The Vice of Frequent Fliers

Every Tuesday the New York Times publishes a special article called ITINERARIES in the Business Section, in which various frequent fliers relate their travel experiences. I fit into this category due to my international travel to Europe and Asia, so I decided to answer the four question featured in the small box. Question 1 How often do you travel for business? Only ten times a year, but I cover a lot of air mileage between JFK and Bangkok. Few of these flights are fro business. Question 2 What's your least favorite airport? There's a lot of choices, but Bangkok's international terminal ranks among the worst for the extortion artists at King Power Duty Free, the shabby interiors, the lack of electrical outlets, the miserly aircon, and the fact that I'm leaving rather than coming to Thailand. Question 3 What's the best place you've been? Lhasa in Tibet has to win hands down. I flew there in 1997 to pray of the Jokhang Temple for the passage of the dearly departed baby brother into the Here-Before from the Here-Now. The temples, the mountains, and the people were a balm to a grieving soul and the staff of the Snowlands Hotel were memorable in their hospitality with 24 hour smiles. Question 4 What is your secret airport vice? It used to be stealing books from the various book shops. Nothing has replaced that sin. So I drink beer. It's no secret. ps the photo is of Idlewild Airport 1960s Lounge.