The Native Iowan

717am on a Wednesday morn. I woke early (330am) and was on the road by 430.

The morning’s air was dense, fog filled, mist filled, murky. The headlights reflected off the fog and obscured vision. Headlights in the distance appeared a long ways off, small pin picks through the mud, then they were on you. I know that if I’m struggling to drive everyone else is struggling too. Morning rush hour traffic these days starts way early. I took it easy. Never good to die in a car crash rushing to catch a plane…

I am on the move for the first time since early 2020. Over 4 years without crossing. boarders, jumping jets, moving and grooving.

Amazing what the “Covid-era” did to us…

I am on the move, heading back to Honiara, sitting outside gate #73 in the Brisbane International Terminal. I am quite early so I contentedly get to sit and write for an hour or more… lucky you…

This is my first trip as a card-carrying Aussie. My virgin Passport is still void of stamps or blemishes. The Customs clearance process, as an Aussie , is flawless.

I fly back to The Solos for a big family party. Gotta love a party… Son, Don, has decided to finally wed his wife of many years, Joan. Their three daughters, Dawn, Vera, and Andromeda all get to be part of the function. Their grown son, Mendoza, gets to help make it all happen. I think him and his buddies are doing the DJing… It is going to be huge…

Where I sit is almost empty. Gate #73 is at the distant easterly end of the sprawling BNE INT complex. It’s a long way from the amenities of the main shopping and buying area of the terminal. Once you walk down this far, once I walked down this far, walking back not a viable option.

Ive been here before, many times. Assumed the gates most distant from the main area meant cheaper fees. Why Solair was always down at this end. I always assumed… noting the fancy pants airlines like Cathay and Singapore Air always got the gates right in the main terminal area.

I have positioned myself so I can watch people walking down this way. I like seeing if I know anyone, if anyone recognises me. We know the Pacific as a region is a small place, and it is very common to start bumping into folks from years past as you wander the cloistered interior of BNE INT.

The Solomon Airline desk is staffed by two-Honiara gals, turned Aussie. Both are long family friends, noting I knew their parents (all gone) well. The Solo-Buzz is full of the pending party. Its been a long time coming and many, many folks (like me) are traveling to attend. So it’s nice when Ms Dennis, and Ms Leong smile and chat and push me through easily, giving me a good seat, chatting and smiling as I make my way through the line. Good way to start the trip.

The plane starts boarding in about an hour. In half hour we’ll start seeing out-of-breath people come trotting down the tiles. Earlier I watched a large family (a couple moms, a coupled dads, a grandma and granddad, and about 5 kids) all move along in a traveling-circus fashion. I said to one of the dads that it all looked fun. Everyone was sooo happy. I wished them well and hoped they’d be as happy when they returned.

So I sit… A handful of people sleepily lounge in uncomfortable chairs. No one talking. No music playing. The haze outside the expanse of glass is still murky. Sun yet to burn away the moisture in the air.

I no longer know any (many) of the expats starting to show up, preparing to board. There is a large number of Solomon Islanders doing seasonal work here in Aus, thus we have a fair few guys and gals and flying home, laden with cargo.

The air-hostess staff are showing up. A good sign. I have not looked to see if the plane is here yet. I think it is. Damn! Solar on time!

Damn!

Due to commitments and projects and the fact that I am behind in my mowing, I am only away for two nights. My buddy Gerhardus is hanging out at the ranch, feeding my dogs, enjoying the quiet. My little valley is a good place to be quiet.

I am very disinclined to go to the Solos and NOT spend time in the West. And by spending time I mean a month or two. So, this trip is short. By necessity.

Solar making a number announcements. We must be getting close.

I shall collate my excrement, reassess my shit, take a leak, get ready to move…

More from HIR…

Smiles