SFO ~ Home Away From Home

I'm sitting on the plane flying yet again to SFO (San Francisco International Airport). I am sandwiched between the window and an empty middle seat on the left side of aisle 6. The woman in the aisle seat and I rebelliously plotted to keep our middle seat empty by not removing our belongings from its surface when the flight attendant so announced; our malicious plot was a success.

I rather enjoy working at SFO; the team there is awesome and I like the openness and newness of the international terminal where the majority of my company's stores reside. I also enjoy the added bonus of being a badged airport employee, getting to pass in and out of secure areas at will and receive treatment more befitting humanoids than a herd of cattle.

There is a lovely but terrible store filled with a bounty of chocolates for sale, aptly named "Indulge"; I must try always to avoid its seductive trappings. In terminal 2 there is a Pinkberry frozen yogurt which I visit after lunch on occasion as well as some other delicious fare, from the Cat Cora Iron Chef diner/lounge to the Napa Farms shop (which sells gluten free cupcakes but is always out by the time I arrive!).

36,000 feet and 220 miles to go. Seatbelt signs off. Peanuts and stampede to the air baño. My complementary water-no ice has arrived.

I see nothing but a sea of clouds outside my window. I used to imagine as a kid that the top of the clouds was like the surface of the ocean, and all that dwelt underneath was an ocean of sorts. I suppose this was a precursor to the now overused Inception jokes, for within my imaginary ocean lay the true ocean.

I like to stay on the Burlingame side of the airport when visiting. In between the Vagabond Inn and Bay Landing Hotel are situated some good eats at El Torito Grill and The Elephant Bar; Benihana is a short walk away. There is also an amazing view of the bay and SFO landing strip as well as a lovely walking path and bridge perfect for photos at sunset and an evening stroll.

This is by far my favourite airport to work at for obvious reasons! Most airports are in boring, industrial areas and the hotels leave you a choice of terrible takeout or fast food with a view of refinery plants, cemeteries or other unattractive scenery.

In a little bit we'll be landing, I'll trek through terminal 1 to the furthest remote reaches of the baggage claim, retrieve my bag, gobble some food and head to work. They don't know I'm on my way, which is always fun... Like a surprise party every visit! ;o)

Seatbelt sign back on and initial descent begun. Engine noise changes and nose points downward. Drink you drinks and throw out your trash; turn off and stow all portable electronic devices.

This has been a brief insight into my business travel adventures; I hope it has brightened your dy. ;o) until later...!