In transit

It's funny how time seems to stand still on a plane. In the lead up to departure it's a mad rush-

-last minute additions to your suitcase, keys, ticket, passport, out the door to the car, back inside for that essential item you've forgotten and then a frenzied dash to the airport because you've left half an hour late and there's roadworks.

Then there's the airport waiting time which, no matter whether you're starting your trip or at a stopover, seems to go backwards.

But when you're on that plane, 11-12-13 hours could pass and it seems like it's just one small part of your day. Like you are simply squeezing it in between making the bed and cooking dinner.

In numbers it seems like such a long time to spend flying, but in reality, it just feels... suspended.

Perhaps it is the knowledge that your time is well spent, that when you step off that plane you will be on the other side of the world from where you began.

Whatever the reason, it certainly makes for an interesting observation and potential conversation topic mid flight.

I've just looked at the on screen map and notice that we are currently flying over Poland!

I tear my eyes from the screen, rip up the window blind and press my face so close against it that if the glass were not so thick, I'd be freezing my nose at -16 C.

I cannot quite believe that I am here, looking down above European countries with more history than I could ever read about in my lifetime.

We are almost at the border separating Poland from Germany.

I am very aware that not so long ago these lands that I am looking down to from the safety of my plane were rife with war, and survival weighed high on the list of priorities.

Events like the 2^nd World War have been chiselled away in the minds of every Australian from Primary School. I've heard so much about it, read personal accounts, seen horrible footage, but we've always been kind of removed from the whole thing.

I'm feeling suddenly a lot more connected from here.

The cloud has thinned, and the paddocks and fields have somehow in the last ten minutes transformed into buildings and roads!

Apparently we are 90mins from London. That's Sydney to the Sunshine Coast!

Thrills of excitement have definitely begun invading my body now. I'm trying very desperately to remain inconspicuous to my neighbours, but I suspect that my quick breathing and frequent exhalations between cheshire cat grins is giving me away.