Travel Observations

Post-pandemic travel observations so far, traveling while masked and with noise-canceling headphones:

1. If you’re up before the Sun, Don’t Panic, and know where your towel is.

2. I love SBA. Not only is it unusual in being one of the prettiest airports in the world, but security is easier in small airports, early in the morning, when wearing a Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy T-shirt and having the TSA officer say, “I like your shirt“. The perfect start to my day!

3. The water at the SBA bottle fill tastes horrible. I don’t know why I bother. Hetch Hechy at SFO is a tastier vintage. I actually found myself rinsing out my water bottle with water to get rid of the taste of the water.

4. The anonymity of a black mask and huge headphones could get addictive. If I was famous and avoiding the paparazzi, I’d be super happy about travel right now.

5. Being pleasantly surprised by the latest bathroom design in airports is another small joy today: Thin, 4”x12” glass tile choice, in a range of bright aquas and blues. Could be, but manages not to end up garish, and the manufactured stone has blue chips in it to echo the tiles. Vertical tile design, vertical faux grain on the stalls, and vertical lighting reflected in lots of mirrors, all gave the pleasant sensation of being in a strange forest. Deep stalls with lots of room for luggage and great lighting added to the relaxing effect. The taps are no-touch, low flow, that actually FLOWS instead of spraying your crotch. Water at a pleasant temperature, with foamy soap, felt spa-like. Their hand-dryers were even functional! With warm air! Great job, SFO Intl. terminal!