RSS
Most of my business travel over the years was while living near major airports. Being “inconveniently” located within an hour of O’Hare or Midway spoils you into thinking that a flight to anywhere in the world will have a seat for you during the next few hours. Even Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Milwaukee were “big-time” compared to my current “home field.”
Business travel looks different through the Lexan side windows of a 12-passenger turbo-prop. You have to be comfortable with perfect strangers asking your body weight before assigning you a seat. Your idea of a convenient layover period changes as well.
When the alternative is a 100-mile jaunt to the nearest “big city,” some sacrifices have to be made. My much better half had the O’Hare/Midway shuffle down to a science and can be called upon to “rescue” an itinerary if the opening or finishing leg is delayed or cancelled; but I prefer that she be allowed to enjoy her retirement without the drama.
Fortunately, my only verifiable “super power” is killing time in airport waiting lounges. I have “done time” as far south as Santa Caterina Brazil, as far west as Shanghai China, as far north as Edmonton Alberta Canada, and as far east as Vienna Austria — along with hundreds of points in between. It might not be in the same category as leaping tall buildings in a single bound, but there is something enjoyable about watching people and observing them at their best — and worst.
Twenty-three months between flights might be too long for optimum super power retention; I may need to visit the local mall occasionally to stay in shape for future flight delays.
What is your secret for staying calm when the road frequently traveled develops potholes?
