The things we forget when traveling. 

There are a few things we forget when traveling. Manners seem to be the first thing to go. Most travelers are so concerned about reaching their destination, they forget they are surrounded by other human beings. 

I’m always struck by the sight of passengers hurrying to stand in line to board, only to then sit on the plane waiting before take off. While it’s understandable that people are anxious to get on their flights, but they will be sitting for their entire flight. I don’t hurry to wait in line because I know I’ll be sitting for a while once I’m on the plane. I’d rather take my time and stand in the open space before the flight. I know some people like to get on the plane early so they can settle in and rest, but I don’t find that I rest any better on a plane than I do in a comfortable airport chair. So hurry to wait in line just doesn’t make sense to me (even if you have little ones).

And once we’re on board, why do some people choose an aisle seat over a window seat? An aisle seat does give you the option of getting up and moving around during the flight.  People who have aisle seats sometimes use that to their advantage. They are able to get up and move around the airplane without interrupting someone who is asleep or does not want to be bothered. 

Aisle seats are for people watching. On our flight to Rome the flight attendant walked through with a cart of perfume. Is this something I’ve been missing out on by looking out an airplane window? Now I’m curious what’s next.

Well, there was a “what’s next.” Two flight attendants walked down the aisle selling scratch cards. I have a feeling I have not seen everything yet. Next to the aisle, some interesting events do happen but nothing tops sitting next to the window and looking at the beautiful nature from a 300 foot view.

Personally, I think window seats are the best way to travel. I love looking out the window and seeing the clouds and the ground below. It’s a great way to pass the time. If you know me well, it’s a great opportunity to take pictures. But nothing irks me more than when someone fills the window seat and could care less about the view. For example, the gentleman next to me is reading his newspaper while sitting next to the window during takeoff. In my opinion, an airplane ascending into the air is the most exciting view. Watching the plane quickly accelerate and lift off the ground is like watching a miracle in the making. How can an airplane filled with passengers with cargo lift off quickly into the sky? It’s even more amazing when you’re sitting in a window seat and can see it all happen. 

How does an aircraft lift over 200 people and more into the air moving at a speed of over 500 miles per hour? I’m always amazed at just how impressive it truly is for an aircraft to move quickly, powerfully, and safely through the air. I’m not an engineer, and there’s no way I could explain the principles of aerodynamics here to you. But each time I board I marvel at how an airplane carries everyone in the air to their desired destination.

We landed in Italy with a big thump.

The gentleman in the window seat next to me held tightly to his armrest.  As I watched him stay calm, my gaze fell on his Mother Teresa booklet that had fallen from his lap to the floor. After all, it was only a thump–just another ordinary sound of travel, a muse.

It’s almost been nine hours on this flight and I’m ready to get off and stretch my legs. Of course, sitting in an aisle seat has its perks, but nothing really compares to staring out that window and taking in the view. There’s something about staring out the window during a flight that is just so captivating—-whether it’s gazing at the clouds as they roll past or watching cities and landscapes whiz by below.

Is travel in your future? So what are you waiting for? Are you ready to explore the world? I hope this serves as a reminder of the ordinary muses that happen while flying–appreciating the beauty around us or gaining new insights about other cultures. Traveling is an amazing experience, and I hope you get to do it soon!

Where will your next adventure take you?