Right, so I know I’ve been MIA for a week, skipped two posts, and I’m sure you all cried yourselves to sleep over it. Don’t worry, dry those tears, I’m back. And oh boy, have I got a rant for you.

Let’s get straight to it: why is it so bloody hard for people to be kind nowadays? Honestly, I had a week filled with international drama, the kind you don’t want but somehow always end up starring in. Oh

So, here’s the scene: I took a cheeky little trip to the “land of freedom” (yes, the USA), and let me tell you, I expected adventure, not an audition for Airport Horror Stories: The Global Edition.

Chapter One: Japan – The “Friendly” Farewell

Japan, my lovely home, where even the vending machines bow. Except… not this time. Picture this: I rock up to the airport, suitcase in one hand, optimism in the other, only to be grilled at the counter about my re-entry to Japan. Re-entry form? Never heard of it, mate.

The man (let’s call him Mr. Jobsworth) gives me the form and goes, “Write your name and flight number.” Easy, right? I

offer to jot it down right then and there, and this legend of hospitality hits me with a:

“No miss, go back to the end of the line.”

Now, mind you, I had just stood in that queue for forty minutes. It would’ve taken him less time to blink than it would for

me to scribble two words. But no, back I went. Lined up, filled in the blessed form, waited another 30 minutes, handed it back in, and finally got the green light.

And yes, I wanted to punch him. But I didn’t. Because I’m civilised. (Also because Japanese prisons are probably not thevibe.)

Chapter Two: USA – Welcome to the Jungle

Fast forward 15 hours and I land in Washington Dulles. You’d think I’d be greeted with a smile or at least a “Welcome!”

Nope. Not even a nod. Just dead-eyed stares and TSA agents herding us like goats. Not a single kind word. Just exhausted travellers treated like walking luggage. And look, I get it, working in airports can’t be sunshine and daffodils. But a smile costs nothing. A kind word takes two seconds. And for those of us who’ve just spent half a day breathing recycled air and watching awful in-flight films? It makes a world of difference.

Observation of the Week: Power and Pettiness

After observing people for a week (yes, I basically became a travelling sociologist), I’ve come to this conclusion: people in

even a smidge of authority sometimes let it get to their heads. It’s like they’ve been handed a name badge and suddenly

think they’re running the world.

Here’s the thing, having boundaries doesn’t mean you have to be cold. You can be firm and kind. You can have rules and warmth. You can enforce policy without making people cry at the departure gate.

Final Words from an Emotionally Jet-Lagged Passenger

If you’re someone who works in customer service, travel, or literally anywhere involving humans, be nice. That’s the message. That’s the blog. That’s the tea.

Kindness is free. Smiles are magic. And no one wants to be treated like baggage, even if we are dragging five suitcases

through customs.

Okeh, rant over.

P.S. I had a fabulous time with my family and, thankfully, all those airport disasters faded into the background once I was home, surrounded by love and good food.

Share your good/bad airport experience in the comment 💛

Loads of luv

Hannah