For as long as I can remember,
I've wanted to travel all around the world.
But it turns out my favorite places to be
are the airports.
I realized this was true
when I found myself boarding a plane to Seattle
just to visit their airport.
(Laughter)
We often think of the world as a vast place with many unknowns
and things to learn about culture,
but sometimes we forget the things that can be the same
wherever they are in the world.
Let me illustrate.
Recently, I was on a plane to India,
and I was dreaming
about India things.
Greyish orange skies.
The subtropical climate.
Haggling over rupees
with an auto rickshaw driver
in Mumbai.
But something happened when I arrived in India.
I didn't haggle over rupees.
I took a taxi.
Another time, I was on my way to Barcelona,
and I was dreaming about Barcelona things.
Immersed in Gaudi architecture.
Eating pan con tomate.
Sipping a tempranillo.
Something happened there too.
I didn't sip a tempranillo.
I ordered a Diet Coke.
(Laughter)
And a second Diet Coke to save for later.
Something happens when we're in unfamiliar situations like these.
We seek things that are familiar.
We actually crave things that are familiar.
Next time you're on a plane, think about some of these things.
Think about the Diet Coke.
The tomato juice.
Christmas.
Two-ply toilet paper.
Seat belts.
Even think about Hollywood movies.
And think about how these things might remind you of home.
Maybe you'll find yourself on a plane too.
Just to visit an airport.
Thank you.
(Applause)