Of Glass and Light - Miami

Light is something we rely on in so many ways, but rarely stop to think about. Without it, we would not have the science of astronomy, as one aspiring astrophysicist points out in her lectures under the stars.
In biblical times Noah is said to have seen the first rainbow. As long ago as 300 B.C. Euclid studied light and tried to understand reflections and the
the science of light. During the 1600s the growing Dutch skill in the depiction of light led to world-wide renown of the  Dutch Golden Age paintings.
For Leonardo DaVinci blending the science and art of light were key to development of this Renaissance man's talents.

During my brief walk-through of the Miami airport, the artistic theme seems to be of glass and light. Simple, yet striking.

Art in Miami

Wherever I go, I alway keep an eye out for that unexpected moment of breath-taking beauty. In the midst of an international layover at MIA airport, I noticed many amateurish framed drawings from a local kids art gallery. I almost passed on by, unsure just how far away my departing terminal was. But when I saw this photo, I stopped stock still, fumbled for my camera, and captured it. I only wish my photography had an ounce of the talent that this young artist displays. I wish them well and thank them for brightening my trip.

To Infinity...And Beyond - in Miami

Never before in my life have I ridden so many sky trains, walked so many sky walks, and ridden so many escalators on so little sleep. A view like this is enough to make any sleep-deprived world traveler regret the decision to go strictly carry-on. Like a Jacob's Ladder, I wondered... Does it go on forever, like a dream, into the clouds? And who will be waiting for me at the top of this escalator?

MIA - My Least Favorite Airport

 I left Lima late, later than planned. There was a security alert, the departure was delayed, and it was after 11:15 PM when the plane finally departed. With a mere 5 hour flight, I drifted off to sleep as quickly as I could. But even on an airplane, morning comes too early.
It was my body's equivalent of 4:30 AM when we landed at Miami airport. It was pitch black outside as I rode the skytrain through the terminal. What had originally seemed like an interminable 3+ hour layout, turned out to be just about the right amount of time in Miami.

I didn't know until that day that a connecting flight in Miami only saves you the taxi drive to the airport. Otherwise, it is as if you have arrived and departed all in one trip. I had to pick up my checked baggage, and recheck it. I had to go through security screening all over again. Yes, it included a full-body scan, though not a pat-down search, and some unpleasantness with my wallet. Then I had to take an untold number of skytrains and escalators (yes, a two-story escalator! look closely) from my arriving terminal to my departing terminal. When I arrived, I walked up to the ticket counter, showed her my ticket, and asked her "Am I in the right place?" Her response was "Yes," and finally I could relax - for a whole 30 minutes until it was time to board the next leg of my flight.

Miami ranks as my least favorite airport experience.