Since leaving NZ in November last year I have flown into the following airports:

- Bangkok International (twice)
- London Heathrow (twice)
- Marrakesh Aiport
- London Luton
- London Gatwick
- Lyon Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- Geneva Airport (twice)
- London Stansted
- Nairobi International
- Reykjavik Airport
- New York JFK
- Miami International
- Panama Airport

But, in all of the above airports I walked right through the arrivals gate straight to the public transport sign. Right past the groups of people waiting for their family. Right past the people buzzing with excitment about seeing their friends. Past the 'welcome home' banners. Past the people holding big bunches of flowers. The only people who approached me were pushy taxi drivers and tour operators... fantastic.

On these occasions I was pretty tempted to do what Alice and I call the 'fake wave'. Simple really:
- Slowly survey the crowd (gives you time to walk past the most eager greeters)
- Suddenly 'spot' your group of friends
- Give a huge smile
- Followed by a big wave
- Then set off towards your invisible waiting group at increased speed

BUT the last arrival was different. I think all my dorm neighbours in Panama knew about my big sis coming over to Chile as I may have mentioned it a few times (per hour). And although my flight was delayed by a few hours and I took ages going through customs (mainly as I am paranoid of being accused of smuggling something so decided to reluctantly declare my vegemite...) she was there waiting at the arrivals terminal with awesome kiwi accent and big Alice-hug waiting - no fake wave needed.