Life on Airports and Planes

Schedule has been pretty busy with freshmen orientation here, so I haven't been putting much time into blogging. Once things get into the swing of things... I can't promise what won't change.

It seems as though much of my time lately has been spent in these places. There’s almost always activity there, and when they’re not, its one of the most surreal things.

I just heard someone say, “I love airports!” (Yes, sitting at BWI right now, waiting.)

I have a clip of the tunnel at DIA in reverse motion. I haven’t found a way to host video yet.

Copyright 2005 Chelsie Oehlkers

It starts with this, (after passing through security) a ride on the train, subway, bus, moving walkway, or simply on foot to arrive at the gate.

This is commonly followed by waiting at the gate with a whole crowd of other people who happen to be going where you are.

Interesting listening to or watching them. Everyone's got something to do.

At first, I thought the flight I was getting on would be really nice, I had a center seat, but the flanks had no sign of people in them. The seats were sort of a plastic leather, with head rests with wings so you didn't have to sleep on your neighbors shoulder. Suddenly, the couple behind me told me their daughters were coming, so I moved over. They sure liked to talk. and sware. profusely. It was mildly entertaining, but I slept for most of the flight. (Tried to anyway.)

You take off, see the cookie cutter communities...

...see the houses with aqua-blue lima bean swimming pools...

...majestic expanses of land...

...and sky.

Night flights provide some scenery too, with all the light pollution from the cities.

Then you get off, go to the metal carousels or conveyor belts, pick up your bags, and you're set to go.

That's not all that much fun when you sit back and look at the big picture, but one can always hope that those oxygen masks will drop down, the emergency doors will fly wide open, you actually have to use your seat for a flotation device, or you make a brilliant fireshow in the sky for the people below.