Donna's Favourites
- 2004 -

(yes, dear American friends, we also spell "favourites" differently, too....see Donna, can you spell? for more details on international spelling)

December 2004

I've been slack lately....sorry.  I'll have all the favourites up during the first few days of January. 

November 2004

• There are some countries I do not ever want to visit for reasons associated with being a very independent woman.  After reading of pez's experience in Cairo, I think Egypt is on my list.
• You people make me laugh.  Read these this Bangkok reviews and then read this one.  I just noticed that listing # 2 was fake.
• It seems every month, I have displaced some nation or relocated cities to the wrong country.  It is actually carelessness and ignorance on my part, but I prefer to call it the "Donna's game of are YOU paying attention to the details?"   I should create a section on my blunders as they could be funnier than my actual musings.  I say this since I am actually a travel agent in my day clothes.  Can I book your next trip for you???  Anyways, I am pleased to announce that Oman has moved from Africa to it's rightful home of the middle east.
• Speaking of bad geography, I am glad to see that I am not the only one with problems.
• This past summer I really got into the Amazing Race on CBS.  It's such a great show and it was fun to see the contestants sleeping in airports.  Well, it's starting up again on November 16, so all you other fans can join me on our travel board.
• When I read Julie's Fort Lauderdale experience, I immediately thought of this new map being circulated on the internet. [click to enlarge ]

Welcome these new cities to the list: Burlington 

October 2004

• Oh sweet Jesus.  After 9 years of physiotherapy and endless nightmares of cold marble floor and bucket seats, Karla has the nerve to remind me of this experience by submitting her Geneva experience.  After all these years, I find it an embarrassment for the entire country of Switzerland to have an airport so uncomfortable.
• Sometimes getting some good shut-eye is not only difficult, but a test of your survival ability.  Sometimes, you just need to be creative like Anna in Brussels.
• I am sure that some people have wondered why a lot of information is requested about the bathroom facilities (or lac thereof) on my airport survey.  Well, perhaps I just have a bathroom fetish or I am trying to discover incidents such as Bilal's Islamabad experience.
• Men should beware of a gay baggage handler in Bangkok.  Having just written that, the name Bang kok takes on new meaning.
• Who has ever met the love of their life in an airport?  Perhaps one of our contributors did, but only a visit to Cambodia will tell.
• The next time you stare down at the ground when a homeless person asks you for some spare change, remember that you may need their help one day.  Read Robert's Cardiff experience.
• I usually filter my emails to eliminate anything that contains a link exchange request, but here is a site that looks like it's up our alley.  Apparently Nick Hall won a contest that involves travelling around Europe for no more than £15 a flight 

September 2004

• Sometimes I receive a story so bizarre, so unbelievable, I don't know if this individual is joking around or being serious.  This Tegucigalpa story is the most bizarre experience I've read about in a very long time.
• Although not so bizarre, have you ever accidentally found yourself on the tarmac while going for stroll of the airport?
• Imagine this.... the airport police arrest you on ridiculous gun smuggling charges and when they go to take your mug shot, they can't figure out how the camera works, so you end up having to show them how to take your mug shot. 
• Any experience that mentions a festival called "Bonnaroo" and involves the contributor being rejected for boarding a flight because they are too dirty deserves a thumbs up in my book.
• Why is that travellers in the southern hemisphere show up drunk at the airports?  In the past couple of updates I've read of such stories in Hobart and Auckland.
• Sometimes its worth venturing outside of the airport when you have a really long layover.  Check out this Papeete experience.
• Kids travelling alone get stuck in the airport too!
• Why is Paris CDG such a dump?
• As I was reading this story about a woman who had to stay at London's Heathhell airport for 30 hours, I had to ask myself, at what point do we become truly comfortable with the airport surrounding, security and our situation?  Personally, I'm aching for the day that I can wear my PJs and bunny slippers around the airport during my next overnighter.  If you see such a girl, it may be me! 
• I would like to honour Filipe Barini for being our most frequent contributor over the years.  You'll see his airport reporting throughout Brazil, a few airports in Canada and in Europe.  We salute you Filipe!
• Welcome these cities to the list: Neuquen, Haugesund, Curitiba, Tonga, White Plains

August 2004

Before I get to my favourite listings from this update, I wanted to point them out some of the new features to the BTGSA just to prove I actually do occasionally work on this site...

