As one who used to fear flying and was forced to confront that fear head on, I do sympathise heavily with those who do not like flying. As one who used to cry even on one hour flights, can you imagine that it is now possible to write about my travel in Australia.
I will not pretend that it was easy. I remember the early days where I would shake just getting on the flight and I do not know how I managed not to run off the plane screaming. But my main strategy was to force myself – and in a big way!
What did I do? Well, I was lucky enough to land myself a job that required extensive travel. Luckily enough, they did not ask me in the interview if I liked flying! Soon after, I was expected to travel half the month.
It was very tough at first, but every flight got slightly easier and the whimpering slowly died down. Very slowly! I am now in the enviable position, several years and hundreds of flight later, where I actually quite enjoy it.
My limits were further tested though at some of the regional airlines and ancient Soviet planes that I had to fly in. Some of these should not have been still in use and had seen better days. Still, a quick shot of vodka before take-off often helped!
