The perfect GETAWAY

From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes

Airports thrill me. I can never get there too early – partly because of that time I missed a flight because I misread “landing” time on the ticket as “taking-off time”.

But also to soak up the excitement of the place – the eagerness of those heading off on long-planned adventures and the joy of a homecoming.

When my daughter was little, she’d come with her grandparents to meet me off an international flight in “A-ryebulls” (Arrivals), running at me and literally knocking me over in her enthusiasm to welcome Mama home.

In any airport, on any given day, there will be all kinds of emotions on display – relief, apprehension, heartbreak, anticipation, joy. Those staying behind wishing the best to those going and those going reassuring the ones left behind.

Some of us are good at goodbyes, others avoid them. I’m generally okay – I love a hug. Though, one of the things I liked when we all took Covid seriously was the option to avoid hugging people you didn’t much care for.