Why I Can’t Stand Departing from Cabo Verde’s Airports

Sitting at the departure gates at an international airport in Cabo Verde, the eyes have met the faceless army of travelers, the efficiency of the machines, and the endless journey of deboarding. This is not a new or exciting moment for me. Each time, I scowl, grumble, and perhaps even curse the air. It’s a hassle, a daily reminder that my journey is ending, and it refuses to go away. For those who have experienced the departure gates of the international airports in Cabo Verde, you'll understand. The frustration and dislike are almost natural despite the beauty of the islands I call home.

Challenges at the Departure Gates

The departure gates are the closing act in a journey. It’s a reminder of the end of a beautiful four-day fair. You wait in long queues, navigate through complex security measures, and hope that your phone will still be found, or better yet, that your flight won't be delayed. This, to me, is the bane of my traveling existence. The very idea of saying goodbye to the vibrant culture, the authentic créole food, and the breathtaking nature evokes an emotional discomfort.

Procurement of Travel Documents

The weight of carrying your passport and the paperwork makes one feel like a non-authoritative traveler. Enter the wasteland of the check-in counter. Sitting in a chair, you fold and unfold your passport, count your stamps, spend ten minutes on a phone call trying to decipher an impossible flight schedule, and then you stare at the punch card in spite. It's a task filled with paperwork and a vicious cycle of mistrust. Someone has misplaced a passport, another has an incorrect visa stamp, and still, another has a missing document. The frustration is palpable and endless.

Security Check

The process is time-consuming and invasive. Every metal, every pocket, every tiny item must be put through a series of security measures. There is a momentary freeze of air traveling in lines, and everyone’s voice goes into whispers. The beep of the metal detectors and the swish of the wands becomes a symphony of tension. Finally, you’re through but the uncertainty lingers. Did they really miss a tiny screwdriver in my bag? The discomfort lingers long after you’ve left the security checkpoint.

Boarding and Saying Goodbye

Once again, the queue. This time, it’s at the gate. The voice of the announcement of your flight number is often accompanied by a heavy sigh. There's a final, must-check point of your passport before the flight. You have to ensure that you don’t miss your flight. If you do, you’ll miss the chance to savor another sunset or share another nighttime laugh with the locals. The constant promise of arrival is far more exciting than the reality of departure. Your flight number is in the sky, but the reality is that a new journey will soon surpass this cherished one.

Farewell to the Beauty of Cabo Verde

The most frustrating part of the whole journey is when you finally step out of the airport. It’s a painful moment that I associate with leaving behind the island’s natural beauty, the warmth of the residents, and the richness of the culture. I have taken hundreds of pictures that may as well be useless now. They serve as a stark reminder of the places I cannot return to, and the memories I am taking with me.

Conclusion

Departing from the international airports in Cabo Verde is a reminder of leaving behind a place I love. Each trip is a farewell to the natural beauty, the people, and the culture. It’s not an easy thing to do, but it happens every four days. To the travelers who resonate with this sentiment, know that you’re not alone, and the next time you step into those airport departure gates, try to embrace the journey, even as you look forward to the time you’ll spend in your next adventure.

Keywords: Cabo Verde airports, departure experience, travel frustrations