My flight from the Maldives to Zürich felt longer than I expected.
On my last long haul from the Maldives back to Miami through Doha, even flying Qatar’s Q Suite and taking a two-day layover, the final hours were still tough. So this time, I decided to break it up, and transit through Zürich with an over-night layover, so I could stay in a hotel, and get some walking in, outside the airport, and plane. However, this ten hour flight still felt long, and I was wondering about halfway, was it worth it?
The man seated next to me, across the aisle, seemed to agree. We shared that sentiment in the galley at one point. I got up to use the lavatory, and he was waiting too, and stretching. I quietly stood behind him, hoping he might see me so he doesn't kick me. He eventually noticed and smiled. I commented, "keep stretching, it's okay." He smiled again, and said, "This is a long flight, longer than I thought it would be." I responded, "I agree! I chose to break up a long haul through Doha or Dubai on the way back to the States, for this very reason."
He told me he lived in Dubai, but was going to visit his son who lived in Zürich. I queried about his living in Dubai, as it's often a place I keep revisiting as a potential base or part time home. The reason for this interest is travel accessibility in that part of the world. It’s only about a four-and-a-half-hour flight to the Maldives, and Dubai is a great hub.
Anyway, he travels often as well, and we just had a nice shared moment; one that travelers can understand and relate to.
In front of me sat a father and his young son, maybe nine years old. Their energy was so warm. The father kissed his son’s head, held his hand through the airport, and looked at him with such affection. It was beautiful to witness that kind of love.
From the beginning, this father smiled eagerly and warmly towards me. From the time he took his seat, to all the times he walked the cabin, or got up to use the lavatory, he would always smile. I wondered, did he find me attractive? Or, did he think I was someone famous? There was a moment mid-flight when I felt the father’s gaze. He smiled, said something to his son, and the boy turned to glance back at me.
Later, I noticed the boy lift his phone above the seats, and from the angle of his reach and finger placement, I could tell he was taking a photo. I instinctively lowered my head and hid my face. A familiar discomfort surfaced; the feeling of being seen without consent.
It reminded me of how I’ve often felt in public spaces: the long stares, the startled looks, the quiet curiosity in strangers’ eyes. Sometimes it feels like recognition. Sometimes it’s just energy. Maybe it’s both.
Lately, I've been wondering, "Do I look like someone famous?"
When I was younger, it used to bother me how people would talk about celebrities as if they weren’t human. I’d say, “Celebrities are humans too. Words have power.” It always felt unkind to debase someone’s humanity for the sake of fascination.
Celebrities are simply people who are celebrated more publicly. While some may love the spotlight, I can’t imagine what it’s like to walk through life unable to be your true self because your privacy has been taken from you. On this flight, I felt a little of that; being noticed, watched, and not entirely sure why, yet I kept coming back to compassion and kindness.
After we landed, we all waited at baggage claim. (I had to check my carry-on because it was over weight, which in the end was great because I didn't have to lug it up the stairs at MLE, or struggle to lift it above my head into the bin.) I noticed, all three of us had the same luggage brand. As I passed the father and son, I smiled and said, “Enjoy your evening,” in which they responded, "Thank you." Shortly after, they hurried off, maybe to catch a train. It was a brief, tender exchange that somehow lingered.
While I was on the plane, and two movies in, I asked my Spirit team in curiosity, "If I were to choose one of these men as a potential partner, which one would be in my highest and best?" The answer was the father and son seated in front of me. While both carried kind qualities it was the warmth and genuine love of the duo in front of me that stood out. (And both fathers were equally attractive.)
It was an interesting journey. One in revelation, kindness, and curiosity.
And maybe that’s what happened on that flight. A man beside me. A father and son ahead. Simple, fleeting connections, each carrying a different reflection of love, and connectedness. Because there are never any accidents or coincidences to who crosses our paths. I chose that flight, to travel to Zürich, and had an insightful journey that has continued to shape me and how I view myself and others. And isn't that the point of life, anyway?
Perhaps that’s the real energy of being seen; we can allow ourselves to be held in awareness, not judging it, and enjoying it as a way of connecting with another human.
'Til next time, thanks for reading, and may your journeys be comfortable and relaxing.
