I made it!

I said goodbye to Boise and my beautiful wife at 0640am Saturday April 7th and traveled through Salt Lake City to JFK airport where I awaited my international flight with Qatar Airways.  JFK was not the best place to hang out for 4 hours, as the “sports bar” was lacking and the most popular place to eat was the food court and McDonalds!  I was saved by the European bakery, however, so all is good!  I left JFK at 1150pm Saturday night, and as it turns out, Qatar Airways is an excellent choice for international travel.  A new 777 was my ferry from JFK to Doha.  The enormity of the plane was impressive, but the service was definitely the highlight.  I was especially thrilled by the middle-eastern themed gift bag that was presented to me as I found my seat.  This little goody bag contained a pair of socks, ear plugs, a tooth brush, and a night mask.  I didn’t use any of it, but still, how cool is that?  All of this was followed by some earphones and a hot napkin!  US domestic flights could really learn a thing or two from these folks.  Due to the service, in-flight entertainment, and ample leg room (a biggie for a 6’8″ guy)  the 12 hour flight time was actually quite pleasant.

Once on the ground in Doha, Qatar we were bussed from the plane to the terminal.  The Doha Airport is mostly runway, tarmac, fencing, concertina wire, and a building seemingly meant only to house the duty free shops.  These shops were hopping, with people buying Jack Daniels, powdered milk, space legos, and iPods at all hours.  There was no Easter Bunny, but the people were pleasant and accommodating.  Once I got my bearings, I was fortunate to meet up with a colleague, fellow trekker, and new friend from Boston and Global Rescue, paramedic Bob Veno.  Too bad all New Englanders aren’t as friendly as Bob (not to forget Trooper Hare up there in Maine)!  He and I swapped stories, watched people, and excitedly spoke of the days to come while we enjoyed  some Arab coffee.  It wasn’t Starbucks, but it hit the spot.  The 7 hour layover went fast, and on Monday at 0240am Qatar time (Sunday 640pm MST) we were on the plane to Kathmandu.  This plane ride wasn’t on the big boy 777, but the service was still top notch.  After leaving Doha, we flew over Dubai at night (wow!) then north of Karachi, over Delhi, and on to Nepal. Nice little geography lesson.  By the way, the plane food was even edible.  I ate an item that resembled a pear/potato cross but tasted like bread soaked in maple syrup. And some garbanzo beans, I think.

Having a window seat for this flight was sweet, as my view of Nepal and the Himalayas as we landed was…. well, lets just say I am in awe.  More to come, with pictures, I promise.  Its Monday morning in Kathmandu baby!  Here we go….

Blue Sky Happy Day