GOODBYE (AGAIN)

 

So here we are, off again.

            21 hours in the air, care of Emirates. I’ve never flown Emirates before. People are often asking me which airline I prefer; that seems a very sophisticated question – as far as I am concerned it’s the one that gets me there intact, and if it leaves on time and arrives on time that’s a bonus. The food and facilities seem much the same. On Qantas you get jokes. On Singapore you get sexy ladies in figure-hugging uniforms, if that’s what turns you on.

            The prospect of the journey – not to mention security regulations, every tiny pot of cream or liquid in a plastic bag, and not just any plastic bag – is such a nightmare it’s difficult to get excited about going. But then come to think of it I’m not, not really. Excited. I’m entering Australia this time, for the first time, as an Australian citizen, which feels weird and faintly fraudulent. I don’t really know why I’m going. It’s the same every time – I don’t like leaving places. I don’t like leaving people. I don’t want to go. I do want to go. Oh dammit, I’m going.

            The Guardian did a piece about my travels a few weeks back. http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,,2140019,00.html They called me a ‘nomad’ and planted a backpack on the sofa next to me (provided by the photographer – I’ve never used a backpack in my life). The fact is I’ve stayed put here for the last 3 months, which is not what you’d call nomadic.

            No matter what you leave out of the suitcase there’s never enough room. And only one item of hand luggage, which includes a handbag. Can’t understand the regulations, they make no sense.

            I feel quite depressed.

            Okay, here goes. Goodbye England, again. See you in December.