Airport Phenomena

We all have hobbies or activities to indulge in, even if they are interesting to only us. It is a hobby to you because it is not necessarily your job; it is something to truly take enjoyment in and it exemplifies the person you are. Sometimes people choose a hobby because of the way it portrays them. It seems as if you can take up any activity you choose to but truly, you belong to only one side even if you dabble a little in each.

There are music fanatics, and there are book lovers. Comparing a music and book person, I believe their true side can be revealed at an airport. It may sound strange, but think about it...don't you people watch at airports? I know I'm not alone on this one. And if you do people watch, you yourself are probably doing something to occupy yourself so you aren't sitting, waiting and staring in complete boredom.

The music fanatic knows just about everything about every album in their collection. Their iPod is full, and their external hd is primarily used for downloading and transporting mp3's. The majority of their free time or time by themselves involves ear buds or speakers blaring a selected favorite that describes their feelings and keeps them going. They wonder if anyone else has imagined this one song as their life soundtrack, as they grin and decide this song as the fate of their own soundtrack. Their mixed tapes aren't thrown together radio hits, no, there is much time and much thought put into the flow beginning at track 1 to 15. Music seems to define their everyday existence, or at least a part of everyday life.

At the airport they are plugged in as soon as they get settled at their terminal. They didn't bother with bringing a book, but possibly entertain themselves with a magazine or playing on their phone. Slouching in their waiting seat seems to take place, and they may put on sunglasses (which is the one and only time that wearing sunglasses indoors can be taken seriously) to let others around them know they are 'off duty' and shouldn't be disturbed. On the flight they turn the music down just enough to hear any urgent notations made by the flight attendants, and then crank it back up to a happy medium that won't interfere with their neighbor. During the electronics off section of the flight they usually find a way to hide their iPod and leave one bud in.

The book lover usually favors one of the two: the old and worn books with cracked spines and slight stale but good stale scent or brand new never been read crisp books with an incredibly sticky price tag that leaves residue on the cover. They love how their book sometimes needs to be held open tightly in order to read the words that trickle deep into the center and occasionally need to be spread a little bit further in order to catch the last few letters. Sometimes they can't fall asleep so they curiously crouch beside the bookshelf and decide which theme will take control of their evening. Instead of making a playlist for their trip, their first priority is carefully picking which storyline will properly suit each relaxing situation.

They browse the airport bookstore and smile at the books they have read and check the prices on the ones they haven't. As they reach their terminal, they find a spot that can be people watching friendly but is not too distracting, and begin to read despite the commotion. Even though the turbulence is at an all time high, they somehow remain calm and never let their eyes peel away from the text. It's actually quite impressive.

I have noticed these minor characteristics the past few times I have flown, and personally depict a little of each on different occasions. Next time watch. Some people want to be portrayed as either but in reality they are neither. Who are you at the airport?