Whoo! paying $9.99 for 2 hours of internet

I am currently waiting in the DC airport. I have already have had 5 hour flight from Seattle to Wa DC. My next flight is to Rome. his flight continues on to Addis Ababa (for a total flight 16 hours). I will then stay overnight in Addis and take a flight to Uganda in the morning. Since I am relatively behind on my email and other computer/internet to-do list items, I decided to pay for the internet during my 2 hour layover in the DC airport. I a slight case of sticker shock - it is costs $9.99! Yikes! That is my new way of passing judgment on airports I visit - whether or not it costs money to use wireless internet. It costs about $8 in Seattle and apparently it is even more expensive here. However, it was free in the Portland airport. Apparently Oregon is even more generous than its lack of sales tax.

It is interesting how the introduction into East African culture begins even before you get on the plane. Sitting in the waiting area there are numerous individuals of Ethiopian origin who are waiting for the flight. There is a very beautiful older Ethiopian woman sitting across from me who is dressed in the traditional clothing. (I guess Ethiopians frequently dress up for the flights). She has a little red sign hanging around her neck that says, "Please Help. I don't speak any English. If I am by myself, help me find where I should go or someone who speaks Amharic." However, I don't think this woman has much of a chance of getting lost, as she is surrounded by about 5 younger Ethiopians who are talking to her and bringing her things. I think it will be a fun flight. :)