Photo taken by me at Pololu Lookout
As you may have deduced, the following photos do not resemble Ohio in the slightest. It just so happened that the loss of unused vacation time as well as valuable timeshare points were at stake and drastic measures had to be taken.
When you compare Ohio to Hawaii it can resemble different planets altogether, hence the title of this latest blog. We left the comforts of home and the frigid temps at zero dark thirty in preparation for our 13 hour air adventure.
When interplanetary travel is taken into consideration, 13 hours of air travel when mixed with the traits and characteristics of the overly observant, highly sensitive and extreme thinker, it equates to 3 human days. Or at least that’s how it feels.
You notice things. You cannot help but notice lots of things. For example, pulling up to the airport you see a mother hugging the bejesus out of her son who must be traveling to another galaxy far, far away. Or at least that’s how she perceived it. As would I, and I have.
You notice the TSA line being longer than previous interplanetary trips. You also take notice of an even more select method of security screening called Clear. How nice that you have the option to pay for your fingerprints and iris scan to be cataloged and accessible in a database that already exceeds 17 million other interplanetary travelers. ( I know I’m using “ interplanetary “ a lot, but I like it.)
You make a conclusion that the food at airports must include extra nutrients required to sustain life during interplanetary travel as opposed to your average grocery store or local restaurants. Why else would a handful of grapes cost $8.00??
We’ve reached the halftime break of this journey. Don’t you find that this is time you spend looking for a somewhat private and cozy spot to wind down from the first leg of your trip?
You immediately take notice of all the different faces and unique attire that passes by. The sheer number of people make you recall the theory that everyone has a doppelgänger or twin out there. I wonder what mine is up to right about now.
No time to doddle, it’s time to board. Get in line in order of your given ticket number. You’re A3 and your partner is A2, oh what joy! Here comes a well-dressed man of small stature who takes his place in front of the line. This must be the infamous A1. Soon a young couple along with their two adorable toddlers join the small statured man. He asks where Snookems or Babbabs is, or some name in the spirit of bourgeois pet names. Boarding begins and A1 tells family and Snookems to go through ahead of A2, A3 and all the other A’s, B’s, C’s, and D’s.
It may seem bizarre, but I relish the opportunity to contemplate the ethics involved in these small, awkward situations. All sorts of thoughts came to mind. Does this fall into the category of simple elitism and misplaced entitlement? Is it best just to let this petty injustice transpire, think of the adorable toddlers? Even if the family boarded from their correct place in line, wouldn’t they end up asking if others could exchange seats so that they could sit together? Would this apparent infraction actually alleviate additional inconvenience for us all?
In a surprising turn of events, A4 spoke up and took issue voicing his objections to the family of A1. Mr A1 hightailed it on board, leaving Snookems to deal with the unpleasantness. A4 made valid points stating that he paid extra for his place in line and who were they to crowd in front. Of course facts matter little in these petty situations. Ultimately, instances like these are just interesting lessons in social graces.
I think you are starting to realize the time differential between normal travel and interplanetary travel. Doesn’t it seem that days have gone by? Well lucky for you there are only 5 -1/2 more hours to our sunny island planet.
You arrive safely to the only airport that completely erases all the stress you’ve endured. The open air lifts your weary spirit and fills you up with excitement. You may not have an ounce of energy left to go out snorkeling or hiking but you rejoice in finally entering your room for the night and your traveler’s soul is rewarded with a beautiful sunset view you will not soon forget. Aloha interplanetary traveler.
I would love to hear about your last experience with interplanetary travel. Do you agree that there is art in what you notice? Think of the stories, paintings and all the other creations that your travel observations can inspire. Even if the destination is the next town over, your observations can be truly grand!
Cheers and Nothing but the Best,
Julie (Juju) Hickman
P.S. If you’re so inclined, you can listen to today’s song choice. Island In The Sun by Weezer.
