Got checked in to my flight and was allocated an extra leg room seat (score!) with a window view, what they didn’t say was that the window wasn’t one I could look through due to it being a door, but was very comfortable. I could see out of the window behind me, and the plane had cameras on the front and underneath which you could view on the screen. Got a good view of Turkey, including Lake Van, then onto Iran. Lots of snow and mountains which looked very scenic.
Landed at Dubai (had left the floor camera on, so got treated to seeing the runway approach rapidly. Scary, but strangely compelling!) The airport is enormous, and was surprisingly quiet. After an hour of wandering about, I went to board my flight to Bangalore.
This part of the flight was a little frightening, there was quite a lot of turbulence, but eventually landed safely. Took around an hour to clear immigration, customs, ebola screening? security again then out to be greeted by my driver, had a sign with my name on and everything which was nice.
Journey to the hotel, around 4:30am at this point so quiet by Indian standards, was an experience. I’m yet to work out the rules, but it seems to be a hierarchy based on vehicle size, loudness of horn and nerve of the driver.
Arrived at the hotel, which is fantastic, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so looked after. It is almost to the point of embarrassing, having people open doors, serve meals, collect washing etc. Managed about 3 hours sleep, then went for breakfast and met a few of my colleagues who’d flown out the week before, had a stroll around the hotel and park, another sleep, then out to dinner then bed for a proper sleep!
