My First International Flight: A Symphony of Discomfort and Discovery

There's something magical about the first time you board a plane bound for another country. The anticipation, the nervous energy, the realization that your world is about to expand beyond anything you've known before. My first international flight at 8 years old was a symphony of new experiences that would set the stage for a lifetime of glorious wanderlust.

Taking Wing on Korean Air

"Beef or fish?"

The flight attendant's question hung in the air as I sat wide-eyed in my Korean Air seat, the reality of my journey finally sinking in. This simple choice suddenly felt momentous. I opted for beef, more out of instinct than deliberation, and watched as she placed the neatly compartmentalized tray before me.

The cabin was a sensory revelation. New aromas wafted through the air - unfamiliar spices from the meals, different perfumes worn by international travelers, even the distinct scent of the cabin itself. Everything felt foreign and exciting, from the multilingual safety announcements to the hot towels offered before meals. I was no longer just traveling; I was embarking on a global education.

The Hong Kong Layover: An Unexpected Adventure

My itinerary included what I thought would be a comfortable layover in Hong Kong. Reality had other plans. The airport was undergoing extensive renovations, and to my horror, the entire seating area in my terminal had been removed. Not a single chair remained in sight!

Exhausted from the first leg of my journey and facing many hours before my connecting flight, my parents put down a few jackets so I could lay down on the floor. Using my backpack as a makeshift pillow, I curled up on the cold terminal floor and fell quickly to sleep. This taught me my first lesson as a young traveler: not only is flexibility everything, but I’m 100% capable of being flexible.

Unexpected Treasures: The Qantas Max Pack

The second leg of my journey brought a delightful surprise. As I settled into my Qantas flight, a flight attendant handed me what they called a "Max Pack" - a treasure trove of items that felt like Christmas morning at 35,000 feet. Inside the kangaroo mascot-emblazoned backpack, I discovered a diary (perfect for documenting my adventure), a wallet, a pencil, playing cards, and even a postcard.

I had so many hours to burn, so these basic items had to get me through! I played card games of War with my brother and sister, doodled castles on page after page of the diary, and hid my coins away in the zipper pocket of the wallet. I’m sure I got bored, but I couldn’t question that a few simple toys and little creativity goes a long way.

Touchdown in Papua New Guinea

The final segment of my journey led from Australia to PNG.  When we finally began our descent, my face was pressed against the window, drinking in every detail of the lush, verdant landscape below. The butterflies in my stomach weren't from turbulence but from pure excitement. As the wheels touched down, I felt a profound sense of arrival - not just to a new country, but to a new chapter in my life.

Stepping off the plane, the warm, humid air enveloped me like a welcome embrace. Every sense was heightened: the vibrant colors of tropical flowers, the symphony of unfamiliar bird calls, the distant sounds of a language I was still only beginning to understand. I stood on the tarmac, clutching my mom’s hand but filled with an overwhelming readiness for discovery.

That first international itinerary taught me more than how to navigate airports or combat jet lag. It showed me that the journey itself - with all its unexpected challenges and delights - is as valuable as the destination. From sleeping on airport floors to treasuring simple gifts like the Max Pack, I learned that travel isn't just about what you see; it's about how you grow through each new experience.

And so began my love affair with exploring our world, one flight at a time.