A large Airbus disappears, crew and passengers included, leaving too many lost in the tragedy. Meanwhile life goes on, for the rest of us, who are given yet another day, maybe less, to be part of this ongoing existential party, into which we awaken, not knowing where we came from, how we've gotten here, (at least I don't,) not sure how long we're meant to stay, when, or how, we'll be kicked out.
Over two hundred lives dispatched, like this, forgive me if I linger on the subject, but given my tendency to frequent airports, a historical track mired with years of deep involvement in the aviation industry, and two many hours spent dissecting these complex flying contraptions, I just can't help feel the crash as it might have taken place, in more ways than is necessary to imagine.
Like sharks, airplanes make me nervous. And as much as I enjoy the convenience of air travel, I, honestly, don't think we are meant to move that fast, or that high. Being airborne frightens me, always has, yet I insist on making reservations, and swiping my favorite Mastercard to collect travel points -go figure.
In old seafaring times, shipwrecks were a common occurrence, and surely a risk for anyone bent on traveling with the currents, but at least the risk was taken in the name of either discovery, exploration, commerce, or shear desperation. Our ancestors, well at least the restless, dreamy and motivated, ones, in order to better their lot, faced the odds and ventured into the unknown -good for them.
Now my question is, since this globe of ours has been thoroughly mapped, over-populated, over-commercialized, over-polluted, and if we exclude the odd visit to some distant relatives, the 'fun' family reunion, or the feel-good volunteering tourist venture, and the quick honeymoon, why do we bother? Is it wiring? Could travel be embedded in our double-helixes? Or is the need romantically imprinted in our psyche? All I know is that like Ibn Battuta, a glorified bumming uncle of mine, I just can't stop.
Relating to the departed, more than to the newly arrived, I wish you, whether you're coming, going, or staying, a wonderful journey. Be well, and may we find what we're looking for.
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