After a 5 1/2 month hiatus, I had an opportunity to travel for work again. Due to COVID-19, we limit our time on site. Despite flying out on a Sunday and a long day on Monday, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t great. On Sunday afternoon I flew to Dallas for a Monday site visit. I flew late in afternoon to spend as much time as possible with my 2 boys, who are 6 and 4. Between a late afternoon flight and a 2 hour time difference, I arrived in Dallas close to 11:00 pm, and it was nearly midnight when I got to my hotel. While it was great to be back in the airport, I was dismayed at the number of closed concessionaires, and lack of travelers. However, it did make going through TSA a quick and easy process.
I had a short layover in Phoenix. The last time I was in the Phoenix airport was flying home days after the national emergency was declared and universities shut down, students forced to fly home. That day when I left Nashville, the mood was somber. When I arrived for my layover in Phoenix, I felt the atmosphere change – I felt the fear and panic all around me. I don’t like being around panicky people. In line to board my flight I felt a tickle in my throat and nearly choked to death trying not to cough. On this day, as I flew back in to Phoenix, the atmosphere was much more relaxed; of course I didn’t need to cough this time.
When I arrived at my hotel, I was shocked at the lack of cars in the parking lot. I counted 6, including mine. In the past when I arrived that late, I often got a parking space farthest from the entrance. Since the cost of booking my flight and hotel were very inexpensive, I expected to see fewer travelers, but it was shocking nonetheless.
The next morning I drove the short distance to the client and got to work. I am not sure if they were just super friendly or if it was the opportunity to spend time with other people but my heart felt joy going about my work that day. Late afternoon I left for the airport. I had a mid evening flight with a short layover in Las Vegas before the final leg home to Orange County. Las Vegas has never been a favorite destination but having a taste of the old normal (with a mask though) was so refreshing I didn’t mind the airport this time.
With the late flight out of Dallas and 2 hour time difference, I got home close to 11:00 pm. My entire work day (work plus travel time) was 15 hours, plus downtime in between that time. I was beyond exhausted when I got home. But, I really didn’t mind it so much. Despite the long day, this was one of my favorite work days since mid-March when COVID-19 took over our lives. Pre-pandemic I was becoming complacent with my travels and had come to expect it but now have a greater appreciation.