Some people love the last-minute rush of getting to an airport and leaving just enough time to get through security and hit a gate right when a flight is loading. I know this because recently I was part of a conversation where this was discussed. The idea freaks me out.

Not only do I want to be at the gate at least a half-hour before boarding, but I will often encourage my rides to drop me off a few hours early. I think this is because I get to people-watch, and airports are some of the best places for this activity.

I’ll see someone in full winter gear (boots, heavy jacket and cap) walking past someone in sandals and a tank top. Clearly they have different destinations. It’s fascinating to see how people interact with each other and the circumstances they find themselves in. Strangers bond together to help entertain overtired children during long flight delays.

Once I saw a woman teach an impromptu yoga class for travelers at the gate. Another time I watched a reunion of two people who hadn’t seen each other in years as chance threw them together in the same terminal. There’s always something intriguing to observe, even if it’s just the way people choose to entertain themselves as they wait for flights.

Some people look very professional. Others seem to be wearing pajamas (yes, I mean grownups). So much of everything.

Soooo, what’s the story?

Where did they come from? Where are they going? Why are they traveling? Have our lives intercepted in the past? Will they in the future? What can I learn from them? I don’t know, but it’s all fun to think about.