11/05/2018; 05:22 AM Check-in & Security 'Are you traveling for the first time?'

Well.. arriving at the airport, routine awaits me. Check-in goes smoothly. The employee was slightly surprised that I am flying to Ireland via Mallorca with only carry-on luggage. 'Please weigh it, it must weigh a maximum of 6 kilos.' I confidently reply, 'Nah, there's hardly anything in it.' '7.3 kilos.' Uhm... desperation fills the lady's eyes as she looks into my big brown eyes. 'No problem, which woman can travel with only 6 kilos anyway.' Phew, lucky escape. Next stop, security. 'Do you have any other liquids in your carry-on luggage?' I am asked. 'No, only what's already out there.' Of course, the metal detector beeps as I walk through and I am frisked by a friendly lady - I'm not used to so much physical contact anymore. She says goodbye with the words 'All good, have a good trip.' Well, ... this didn't last long, as another lady called out, 'please open your suitcase.' I show little concern, everyone can see my underwear. 'You still have liquids in your luggage. Are you traveling for the first time? You must always put them in a separate bag.' I'm quite relieved that the lady doesn't see my passport, which shows all my international travels. The culprits: makeup, hairspray, toothpaste.

Let's keep going! Finally arrived at my gate, I watch other people for the next 30 minutes and go through the events of today in my mind again. I still haven't realized that I am traveling to Ireland alone. But the left-hand traffic that I have to deal with will hopefully remind me.