March 20, 2020 Punta Arenas. Airport. Oh, if we hadn’t given the red wine away, we drank it ourselves. Maybe with some alcohol in my head I could understand the craziness that’s going on here.
It is like this: there is the waiting list. This is created again after every airplane that took off to Santiago. So, if we didn’t get on the plane, it means to be put on the waiting list again. That is the first procedure that seems illogical to me. However, these are probably the rules here, so we play according to these rules.
In addition, there is the queue mentioned. Or also called ‘holding line’. Another questionable procedure. According to our observations, a person can simply stand in any but correct place in this row at the right time and thereby get on the plane. Even this method, illuminated with our inquiring gaze, simply makes no sense.
But never mind. Soon is the twentieth hour for us at the airport. What makes sense and nonsense here is of secondary importance. More importantly, the last plane of the day is now on its way.
The regular seats are been taken by the passengers. We now know the game. I forgot to count, but we’ve gone through the procedure six to seven times. Now at random a few people of the queue can enter the plane. We are not one of them. Now it takes a while. And finally, names of the waiting list are called up. Already familiar, but always a bath of emotions: are our names called? Neither. Again it is the other faces that show relief. People who fall around our necks. They are grateful for our advice. As little as we understand why they were called. They came to the counter after us.
The three of us are still on our good mood. Applaud the people who are allowed to get on the plane. As if they have accomplished an achievement. For example, the climb of Mont Everest. Overwhelmed with congratulations, people almost don’t dare to take their place. And the three of us stay behind with the best wishes of our fellow human beings. And the feeling of having done the right thing.
It felt right to tell others what the arbitrary approach is here. But that you can increase your luck by having yourself written on the list again and again. It also felt right to be happy for those who are allowed to fly to Santiago. We also accepted the roller coaster ride of feelings. After every disappointment there was hope again. Hope that lasts until the last plane of the day. Even to the last passenger called. But that’s it. There is silence. We watch the last of our fellow campaigners disappear from our field of vision. How the lucky go to the plane. Somehow something doesn’t feel right. The three of us turn to each other as if a new tactical discussion is about to begin. The airport staff turns to the microphone:
“El último pasajero para el vuelo a Santiago!” They must have mentioned the name three times. I can’t believe my ears. It is my name. I am currently being called. The faces of my colleagues tell me that it is true. And again “El último pasajero! Por favor, ve al avión inmediatamente.” Incredible. But. This. Can. Not. Be. Possible. We are three!!! So. I can’t possibly be the last passenger for today. The flight crew makes it clear that I am the last person approved. Point. But. Nothing but. Ufff. My head is spinning. However, I am aware that I can get along in Chile. No matter what happens. I give my place to our group. But they remind me of our agreement: whoever gets a place, takes it. Right. We made that out. In peace. A conscious decision that everyone made for themselves and for us together. All right then. And the two of them, I’m sure, will have the next tactic ready to get a seat in one of the few planes.
I say goodbye. And I am also accompanied by applause. I go quickly. I run. Would like to share the joyful surprise with the other flight passengers as soon as possible. And so it is. I see the end of the line that goes on the plane. As if you met friends, the joy of seeing others again is so great. Cheers that I also got a place. However, this is subdued when it is realized that the other two are not allowed to participate.
What a day. All facets of the feelings were visible. I should be relieved. However, I am not. So much happened. So much was wrong. Which is far from any logic. An absurd world that shows itself to me. The way I’ve never seen it before. How then? Something new was added. Something that turns the whole world upside down. Something that stirs up human fears. And I’m amazed at how much fear was hidden beneath the surface.
I am just as amazed when I get on the plane. Incredible. So it’s a comedy after all. One in which I probably play the leading role. Where’s the camera? I just read the script. So I know for sure that I am the last, the very last (!) Person to board the plane. And what do I see? Empty places in rows. Nah. Come on. What a joke. Not like that! Now it’s enough to drive you up the wall. I played with the injustice that had been going on at the airport for over ten hours. Now we continue playing on the plane. But with new cards. And I give it. Clearly. We don’t fly until every seat is taken. So now this are the rules of the game. My rules of the game.
I stop in the aisle of the plane while the last passengers take their places. The passengers with the regular plane tickets don’t seem to understand my game. In contrast to the travelers who spontaneously managed to get a seat. They feel my bewilderment. The flight crew is confused because they want to prepare the plane for takeoff.
Two stewardesses face me. They notice that I make no move to sit down. My dismay at the vacant seats doesn’t need any more words. They have now understood my rule: I do not start on an airplane that can still take passengers. One of the stewardesses quickly goes to the phone. And in a flash a slogan comes to my mind: “There is always a crazy person in a group. If you look around and you don’t see a maniac, then you know: you are the maniac”. I look around. All eyes are on me. It is quiet. And I realize: I’m the crazy person. Great. Then the plane takes off without the maniac. It’s about the principle. It cannot be allowed that people are left behind. My heart cries out for justice. And it’s worth it to me: I put my card on everything or nothing.
And it is this moment when the heart rules. That moment when the world stands still for seconds. The moment when the head can’t keep up. So the head does not immediately understand what it sees: my two colleagues come on board! The tension dissolves into a celebration of joy. The whole plane cheers with us. And we all cheer together. And more cheers. For each additional seat that is taken up spontaneously from a new passenger. Until the entire aircraft is finally full. We start.
After this hustle and bustle, a little relief is finally spreading. It takes a load off my mind. It’s a nice feeling: the three of us fly to Santiago together. And even better: the whole plane is full.
It is time to take a break. A little rest before we work out our next plan. So that we can hopefully go to Europe from Santiago.
To be continued.