• an instant vote feature for each airport
• More "useful" details on the airport such as official airport web site links and details provided during the surveys.  It takes a lot of time to compile this information, but it should all be up in the next couple of weeks.
• Better navigation?
• Better organization? Airports, Train Station, Bus and Ferry Terminals, and those other strange places have been separated onto their own pages

All of the changes will take time with over 900 pages and not enough time in the day to complete. As always, you input will is important, so please let me know what you think.

And now to my favourites listings:

• Douala has got to be the worst airport I've read about in a while.
• As you can see above, my favourite's icon is a "rendition" of me (I don't wear braids in real life, thank you very much) with my thumbs up.  Well, sometimes I feel really weird putting that icon beside a story especially when it involves an aircraft collision....in India...surprise, surprise.  Not really something to thumbs up, but the story that follows is.
• Just when Singapore was looking a little too good to be true, I read of wake-up calls courtesy of machine guns
• I'm not sure what's more disturbing, reading this story or knowing that cleaning staff in Tokyo will walk in on you while on the toilet.
• You think the floor cleaners are loud, try sleeping in an airport during renovations.  This Heathrow was sent to us by some poor woman who woke up with some strangers feet in her hair.  YUK!
• You finally get all your bags and pass through immigration.  As you are walking towards the exit gate, you see some mad woman waving wildly at you.  Unfortunately you don't know this woman, but she seems to know you.  Don't worry it's just Gary's wife passing the time!  Wave back!  Two can play that game.
• Sometimes you just need to bring your own alcohol to make the night pass a little better.
• Reports of bribes are coming out of Manila and Lviv this update.
• If you can get any sleep while overnighting at Berlin Tegel, take the bus to nearby bars and night clubs.
• This Lima story reminds me of when I travelled from Peru to Canada with a huge bag of Coca Tea leaves in (and all over) my suitcase.  I had no idea I could have faced some problems.  This was shortly after 9/11, so I think Coca Tea leaves were the least of anybody's concerns.
• This month's Security Guard of the Month comes from Perth, Australia.  I really wish we could add their photos, but airport officials would frown severely on that idea.  Even more incentive to go ahead with it...
• One nameless contributor has harsh words for a contributor of a USO story.  Lighten up buddy.  It's not like Billy was hurting anybody and he probably pays taxes, so why not use a government sponsored facility?  But that's just my opinion.

Welcome these cities to the list: Vadodara, Bissau, Nouakchott

This site is dedicated to my angel in the sky, Tyler. 
You will be greatly missed!!! 
03 Aug 04

June 2004

"Being in Europe and seeing people on the floor" 
Catherine Zeta-Jones describing her "worst" airport experience.  
Read on, Cathy, if you want to hear some real eye-opening airport woes.  Source E-Online.

The summer airport sleeping season has definitely begun.  Less than a month ago I did my last update, now I just added another 48 new airport listings.  We only have two regular visitors (including myself), but for our benefit I have created a page that shows all of the new listings added during each update.  So if you want to read the new stories in one sitting, this will be your best bet!  Now to the favourites for this update:

• This Sydney story comes from the author of the hit and run at London Heathrow from last month's update  Davey is either a terrific creative writer or one of the most unfortunate travellers ever to visit this site.  
• I really love to read about disgusting Indian airports.  I feel really dirty afterwards and want to take a shower, but mostly I am thankful that I have never had the misfortune of experiencing them first-hand.  
• While Yaron was off showering, resting in a lounge and exploring the Auckland airport, some poor man he just met from New Caledonia got stuck watching his bags.  Personally, I would not be that trusting in a stranger, but to each his own.
• Ok, so in some airports there are bathrooms that are meant to be used by the disabled only.  However, sometimes, as airport sleepers, we use them for personal maintenance.  Well, the next time you try to get into one of these bathrooms and the person is in there for over an hour, it is very likely to be a woman shaving her legs and underarms and washing her hair in the oversized sink.  See this Amsterdam story for an example.
• This message from Elona was so sweet.  She is asking for our patience and understanding regarding the sad state of the Tirana airport.
• It seems to me that the only place in any US airport that is suitable for sleeping and enjoyment is the USO.  Read this St. Louis listing to see what you're missing.  
• In Canada, Tim Hortons is the US equivalent to Dunkin Donuts.  The Calgary airport has 7 Tim Hortons.  I gotta admit, I love their Cheese Croissants!
• I think airlines only give a damn about your comfort when there is some sort of weather delay.  They graciously hand out pillows and blankets in lieu of a hotel room and we make due, but how about a little generosity every night no matter if there is a storm. 
• In Miami, I nearly got stuck to the floor while passing through the food court and my garbage could not be discarded of properly because the trash cans were over-flowing.  Well, in Kuala Lumpur, Josh notes that the cleaning crew removed the trash 7 times in a five hour period.  Now, that's cleanliness!
• Having never been to Asia, I am jealous of all these beautiful airports with friendly staff and amenities galore.  But add to my envy are all these reports I read of people being upgraded just for the hell of it.  Why can't North American airlines be a little more like that?
• And finally, which European airline includes a link to this site from their site?  I'm not sure if I would be reassured or worried if I were a traveller flying this airline.  Any guesses???

