CHINA TORI

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that you missed your flight. So, what do you want to do now?” God knows I didn’t know what to do. I could hear the concern in her voice. She also sounded like she had a suggestion, but didn’t want to force it. It had to be what I wanted. So I owned up. “I’m not sure. What do you think I should do?”

The organisers of this trip have been very helpful from the beginning. They have made themselves available to provide answers where we had questions. I’m grateful to be doing my first group trip with them. Wait, did I just recommend them? Well, they deserve it. The team leader advised on things to do if I wanted to continue with the trip, and it went well.

Eleven hours later, I was on the first flight to Marrakech from London Luton Airport. For a flight at 7 AM, I left my lodging at 4:25 AM. I wasn’t going to take any chances again. The Uber that picked me up that morning was reserved the night before. The trip from Harlow lasted for an hour and I was there in good time to check-in, pass through security and board.

The flight was as smooth as can be. We left at the scheduled time and before long we were up in the clouds. Oh, there was something very soothing about being surrounded by a sea of clouds. As far as my eyes could see, white fluffy buds floated across space. For hours, it seemed like the plane was stationary. I watched and was taken in by the sight, because I had nothing else to do. That and the fact that I got the coveted widow seat. No, I didn’t select it. It was random.

Need I say that it is my second time flying in a plane. The first time was when I first moved to the UK. I wasn’t scared of anything. I have never been. But I think there’s something about my face that keeps strangers from socialising with me. Everyone around me was getting to know themselves, but no one would look at me. I can’t tell you how many times, I worked on my face and smiled. Well, it didn’t change anything.

After a while, I began to see cracks in the clouds and we were introduced to the mountainous terrain of the desert. It was time to touch down the famous Marrakech. Let’s get ready. This has to be worth it. And the hype? Hmm.