Adventures as a Grown Up

Travel Tuesday (or Wednesday): Deodorant: Please Do!

I know it’s not Tuesday, but I have inspiration to write, I haven’t written in a LONG time…and I traveled today so that counts right? I think yes!

Today I had to fly to Boston for another conference. This kicks off almost two and a half weeks on the road (three conferences total). A friend of mine offered to take me to the airport so I jumped on the offer. Come on. Who wouldn’t rather go to the airport with a friend than an impersonal, strange cabbie?

Often times one of my biggest issues with cabs is the stench of the driver or recent passengers that lingers in the noncirculating air. You see, I have this thing about B.O. Along with being late and snoring, it’s one of few pet-peevs I have.

I am thankful to have ridden with a clean, good smelling friend today to the airport. However, that’s where my luck ends. 

Security and check in were easy; they usually are when you are Premier status and don’t have to wait in the regular lines. But after security I had to take the old classic “people movers” at the IAD (Washington-Dulles) Airport. The recent train addition doesn’t go to my gate so I had no choice.

As I waited on the StarWars-esq shuttle, I started to smell something funny. As may of you know, I am rather short (5 feet, 3 inches to be exact). And well.. that puts me right about in every one’s armpit that is standing up and holding onto the balance bars at the top of the shuttle. I have the same problem on most city trains (the Metro in DC, BART in San Fran, the Tube in London and even the Trams in Melbourne, Australia!). This wouldn’t be a problem if EVERYONE were to wear deodorant! 

Come on people. You are in an enclosed space with limited ventilation! And you’re about to board a plane with NO fresh air for what, at least an hour? 

Sometimes, B.O. gets to me so much I have to move. Today was not one of those days. But while waiting for some late connection on my plane today, I smelled it again. These guys who were connecting from an international flight must have run the length of the National Mall and back before getting on the plane. Sweaty and out of breath they stopped right at my row to life their arms and load their carry-ons into the overhead bin. P.U. was all I could think along with repeating to myself, “please don’t sit here, please don’t sit here…” (is that mean?)

Thankfully they didn’t and the rest of the flight was so uneventful, I slept the whole way.

All in all, please. it’s not that hard. Just wear deodorant! It will make those around you (and those enclosed in a flying metal tube) much happier. Especially those of us that fit below your armpit!