8/21/11: Airport Security - Another Perspective

August 5th. Traverse City was hot. It was not a good time to leave the garden. The heat, which had kept me constantly watering for two weeks, still hovered in the high 80s, yet Joe and I were about to fly to Santa Barbara, California for our beloved nephew’s wedding. I fervently hoped the man I’d hired to care for my garden could manage it.

Wouldn’t you know - Cherry Capital Airport security personnel announced they’d perform body searches on everyone, as all their scanning machinery had broken down. Having vowed never to permit this, I’d dressed to show only the ‘essence of Dee’— sandals, slim, black no-pocket pants, and a form-fitting blouse.

A body search would be such a personal violation! The Israelis employ skilled ex-military people to observe passengers for the classic but subtle signs that betray evil intent: it’s worked just fine. But in the U.S., machine dependency usually dominates the security landscape.

So. I had a decision to make. I could opt out, or submit, as this situation was not their fault. Groaning, I wished for wings…

And submitted. She actually tested my crotch for explosives after handling me everywhere. Red-faced, I radiated unsubtle signs of outrage at the process. Israeli spotters would have hauled me away and hosed me down to avert an explosion.

We flew to Denver International Airport and quickly caught the next flight to Santa Barbara without incident.

Four days later we sailed through Santa Barbara’s intact security and flew back to Denver. But our direct connection to Traverse City was eight hours away, which left ample time to study the stunning architecture of the airport’s passenger terminals.

From the air the huge structures, which rise dramatically out of a flat prairie, look like a Bedouin encampment. Gleaming, pure white Teflon-coated tent canopies stand in front of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Their integrated, tensile fabric structures compliment those massive, rugged peaks. Natural light and fresh air flood the terminals’ interiors. I think this highly green airport is one of the world’s most beautiful.

“Cheep!” Startled, I turned toward the sound. Two sparrows were sipping puddled water in the drinking fountain bowl right next to me, and conversing. Soon both flew to a high perch and looked around. Another discussion. Together they descended to the nearby Caribou Coffee booth and checked the floor for crumbs before returning to the fountain in our sheltered area for another drink. Though we were mere inches apart, not once had humans ever pounced on a sparrow in here, so they weren’t afraid. Instead, for the third time on this trip, I was thoroughly inspected from head to toe. Hmmm…my hands held nothing of interest, so the area around me was checked. Their scrutiny was quick, but thorough. I was amused, and amazed. They lived here! And why not? Humans always left yummy food scraps everywhere. They had ample water, and the vast space offered plenty of room to soar. Colorado’s often fearsome weather wouldn’t threaten these plucky birds.
Inches from my sandals one featherhead eyed me speculatively, and cheeped. Could I offer anything?

“Sorry, guys. But hang on.” I trotted to Caribou coffee, bought a croissant, and returned to my seat - to find they’d waited! Laughing, I scattered crusts on the empty seat next to me, and around my feet, and the three of us dined as they cheeped happily. I passed a marvelous few minutes allowing them to search for any crumbs I might be concealing.

Chuckling, I savored two thoughts: This careful inspection was welcomed — and, wouldn’t the architect be pleased that his wonderful creation embraced wildlife!




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