February 19, 2009I sit here in the Admiral's Lounge of the Miami airport waiting for my connecting flight to Rio. I'm sure many of you are wondering the same thing I would be: why in the world did you just shell out lots of $ for 2 hours in an executive lounge. Good question and it has a good answer.
About an hour before landing in Miami, I was talking to a fellow traveler. As we waxed poetic about the inane sort of topics one speaks of to traveling companions, I stop with a muttered curse. This was the moment that I realized that I had forgotten to send in my foreign travel notification. Some of you know what that means and understand the dire consequences. Everyone else, I'd tell you, but I'd have to kill you ;)
Anyway, I had no alternative but to find a computer, with internet, immediately... and then pray that I could find the appropriate form on my company's website, which is filled with a myriad of random information. Like an oasis to a thirsty desert traveler, the Admiral's Lounge comes to view, albeit with a hefty $50 entrance fee. However, since the alternative was far worse, I paid.
Accomplishing my task, I took to exploring and was quite impressed. There was quite a variety of complimentary hot and cold beverages, snacks, internet, a music lounge, showers, bathrooms that smell like spas, etc. I must say that I do not feel like I am at an airport, instead, I am in a four star hotel. If I could afford the membership, I would definitely be returning in the future.
Now, I'm off to my flight. If luck holds, I will be able to sleep. Otherwise, I still have 3 books, a logic magazine, 2 travel guides, and my iPod to keep me company on the 8 hour and 39 minute flight. And as a last resort, I could deign to talk to my seatmates :)
About an hour before landing in Miami, I was talking to a fellow traveler. As we waxed poetic about the inane sort of topics one speaks of to traveling companions, I stop with a muttered curse. This was the moment that I realized that I had forgotten to send in my foreign travel notification. Some of you know what that means and understand the dire consequences. Everyone else, I'd tell you, but I'd have to kill you ;)
Anyway, I had no alternative but to find a computer, with internet, immediately... and then pray that I could find the appropriate form on my company's website, which is filled with a myriad of random information. Like an oasis to a thirsty desert traveler, the Admiral's Lounge comes to view, albeit with a hefty $50 entrance fee. However, since the alternative was far worse, I paid.
Accomplishing my task, I took to exploring and was quite impressed. There was quite a variety of complimentary hot and cold beverages, snacks, internet, a music lounge, showers, bathrooms that smell like spas, etc. I must say that I do not feel like I am at an airport, instead, I am in a four star hotel. If I could afford the membership, I would definitely be returning in the future.
Now, I'm off to my flight. If luck holds, I will be able to sleep. Otherwise, I still have 3 books, a logic magazine, 2 travel guides, and my iPod to keep me company on the 8 hour and 39 minute flight. And as a last resort, I could deign to talk to my seatmates :)
Don't talk to your seatmates. I've found that there are a lot more interesting people to talk to on a flight, such as Mr. Stolichnaya and Mr. Tonic. In fact, introduce them to eachother, and then invite them in for a conference in your esophagus. The rest of the flight will take care of itself.
ReplyDeleteAlso, don't try the spicy mustard chicken sandwich in the Miami Admiral's Club. It'll ruin the conference.
-MC ("Can I still call myself The Admiral?")