Heading West Part 4: Sydney and Concerns

I had only two concerns;
1. The choice of reading material and;
2. The pressure.

The choice of book was 'Cell' by Stephen King- a story of mayhem stemming from technology. Being on a flying piece of technology, unnatural fears started to develop (you succeeded once again Mr King). But I persisted because I frankly like Stephen King.

Nobody had given me any preparation on dealing with pressure- I knew about it of course, but still. Descent into Sydney had my eardrums expanding painfully inside my head. At least I was feeling some of the pain of the characters in the book- you should try it, it is really immersive.

Sydney airport was as you would expect- big. With lots of people, but oddly lax. People flowed and waited in line- everything was chaotically ordered. I reaffirmed that my bag was on its merry way to Perth, while I left to go through security. I managed to save a man's laptop as he walked away- a Dell no less. A brief thanks and a nod and he was off chatting on his phone again. Businessmen.

With time left, I sat down for a coffee from a spirit/cafe bar- it was satisfactory. It started to dawn on me that I may have reached a point where coffee was just coffee, and not the magic youth drink of community it was in university. Sighing I wished for a companion.

I lined up alone, sat in my emergency lane double seat alone- perhaps the person who was going to sit there decided as quoting the safety sheet- 'Did not wish to help in this way'. Ha strike two for the Frolicking Jester.

Not wanting to miss my flight I go to the terminal with an hour spare. Many of those seated are doing one of three things;
1. Reading a magazine or book. With the knowledge of a 5 hour flight ahead- I worried for the magazine people.

2. Taking advantage of the wifi system. Trying to look impressive in their suits, their flashy laptops and focused look. Doing work or not, it was hard not to notice them.

3. Mild talking and vacant staring. Preparing for their long journey to Perth.

I await the flight- hopeful for the future, and will try to remember my father's recent advice to swallow upon descent to reduce the pressure on my ears. To bad it doesn't work on my fears.