NOVEMBER (11)
More of Continued': The saga of the volunteer at one of the eight DCA airport Travelers Aid desks where, invariably, no question goes unanswered if and when the desk is being staffed, since there are never enough of these good citizens appaarently. Resourcefulness often is required - at least in one case where the volunteer could not immediately respond to a question about names of architects and artists involved in the renovation in the main DCA entry hall.. A passerby wanted to know who was responsible for the design on the ceiling - and how, curiously and probably purposefully, the numerous patterns high above the glass-enclosed space resembled the shape of the U.S. Capitol. (Photo to come...) Aha, my friend said, I can look that up for you on the spot. Such details are not routine as part of the many hours of training volunteers receive.
Should she be really baffled by a strange language or encounter, even a worrisome one, there are human resources at hand by phone or, should a fearful encounter ensue, a tiny emergency button is located a finger away out of sight under the desk. Not surprisingly either, a volunteer finds he of she is getting an education daily about people and the world around them that is such a fast-paced environment.
Ceiling of Regan National Airport's main entrance: a domed concept from architect Cesar Pelli, said to have been inspired in some respects by Thomas Jefferson;s Monticello. Glorious light and symmetry. The illusion of flying inspace.
t officials don't supply much information for visitors on paper. The sole pamphlet I could find one recent Tuesday afternoon at an unoccupied desk was a small folding map of the National Mall, since that is where a large majority of the millions coming through DC as tourists will end up. Likewise, volunteers are well equipped to give directions on the best way to the Mall, said to be the most popular (in numbers) yearly of all the US National Parks.Also see below: now happening at Reagan National DCA ( and other major airports locally.)
Sunflower Lanyards
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program was first launched in May 2016 at London Gatwick Airport. This program allows individuals with invisible disabilities to be discreetly identified. It serves as a prompt for someone to discreetly make airport personnel aware that they may need a helping hand, patience, or simply more time.
Lanyards can be picked up from the USO or pre-security Information desks between 10:00am and 6:00pm. New to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is enhanced living feature known as an optimal dining experience via entrepreneur Jose Andres. Go to Gate D to see The Landing - but take money!
Back to the TA desk and my friend the ever vigilant volunteer host: Unexpectedly, she found herself with a stranger coming up to her and asking "where are the police. I want to turn myself in." He was in no way distraught, a calm seemingly benevolent man. As duty dictates, she immediately dialed up the airport police number and soon a squad of ten uniformed men appeared. Nothing untoward occurred -- and she doesn't know the outcome. Had this man come up with some ruse or had guilt suddenly overtaken him? A question to answer...
Other good news to report on for consumer consumption (literally). The ever-entrancing remarkable Folger Shakespeare Library has at last announced opening of the Quill and Crumb Cafe (November 22, Friday). Open to the public with varying hours, mostly closing hours, depending on the day of the week. No need to call ahead to reserve as one must do for a complete tour of the building.
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BACK TO BILLINGS
This metal statue, an intrigingly sculptural form atop the city's Rim (capitalized always) seems to be taking in the entire landscape in front of him - Montana's largest city laid out beneath him. Or maybe a her - as there seems to be a child in tow, attached as though part of the larger body form. This is whimsy at its best, captivating and mysterious, a pleasing sight along the trail.
