QR 915 is transporting its human payload to Qatar. Curiously for all of this country’s internal idiosyncrasies Doha is a hub from which the world can be explored. Rome, Paris, Istanbul, Tbilisi, Tehran, Baghdad are all reachable from this tiny launch pad of a country.
The woman in seat 29 E was overflowing with joy. Her face was radiant with the fullness of life. She couldn’t wait to share her excitement with someone, anyone, willing to listen. She was returning home after 11 years away from her family. She loves Australia, and has made a new life here, but it is not where her cultural roots are. It is not really where she belongs, if circumstances were different.
She asks the person in seat 29 D where they are travelling? That person happened to be me. She is interested in Rome. She’s heard so much about the Eternal City, but never visited. She knows of its story. In animated conversation she relates some of the history of her own country. She is proud of her country. Proud of its people. She abhors her country’s government. Her heart breaks to be away from her homeland. She is pleased that I have the chance to explore the wonders of Rome and Italy.
We share the same flight but our lives have contrasting trajectories. Her story is a familiar one. The oppression of women, the persecution of minority groups and the detention, and sometimes execution, of dissidents. In my world these are outrageous acts of inhumanity. In her country of birth they are daily realities.
My trip has been months in the planning for six weeks of touring and experiencing the cultural life of Italy and Greece. Time to savour the best experiences those countries have to offer. Ultimately returning to my home to share the joys of international travel with loved ones. My fellow passenger relates the journey that has been on her mind for years. She will be greeted by family members on her return. She will experience the joy of being with her loved ones for a brief time. After two months she will attempt to return to her husband and children in Adelaide.There is no guarantee of safe passage. Iran often treats its emigres with disdain.
We remained nameless to each other throughout the flight, but shared a common interest in each other’s journey. Shared humanities, contrasting orbits.