From time to time, I travel for work. Maybe four or five times a year, I’ll jump onto a plane to fly here or there for a work project or meeting. I always travel alone, that is, without colleagues or family.
I love spending time in airports. The hustle bustle of people, trucks and planes is all so engrossing. There is always something to watch, something to see, something to observe. I suppose if I traveled more, I’d like airports less, but as it is, I really look forward to my time at the airport.
On my latest trip, I spent a fair amount of time looking out the window of the plane as we soared above the clouds. Amid the white noise din of wind and jet engine roar, I was overcome by a sense of loneliness. Up there above the clouds, as pretty as it is, it is really desolate. No other planes. No birds. No other signs of life or activity. It filled me with an uncomfortable sense of solitude and longing — a longing to be back on the ground among people.
I know, I know, there were other people on the plane, but they didn’t seem to figure into my thinking as I stared somewhat mesmerized out the window.
Now safely back in the boisterous company of others, I wonder if my experience was unique. Anybody else think the skies above can be a lonely place?
