Saturday, B.C.

Saturday, March 14^th, 2009

11:03am

Dulles Airport

Standing at Samsung Mobile Charging Station across from Starbucks and encircled by eight LG flat screen monitors.

You know, we really are surrounded by branding. Yeesh! Just turned down the AT&T, T Mobile, Boingo, and iPass wireless offers, and will not use the Verison Internet kiosk. Have decided not to sit down and watch LG flat screens as wish to remain standing for a long as possible before airplane-induced 14-hour physical coma. Am trying to ignore the various United Star Alliance adverts flashing all around me, and am pretending not to notice Samsung BEHOLD touch screen display five inches from my face.

What am I kidding though- I love it! Samsung really knew what they were doing when they made these charging kiosks. Now people will start associating the Samsung name and logo with staying connected, powered up, etc… plus they’re super visible.

I digress. Wohoo! I am in Dulles Airport and in approximately an hour and thirty minutes, I will be on my way to Bejing! YES!

To be perfectly honest with you, I’m relieved that the Georgetown Cupcakes made it through airport security! X-ray Dude was clearly amused as he watched five boxes of cupcakes float by on his screen. “Did you bring cupcakes for all of us?” he asked. All I could do was smile as I attempted to put my clothes back on. Only one cupcake bit the dust in the process. Not bad!

Wow. It’s been like five minutes, and already I’ve heard two passersby comment on these Samsung chargers. Jeez, and this thing is attracting people like flies! Already two more guys have hooked up. My hat’s off to you, Samsung.

Siiigh. Love airport dynamics. The rows and rows of uncomfortable black seats and the intrepid nappers draped over them, the magazine racks, the obligatory restaurant/bars, the CNN, the security announcements…

I love travel because it gives you the chance to reinvent your identity. When you travel alone, you can completely reinvent yourself if you want too. Obviously your clothes and posture tip you off, but still… the world feels very open.

Maybe I’ll give up my anonymity for a bit though. Perry from GW is here! We had Taikwondo together freshman year, and as we’re both in the School of Business (aka Slytherin) we’ve had some business classes together too. He’s on the same flight as me, so I’m sure I can find him by the gate. Of course, that would entail disconnecting from the precious Samsung Marketing Device. Hmmm…. Maybe just five minutes more.

Huh. Some kid walking by me looked straight at me, pointed over his shoulder with his thumb, and said “There’s a troll in the dungeon.” Perhaps he’s taking this whole anonymity thing a bit too far.