By Miriam Erasmus
It is always great to be home, but I have to get there first !!
October 6th 2025 Heathrow departure lounge 6.45pm
Airports are fascinating.
Observing every shade of humanity going through emotions from calmness to panic makes the hours of waiting for flights pass quicker.
This time we had such a clear run down to Heathrow. The weather was picture perfect for an early Autumn afternoon. Blue skies, emerald grass and the leaves on the trees just starting to die creating gentle golden shades in the light of the sinking sun.
We shared pleasant chit chat in the car which was punctuated by “I saw it !!” as we neared Heathrow where every 30 seconds a new plane arose from its runway rush.
We hit it lucky, I guess, but then this morning’s tarot reading by Gaylene Diedericks showed the cards “Empowerment, Confidence and Good Luck.” – so far, so good.
Sheri and Jared waited with me a while and we had some fruit juice before deciding they must be on their way, to be early home as it is a school/work night.
After a tearful farewell, I breezed through security and now find myself sitting contentedly writing as others hurry by.
Time for a snack. I am sitting outside a Whiskey shop but, being teetotal, won’t need a dram to wash this down !
How any woman can wear trousers on a long flight boggles my mind – I prefer the comfort of my long home made dresses. Today, I am wearing the Oscar de la Renta inspired one I showed you.
I have also donned a hand knitted jersey made from pretty pink baby wool and comfy fleece lined boots.
I must admit to a twinge of envy as I see couples my age enjoying their travels together.
Looking around, everyone looks so DULL. Black, and dark grey of all shades are the order of the day. I have seen only one red jacket, one blue one and one mustard one so far. 50 minutes in and still no colours.
I also notice that it’s a bit like being in a giant Bingo Hall – “EYES DOWN” Ha ha !!
Think I better get up and walk around a bit. After all, I have an 11 hour flight ahead, but not til 10.15.
8pm. I enjoyed that stroll. Maybe just now I will have another one and get a drink of some kind. I met a girl with a bright green printed dress and pink sparkly shoes on my ramble – we shared a few words about liking colours.
I am sitting opposite the Burberry shop now. Looking at the handbags, I doubt I could even afford a buckle, but they do look nice.
Security has been called – a little girl is lost and found refuge with the sales lady there.
I am happy to report that not long afterwards Mother and child were reunited. The lady in the shop was so sweet to her while they waited. It was good to see humanity at its best for a while, and I went in and complimented her kindness.
I just had to take a photo of the orange giraffe. I will see the real ones soon enough. We can see them across the valley at PhZulu Safari Park.
Out of the blue, the man opposite me pulls out a pen and paper and we remark on this lost art !
Thank goodness for WhatsApp. My family are nearly home, and Sid and the pussycats in Africa are in darkness because of power loadshedding !!
Right, 8.30pm. Time for another stroll …….
October 7th 12.10pm South Africa time. O.R.Tambo airport.
Last night I hardly slept. As usual, my body jerked practically the whole night. I don’t know if I am overcharged with static on long flights, but my hair flies and body seems to ‘short’.
The flight attendants were charming and the vegan food for once, delicious.
15,45 – Home to a wonderful reception.
