Airplane Conversations
The flight home tonight was pretty standard. Security was a pain in the ass, but that's nothing new. Virgin planes are really cramped and uncomfortable, especially for the larger gentleman, but that's nothing new. I succumbed and bought an outrageously overpriced rum and coke, to get something that was luke warm, but that's nothing new either :)
But it was quite amusing chatting with the guy sitting next to me as the plane started it's approach to Canberra airport. Just as the plane started descending and all the turbulence that always happens at the lower altitudes kicked in, the guy looked at me and said 'I hate this part'.
I couldn't help myself. I responded with 'Nah, it's the takeoffs. Just as the plane takes off and you see the ground rushing away, and then plane banks to the side and the ground is directly outside the window, that's when it's worst. It would be so easy for the plane to just drop. It hasn't gained enough speed yet.'
He looked at me and then said 'I hadn't thought of that'.
We stopped talking as the proper landing took place. The wind must have been a bit strong, because the plane kept tipping back and forth, and I'm guessing the pilot was having an interesting time trying to keep the wings level. It was this stage that the guy next to me reached forward and grabbed the seat in front, knuckles white. But the plane landed flat and it was all good.
And then he turns to me, looks me straight in the eye and says 'Well that wasn't so bad'. I grinned, thinking of how white his knuckles had gone. Then he mumbles 'Now takeoff's are going to suck'.
Hah! :)