Firlefanz at the Big Airport
Firlefanz sees an airplane in the sky and really wants to visit a real airport — and has a very special day there!
Firlefanz woke up and immediately looked out the window. High up in the sky flew a silver airplane — far, far away. "I want to see a real airport!" he shouted. He imagined how huge airplanes would land and take off on long runways. He wanted to see it all up close!
For breakfast, there were butter sandwiches with strawberry jam and a warm cocoa. Firlefanz dreamily gazed at the blue sky. Time and again, a tiny silver airplane flew by. "I wonder how many travelers are inside?" he thought. He could hardly wait to set off.
Firlefanz ran to Papalapapp. He was sitting on the porch, drinking his morning coffee, with an airplane book on his lap. "Papalapapp! I want to visit a real big airport!" Papalapapp smiled. "The Great Cloud Harbor of Fluminor has been here for a thousand years. Would you like me to come with you?" "Yes, please!" shouted Firlefanz. "Then let's go!" said Papalapapp.
Firlefanz got dressed for the big journey: the green hat, sturdy hiking boots, the warm jacket, and of course, the walking stick. Papalapapp packed cheese sandwiches, nuts, and a jug of raspberry lemonade. "Ready?" he asked. "Ready!" shouted Firlefanz happily.
And so they set off, Firlefanz and Papalapapp. Over seven seas, where dolphins jumped. Over seven deserts, where golden sand sparkled in the sun. Over seven tall mountains, seven wide rivers, and through seven dense forests. Sometimes a friendly wind carried them a little further. The world was big and wonderful.
After seven days, they saw it in the distance: the Great Cloud Harbor of Fluminor. Colorful lights blinked everywhere, and huge airplanes glided silently through the air. "Oh!" exclaimed Firlefanz, stopping in awe. It was much bigger than he had imagined. Papalapapp placed his hand on his shoulder and smiled.
Inside the airport, it was bright and lively. Travelers with colorful suitcases hurried everywhere, and glowing display boards showed names of faraway cities. A friendly owl in a blue uniform came up to them. "Welcome to the Cloud Harbor! I am Tilda. May I show you around?" Firlefanz nodded enthusiastically.
Tilda took them to a huge window that looked out over the runway. A silver airplane slowly rolled up, then faster and faster — and suddenly took off! Firlefanz pressed his nose against the glass. The airplane climbed higher and higher until it was just a tiny dot in the sky. "This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!" he whispered.
Tilda showed them the big baggage carousel, where colorful suitcases went around in a circle, and the tall control tower from which all airplanes were directed. In the waiting area, they met many travelers: a cheerful turtle family flying to Purpurien, and an old frog musician with a round hat case. Everyone laughed and shared stories of their adventures.
In the airport restaurant, they ate warm tomato soup and crispy bread. Through the panoramic window, they could watch the airplanes landing. Tilda told them that every day, a thousand airplanes took off and landed. "Each one carries travelers to new adventures," she said with a smile. Papalapapp happily sipped his coffee.
To finish, Firlefanz and Papalapapp were allowed to get very close to a gigantic airplane. It was bright orange and shone in the evening sun. Firlefanz gently placed his hand on the cool metal. "One day, I will fly away in this," he whispered. Papalapapp chuckled. "I believe you."
On the way home, Firlefanz and Papalapapp walked quietly and happily, over seven plains, seven forests, seven rivers, seven mountains, seven deserts, and seven seas. When Firlefanz lay in his warm bed, he closed his eyes. He dreamed of silver airplanes rising into the evening sky — up into the clouds, far, far away.