Looks like a huge fire. What’s going on?

I was talking to somebody from work on the phone while walking up and down Terminal 5 in O’hare. Getting some work done and putting in my steps too. Terminal 5 is fairly long, end to end.

As I was trying to wrap up the call, thought it would be a good idea to find out my gate before I went into the Skyclub. All I needed to do is scan the destination on each board as I walked and talked.

Sure enough – when I came to Gate M7, the name “Atlanta” was on display. The time matched too. Mentally, I did the math – about two minutes of walk from Skyclub. With that, I focused back on the call.

And kept strolling. As I came to the next gate – M6 – out of habit, I glanced at the board. It had “Atlanta”. My first thought was that it was a later flight to Atlanta. But then the time matched!!

Totally confused, I went back to the previous gate after explaining to my colleague that I am afraid I might have a 50-50 chance of going home tonight!!

That was a first again for me… two adjacent gates declaring the same flight!

Had a good time reminiscing the time spent together 2018-2023. Stories of the St. Kitts trip, Costa Rica trip, Puerto Rico trip, Dead Sea trip and the Myrtle Beach trip was enough to keep us busy thru the evening. There is a great story of how Chris showed up in this picture!!

Tracey, Deval, Katy, Chris, Mark, Venu.

After nearly weekly visit to this airport for 4 years (missed one year in between due to Covid), revisiting after one whole year!

That was two decades back. Great memories of Boston!

Fort Wayne. I could not find a single flight that goes or comes from outside the USA. Does anybody know why it is called International?

I had a morning flight. Left home a bit early to avoid downtown traffic. I was a bit sleepy and lethargic as I hit the road.

Once I got on the highway, I commenced to do what I normally do to utilize my commuting hours: call up people to wish them happy birthday. Mornings are usually calls to Australia/India/Singapore – that side of the world. Lunches are for Europe and evening drive back home is for America.

I prepared myself for a few calls. As I mentioned, I was a bit sleepy and had not had my morning coffee yet. Part of me was wondering how many birthdays I had (I think my peak days are about 20) and could it be that I can push out the birthday calls till I reached the airport to just quietly drive there?

Opened my calendar. Braced myself.

Lo and behold! No phone calls needed!!

I forgot today is a Leap Day!!

I do have two friends who were born on this day – one from Dallas celebrates on the previous day (and I had a nice long chat with him yesterday) and another in my hometown in India who celebrates the following day.

Somehow, felt I was off to a good start to the day!!