Years ago when the airport terminals were still open to travelers and their families, friends, and well-wishers, I frequented airports, not as any of the aforementioned, but as a people watcher.
It was a place where it was fun to watch celebratory and/or tearful goodbyes and welcomes.
A place where photography enthusiasts could easily come to take pictures of planes landing, taking off, or laying idly on tarmacs with propellers at rest. In my garage, are black and white prints of these planes; a reminder of my Nikkormat camera/airport days.
It was a time when going in and out of airports was convenient and easy. There were no safety/liquid restrictions. Traffic was light. People were well-dressed. It was fun being there.
Nowadays, it is rare to see non-travelers at airports.
Some may be found at exit gates, but most are either circling the terminals or parked in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot.
However, as a traveler with long layovers and may have time to look up from smart phones, laptops, or other visual/audio gadgetries, people watching can still be enjoyed.
It is fun to watch passengers who are bleary-eyed and tired from waking up early in the morning, crabby being caught in the traffic hustle and bustle, impatient as each stay in line for their turn at security, in a hurry to make it to the nearest rest room avoiding any “accident”, and upset knowing that liquid refreshments, particularly water, cost more than a box of Oreos.
Oh, you might see travelers excited about their trips to some fancy vacation spot and/or reuniting with loved ones with either a well-behaved or pesky tyke in tow.
Yes, and having a pair of dark shades can definitely enhance the almost-voyeuristic pastime.
Airports are also a place where dangers as small as 30 nanometers lurk freely, waiting for anyone who is the most defenseless. Being conscious about washing hands, not touching face, keeping distance from sick people, and frequent use of hand sanitizers does not make you unsusceptible when these 30-nanometer ninjas are poised to strike.
Visiting one airport can certainly make anyone vulnerable to attacks by these 30-nanometer dangers. But visiting 12 airports in a 5-day stretch does amplify the chances, doesn’t it?
Well, I just did that and I came home with a bad bout of the cold.
Immediate application of Zicam when I got home was too late since the attacker was already firmly entrenched in my travel-weary body.
Days of clogged up sinuses, runny nose, watery eyes, and coughs ensued.
Coughing became so painful since my stomach muscles were exercised to the max. A faint “uh” made me recoil in pain.
Religious intake of Benadryl and Mucinex at exact frequencies didn’t lighten up my misery. “Let it run its course”, my alter ego kept reminding myself.
But I felt better after 5 excruciating days.
A nice warm shower made me feel like a new man; ready to face the day with a smile.
My stomach muscles may not be six-packed, but my tummy is flatter now.
And, my 93-year old dear friend in Eugene, Oregon; nieces and nephew in California; and first cousin in Salem, Oregon and I were happy to see each other, never mind that I was the only one who got sick.
Now, I have a list of precautions to take while at the airport. Do you have one?
