in transit

as i waited in line to get my boarding pass for my flight away from santiago, back to the us, cata sighed and said, "ah! i love traveling". i agree. airports are a favorite place of mine. i don't always like the waiting in line and poor food choices and delayed flights, but at the root of it i love thinking of the fact everyone there is going somewhere. whether arriving home after time away or disembarking in a new time zone, new state or new country, whether it is for work or pleasure or something sad, it is fairly incredible how many people are moving around the globe at every instant.

i love the hustle and bustle of the place; people shuttling from one terminal to another. i have been both the weary traveler literally running from one end of the airport to another and the relaxed passenger sitting down to a semi-nice meal waiting out a long layover. i have left bags on the belt in customs with only a wish and a prayer to gods and goddesses they show up on the other side unbothered and i have been the person awkwardly cramming ski boots into the overhead compartment. i don't always like leaving myself open to conversation, and at those moments i plug into my music and watch the airport set to my own soundtrack. other times i have met some of the most interesting people. there are many penn staters out there in the world. i once saw one proud dad's entire iphone collection of photos from penn state football games with his son. there are also lots of people who love to travel. there are favorite places to eat and hike and rest and drink. the lists go on and on.

i usually fall asleep as soon as the plane's wheels start to thump over the expansion joints in the concrete; i usually wake up to the sound of the drink cart rumbling past. i dislike the crowded seats and chubby seatmates, but until i can fly first class i know i can always hold out hope that maybe, just maybe, i'll have an empty middle seat in my row. when i travel internationally i have it down to a science; a snack when i get on the plane, a children's benedryl, earplugs, and a cover for my eyes and i sleep almost comfortably until another snack just before landing.

there is excitement in leaving and arriving. for a kid who didn't like to be far from home as a child i certainly enjoy getting away now. at the same time, i am looking forward to being home in april, no time away, no plans, no bustling airports to hang out in. i do love to travel but i love being home, too.