Airports are fun. Flying is not fun (unless you get a first class pod…but they totally check your tickets in those sections).
It’s not that I’m really afraid of flying (much). The hypnosis really helped with that. I just hate getting stuck in a seat that would make barbie feel cramped, feet swelling from the pressure change and wondering if this flight is statistically significant…you know the one in however many million that crashes or has a pregnant lady that will go into labour and force you to land in the bustling metropolis of Oxnard where you’ll meet a man who tells you about his collection of doll shoes.
So you see my point, flying isn’t fun. But airports are. Airports are full of neat stores, restaurants and magazines you’d never take the time to read at home. They are full of people excited to be going on vacation or rushing into the arms of loved ones. And where else would you find a recombobulation area. It practically gives you permission to be discombobulated.

Note to self – Always ask permission before taking pictures inside of US airport security…those folks are touchy.
I think people watching is my favourite airport activity. While people watching I began to imagine my life if I were free (and rich).
I imagined going to all of the places that the lady kept announcing in her scratchy amplified voice. “Flight departing for…” Since we had checked in five hours early I had a lot of time to imagine. Then I thought, wow we checked in five hours early, I wonder what the limit is. Like, if I had a flight next month, but nothing much to do until then could I hang out in the departure area like Tom Hanks? Sure my diet would suck, but there are bathrooms and semi-comfortable benches to sleep on. There are even TVs (I bet if I had a Universal remote I could even change the channel from CNN or whatever boring thing it was stuck on). And unlike Tom Hanks I wouldn’t be stuck there. I would be airport living out of fun not necessity…with a boarding pass to prove it.
Airport Security – Ma’am did you miss your flight?
Me – Oh heavens no, that’s not for a couple of weeks yet.
Airport Security – … (after all, what do you say to that?)
Me – Do you think this tv gets AMC? I really want to see what’s happening on The Walking Dead.
Airport Security – I think –
Me – <covering my ears> Don’t spoil it for me!
Airport Security – hmmmmbruhgggg (’cause I can’t hear them…my ears are covered)
Writing Exercise:
If you were stuck in an airport for a few weeks, what would you do to keep yourself occupied? Happy writing.