Wednesday 13 February, 2008

Airports and Escalators



Have you ever stood at the end of a rising or descending escalator. It's amazing to see people's expressions as they reach the other end. Ofcourse, where the escalator is situated also decides the mood of the people. If it's reaching the duty free, you have an expression of glint, dismay and wonder in the eyes of the person. Some counting the money in their pocket. Some hit with the thought of how far their expenses are stretched and when can they make the next lavish buy from the wonder that's displayed in these shops. Dismay follows those who have no money nor credit to buy anything. They must just wonder if there could be an escalator that would not land them into this temptations. Ofcourse, their number though large don't decide the equation of the airport economics. It's a temptation that the new airports of the world are creating around us.

Escalators rising into the departure area bear a look of parting, longing and the anxiety of travel. There are those that are running late, often upset with the length and the speed of the escalator. 'Only, if I could clear this climb, and walk half a mile more, maze through the crowd...I would make the flight....just why is this thing not moving faster'. The travelators are more prone to such hastiness and stress.

Needless to say that the one's descending into the arrivals area have the most pushy and the anxious lot. Trying to push through to the line ahead so they can clear through this misery of travel and reach the much needed rest in their warm homes or the loved ones.

It always amazes me to see when people lean forward and nudge you at the escalators as if to believe that if all the people on the escalators were to lean forward by a certain degree it might move it faster....hmm no such luck there is it.

But, then there are those who like to climb or descend these escalators like stairs. I sometimes wonder why they bother getting on it in the first place. Escalators are the domain of the lazy and tired lot who have absolutely no further energy to move, but would prefer to just stand and let the mechanics of these wonderful moving stairs do the job. I mean if you really want to be that athletic, then how about climbing down those stone stairs. Ofocurse, new airports don't provide such luxury to the climbers. They cater to the lazy and spoiled lots of the world.

Maybe, not everyone may have experienced the wonders of an escalator of the third world. It's amazing to see people jump on the first step and then almost lose their head trying to balance themselves. But as they become habit for most, the number of those that confidently step in and out increases ...and some even being kind enough to help those that are learning.

The sight of the stretched out man on the escalator whose one leg has extended beyond his natural body frame maybe cruel but is nevertheless hilarous.

I guess the list goes on...and on...but I must rush now as I join the many to head to another endless ride on these mettalic carriers of the multitude and join the ranks into a long winding journey through the airport ...and my flight.

Many more to climb ....and more on what new age escalators could be like, on my return.

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