Air-spirations and returns

Saturday 7 February 2015. At OR Tambo international airport, eagerly awaiting the return of one of the (temporarily) lost members of our 'tribe'. Dewald decided to expand his work experience and went to the UK for just over a year. There to meet him of course were his family (parents and grandparents), but also our little group ... 

Picture the following scene. Seven people, ranging in age between 16 and 52, walking around the airport with balloons tied to their hands. Pieter got some balloons for the welcoming party and we carried them with chutzpa. Very festive, animated and … loud! Let it be said that when we are all together, the words quiet and reserved do not feature strongly. Truth be told, not at all. So our entrance to the arrivals hall did not go unnoticed. And then the wait began. For me, a wonderful opportunity to take some unhurried photos – some posed, some candid, some viewing the world from a different angle. Air-spiration as it were.

An amazing place, really, the international arrivals hall at an airport. People waiting. Those picking up strangers set apart from the rest by the named placards they’re holding. Everyone else waiting for loved ones, friends or acquaintances. Expectation blooming on the faces when the first people appear from the hinterland beyond. The energy shifting palpably and the air almost crackling with expectation. Every face coming through the doors scanned.

Then … the familiar face appears, looking drawn and tired, but head-shakingly smiling at the racket generated to mark his arrival. Welcome back D, you’re home!



The (rather rowdy) welcoming committee!



Balloon fight!! As I said, very seldom quiet and reserved ;-)



This little boy was fascinated by all the balloons and got one from Uncle Wessel...

 

Shoes at Tambo!



At an angle

 

Waiting ... in red

 

 

A rare moment of tranquility!

And there he was ...



Dewald!



With dad

And just like that, he's back! :-)