Table For One. Introvert Eating Alone At The Airport.
So it was the evening and I was hungry. I was at the airport. I spanned the shops to see what I could find to eat. Although not a fan of public dining tables (IMO they are akin to prison lunch halls), the most logical option was to eat in as opposed to takeaway, simply because (a) the flight was due to board soon and (b) there was barely anywhere to sit in this section of the airport. Anyhow, I ordered my meal and found a table where I could sit alone with my baggage.
At the eatery, as I waited for my food to be heated, I analysed my surroundings. A family was having their meal, parents trying to tame their children, some odd customers browsing the menu before deciding whether to order or to leave, then there was one lone ranger walking back and forth, perhaps wondering if it would be weird to sit alone and eat. Perhaps my aloneness gave him the green light to order and sit in at a table for one. There’s no shame in being alone buddy! Let them judge! Enjoy life!
Eventually, my food arrived. I began to eat after ‘Bismillah’. I managed to eat in somewhat privacy, beneath my hooded coat, in a darker area of the shop. I could sense the cashiers get their glances, but what does it matter, they get their pay and this is their entertainment for the day, until the next lot of hungry travellers decides to stop by for a quick bite. The meal wasn’t all that warm, nor did it tase the freshest, but it was what I would get for now and so I gratefully ate it. Beggars can’t be choosers, after all. I thought about home. I missed my usual residence. I missed the kitchen, but not the dishes. Lost in thought, I tried to enjoy my meal, but also eat it quickly. I had to meet up with my travel companions and the flight was close to boarding. Others sat with someone to talk to. I was talking to myself. Others had children to man and keep an eye on. My baggage and burden was my carry-on/hand luggage. Others had more than one order to collect. I simply had one item.
I thought about the blessing of company.
I thought about the blessing of food.
I thought about the blessings of wealth, health, clothing, transportation and everything else.
I thought about the blessing of faith.
I’m grateful to The One. Alhamdulillah.
We often take for granted the things which seem like luxuries when our means are restricted.
Travel opens doors but it also opens your eyes.
I’m truly humbled to Allah, The One.
This travel was a long due journey, one that opened my eyes and got me out the comfort zone. Lockdown was beneficial yet damaging. I’m so grateful the world has opened up for travel in a post-Covid19 atmosphere.
Satisfied, I left the eatery and made my way over to my travel companions who were dining at a different shop. After they had finished their meals, we got up.
After the boarding announcement, we made our way to the gate.
The journey goes on.
Keep reflecting.
Live life like a traveller,
Only For The One.
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