Into the unknown

 

Have you all ever wondered, during ones séjour abroad, particularly for higher studies they frequently have an inevitable rendezvous with two unbelievable homes . Confused? It unfortunately does not quantify as the property one inhabits i.e. university or rented apartment or even our homes in our home countries. Well lets finally get the cat out of the box, the context alludes to the airport and the airplane! Students devote their endless hours at the airport and the airplane, this journey encapsulates itself as their two invisible homes. Experiencing intense and bubbling emotions of standing on the threshold of their new life at university or merely returning back to home sweet home! It is certain that anybody reading this article learnt plenty of life lessons and confronted innumerable experiences during these nomadic years. The whole journey itself plays an integral role in attaining independence and maturity. It is evidently plausible individuals encountering a number issues ranging from losing their luggage, missing a flight, confusion during connecting flights and entering the world of unknown.

Studying and settling abroad for further studies is not a cake walk and has its own inherent challenges. One the most challenging realities for students is accepting to leave home where they were pampered, treated as cotton wool, sprinkled with confetti all around. However they compel their emotions to take a back seat and look forward to their adventurous destinations and what the new academic year holds for them! How can any student forget the excitement of duty free shopping, tasting delicious cuisines from a plethora of restaurants to choose from, inflight entertainment, and being diagnosed with indigestion after landing? Just being sarcastic! The whole journey begins with them entering their respective airports and sharing hugs and kisses with their loved ones to bid adieu for a couple of months. They walk further into the airport wiping their pearly tears and gear up for the adventure.

While setting steps further into the airport navigating directions to self-check-in or just check-in section of the airport. They admire the grandeur of the captivating contemporary architecture of their respective home airports. For instance the modern asymmetrical and abstract ceilings plus artworks that rely on the herculean pillars of the airport, symbolizing and reflecting their respective cultures. The gorgeous enormous statues and artwork collections placed around the airport by their nations renowned and respected artists. The massive pots and vases holding green leafy plants at different corners of the airport. They encounter crowds of passengers jostling their way around the airport lost in their imagination of their destinations. Clearing all the procedures required at the airport one can generally encounter the omnipresent clocks that display the time in different countries like London, New York, Sydney, Brazil. It is a complete revelation how colossal planet earth is with individuals living in each and every corner of the world.

Duty free time! Duty free shopping is the most forth looked activity at the airports and glorious method to pass time till one finally boards the plane. As we enter the duty free zone at any airport in any country we are instantly enamored by the luxurious, sweet, floral scent of perfumes ranging from the quintessential brands like Gucci, Dior, Channel, Estee Lauder. On the other hand we can sniff the sumptuous aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the delicious bakery items being served. Oh how alluring it all appears like a tiny magical land in a snow globe, only the snow flakes missing. There are goodies for everyone from a child to an elder permeating a sense of joy and gifting our loved one’s souvenirs. One may indulge in thoughts like: Oh my sister would just adore this dress, and Grandma she would be marveled by this delicate set of pearl accessories. Oh and the dufus will admire this football and abide by what I say until I return back to university.

Massive shops are stationed at the airports selling chocolates, candies, luscious delights (Dates, Baklawa, Turkish Delight, Marzipan sweets) and souvenirs from all over the world. Packaged in captivating and jubilant colours with multicolored ribbons (usually golden precisely) attached to them which can seldom miss the eyes. The chocolates and candies in different shapes and sizes themselves especially in transparent boxes are echoing ‘buy me’ to all those who crossing by the shops. An opulent mix of branded chocolates are displayed  such as Patchi, Lindt, Godiva stirring a chocolatey dilemma in one’s mind ‘which one should I purchase?’ ‘or should I purchase them all?’ One would certainly feel like they are teleported in the movie Charlie and the chocolate factory. 

After clearing up all their dilemmas they finally find a place to snuggle in and wait until their flight boards. Usually at this time they would either spend time on social media, video calling their friends or family members or maybe completing an assignment which is due in a couple of days. There is probably a frantic amount of emotions and thoughts that circle in their mind, either excitement for the new semester or care for their loved ones back home. After boarding the flight, they would navigate to their respective seats and sit or introduce themselves to their neighbors if they are interested. Or merely enjoy inflight entertainment or probably just sleep and when they open their eyes, there they have entered into the unknown.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article are views of the author in general and the author does not hold any legal responsibility or liability for the same.)