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)