Something different this month – a quiz! A chance for you to relive those tedious hours spent in airports all over the world. Let me set the stage. You have just been told your flight is delayed and will not leave for another hour or maybe two. You are here sitting in the lounge waiting somewhat impatiently. Where? International, of course. London, Berlin, Singapore, Nairobi – take your choice. To pass the time you watch the passersby. You hear the boarding calls, Rome, Dubai, Tokyo, Belgrade, Sydney. You watch the people going by, and you begin to guess where they are from. A word of warning – all of the people I’m telling you about are real. I sat in my chair at an airport and sketched out each traveler. Let’s start with an easy one.
Six feet tall, about 200 pounds, close cropped hair, jeans, slightly worn. A plaid shirt covered by a V-necked sweater. Loafers with no socks. Computer case under his arm, and cell phone at the ready. Where? The United States – you get it!
Now let’s get a little tougher. A saffron robe draped around his body, with a matching shawl over his shoulder. Shaved head and neck. Plain glasses. Bare legs sticking down into sandals. One arm folded into the robe. Got it? Burma probably. A Buddhist monk on his way home from a class or maybe a lecture. The face is passive, serene. I’ll bet he’s humming his mantra.
Okay, on to the next person. High black boots with six inch heels. Lots of space between the top of the boots and the bottom of the stylish skirt. Rings galore. Black hair, long, but swept up. Leather jacket. Have to describe her demeanor as haughty, ignoring all the stares she’s getting from the men. Sashaying might describe her walk. Bet she’s on her way back to Paris where she will meet an equally-haughty guy. Maybe a fashion model.
All black outfit. Black fedora hat sitting a little too high on his head like a poor fit. Black curly hair hangs down in braids. White shawl on his shoulders – standing erect, now slightly rocking. Indeterminate age—anywhere from thirty to sixty. Suit is well pressed but showing a tad bit of wear. Probably alone or maybe talking to a fellow dressed the same. Might be saying goodbye to a lady about equal age. They announce the plane to Tel Aviv, and he kisses her lightly on the cheek. “Goodbye sister, thanks for the time together. Come visit me soon at the university.”
Our next couple is a bit more universal. The gent, perhaps in his sixties, wears a tweed jacket over medium gray trousers. His shirt is light blue and he has a fluffy red ascot tucked into the neck. Shoes are comfortable. There is a slight touch of grey in his hair. He shares a look with his traveling mate, a lady about the same age. She wears practical shoes which look very comfortable. Her tweed skirt is well below her knees and matches her jacket. A white blouse with a little fluff at the neck. They check their watches every few minutes. When the call comes for Heathrow, they both pick up parcels and briefcases, and they are off.
And finally I wonder about that stylish older gentleman sitting across the aisle from me. Certainly late seventies or so but still erect. Black cargo pants, black plaid shirt, and black vest. Sure could use a little more hair. Hey – wait a minute! That’s a mirror I’m looking at. I described myself!
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