Welcome these cities to the list: Male, Liberia, Bozen, Zante

May 2004

The summer airport sleeping season is fast approaching (as is our 8th anniversary).  In preparation for your upcoming trips I have 84 new listings for this update.  Here are some of the most memorable:

• This Prague story cannot be for real....can it?  
• Apologies to Davey, but I kinda laughed (but in a "Oh my god" way) when I read his London Heathrow experience.  This just makes the point of the hazards of sleeping on the floor.
• Imagine, some cities are so boring that the airport is actually recommended as a place to go for a "night out"
• I'm not sure if this Calgary story was sent to us from an insane or just a silly person.  You know the famous "Spy in the airport" game?   Everybody knows and plays this, right? Uh, yeah...I didn't think so.
• DAMO sent a few good stories.  He had multiple requests for his passport in Venice (I think security was flirting with you, my friend....those horny Italians) and his experience at the Bucharest Train Station is yet another example of REALLY bad bathrooms.  Where was your camera???
• It's good to see that those airports in India are still maintaining pride in their "Worst airports" title.  In Bombay you are greeted with the stench of urine and mosquito spray and in both Bombay and Chennai you should take some extra cash for all the bribes you will need to fulfill.
• Are you a trendsetter or trendfollower ?  At an airport you can either (1) find your own individual spot and people may follow or (2) you can look for people with a good spot and hang out with them.  This story about a Nadi experience demonstrates this point.
• Sleeping in the airport is no longer just for the cheap.  Here are some reasons you may find yourself unexpectedly camping out at the airport: (1) You can't find your hotel, so you return to the airport.  (2) You misread your airline ticket and you showed up for an AM flight when it is actually a PM flight. (3) You are kicked out of your house and need a place to stay.
• A while ago I was pleased to read  that the announcements at the Dublin airport (the ones still haunt me in my sleep 10 years later) were modified to longer intervals, well they've come back or so says Stephanie.  Also on the topic of Dublin (the airport that started this site), Zeke writes that it seemed like there were hundreds of people sleeping there.  Yikes, there were only about 10 when I was there.  Has it become trendy here now?
• Rome Leonardo da Vinci airport almost became Rome Leonardo DiCaprio airport.  I do these updates late at night, so my mind tends to wander.
• I'm not the Spelling Nazi.....really!  I had a laugh at Joshua's Boston report.
• Back when Delta wasn't on the verge of bankruptcy, they were kindly covering stranded passengers with blankets.
• I would like to remind everyone to return those pillows taken from aircraft during flight!  Soon, we'll have to pay for or place deposits on those too.
• At some airports you are asked to hand in your guns and nukes prior to boarding and children can run around on the runway.  I'd go, just to watch children running around on the runway dodging aircraft...LOL...just kidding
• Even before September 11, sleeping in the Phoenix airport was a problem resulting in a fine and night in jail.
• Just a reminder that you need to arrive early for the more popular airports or you risk having nowhere in the airport to sleep.  The London airports, in particular, are very popular.
• Am I reading this correctly, but there are waiters in the Banjul airport who serve you at your gate seat?

Welcome these new cities to the list: Aberdeen, Brunei, Mobile, Dominica, Bucaramanga, Bismarck, Aitu, Belize City, Mar del Plata, San Antonio, Isle of Man

April 2004 

• Aside from "wardrobe misfunction", did you know that the second most popular term in 2004 is "AeroNazi?"  I'm still unclear as to the exact definition; however, they apparently exist at Chicago O'Hare.
• You were enjoying some sweet dreams and didn't hear the last call for boarding your flight.  You finally wake up, but your luggage is in a heap on the tarmac and the plane has already left the gate.  In the airports I pass through, that's it...your loss.  See you later.  However, in Cork, security will actually radio the plane back in and will get you on that plane.  If given the choice of waiting a few hours for the next flight or face a plane load of pissed off faces once I get onboard, I think I would wait for the next flight. 

