Before I describe the flight, I must describe how I met the group; they had been looking for me since they arrived in Chicago. Miscommunication led them to believe I would be meeting them in Chicago, and therefore they paged me in the airport and on the plane. Once I was situated at the gate in D.C. I checked my email to find one from my professor saying call immediately as we think we left you! So I called with no answer, and proceeded to get a call from our trip coordinator....I finally found them in D.C. and from there, the journey of continuing to page me began =)
So it was a rough start, with lots of turblence because of the wind. Once things calmed outside, it was an enjoyable flight...or as much as it could be, sitting upright for 13 hours. I must say business class was fabulous-it was very spacious and fancy with large TVs. However I can't complain, because we had it pretty nice in the back. We still had entertainment right in front of us with a TV with games, movies, shows and music. As my peer stated "check out the travel bag...they even give you socks, a toothbrush and an eye mask." Our flight was nice, but I heard from my roommate (who flew from Canada) that they came on a double decker...I didn't know such planes existed!
On the first plane I played around with the TV for a bit and Salt captivated my attention until sleep took over. From there I missed breakfast and BEN AND JERRYS...yes in caps, because I missed the Icecream! I woke up for a bit...and struggled with whether I should ask both passengers to my left to wake up and then move for me to use the restroom, or just hold it. I decided to go once someone else in the row moved. When I got to the back I realized it was no longer night, but the sun was brightly shining. However, we could not see that throughout the cabin as all the windows were closed, respecting everyone sleeping.
I should mention, on the first plane, they came around with moist towels which I didn't accept because I didn't know what to do with it, haha. But after watching, on the second flight I enjoyed! It was just warm steam in my face, it kind of woke me up! It was very refreshing. The crew on Qatar Airways is fantastic!!! They definetly make sure you enjoy your flight and it is as comfortable as it can be.
This is an excerpt from my journal: So I'm in the next airport Doha. I'm not sure where I am but I know I woke up to the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen and looked down to water. We flew over beautiful areas that were lit and surrounded by water! We flew from night to morning to night in the course of 13 hours.
When we landed, we had to get on a bus transfer to the airport and I saw McDonald's in the distance! Why is he here?!? Why is it such a monopoly? I'm never eating there again! Welllll maybe I can resist the french fries...but the iced coffee...I'll try very hard...because I am displeased! =(
Above I mentioned being paged because once again, leaving Doha, Dr. Anthony had to page my peer and I as we went on a hunt for water and missed the initial boarding of the flight! Go me! I'm just giving him the best impression, I know...and it only gets better!
ARRIVAL: We were picked up by a really nice driver who I think will drive us for the duration of the trip. The last flight was much smaller, but we were still served a meal. I managed to stay awake for half of this flight and really enjoyed the fish curry. I sat next to two really nice men! Despite our language barrier we communicated with each other to fill out the customs form together. It was funny...after I finished I offered my pen because they continued to stare...and they took my pen, passport and custom form! =) Once we landed in Trivandrum, we waited in the customs line for what seemed like forever, but in all actuality was about 30 minutes. We began to have random people join our group and it was exciting. Everyone is so diverse and from all over...ranging from Canada to New Orleans to Colorado..and I love it!
I exchanged 40 USD for 1520 Rupees and I'm rich....well not really! On the drive to the hotel, there were vendors, cyclists, people, taxis everywhere...and it was 5:00am....crazy! Our hotel was in the middle of the slums, and what my friend called the poorest area of Trivandrum....the people living around are considered the untouchables....However, Dr. Anthony said there is no heiarchy for living...the rich and poor live together..and that was evident walking the streets....but upsetting at the same time.
That's all for now.
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