#bps19 was over and conferees were dissipating. I hung out Wednesday evening with friends from graduate school who live in the area and flew out Thursday. My direct flight choices to Houston that day were either 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. Not at all tempted to arrive at the airport at 4 a.m., I had all day to work on my grant proposal, due Monday, in the airport. I figured there would be a nice spot somewhere there to work. I got there mid-morning but the United Airlines ticket agent told me I couldn't check in until four hours before my flight (I am usually more concerned with being late, so this was new information to me).

I walked the length of the terminal (outside security) looking for my perfect work spot. Starbucks? Maybe, but what else? It had been years since I last flew into BWI so I asked the United Airlines ticket agent for a recommendation. After a discussion with a colleague, she recommended "Duclaw Brewing Company." On my way to the brewing company, I noticed a sign that read, "Sky Azure Small Bites and Cocktails" with an arrow pointing up. I looked up and saw a sliced section of an airplane with two seats suspended in mid-air. Intrigued, I took the elevator up.

Sky Azure was quiet, comfortable, and beautiful. There were maybe a half dozen people in and out the entire five hours I spent there. I got to know the bartender, Tonya, and she told me it was "always like this." I told her it was because nobody knew about it! Strangely, even the website of places to eat in the airport (https://www.bwiairport.com/wayfinding?filter=Food%20&Drink=) doesn't include Sky Azure! It appears on that website under "Amenities" as an "observation deck."

There are comfortable chairs at tables and bar stools at the bar. Throughout the rest of the observation deck are several large rocking chairs and plane parts. A wing hangs from the ceiling. A tail is a wall. There is fast, free internet throughout.

The virgin Margarita (kudos to Tonya for not laughing at me when I placed my order) was wonderful and made me feel I was drinking an actual drink while working. The cheese dip was spicy and delicious. It came with "house made chips" (tortilla chips or totopos) that were perfectly crisp. Later I ordered a crab cake slider, which was also delicious. These were the perfect "brain food" to work on my proposal.

Next time our annual meeting is in Baltimore (it's been held there 2019, 2015, and 2011, so I'm sure we'll be back), arrive early to relax or delay your departure and get something done away from the demands of your desk and visit Sky Azure—my new favorite airport hangout. I will defiitely visit there next time, so I'll see you there!