Getting to the Airport, One way or Another
The Nepalese people once again showed their sense of understanding and caring at the Hotel D’Annapurna when we told the staff we had to check out early but would pay for both nights. They said no problem and one particular desk person (sorry I did not get his name) promised to get us some form of transportation since the staff feld going around at night could be dangerous. The Nepalese do not have guns but the desk worker said people were throwing stones and other items to smash windows.
Wanderlust and I were not concerned about making it to the airport, even with the drama that could be unfolding outside of town. In fact (can’t speak for Wanderlust) but I liked the sense of adventure and drama The hotel also arranged to change money for us, since we discovered we needed some for the airport tax.
Hotel D’Annapurna was a very good hotel with a fine staff in a great setting, right in the heart of Katmandu. A bit pricey though but worth the cost. Three and a half paws up.
(It's a member of the Taj Hotel family.. Wonder if they have a frequent guest program?)
Riding Shotgun
The desk person originally said they would get a private car, which turned out to be a bus manned by several machine gun totting soldiers. We rode through the streets of Katmandu, all over the place,
Then we stopped on a side street, the bus driver and a solider got out and several people outside started talking, maybe arguing. That added to the tension. But it also added to theadventure and I asked Wanderlust if he was ever caught in the middle of a revolution. He said no, but we both felt there must we a first time for everything.
The bus restarted and we headed back to the main square because two other people heading to the airport needed to be picked up.(My guess was that was the reason for the big discussion.) I don’t know how much the ride cost the hotel, but our fare was about 5 bucks for both of us. The streets were deserted, it was dark with few lights. The bus was quiet except for the soldiers talking among themselves. I felt alright, and so did Wanderlust who simply said to sit back and experience the ride.
After more twists and turns we arrived at Katmandu International Airport, headed to check-in, getting the airport tax vouchers, being hand patted for inspection and going to the waiting room for the plane.
Is it Katmandu or LaGuardia Airport?
The plane that was to take us finally landed in Katmandu around 10:30 pm to the cheers of some of the passengers. Wanderlust worked on putting his digital photos in the computer while I sent out postcards. After about a 35 minute wait we went to another waiting area where two planes were on the tarmac.
The room was hot from the humidity (like 85 degrees or higher) and the hot air of about 150 people talking in one small room. Wanderlust and I and a few others went outside to cool off but were ordered to go back inside.
A bus pulled up and people started to move to the doors but the airline said we are still on delay for airplane maintenance. After about an hour wait we were allowed to board.
The time was about 1 AM. Our connecting flight to Delhi was to leave at 2:45 AM! We really crossed our fingers and I sent positive cat vibes we would make the connection (although there’s always plan B – go back to the nice Sheraton in Delhi.) Another dilemma: we checked our bigger bags so would they make the connection flight to Delhi. Stay tuned!
Wanderlust and I ate a little of the chicken concoction they served us, I had a Calsberg beer and we dozed until the plane landed.
United Angels to the Rescue!
We rushed to the terminal and Wanderlust suggested looking for a United agent, who might know that we were delayed and bound for the Delhi flight. There was a sign for Lufthansa and some Americans for the now departed British Airways flight were arguing with the Royal Nepal agent who was trying his best to help everyone. (there were about 10 people in need of immigration and luggage processing.) Wanderlust and I were very patient and were led to the front of passport control.
The next few minutes looked like a scene out of a comedy movie in higher speed: the Royal Nepal agents were joined by several United agents who worked to get Wanderlust and I processed and find our luggage. The agents were falling all over themselves trying to help everyone.
Miraculously the bags appeared. Wanderlust had some concerns the cord to connect the Palm might show up on X-Ray and his bag would be pulled off the plane and searched. We decided to check the bags in again for the UA flight and dashed to the gate.
We decided not to use the 50 thousand miles each or systemwide to upgrade from coach to business since it was a relatively short (5 hour) flight. Managed to get exit row 35 a and b and had room to stretch out and spend most of our time earning double snoring miles before landing in Hong Kong.
Next: "Sweet" Upgrade
[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 07-17-2001).]