I got back late last night from a quick trip to and from Indiana. It was a long trip, about 6 hours of traveling each way, but it was quick because I got in and out while only staying one night on the road. I used to prefer the 2-day weekends because things were more relaxed at the event and I could explore the city I was in. But at this point in my life, I’ve already been to those cities before, so the novelty has worn off. All I can think about is getting back to my town with my fiance.

In order to get the event in Indiana, I had to travel in and out of Louisville, Kentucky.  I imagine Indiana as a part of Midwestern states for farmers. Kentucky is a hilly state in the South with a unique charm that comes from making good bourbon and hosting great horse races. Although they share a border, Indiana is not Southern at all, and Kentucky is not Midwestern in the slightest.

I love walking out of an airport in a mid-sized city like Louisville because that’s where the Chamber of Commerce spends most of their money. So there are colorful signs that remind out-of-towners what makes this town special. Case in point, Louisville is the 16th largest city in America. (I did not know that.) I also learned that Louisville was on a river (I was sleeping when we flew in.) You always see ads for the local university–University of Louisville–and they always promote their MBA program. Why? Because jet-setters aren’t concerned about their esteemed Animal Husbandry department.

The last sign is always reserved for the mayor of town welcoming you to the town. I always try to smile on my way out of the airport because I know what it’s like to be the local watching the legions of droopy-faced folks march out of the gate. They always look so pitiful.

I believe the airport is the only place in the modern world where you see such a multitude of educated, professional folks looking so pitiful. Everywhere else their in the nice suits, nice cars, and nice jobs. You see it most when you’re in the back of the airplane and you’re waiting for the rows to empty into the isle and out of the plane. The folks up front just take forever. All the while you’re in the back, standing just inches from dozens of strangers who also just woke up. Nobody talks. Everyone stands and stairs in that vulnerable, humble moment.