Flight 101: A girl must fly.

Saturday, 15th July, 2017. 1:30pm
First times are very memorable. Your first birthday, first kiss, first husband. The list is endless. I remember the first time I was on a plane like it was yesterday, because it was yesterday.
Not a lot of people know this about me because I looked like a pro the whole time but I know I can trust you with my secret.
I got to the airport late because Mummy was bent on slaying her wig that morning amongst other things. We were supposed to have left the house by 6:30am to arrive early enough for my 7:45am flight.
I felt I had everything under control because I saw this thing in the movies and I was armed with stories from Mummy and Gevah’s trips round the world.

But we were getting there as the lady with the nice voice was making the final boarding call for my flight. I lost all forms of chill. I ran to the man at the departure get and I showed him my ticket. He asked “where’s your boarding pass?”
“Boarding pass?” I asked back. I totally forgot that I had to get a boarding pass and check in my luggage. Ugh.
By the time I was done checking in, Mummy still hadn’t left the car to hug me goodbye. She hadn’t indulged in her first dose of morning tea and she really couldn’t be bothered.
She eventually came and hugged me though. Along with my little brother, she watched and took pictures of me. This was just as the man at the gate was telling me to put my slippers in the machine thingy (this part isn’t in the movies).
All my years of hearing gist and watching movies didn’t prepare me for the sight that is an actual airplane. It was so big and loud, I almost ran back crying to my Mummy. But she didn’t raise a quitter so I “womaned” up, identified my luggage, smiled at the air hostess and walked in to find my seat.
Let’s take a minute to talk about the beauties that are air hostesses. Every time one passed by me I smiled and looked at God.

I found my seat, 5E, after walking down the hall twice (don’t judge me). Settled down, fastened my seat belt (thanks again to gist and movies). Took the mandatory first time selfie and waited impatiently through the announcements for the plane to take off.

“This is Azman Air Boeing 737, blah blah, visibility blah blah, kilometers blah blah... We are scheduled to land at exactly 9:02 in Lagos blah blah”
As the plane taxied, I made sure I lived in the moment that included drinking everything I was offered (tea, water) whether I felt like or not…
The plane finally took off and it was like falling into the sky (always imagined what that felt like after listening to the Vanessa Carlton song). The clouds were so beautiful and I wanted to fetch some and put in a cup (childhood dream) but the windows were closed, sigh.
My seat was in the middle so I couldn’t look out much, but I did my best to take it all in. The plane was so cold and I regretted not putting on socks, made a mental note to do that on the flight back.
I was determined to make good use of my one hour hanging in the sky, so I tried to work on a writing exercise we were given in a workshop I attended some days ago. Altitude or whatever they call it is great for inspiration.
By the time I finished writing my story, my ears were blocked and I just wished the flight would end. I was tired of the experience already. It felt like the plane wasn’t fast enough. Just then the pilot announced that we were in Lagos and about to land. I looked out and I saw Lagos in all its crowded glory.
When we landed I didn’t know what to do or where to go. I just went with the flow. Baggage claim took about 15 minutes and Muyiwa (asked him to come get me from the airport, didn’t want to get lost in Lagos) was having none of it.
Got my bags finally and I went to relieve myself. Didn’t go on the plane because I didn’t want to miss out on any part of the flight. Walked out to meet an impatient but smiling Muyiwa, dressed like the Yoruba demon (that he is). I wondered if that is all these Lagos guys do.
We left the airport and went to get my first taste of Lagos pounded yam. Another bucket list item crossed off (after the plane trip of course). Mama I made it!

I really enjoyed my short stay in Lagos. Thanks to Wura and Caleb for housing, feeding and basically spoiling me.
Stephanie, Tunji, Victoria and Suzie came out on a rainy Sunday to see me and made me feel loved. I considered moving to Lagos for a second.
I promise, I will be back.
