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Airports: The Gateways to Everywhere

Have you ever gotten the feeling when traveling through an airport that you're somehow in between here and there in the world? I have been traveling a lot over the past five years and I've seen my share of airports. I feel like no matter how big or small, busy or slow the airport is, once you go through the process of getting your ticket, checking your bags, and going through the security checkpoint, you somehow enter into an alternate reality where everyone is transient and nobody is settled.

The strangest experience, then, for me came today. I'm staying at the Westin Detroit, which is attached to the DTW airport. One of the "perks" to staying at the airport hotel is that you can get a pass from the local police and TSA to enter the airport and utilize the shops and restaurants in the terminal. My brother-in-law flew through Detroit on his way to a business trip, so I took advantage of this service to meet him at his gate and walk with him to his connection. It was the first time that I went into an airport terminal with no destination in mind, no bags, no intention to enter through one of the portals that conduct folks to their home, work, or leisure locations.

The feeling inside of me was odd, and I must admit I had a sense of longing. Living on the road as much as I do, and this current trip is four-weeks long, I often miss home, or even the concept of home! I thought I'd travel less after finishing my stint as an auditor, but I ended up traveling more last year! For the first time in my life I have status at two major hotel chains and one major airline group. It's nice to have those things when you're traveling, but not so great having to travel as much as one does to earn them.

It was nice entering into "the between" space to see my brother-in-law, a friendly and familiar face, but I'm glad that the next time I'm there, it'll be to head home (...for two days...). At least my next trip will be by car, but I'll still be using my Starwood status to get a nice accommodation while I'm away. :-)

Happy travels!


M@
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