Eight Miles High, by Martha Thomases – Brilliant Disguise | @MDWorld

August 18, 2012 Martha Thomases 1 Comment

This is being written at the airport.  To a person my age,that is, in and of itself, a phenomenon.  Sure, I could write anywhere, at any age, but until now, that required pencil (or pen) and paper.  I could not wait until the last minute because I would need an envelope and a stamp to mail in my copy.

Air travel is so different.  I remember when people dressed up to travel.  I remember wearing stockings and a garter belt (and this was years before I knew Howard Chaykin).  (For that matter, it was several decades before he would have found me interesting, assuming he does now.). I remember stewardesses.  I remember meals on planes.  I remember stewardesses who would bring meals, and then gum.

Airports remain a little slice of the global economy.  People read newspapers from around the world.  I hear languages I cannot identify.

Airports are also way different. My flight is delayed, so I went and got a pedicure,  I could also buy an assortment of electrical devices from a vending machine.  Last time I went anywhere, I bought a dress after I went through security.  It was so space-age I could fit it in my purse.

Everyone at my gate seems to be plugged into some device or another.  Perhaps they are listening to music.  Perhaps they are talking to a friend, by phone or by text.  Perhaps they are doing work.  Or perhaps they are faking it so they don’t have to talk to the other people waiting at the gate.

I do not see anyone wearing political buttons.  I don’t know if that is from a desire to avoid conversation within strangers,or if no one cares until after the conventions.  I, myself, am not wearing anything of the sort because I hope to nap, and don’t wish to stab myself.

There are people who regard a long plane ride as an opportunity to make new friends.  Others see it as a chance to work, without being interrupted by phone calls.  Still others fume in frustration because they can’t use their cell phones to make phone calls that would demonstrate to their neighbors how important they are.  For me, it’s an opportunity to read without interruption.  I’ve had entertaining conversations, but usually on shorter flights.  I don’t want to find myself talking to some nut for six hours, especially in a situation in which seatbelts are required.

I am glad I don’t have to get dressed up anymore.  I am grateful that stretch knit clothes are in fashion,so I can sleep in my seat without getting wrinkled.  I am mesmerized by the sparrows flying around indoors.

Oh, brave new world

That has such creatures in it!

Martha Thomases, Media Goddess, wishes they could be California girls.