Airports often rank among people’s least favorite places, synonymous with stress, delays, and endless lines. The hurried pace, the mechanical monotony of security checks, and the sense of being in limbo between destinations contribute to a shared sentiment of dread. However, amidst this widespread disdain, a different perspective emerges.
While many see chaos, I find a unique charm and vitality in the very elements that drive others away. Hear me out friends.
I’ve asked myself many times how this deep love affair came to be. Perhaps it’s the bustling crowds or chaotic nature of it all. It feels alive and the experience is unmatched.
When I gaze around all I see is energy, not people. Balls of vibrating particles pinging here and there, like an old 80’s pin ball machine. Each person on a separate journey of their own. The possibilities are endless and that is what truly captivates me.
I’ve often compared travelling to choose your own adventure books. I vividly remember them as a young child. I could feel the beating of my heart swell when I arrived at a decision point. You may turn left or right at this fork in the road. Each pathway providing a different outcome, a completely different story. This is the freedom and excitement I look forward to. It’s always made me feel the most alive. The most present I could possibly be. I will continue to chase that feeling for a lifetime.
Without fail, I always find a location where I get the most optimal view of my fellow travellers whizzing by me, some even sprinting. The sea of voices hum on but occasionally I’ll hear a snippet of something audible. It’s usually very personal or something so random and off the cuff. Either way, it’s always a laugh and I continue my observations.
Nothing says airport more than an overpriced meal or coffee and I’m happy to oblige. C’mon folks, it’s all about the experience remember. The over- priced tall, no foam, soy latte tastes better than ever. I savour every single steamy sip. That must be why airport lattes always take me double the time to consume.
I’ve had some of the most profound and interesting conversations in airports. The anonymity adds such a mysterious element to the interaction and that’s something so refreshing to me. In a world today where social media dominants and privacy is unheard of, sitting with a complete stranger talking about our mutual love of travelling or life experiences is one of the most human things we can do. As much as technology connects us, there is a disconnect in one on one social interactions. I crave these types of exchanges.
Next time you find yourself sitting in an airport cursing it all, I challenge you to submerge yourself into the entire experience. Take a peek through a fresh set of lenses and explore the newness of it all. If all else fails, you know where to find me. Perched in the most ideal location, with a latte in hand and grinning from ear to ear.
Safe travels my friends. – VV
Photography courtesy of Unsplash
