A toast to cigars and rooftop bars... and airports

Jody, Krista, Kevin, Brian, me, and Justin

When I was in San Diego last week, I had dinner one night with some of my good friends in the aviation business.  Joining me was Justin from Kansas City, Kevin from DC, Krista from Ottawa, Jody from Calgary, and Brian from Reno.  We laughed, ate from food troughs bigger than our heads, and shared unusual drinks.  The men exchanged gifts from their recent trip to Berlin, and the women laughed along with their childlike glee. 

Chicken and Waffles at Hash House

Traveling has always had a gravitational pull for me.  I took every trip I could get my hands on early in my career, and extended every trip I could to visit friends and take side trips.  When I went to Nice, my friend Cristiane from Rio and I took the train to Lyon.  When in Brussels, I visited Ann Michele in Paris.  When in Rome, I planned to take the train to Florence with two colleagues from Singapore, but I was six weeks pregnant and the morning sickness kicked in with a vengeance halfway through my week in Rome; I had to derail and head home.  I didn't travel again for two months.

Now that I have a child, travel still tugs at my sleeve but it meets resistance.  Wanna go?  Come on, let's go.  Let's fly.   I love airports.  I love to fly.  I almost feel a little guilty when I do have to travel, and I'm having fun away from my family.  Everyone knows that I'd rather be with my son than anywhere in the world, but bringing him along isn't always the best thing for him when I'm working from 8 AM to 11 PM.

The conversation my friends and I had at dinner focused on the incredible experiences we have had because we travel.  Kevin, Brian, and Justin were in Berlin for a routes development conference (airlines and airports meet and determine where their newest routes will be established; from what I understand, it's a highly orchestrated dance between all parties).  They chose their flights to maximize their miles and type of aircraft; they collect airport codes like someone else might collect coins.  Later that night, we went to a rooftop party hosted by Clear Channel.  On a beautiful night in San Diego, there we were, hand-rolled cigars and Blue Moons nearby, looking out over the city.   And we reminisced about the opportunities we have been afforded.

The SITA marketing team at Prague Castle

What I remember off the top of my head:

1. Having a barbecue on the field of Cowboys Stadium last year for an industry conference. My husband, not easily impressed with anything, said to me, "Who gets to eat on the Cowboys field?  This is great."
2. Creating my own perfume blend in Nice, France for a team-building exercise... and then mountain-biking up to the highest hill to see the Mediterranean coast and coasting all the way back down
3. Learning how to make ravioli at a bed & breakfast outside Rome
4. Hitting a spa at the Prague Hilton with my colleagues; dining at Prague Castle
5. Renting suites at Wrigley, Turner, and Rangers Stadium.  And seeing a Final Four game in Atlanta.
6. Staying up half the night dancing at the American club in Brussels and getting up for 8 AM meetings (when I was much younger)

I know I'm lucky.  All of the places I've been and the people I have met have made me a well-rounded person with an appreciation for other cultures.  There are lots of other places I haven't seen yet.  But best of all are the people who have become good friends and I look forward to every time I see them.  Lots of laugh therapy, sharing our dreams, and just having fun.  Traveling friends, a toast to you.

Halloween in Bermuda with Cristiane

Biking in Nice with Amelie (Singapore) and Monica (Rome)