Airports. We have a love/hate relationship. I love road trips, don't read me wrong. I have a extended cab that I can easily pack to the brim, even for a weekend away. Enjoying freshly burnt CD mixes, tearing down the highway, frequent stops for delicious treats - all good. But time on the road leads to a mass consumption of Doritos (I for sure have a problem), and the occasional bout of chain-smoking. And I get bored real fast.
I live 1500 kms away from home, and the people I adore most in this world are scattered across North America. This means I have been a frequent flyer since I was in high school. The problem begins with my inability to pack lightly. Even a long weekend has me packing like I'm traveling internationally. I have great intentions. But when I land in Winnipeg for a 3-day weekend, I stumble to the baggage claim (cue Miranda!) heavily laden with carry-ons, waiting for my scruffy American tourister luggage (I use the term loosely; she looks more like the former shell of an abused animal) so I can wear one of the 18 outfits I packed for the weekend at home. My mom says I'll grow out of it. I tell her to fly more often.
I love flying because it cuts down on massive travel time and allows me to reunite with my loved ones much sooner. My claustrophobia prohibits me from fully falling in love with air travel, but the perks are enough to keep me heavily distracted.
My Favourite Things! (about airports)
1. I don't know anybody! The possibilities are endless. Nobody is judging me as I pour through US Weekly and hang off every drippy little detail of this season's Bachelorette. Emily did what? Oh my word..
2. I become so ambitious. I'm an independent woman of the world! I take a break from my day job, I swipe on some bronzer and pucker me some lipstick in the mirror in the bathroom and walk around like I own the place. Oh, pardon me, sir. I'm completely in your way. Nice to meet you, too! My name is Celeste, I'm a managing editor for Garden & Gun magazine. I'm here on business.
3. Airport bars and airport drinking. I have a 2 hour layover, and my gate is directly across from Chili's.
4. Meeting new friends. I've been extremely lucky in this department. More often than not, I end up beside some random person who is absolutely delightful and we enjoy sparkling conversation from tarmac to tarmac. Now I have a new penpal (hopefully American!), and I didn't even have to open the book in my bag and dog-ear my pages and pretend to read. Today I met a charming lady from Texas who showed me photos of all of her horses, and her dogs, and invited me to come and visit her on her ranch in Dallas! I imagine it's much like the reboot of the TV show, with a million more Jesse Metcalfes. Yes please.
5. Suddenly I am overcome with a feeling of extreme wealth. Suddenly $7 magazines and $12 coffees are justifiable! What gives? I am experiencing an overwhelming desire to purchase every kitschy item in this overpriced store! A polyester t-shirt featuring a stenciled horse profile, with DENVER in rainbow cursive writing underneath? I MUST HAVE IT. And it's only $58? Practically a steal, not to mention a wardrobe staple.
6. I have many more but my flight is about to leave. Did I mention there's a Chili's?
