I have two uncles living abroad. One is in England and the other in the USA. They have been writing constantly to my father to send me there during my summer vacation. This year my uncle, who is in England, invited me I persuaded my father to allow me to visit him.
He agreed after great persuasion. Dates and programs in connection with my departure were worked out. It was decided that I should travel by a British Airways plane. I applied for the passport and completed other formalities.
After getting my passport, the visa was obtained from the British Embassy. I was asked to report an hour before the departure of the plane at the airline counter. I, along with my parents, who came to see me off, reached Indira Gandhi International Airport and reported at the counter of British Airways.
The usual formality was gone through. They took away my suitcase and bag after thorough examination for putting into the luggage room of the plane and allowed me to have the briefcase with me.
I boarded the plane. The air hostess checked my ticket and led me to the seat marked in the chart. When all the passengers had boarded and the time for departure came, the doors were closed by the crew.
Before the takeoff, an announcement was made that the passengers should fasten belts. The crew also distributed earplugs for our ears. I had a little difficulty with the seat belt, but an air hostess came to my help.
The plane took off smoothly and I was airborne. Soon the air hostess approached every passenger and asked politely if anyone of us needed anything to eat. I took coffee and a cake piece.
The plane was flying at a very fast speed. After a few hours, we passed over the Suez Canal and then over Cairo. As the flight was scheduled to be a non-stop, we did not land in Cairo.
But after an hour or so, a message was flashed on the screen to fasten your seatbelts as we were landing at Rome airport. After a brief halt, the plane again took off for London. Now, it was daylight.
I saw through windowpane of the plane ships looking like toys. We passed over Paris. Soon our plane touched down at Heathrow Airport. This was my destination and the end of the journey.
My uncle was at the airport to receive me, but I had to go through customs formalities before I could join him It was the most exciting experience of my life
