Landing in Madrid

I don’t think I have spent so much of time at an airport coffee shop before! I arrived in Madrid and the pickup was synced with numerous other delegates arriving on the same day. Some flights were late, so I had almost 3 hours to kill.

I parked myself in a coffee shop over a tall glass of fresh orange juice and a conveniently located power source. I have never had three such peaceful hours before! No one spoke to me, there were no calls, the doorbell did not ring and I was far away from home and office. Truly a cocoon of peace to work and catch up on a few pending things. And of course – people watch!

My table was conveniently situated at the point where people spilled out from the gates. It was wonderful to watch the variety of expressions. From the clear purposeful obviously frequent travellers who stride out clear on the destination, to timid ones who come out looking like lost sheep until they spot a familiar face waiting for them; from the vibrant cries of joy and laughter as families meet to the professional greeting of taxi drivers – an airport really gives you a peek into human emotions and reactions.

What struck me immediately is how friendly people were. Even on the flight, strangers came forward to help lift down heavy luggage, people gave way to each other and there was a warmth in interaction even between strangers rather than the formal arms-length dealing that is sadly becoming the norm across the world.

I have never waited at an airport for so long. It strikes me that we are always hurrying – to get of the flight, to get our luggage, to get to the car, and then to get to the destination

Perhaps it is time to stop and … smell the roses, watch people or just sip a large glass of orange juice.