Jan 12 2007
Intermission Between Stalls
After re-boarding in Seoul, I had about 6 more hours to spend in the air on the way to Singapore. I can’t recall what I did between another round of hot towels and dinner. I do remember that my row-mates, John and Carrie, were comparing the chicken dinner on this flight with the one on the first. Both declared that the first chicken (grilled chicken breast) was better than the current one (sauteed dark meat). My contribution to our listless conversation was remarking on the cardboard texture of the dinner roll as I buttered it.
John and Carrie resumed their contorted sleeping positions (she nestled in by the window, he praying to the in-seat monitor) while I did whatever I did.
When we finally land in Singapore, what do I do but head for the bathroom. But you already knew this.
A queue had already formed inside and there were only 3 stalls. The first stall was ajar and no one was using it. There was a sign on the door essentially stating “Experience Users Only.”
I’d been to Europe so I had an idea what this meant. I was tempted to take a photo of the sign, but … too many witnesses.
A slightly bow-legged and older Asian woman walked in, took a look at us, took a look at the open stall door and shuffled in.
More power to her.
The rest of the women and I exchanged looks and stayed put.
Changi Airport is a top rated airport but I’m sure you don’t care about its gardens, shopping, and amenities. You want to find out what is behind Door Number One.
I start looking for the gate for my next flight. Big pots of magenta dendrobium orchids line the hall and tinselly Christmas garlands twine around the lights. Not sure why American Christmas music is play in Singapore but maybe it’s true - The United States IS the Center Of The Universe.
I spot another bathroom. Hmmm. What do you think? Should I check it out?