I’ve been to a few airports in the US, mainly for work. I love airports. I like the hustle and bustle, watching people and thinking about all the busy schedules they’re on, or maybe great vacations they’re going to (or coming from). I find that airports also provide a quick snapshot of the type of working-class people that make up the host city. Also I like the idea of being in one place, getting inside a metal tube, taking a nap, and then waking up in a completely different city, time zone and climate. It’s almost an instant stimulation to the senses. I’ve been on long roadtrips, like > 24 hours straight, and when you reach your destination you feel it in your bones. You’ve been through all the terrain changes, time changes, climate changes, etc. You just feel tired when you finally stop driving. Flying is the way to go.

I was 30 years old before I flew for the first time, to Miami. Previous to this I’d taken my older brother to the St. Louis and Chicago airports many times, and picked him up as well. I was always fascinated by what lay beyond the security gate, since it was a world that I could not go into.

I’m 47 years old and still feel like I’m making up for lost time, vacation-wise. So going to many airports is part of my plan (or psyche).