Those Airport scenes

 Hi there

There was a gang of us at the beach a while ago, and we got to nattering about airports.

"I get embarrassed when I exit out of the security section and into the arrivals hall," I said.  "Especially when I'm in another country."

"Oh, why?"

"Well ...  I emerge to a sea of upturned eager faces, everyone waiting for their loved ones to bounce through those doors. There are sometimes signs:  "Welcome Home, Mum"...  "Congrats, Cousin Alison". ... "Limo for Brad Pitt" (I wish)...  But, instead, they get ... me." 

On seeing me, everyone -  I mean really everyone - looks dejected, like little sad puppies.  Somehow, I feel I'm to blame for all that disappointed sighing, and shaking of heads, and pulling back from the railings they were full-tilt leaning across, ready to release their Big Welcome to Dad back from a business trip, or Auntie arriving from Australia, or that football team from England.  It's like a walk of shame for me to trudge past them all.  I have been dismissed.

I wish I was Dad, or Auntie.  Or that football team. I want to spot a sign that says something like "Welcome to any Solo Traveller. You made the journey!"  There should be an official airport hugger.

Mal, a long-time Hataitai Beach veteran, patted me on the shoulder.   He tsk-tsked.  "Just run up to some waiting stranger, throw your arms about them, and get that hug," he said.

Like, it's that simple....?

stock photo.  "Love Actually"  .Airport scene.   what follows this picture is thousands of people deliriously greeting loved ones.  The maker of the movie - Richard Curtis - has a lot to answer for.