by Jo Barnes –
Home is a place in the heart and that is never more clearly seen than at airport departure gates. Travellers have connected with family, friends and loved ones and enjoyed their visit. However, when it comes time to leave, home isn’t always a geographical location.
Seated with luggage by his side, one fellow makes final preparations before going through security and boarding his flight.
“I’m going back home to Glasgow,” shares Ian MacDonald in a thick Scottish brogue.
Ian lives in Bishop Briggs which is situated on the outskirts of Glasgow. He has been in Victoria for four-and-a-half weeks, but it’s time to return to work.
“I have a girlfriend here. We met here four years ago,” he smiles, adding: “She came to Glasgow last year.”
A hundred years ago a long distance relationship usually meant letters more often than actual one-to-one visits. Air travel wasn’t possible and ocean voyage would take weeks or even months. While air travel makes connections much easier, it still doesn’t make leaving any easier.
Ian says with a sparkle in his eye, “I’ll probably be back in June.”
As he heads for the gate, he gives a wave. He may be heading back to where he lives, but his home remains here with his heart.
Arriving at an airport can be demanding on the traveller. There’s luggage to carry, crowds to negotiate, and then you have to figure out how you’re going to travel home from the terminal. That’s where a good friend, especially one who has experienced a lot of air travel themselves, can really help.
One fellow sits quietly waiting in the arrivals area, checking the flight board every once in a while.
“I’m waiting for friends, Glen and Charlene, who are coming in from Palm Desert via Seattle,” says Bob Serviss.
Bob’s friends have been on their annual sojourn down south enjoying the warmer climate. “They’ve been away for about six weeks. It’s their second trip down this winter,” shares Bob.
The three have known each other for about 50 years, Bob and Glen having met during university years. Like most close friendships, they look out for each other and lend a hand like giving a lift to and from the airport. Says Bob with a smile: “They do the same for me when I travel.”
Now retired, Bob worked many years with computer systems and travelled extensively on business. He’s no stranger to airports. “I had contracts all over the place,” he says. “I was travelling on average 150,000 flying miles a year, about 150 to 200 flights per year.”
Today, Bob’s quite content to be the chauffeur and not the traveller logging the flight miles. His friends arrive at the gate and lively chat ensues. It’s a happy reunion and one that will be likely repeated in the future. Those arriving at the airport will lend a hand to those who have helped them in the past.
There they are! With those excited words, so often heard at arrival gates, friendships, old and new, are renewed. And the anticipation of reconnecting can be heightened when you get to show off the beauty of Vancouver Island to a first-time visitor.
A young woman waiting for a friend in Arrivals is clearly excited.
“I’m waiting for a friend. His name is Ryan. He’s flying in from Alaska,” shares Hayley Bezanson.
Last year Hayley herself was in the northern state where she completed her Bachelor degree in Business at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. It was there at the school that she met Ryan.
“He’s not finished yet. He’s studying nursing,” she shares.
Hayley is keen to give Ryan a Canadian welcome and show
him around Victoria.
“I’ve only been here less than a year. I’m Canadian but Ryan has never been to Canada. I’m excited for him to see this coast. I want to take him downtown around the harbour and go on some hikes.”
Having lived in Victoria as a child, then later moving to Virginia and then to Alaska for her education, Hayley has done her share of travelling. Ryan is also an avid traveller so they share a spirit for adventure.
“I’m looking forward to seeing new places I haven’t been to either,” she adds with a grin.
Soon, Ryan walks through the gate and there are smiles all around. As the friends head off to the luggage area, it’s clear from the animated conversation that these two will pick right up from where they left off.
