After squinting my way through security and customs, and after breaking the record for the fastest consumption of a $9 Whopper at an airport Burger King in history, I reported to my departure gate, gave my ticket to the attendant, then began my long walk down always-shaky enclosed jetway towards the plane. Which, if you’ve been following along, is the moment when I realized that something didn’t quite feel right. And that something, of course, was that one of my bags–specifically my shoulder bag–was no longer on my person. (more…)