The Airport

Do you ever notice how airports seem to have such significance in life today? These days, air travel is used by most people to get around. Businesses have branches in different parts of the countries, families are becoming more spread out, and, with the help of new technology like Skype and FaceTime on the iPhone, more and more couples seem to be taking on long-distance relationships. Two of my second cousins recently married, and they were both in long-distance relationships first. One was a Chicago to Washington, D.C.; the other was the distance of a three hour drive.

While airlines have made traveling great distances relatively easy (when they aren't experiencing tremendous delays), being in an airport just has a kind of special vibe to it. Past security, there are all sorts of shops, eateries, and interesting dining options, lately I've found myself pondering about the air of the airports before the security checkpoint.

Depending on your perspective, being at an airport is either a time of great joy, or a time of sadness. If you're at the airport, and head for arrivals, it's a pretty joyous time. The airport provides the setting for a great reunion; whether it's been a week, or years, it's always a great feeling to be reunited with people you have missed. It has its own ritual of the hugging, and chatting and catching up while waiting at the baggage carousel.

On the flip side, and probably happening on a different floor, is the departures. The somber part of the airport. Suddenly, the airport has become the place of saying good-bye. There is still a ritual of hugging and saying good-bye before the security checkpoint, but those hugs are a little harder to let go of. It doesn't matter if the person leaving will be gone for a week or months; it's still hard to say good-bye.

Like no other place, the airport is the setting for so many hellos, and good-byes. I can't think of any other place with such contrasting emotions happening at the same place. Hopefully,