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...!

Commercialism, Greed and Sushi

Las Vegas. Land of enchantment, enticement and entertainment. City of sin, seduction and secrets. From 'round the globe people of all backgrounds, cultures and races flock here to satiate their desires for feasting, pleasure and a chance at striking it rich. Yet as diverse as its visitors may be, they all share one, fallen nature.

I flew out here Wednesday for a short work trip; Las Vegas (Lost Wages) is never a place I look forward to visiting. Everywhere you look there is something scandalous or sensual thrown in your face. You can't even get into a taxi cab without the seductively smooth voice of the world whispering in your ear via per-recorded advertisements and images.

Perhaps I find this place so offensive because it reminds me of how weak I am, and forces me to stand firm in the strength of God's power. Because it literally bombards people with the things they have struggled with and battled against most. Because like the boisterous woman of Proverbs 5-7 it calls out to the foolish in the streets, and like the great City of Revelation 18 it is famous for selling even the "bodies and souls of men" for gain.

Yet...

Though this is my general take on Las Vegas from a mile high, always once I arrive, "zoom in" and deal with the everyday business of life in this unique city a different portrait begins to fill the canvas. There are details and colors not visible from above.

The people I work with here are terrific. I enjoy spending time with them, talking with and getting to know them. I've heard some of their stories, received their hospitality and have been blessed by their generosity. They are people, just like any other people, and no better or worse for the city in which they live and work and make their lives. Some of them have moved here not for lust or pleasure, but for work, cost of living, or simply were born here and have known nothing else.

Others though have indeed moved out here to "stock the forbidden fruit in their pantries", and are not ashamed but rather glory in the possibilities and potentials of their city's freedoms (Romans 1). Yet perhaps these latter people are more honest than some others. They readily acknowledge their desires and do not hide them behind closed doors. They do not publicly condemn and then secretly practice. Not that such an honesty makes them any less guilty or deserving of judgment in the end, but it is to say to myself that I should not be so quick to condemn based on outward appearances.

Tomorrow is my last day here and will be spent primarily at the airport. And despite the typical grief of heart Las Vegas brings me, I can say I have enjoyed my quick visit because of the love I have been able to show to the people here for Christ's sake. I am sad for my myopic attitude at the beginning of my trip, one that focused on me and not others, but glad that God saw fit to open my understanding and give me a love for lost people, not only here but everywhere.

And for the sake of my title, I will mention that I also enjoyed some good sushi. ;o)