Summary

Anne Bonfert reflects on her long-awaited return to Namibia, detailing her recent flight experience with Qatar Airways, including the joy of an empty middle seat and the beauty of viewing the world from above.

Abstract

Anne Bonfert shares her excitement about returning to Namibia after 20 months away, the longest period she's been absent since 2015. She describes the comfort of flying with Qatar Airways, the strategic seating arrangement she and her husband use to potentially secure an empty middle seat, and the breathtaking views of the sunrise over Doha from her preferred window seat. Despite the early hour, she eagerly anticipates the journey ahead and praises the quality of airplane food offered by Qatar Airways, contrasting with common negative opinions about in-flight meals.

Opinions

Anne values comfort and scenery when flying, which is why she opts for Qatar Airways and a window seat.
She and her husband employ a tactic to increase their chances of having an empty middle seat between them.
Anne appreciates the beauty of the world from above and considers it an integral part of the flying experience.
She holds a positive view of airplane food provided by Qatar Airways, finding it delicious and well-prepared.
Anne encourages readers to follow her travel essays and considers the Medium membership beneficial for accessing her stories and others.

Greetings From 40,000ft Above the Ground

Yes, I’m flying across continents

The sun rising above the coastline of Qatar. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

It’s been 20 months since we left Namibia the last time. The longest period I’ve stayed away from this country since placing my feet on it the first time in 2015.

And it wasn’t for him, David. It was me pushing for this trip. I wanted to go back. I longed for the endless beauty and vast landscapes Namibia has to offer.

And here we are now. High up in the sky cruising above the clouds.

We chose the long journey. We didn’t opt for the direct flight for various reasons but the most important one was that we choose to fly comfortably. And Qatar Airways always ensures that.

We landed in Qatar in the dark. This time we had a very short layover that only allowed us to walk from the gate we just landed at to the departing one.

Even better. And this time we’ll be back in the air just as the sun is rising above the city. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Doha in daylight. Our layovers were always between 12 pm and 4 am.

Doha. The capital of Qatar. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

But today we got lucky. Just a few hours later, we had our wheels above Doha as the sun was starting to paint the horizon.

I had the window seat. Of course. As always. David has the aisle seat. I know, just recently I read a post about where to sit on a plane and according to the author I opted for the worst seat. But we have different tactics.

We booked the window and the aisle seat leaving the middle seat between my husband and me free. It’s some kind of poker game but it’s a fun one. During boarding we watch the people walk by and say “please not this one”. We watch their eyes to anticipate if they focus on our row.

And then we got lucky in the end. On both flights, the seat between the two of us remained empty. It usually happens when the flight is empty because nobody wants to book themselves in between two other people. But on full flights, it’s a big gamble.

Our long flight from Doha to Johannesburg was full. Like really full and as we were waiting at the gate we already wondered who would sit between us.

But when the pilot announced “boarding completed” we celebrated. Nobody sat in between us and we both had so much space. To sit and sleep.

Back to that window seat of mine.

I need to look out of the plane when I’m flying. Otherwise, what is the point of flying? Of course, it’s getting from A to B but I also want to see how I get there. And what the world looks like from above.

Doha in the twilight hours. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

So here we go. The plane is turning as the sun peeks over the horizon. The sun shines bright and she shines in full yellow. We’re about to embark on another journey in life.

When we fly somewhere we usually don’t fly for a two week vacation. We fly somewhere to stay in a place for a couple of months at least.

The bright sun shining through the airplane window. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Oh, and while I’m talking about all this nonsense coming from my brain at 6 in the morning I got interrupted by the stewardess. It’s breakfast time. And no, this not a meal I want to miss.

I know many always talk down on airplane food but I just assume they’ve never flown Qatar Airways. The food on board is delicious. It’s well-prepared and tasty.

So, excuse me please. I’m going to enjoy my meal now.

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