‘I’ll be fine.’
Robby was going to Singapore first, and because of his work schedule, they’d decided that it was pointless for Nina to travel with him. Rather than trek around Singapore on her own in the heat, they’d decided she would meet him in Thailand. She would do a few things around Bangkok on her own first, and they would have a holiday sightseeing, soaking up the culture and enjoying the food. In fact, Nina was quite looking forward to a bit of time on her own.
Nina rubbed her hands together and made a funny face. ‘I actually can’t wait to spend some time on the plane, watching a few movies, and doing not much at all. I have it all planned.’
‘I bet you have. You're right. Yes, it won’t be too bad.’
‘I can’t wait for the food. I love Thai food. I’ve been looking at loads of posts on TripAdvisor.’ She wiggled her phone. ‘I have a list of local restaurants to go to in Bangkok that are specially recommended and the names of some good massage places. Hello, relaxation.’
‘Yep.’
‘I can’t wait to explore the temples and markets. There’s this floating market I read about that’s supposed to be incredible. Can you imagine shopping on a boat?’
‘Shopping, as you know, is not my thing. However, shopping on a boat, now that’s something I’d like to see. The bartering is an art form over there, apparently.’
‘Oh, I’ve been practising my negotiating skills just for this. Don’t you worry,’ Nina replied, chuckling. ‘What about you? Is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to?’
Robby thought for a moment. ‘Honestly, just taking a break from work and spending time with you exploring somewhere new. No worries or work, just chilling the heck out.’
‘Yes, nailed it. We’re so on the same page. That pool and gardens at the hotel look fabulous for doing that.’
‘You’re telling me. Doing nothing but chill. No dramas. Plus, I’m ready to eat my weight in Pad Thai and mango sticky rice.’ Robby laughed.
‘Me too. Bangkok, here we come!’
‘Bangkok, here we come, indeed! It’s going to be an unforgettable trip,’ Robby said, wrapping his arm around Nina’s shoulders and giving her a squeeze.
‘Unforgettable, for sure.’
Little did Nina know quitehowunforgettable it was going to be.
20
It was the day of Nina’s flight to Bangkok. She had said no to suggestions of driving and leaving the car at the airport and to Nancy giving her a lift. Instead, she’d decided to take the train to Heathrow. Now, as she stood on a chilly, windy platform on her own, waiting for the express train to the airport, she was questioning her choice as she thought about a nice warm car and being dropped off at the airport departure area. Remembering how she’d listened to an audiobook on the train and hadn’t been concerned about the traffic, she decided that she could suck up a bit of a wait and some wind as she pulled her neatly folded scarf out of her bag and wrapped it around her neck.
About an hour later, she’d queued up at the desk along with what felt like half of England, also on their way to some tropical sunshine and had checked in. After trailing through security and wondering quite how and why it always took so long wherever you were off to, she was sitting in an airport bar, gazing out the window at the huge jets taking off, heading all over the planet. She watched several Emirates jets go past, peered at a British Airways plane as it swooped up into the sky, and marvelled at the cockpit of an A350, wondering quite how the big beast ever got itself up in the air.
As she sat and peered, she felt a bit like one of the trainspotters who stood at the station in Lovely Bay, waiting for the moveable platform that fascinated them. Observing the planes taking off and landing on the runway and the waiting area underneath her, the time flew by. Before she knew it, she was queuing in line, ready to board for her mammoth twelve-hour trip to Bangkok. Once seated and settled, she looked at her phone notes, reading more about Thai food, the climate, and the so-called Thai smile, famous worldwide.
Nina leaned on the armrest with her left elbow and with her chin on her hand, she stared out the plane window, trying to ignore the hustle and bustle of the passengers in the fully loaded section around her. She was so pleased she had chosen a window seat; even though it was a twelve-hour ride, she would be quite happy sitting tucked up in the corner, staring out at the clouds and not stuck on the aisle as people trekked past on their way to the loo. She settled back and got herself ready for the holiday of her life. What was to come?
As the plane made its final approach, Nina could see Bangkok and as the runway came into clear view, she felt like a tiny little speck as she gaped out the window. The ground rushed up to meet them, and with a huge jolt and bump, the wheels touched down on the tarmac and she had arrived. The view was even better than she’d thought it was going to be. She hadn’t been sure what to expect, but she could tell it was warm, and the tropical feel seemed to almost come through the window. She watched the airport buildings come into view and the plane taxi past long lines of parked planes with the purple Thai Airways badge on their tails. The strong sunshine andwarmth felt palpable, even from the plane. She could almost feel the tropical humidity in contrast to the air-conditioned interior of the cabin and she could see heat waves on top of the tarmac. Whoop whoop. Here we go.
As the plane taxied, Nina sat back in her seat, her eyes still glued to the window, and watched intently as the airport buildings loomed closer, their details becoming clearer as the area around the plane bustled with activity on the ground. Service vehicles darted between planes, luggage carts trundled along, and ground crew members signalled to pilots. The plane slowed to a crawl, turning towards the terminal and as the plane finally came to a stop at the gate, Nina felt a flutter of excitement. Now she’d arrived, she couldn’t wait to get to the hotel and get herself sorted. Her phone pinged a couple of times, indicating that her phone company had noted her location and that she had arrived in Thailand.
Just after that, a message from Robby appeared.
Robby:I’ve just seen that you’ve landed on the Flight Aware website. How was it? Xx
Nina:Good!
Robby:Did u manage to get any sleep?
Nina:Some.
Robby:Excellent. So glad yr safe x
Nina:I am. Xxxx I watched a couple of movies & had a few drinks.
