I was wide awake at 4am ,for a second I didn’t know what continent I was in . It was only the distant hum of jet engines hovering over LAX that quickly brought me back to reality. I was on one of those just 10 hours ago .It’s a different type of quiet , a white noise type of quiet . There’s always movement , be it the constant crash of waves , the distant drone coming from the 405 or the landing and takeoffs at LAX. I tried to get back to sleep, as god I needed it , but jet lag has the body clock stuck between 2 time zones . In 24 hours you can be in your own bed , before that you’re in a car driving away from ……. your old bed , on the opposite side of the world . 
There were familiarities all the way , which is a reminder of how fortunate a life I’ve had . To arrive in Los Angeles and not feel a slight bit nervous . The previous intimidation that LAX held has been lifted . That only comes when you’ve been there before . You look around at the many new arrivals shuffled into lines , looking around anxiously , pushed to machines to show their passports not knowing exactly what to do . Security barks instructions , we don’t listen and keep marching forward .”Mate we know the procedure “. It’s just a matter of time and we’ll be through . To exit Tom Bradley terminal and be confronted by hoards of travellers of many nationalities and races , the lack of light with the subway like thoroughfare, the warm air and that strong smell of car exhaust masking the subtle smell of garbage and cigarette smoke , the barging crush of traffic , and to then smile to yourself and think , “we’re back’.
To take off and then land without the slightest of worry . To fly 14 hours and not go into a depressive /pain / I can’t take this anymore state . To actually sleep a couple of hours or more . To not be scared to line up for a pee or even ….. nah I can’t do that quite yet . To get that 2nd bottle of wine down with a sleeping pill ….. the method from now on . To watch movies that maybe I wouldn’t have in the past ….. A Star is Born , Beautiful Boy ( best movie seen in a long time ), Bohemian Rhapsody, Ben is back and Boy erased . All better than I wanted to admit . To drive to the airport in Australia on one side of the road and then the next day drive out of the airport on the other side of the road ,in Los Angeles at night time with relative confidence .To wake up ( yes at 4am ) and to go straight to class , the kids to school and Emma to work . 
To get back and say I’ve just got back from Australia .And then to reply from the amazed response of the locals ,”Yeah , you know it’s always good to get back home .” Like it’s no big deal , but it really is . Mexico , The Bahamas , Australia …all within 6 months . 
Spoilt.?…yes Easy ?…..no. Homesick? ….. always ……Privileged ? …….. Shit I didn’t wanna say it .. but yes , yes we are . To travel so far and so often , it’s become a habit . Yeah we’re seasoned , and thank god for that . Can’t wait for our next holiday and can’t wait to get back to Aus again . C u soon 
aussiehowieinla 