It was a rainy start to the day. I had planned to run before my mister dropped me at the airport but before I'd even had a chance to sneak some food in, it had started sprinkling.
I changed my plan.
I ate out the front as I listened yo the rain showers pass over us. I watched the white cockatoos eating off the neighbour's tree and then fly away. I made a mental note to do a full lap of the airport before flying to make sure I got my daily step count.
The rain started to clear but the rain radar for the next hour or two looked gnarly.
I ignored the pile of washing, finished packing as fast as I could and we left early.
After kissing the mister goodbye, I jump out into the rain, making a beeline for the nearest covered shelter. Following his wise suggestion, I sat there and waited until the heavy rain eased a little. Then I bolted for the covered walkway that got me the entire way inside with (almost) no raindrops falling on my head.
I'd had several email reminders from the airline I was flying with that Brisbane airport was getting an upgrade and that the security point had changed.
I followed the directions as best as I could remember them, double checking with a volunteer on the ground. When I got there, I was greeted with a dozen milling staff and zero other passengers. I got VIP treatment and the most efficient screening I've ever had.
I was one big step closer to reaching my other home.
Once airside (that is, inside the airport) I oriented to my surroundings. Oh! I knew where I was!
I followed the signs, looking, in no particular hurry for my Gate. I bought a coffee from a friendly guy. It was made by a kind woman. I continued walking with a smile on my face as I took in the many faces, bodies and clothing styles of the people around me.
Once I's sucked all the coffee and soy milk out of my iced coffee, I refilled the cup with filtered water. I drank it slowly enough to let the rest of the ice melt before finding a recycling bin for the container.
After finding the least busy toilet in the airport, I cruised back to my Gate, only to be buzzed five minutes later with a Gate change. I walked the 50 metres to the very next Gate and grabbed a seat before even else noticed their phone.
Boarding was a seamless, familiar process - something I had done so many times now that I've lost count.
I texted my Mister to let him know I was about to leave Brisbane and my Mum to let her know I was on my way to her in Sydney.
On my way to my other home.
The city whose outskirts I grew up in. The city where two of my four most important birth family live closest to. The city that was so familiar to me that my body just knows where to go.
Before I knew it, it was time for phones to go off and the plane to take off. I was on my way to my home away from home.
[All photos were taken by me on my small but mighty phone.]