Welcome these new cities: Verona, Porto, Huatulco, Aarhus

January 2004

I have spent 4 full days and nights labouring over this site.  The work seems neverending, my ass aches, I have blurred vision and some form of rigamortis is developing in my wrists.  Despite this, I am pleased to present you with 181 new listings and 24 new cities.  We had LOTS of stories and these here are the most memorable:

• San Francisco - This is probably the funniest report I have read in a while.  I actually burst out in laughter.  
• Windhoek - Another funny story.  This one about just how hot an airport built in the desert can become.
• Ok, add this to the "I don't think I'll ever be THAT desperate list."  It's one thing to sleep in the bathroom, but directly over a floor toilet to save 4 Canadian dollars, come on!  Life cannot be that bad.
• Kiev always makes the most memorable stories list.  There are 4 stories that have made this page.  The most memorable during this update has to do with announcements.  One story with a report of announcements being so loud that you need to turn your walkman up full blast and even then you can hear every word and the other with incorrect announcements.   You might as well read the entire Kiev page.
• Athens - come on women, this is just plain gross.  There is really no need for you to shave your legs out in the open. 
• Milan - This listing has a good example of perseverance to get yourself into the Business Class lounge.  Another situation it brings up has to do with the airport showers.  Just what happens when you don't have a towel to dry yourself?
• Phoenix - This is a nice story about how women will check on your health if they happen to see you sleeping in the women's bathroom.  Unlike that disturbing Calgary story we had earlier this year.
• Abidjan - the seats are disappearing due to people sleeping on them, so be prepared.
• Rovaniemi - Who knew Santa Claus had an official airport?
• I'm learning all sorts of things today.  Who knew that the airport of Basle is actually in two countries.  There is an actual border through the middle of it.
• Chicago - I knew this site attracted travellers -- young and old -- but a 13 year old?  Wow, that's young to get started on your own.
• Marseilles - If you visit a foreign country, are the locals really expected to speak to you in your language or do you speak to them in their language?  Discuss amongst yourselves.
• Add this to the list of impressive features at Singapore.  Apparently they even have alarm clocks on the seats.  Heavens to Betsey, I love this airport.  Also in Singapore, you may want to look out for birds in the shower.  They are there....somewhere.
• Seattle - It brings a tear to my eye to imagine traveller's with page printouts from this site.  
• On the other hand, this story about San Jose is the first time I've heard about a reader being misinformed by information on this site.  The inaccurate report the correspondent is referring to has since been removed.  The McGrath's story is actually hilarious if you think about the situation.  They probably were not too happy though.
• Los Angeles - One of the items I would pack in my airport sleeping kit is an inflatable swimming pool raft.  They are cheap, light, fold up nicely, but smell like hell.
• Freetown - beware of the $ 5 bribes here in Freetown.
• Las Vegas - Sometimes we will get a story that defies all decency and is completely unrelated to the art of sleeping in airports.  However, this story was just too funny that I had to include it and mention it for the readers.  Written by the same joker who provided us with the San Francisco above.
• Bngkok - As mentioned on our 2003 Battle of the Airports survey results page, we suggest that the next time you happen to be at an airport with an internet cafe you should log on to this web site and send your report.  You'll kill some time between flights and give readers an on the spot report.  Check out which airports have internet facilities.  There are more, but we need your reviews to keep the list up-to-date and accurate. 
• Geneva - Here is an example to prove that your advice is used and appreciated 

Welcome these cities to the list: Kimberley, Manta, Genoa, Faroe Islands, Marseilles, Bourgas, Treviso, Pula, Wichita, Beograd, Belgrade, Rovaniemi, Busan, Kona, Tripoli, Kangerlussuaq, Lexington, Gary, Freetown, Daegu, Sharm-a-Sheik, Villahermosa

And finally, Seoul - is it Gimpo or Kimpo?  Why do some people call the domestic terminal Gimpo and others call it Kimpo?  Does it mean the same thing.  I just don't know how to list it on the site.  On the plus side, no one has sent me a complaint about the spelling..... yet.

Now for the educational portion of this update, I present to you the answer from Andrew Mogensen, Linguistics specialist and friend to Canadians:
"No complaint here, except that Canadians and Koreans have something in common: They both have spelling issues.
Korean alphabets do not differentiate between the letters of D & T, R & L, G & K, or B & P. You use the same letter for each. Thus Kimpo is also Gimpo (Seoul's Airport), Busan's (former spelling Pusan) airport is called Kimhae (or old spelling style Gimhae), and Daegu (3rd largest city) is formerly (sometimes) spelled Taegu. Confusing? Sure. I have been struggling with these things also, as I once lived in Korea and also have Canadian friends. "