paracommunications

Some people think that “T4″ stands for another sequel to “T2″, but it is something far more sinister and scarier: T4 and T4S are the new buildings of Madrid-Barajas Airport new terminal area.

There are some similitudes, though. Both T2 and T4/T4S present a post-nuclear world where there is very little room for hope, but nevertheless humans keep up the fight to find a way out.

And in the case of T4/T4S finding a way out is not harder than finding a way in. In fact, a long-time employee of the airport, R.F.R., who got lost himself, decided to write a Useful Guide to Barajas Terminal 4.

Those arriving at the satellite (T4S) should consider wearing comfortable shoes and be ready for a long trek. (Warning: Some of the ramps may require crampons). To get a better idea of what you are facing, imagine that you are lost in the mountains, only everything around you looks utterly ugly, like a WW2 bunker. You are following a path of uncertain course and length in search of your baggage (follow the signs labelled Baggages claim), and then you take a train.

Yes, I’m not joking, you actually have to take a train to get to T4. Are you tired after the long walk? No probs, you will have plenty of time to rest while you wait for your suitcase. Plenty.

The Hi-Lo Jamaican Eating House is the only restaurant in Oxford where, in my opinion, the owner and staff feel genuine contempt for their customers, and this is a remarkable feat.

I have made the mistake of going a couple of times, thanks to some rosy reviews like the one I’ve linked above, and under the wrong assumption that if it looks bohemian it must be good.

Chasing a grumpy waitress who hates your guts because you want to fill them, waiting forever for your food or being verbally abused by the owner are just part of what the Hi-Lo experience has to offer.

Some examples of what are considered capital offenses in that restaurant could be: Ordering food. Ordering a Jamaican beer. Happiness in general. Expecting to be seated. Not guessing what table the owner thinks is good for you. Asking for the bill. Entering without performing the secret double-door ritual. Ordering tap water.

The aforementioned review says

leave hours later [...] having lost all concept of time.

I would add “if you are lucky enough to leave”. I’m talking from my own experience here, but I’ve asked other students, and quite incredibly, this is not just me. This obnoxious attitude is consistent!