Another day, another flight—this time from Mumbai to Chennai during the monsoon season. The entire flight was plagued with turbulence. The plane shook up and down, and my stomach felt even more unsettled. It was my first experience with such severe turbulence, though by then I was accustomed to air travel. Thankfully, I landed safely.

The first flight experience for my family, including my wife and kids, was memorable. My younger son, around seven years old, kept asking, “What will happen if the plane falls down?” His questions caused anxiety for my wife and elder son.

The first international flight was a significant event, full of expectations and excitement. Booking tickets was a novelty—those international tickets from that era were quite confusing. We had booked with Indian Airlines to Singapore and then with Eva Air. When I called Indian Airlines for confirmation, I was told our names were not on the confirmed list. Panicked, I went to the travel agent, who was incredibly helpful. Understanding it was our first international trip, he rebooked and confirmed the tickets for us. I never found out how he handled the initial booking.

The four-hour flight to Singapore was sleepless. The hostesses distributed jasmine flowers to passengers, which was a charming touch. We were fortunate to witness a dazzling sunrise just before landing—a bright yellow ball in the sky, a truly unforgettable sight.

Landing in Singapore was an eye-opener. The airport was immaculate, orderly, and full of shops. The shops had a repetitive selection: perfumes, chocolates, and occasional electronics. The trip itself was detailed earlier.

Over time, we became accustomed to the compact and cleverly designed toilets on international flights. The petite wash basins, tissue dispensers, alarms, and flushes were all within easy reach. Despite being a bit baffled by tissues at first, we eventually got used to them. The noise of the flush was startling at first, but we adjusted.

During our third visit, challenges arose as my eyesight deteriorated. My elder son was with us, offering confidence and assistance. The compact toilets proved helpful; my son would guide my hands to necessary items and explain directions. My tactile skills were honed, and my wife quickly learned how to guide me effectively. Travel became easier after that.

Food on flights posed its own set of challenges. The small plates were tightly packed, and handling cutlery required caution to avoid spills. Verifying whether the main course was vegetarian involved meticulous checks. Removing foil, plastic covers, and tiny packets of condiments was tricky. I had a hard time discerning between milk and creamer. After a single taste, I vowed never to try airplane coffee or tea again due to their tastelessness.

By 2018, during our return flight to India with our younger son, turbulence was at its worst. The plane felt like it had dropped thousands of feet, though my son reassured me that the drop was minimal. Perception of turbulence was more impactful than the actual altitude change.

Air travel, once thrilling, had become mundane. Faster travel methods are longed for, as movies and tasteless food fail to excite. The only highlight is the anticipation of reuniting with family. Sleep during the journey, if possible, is the goal.

Continued in 142. Fear Not Watered Down - Part 1