Le Grande Architectural Tour of the Mighty US of A
There is nothing particularly appealing about airports, I’ve decided. Back in the day (before mine!) you used to be able to stand on a balcony and wave the planes in (think back to the Beatles era!) and you could stand with your mates right up to the gate, for long tearful goodbyes. People smiled and hosties were friendly, you got your ticket stamped, passport checked and then straight to the bar. No more.
God help you if you’ve not put your (less than 100gm) face cream in the bloody regulation issue plastic bag, water bottles getting pitched right and left, people’s thunderous expressions because the Express queue is not expressy enough, the ground staff all have a supercilious air of superiority over the Great Unwashed that have haplessly arrived in their Stalag and there is an air of impatience instead of bubbling excitement with the anticipation of global travel adventures.
So, here I am, in the Qantas lounge, surrounded by chesty-coughed, paunchy, unshaven people (and the men are worse!), all with their thunderous expressions of impatience – charming!
At least I look the part – sitting here all jet-setty-like with my little state-of-the-art iPad with attached keyboard, looking like I’m writing a piece for the Fin. Review. At least that is what I think people are thinking of me…..