Childhood

Airports aren't so bad!

We pull up at the big airport. Its giant arch looms over us, drawing shade onto the car. Dad gets out and helps me with my bags. I stare up at the sky. Its fiery colour mixes and swirls as clouds push by. Some snow has started to fall, but it is only faint.

"Anya!"

My dad snaps me out of my daydream. He hands me my suitcase and backpack. I throw one over the shoulder and take the other in my hand. Mama is holding her handbag along with her luggage. Dad closes the back of the car.

"Come on, lets go inside where its warm." 

We make our way through swarms of people, and finally to the revolving doors that lead inside. A blast of warm air hits my face as I smile a little.

Mama takes my hand so I don't get lost and leads me to where Dad is. Dad hands us a sticker-type-thing to put on our bags. I loop mine around and drop the baggage off on the carousel to go on the plane.

We still have a bit of time before we have to board, so Dad takes us around to some stores. We stopped off at a couple of souvenir stores, mostly buying things for ourselves, but we bought some stuff for our new neighbours and friends. 

Dad surprised me with a tee shirt that had the Russian flag on it. I gave him a tight hug and stared at it in awe. 

The edges had been intentionally faded, and there was a generous sprinkling of red, white, and blue sparkles. Dad got it so that whenever I wore it in Japan, I would remember Russia and our old home here.

Dad took us over to a Burger King. We bought our food and sat down. As we started to eat, Dad checked his watch and spoke. 

"Okay, we have fifteen minutes before the gates open and we can board the plane. Is there anything else you girls want to do before we leave?" Mama shook her head no. I thought for a minute.

"Yes! Dad, before we go, we have to take pictures!" Dad grinned at my idea and nodded his head. 

We finished up our meals, and sat down in the waiting area. Mama handed me her camera and I ran over to take pictures of outside. I took pictures of the stars, of the hills behind us, and of the planes taking off and landing. Before I knew it, Dad came over to me and put his hand on my head. He shook his head towards the people boarding. Thats our queue to leave.

I sigh and pack Mama's camera away. We hand the people our passports and we board the plane.

A loud roar of the engines fills my ears as we approach. A stewardess smiles at me, her hat slipping ever so slightly forward. I give her a small smile back. Dad takes my hand and leads us to our seats. Mama is sitting by the window, and Dad is sitting near the aisle, putting me in the middle. 

I grin up at Mama. At first I thought I would hate the new country, but now I am more excited than ever. Mama seems to sense that as I wiggle my legs and bounce up and down in my seat.

This flight is sure to be fun!