April 25, 2013 - People, People, People

Still sans camera, I spent most of the day today in a meeting near Seattle.  Then I headed for the airport - too late for the early flight, five hours before the next available flight.  Sigh....except for the people.

It's been a while since I simply sat and watched people in a public place.  I eavesdropped on conversations, watched the staff at an excellent restaurant, enjoyed listening to the banter among the staff at the gate, had the privilege of watching a couple assist a woman who didn't speak English figure out her forms for flying into Canada.

At the restaurant, the chefs were mostly smiling as they hustled about, fixing wonderful food.  The majority of them looked like they were from the Pacific Islands, with a couple of Asians.  The wait staff was African American, white, and Asian.  I saw one person who looked to be of eastern European origin - not sure what his job was.  Everyone was pleasant - most kept up a smile - all were attentive, but not overly so.  I never felt rushed.

Then, at the gate, the fun of watching people moving in and out as several flights departed.  And listening in on conversations!  One man had a long conversation with his mother, explaining how he'd missed his flight, and had to buy another ticket to get on another flight.  I expect other people enjoyed listening to my conversation with my nephew, who called while I was waiting, and told me about his graduation from flight training (still a butter bar, for another couple of months!)  I had so wanted to go there when he graduated, but it didn't work out, and it was wonderful to speak with him.  Then a follow-up conversation with my sister, was wonderful, as she described the flowers and cactus currently blooming in Texas.  Oh, how I wish I were there!

Yet here, I just had someone stand behind me, watch the basketball game that's on, and give his approval of the current score, before he rushed off, probably to get his luggage and head for home.

People watching...a joy I don't spend enough time doing any more.  Since I'm living without a camera for a few days, I'm paying attention to other delightful experiences.  I believe I'll consider that a part of my discipline on camera-less days - it makes keeping up this writing much easier, and a bit more far-ranging.