ago when my mother and I arrived early in the morning for our flight to Taipei, Taiwan. I could vividly remember the excitement that I felt the night before our flight. I could hardly sleep since I was ecstatic to get on the plane and explore Taiwan. We left home when it was still dark because we are usually punctual when it comes to flights as we do not want to be left behind.

Airports always make me happy. Being at the airport fills my heart with so much joy because I know that this is a step towards a different destination. However, when the pandemic began, travelling has been restricted and it really shattered my heart because not only will travels be suspended, the work of millions of employees will also be affected.

Last Saturday, my family and I together with some other friends had the privilege of going to Mactan-Cebu International Airport in order to pick-up and welcome our family friend from Iceland and to have dinner afterwards. While at the airport, I was glad to see how life is slowly going back to how it used to be as I got to witness tourists and other passengers depart and arrive at the airport. Since restrictions have eased up a bit and tourists are no longer required to be quarantine, there is now an increasing number of individuals seen at the airport. Finally, after two years, I have seen foreign nationals at the airport. It's good to know that tourists are now slowly visiting the Philippines again.

While waiting for our family friend to arrive, I grabbed the opportunity to take some photos of the airport's facade. The airport was recently renovated probably a few years ago. Now, it showcases world-class facilities which I could say is quite similar to Singapore-Changi International Airport. Due to typhoon Odette, domestic departures have been relocated to Terminal 2 which was situated above the International Arrivals. Since we had some time, my friends and I took an elevator and we went to the Departure area since there were also food kiosks there such as a coffee shack, fries, and some vending machines. Since the airport was situated a bit far from where we live and there was heavy traffic en route to the airport, we were starving.

While sipping coffee at the departure area, I got to witness smiles, laughter, and tears which I have not witnessed in such a long time. I saw couples hugging and kissing each other since one of them had to leave. I could feel their longingness to stay physically together but probably they had some personal obligations to attend to. But love transcends distance. I am hoping that they will eventually get through the distance. I have also witnessed family members ecstatic to travel after such a long time. After buying coffee and sipping some of it, we hurriedly went down because our family friend was about to arrive and we heard that the plane already landed. At the Arrival area, I witnessed ecstatic family members filled with so much joy as they were patiently waiting for a family member who was probably working abroad.

I also enjoyed waiting at the airport since I got the chance to babysit the niece of our family friend and we even took some photos at the airport. I always enjoyed being with kids and spending time with them so I volunteered to look after her and ensured that she was safe as we were roaming around the airport. Being at the airport felt like travelling to a new place. Being at the airport felt like a gateway to a whole new dimension, a different world that is waiting for me. I pray and manifest that one day I will be able to see and live in that world but for now I will just patiently wait for my turn and just live life in the present.

As our family friend arrived at the airport, we hurriedly went to SM Seaside, a mall located kilometers away from the airport so that we could have supper since we were all starving. As usual, we chose a restaurant that would serve Filipino dishes as a way of welcoming our family friend. We chose to dine at Paolito's restaurant which is famous for it's delicious Filipino dishes. However, because the place was understaffed, we got served an hour and 30 minutes after ordering. But I totally understand the situation, it was definitely not easy for the staff since they had a lot to serve. I do hope the management will take action since their staff's health and their overall service delivery may be compromised. Nonetheless, the wait was worth it because the dishes served were indeed mouthwatering.

After eating dinner, we just strolled around the mall and at the Sky Park of the mall where we got to witness the magnificent view of the city lights. It was such a great way to end the day.

_{lifewithera is a 22-year old, college senior, an aspiring yogi, a furmom, and a wanderer, who writes stories about her personal life, mental health, fitness, travel, and just anything and everything her heart wants to speak. If you want to get to know her more, then you can connect with her through various social media platforms.}

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