Rolling Out The Red Carpet

This holiday I was reminded how lucky I am when I travel.  My friend and I went to visit both of our families in a whirlwind 3 cities in 7 days travel explosion.

We got to SFO early to catch our first flight because he frets a lot about airports, long lines, and missing deadlines, so I humored him. ;)  But then he realized why I wasn't worried.  Although there were about 200 people in line to check their bags, we walked right up to the premier line and checked in.  Then we went to the preferred TSA screening and waited for only one other person.  Then we casually proceeded to the airline's lounge for a cup of tea and some casual newspaper reading.

I tell you this not to sound snobby (although re-reading it it clearly does sound quite snobby).  I tell you this because it was nice to see the airport through his eyes.  Things that I now take for granted (preferred kiosks and shorter lines) my friend was blown away by.  And in the lounge, he kept saying: "It is so quiet... WOW It is amazing how quiet it is in here...  I love how quiet it is here."  He couldn't believe that there weren't a bunch of mumbled announcements, that most people can't understand anyway.  

In his eyes they rolled out the red carpet for us, and it reminded me that sometimes they do roll out the carpet - and what a difference that makes... I loved seeing what I do from his point of view - it made me appreciate what I have.