As soon as I stepped inside the Canberra airport I was in a different mindset. Airports are big cheery buildings when you are going on holidays, not so much when you are travelling for work. They could be quite annoying when travelling for work.
First thing that strikes you at airports is that every second shop is a food shop. How come? How much you need to eat before you step in a plane where you are going to be fed anyway (let’s not talk about the quality of the food but you are certainly not going to go hungry)? Besides, for next whatever number of hours, your main activity is going to be to keep your arms and legs to yourself, that surely doesn’t take up too much energy. So why load up calories?
It is quiet possible that all the stress of packing, getting to the airport and ensuring that your luggage is within allowance (sometimes up to the second decimal space) makes you hungry as soon as the check-in is complete.
It doesn’t matter how many times you have been to airports, each time you notice something different. Here is a list of things, in no particular order, which I noticed during my thirty hours travel to London.
Screens
They are everywhere. Flight information, advertisement, TV, computer, iPad, mobile phones. A family of four in front of me is all engrossed on their individual devices, from Nana to four year old.
High end shops
From Swarovski to Tiffany, from Burberry to Bvlgari, each one competing for tourist dollars. I find the great way to shop there is through their windows.
People watching
Airport are great place for people watching. You can really see people in their elements. From high heels to brand new joggers. From rushing ones to dazed and very sleepy. From wide-eyed to very bored ones.
Snooze lounges
The best invention in the last decade. Carefully scattered at Changi Airport, they are life savers between long flights.
Artwork
Some wired some nice. Recent trend, the motion art, like the one below at Singapore airport. It was mesmerizing to watch.
No smoking signs
When the airlines are going to get rid of them? Do they really think that anyone would dare to smoke in a flight, with the real chance of getting killed by the fellow passenger.
Inflight movies
Too many to choose from, only a few worth your time. Then get to watch them again on your way back.
Inflight Magazines
The best source of pictures for decoupage or scrapbooking. No one cares if you tear pages from it.
Clouds
A pretty amazing sight when the clouds are below you.
Carousel
Have you ever noticed that the first piece of luggage never belongs to anyone?
What are your experiences of airports and airplanes? Any funny stories? Or painful ones? Want to share with others?
Drop me a line in the comments section below.