A VERY VERY LONG TRAVEL DAY HOME

A very long day of Travel Home: 

We were up early as usual and had breakfast here at the Yak and Yeti Hotel. We next went for to a walk about the hotel gardens and then about our neighborhood.  Came back and chatted with our fellow travelers as some were headed to the airport. 

Thinking about the trip, I can only say it was marvelous. The planning and detail our guides Peter and Yam went to made the whole experience outstanding. Yes there were some minor changes to the final itinerary but all were made for the better. 

This was one of the best trips we have been on and can only say WOW. Yes Nat Geo does a great job in giving their participants an unique experience in oh so many ways. The depth of their local knowledge and, most of all, a great willingness to share. This sharing is not just the sharing of going to a place, but the spirit and being of the locations visited. The trip leaders have a great skill in the ability to invoke the total spirit of the trip and give it life.  For this I can only say thank you for many many memories that will be held so precious forever. 

We were cleaned up and ready to go to the airport a bit early. Our driver arrived a bit early and the traffic was light by Kathmandu standards. I was worried as he drove us as he did not honk his horn until we were half way there. When we arrived, the driver/transportation coordinator presented us with a Kata wishing us safe travels.   

First check in was at the entrance to the departure hall. Only passengers are allowed into the terminal. Next we checked in and got our bags checked. Double checking the bag tags for accuracy all looked good. Next we cleared an other check point and made our way to the immigration hall, filled out a departure card and got in line. All checked and passports stamped. Next was security. There is a line for men and one for women. Lynn’s line was empty and I had some dazed and confused guys in front of me and they finally let we pass them. Through security there was another check point for passports and boarding cards.  Sadly the lounge is located airside before security  and Lynn really wanted to get through security, so here we sit in a hot sticky departure hall.  

Then when the flight is called, boarding pass and passport are checked by gate agent, then a security pat down on the way to the bus. Then bus to plane and another security check where bags are hand searched and another pat down as well as passport and boarding card check.  

In the departure lounge we got a bit hungry so we got a bag of chips, a bottle of water, and on order of chicken momo. The chicken momo was pretty darn good. 

The meal on the plane was a chicken curry and it was very good. 

We landed in New Delhi and a long hike to the next security point all  cameras and cell phone, computer  and all electronics out for X-ray. Then we made our way to  the Air India Lounge. It is 19:00 and we are here till we board at 22:45. The food in the Air India Lounge was good and had some nice spice flavors. 

We left the lounge early to walk about a bit before boarding. I had been told the gate would be close and a 5 min walk.  It was a bit further than 5 min walk as Lynn and I walk at a brisk pace. Anyway we arrive at the gate for another security check, all cameras, computers, cell phone, shoes but not your belt or empty your pockets.  After this check point, we have passports inspected and a baggage check to confirm our bags have made it with us thus far. 

We board and tuck into our seats and have a bit of dinner. The chilled shrimp were very nice and a flat bread with onions and herbs was served with the meal. I chose chicken and Lynn had the fish. I liked mine. The there was a cheese plate and ice-cream for dessert. 

The Force was strong with the inflight entertainment system as the only movie that would play was Star Wars episode 3, regardless of ones selection. The Captain and crew apologized and suggested we complain to UAL. 

I got a good 6 plus hours of sleep and am not feeling too bad. Up for a bit and then an other bit of sleep. Time for some coffee and soon the ever classic UAL cereal and banana for breakfast. 

We next clear customs and immigration and then security for the last time, as we made our way to the UAL Lounge. Next flight is from EWR to DEN. 

As I have said this was a very spiritual trip to me as mountains have always held a special place in my heart and in my life. I catch my self chanting Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ. 

This trip has literally taken us around the world by plane. From DEN to SFO to PEK to LHA to KTM to DEL to EWR to DEN, yes that is around the world. 

We made it home as the skies darkened and picked up The Boys, They were jumping all over us and glad to get home and romp about the yard chasing bunnies. 

Stay tuned to Soggy Moose Travels as we are soon heading to Alaska, and some local adventures will be chronicled.