Morbid flyer
20 April 2006, 6:02p
I just finished booking a flight online. I’ve got a trip to Cagayan de Oro next week. Am flying out on the 25th and heading back to Manila on the 30th. So, am in for another bout with the air. I’ve never been comfortable flying (despite the fact that I’ve been up there many times), especially when I’m travelling alone. And now, I’m going to take Cebu Pacific for the first time. I don’t know why I have this illogical aversion to take that airline. Probably because not only do I not like taking planes, I am particularly terrified of flying in small planes. But I’ve been told to rest assured: Cebu Pacific is flying Airbuses to CDO. Besides the fares a bit cheaper than PAL, and it’s more convenient too because I don’t need to go to any ticketing office like I have to do when I go PAL. And many of my close friends have taken it, and have good things to say, so I might as well.
Some time ago, one of the editors for the magazines I write for said that I shouldn’t worry myself needlessly when travelling. After all, if it is your time to go, it doesn’t really matter where you are or what you’re doing, does it? Still, I just can’t help thinking about morbid things when I’m up on the air. I can’t even sleep. I remember my very first plane trip way back when I first went to the States. I don’t exactly know how long that trip took (between 17-20 hours I think), but the only sleep (more like naps) I got was in the airports, never in the plane. When Jenny and I went to Sydney six years ago, I didn’t get even just a minute of shuteye during the entire trip, preferring instead to wonder when we’ll get some sort of turbulence. I try not to do that by doing other things, like reading for instance, but nothing helps. The thoughts just keep coming and coming. Anyone with a cure, please let me know.
That said, I’m now just a few days away from visiting the CDO again. It’s been at least five years since I last visited, so I’m sure I’m going to see new things. I like CDO, and when I was there I also went to Malaybalay in Bukidnon. Very, very nice place.
I just wish I could take Ben with me. That of course, will not be possible. Well, possible, but not likely because I won’t be able to get any work done with him around. I’ll miss him terribly, the way I always do when I go out of town on trips. It’s probably going to be like this for a long time. When he’s older, I’ll take him with me.
