My trip to Bhutan
July 6, 2014, Calgary - Tokyo - Bangkok - Paro Bhutan. My trip starts by checking in my tow bags and Mountain bike. Trying to check in an over sized piece of luggage at the over sized luggage counter outfitted with a regular sized baggage scanner was rather comical and set the journey up on light and joyous mood as we all got a chuckle out of it. Just imagine me and the guy operating the scanner, trying to shove this big bike box into this small scanner meant for hand bags, if we would have tried any harder we would have broken it.The 11 hour none stop flight to Tokyo was uneventful and seemed to have passed rather quickly, it gave me the opportunity to work on some ground work for my assignment in Bhutan.
After a short layover in Tokyo I was ready to board for the next leg of my journey when all of a sudden my name was called out on the intercom system, I was asked to report to the gate agent. The lack of the proper size scanner has caught up with me in Tokyo, or should I say with my bike. A scan of the bike box has raised some concerns and i was informed that they would bring the bike box to the gate for me to open it and for them to inspect. The issue was over the suspension of the bike and that it contained some sort of gas. I had no idea what they were talking about. I quick look inside the box satisfied all parties and I was on my way, bike and all.
The leg to Bangkok was going to be exciting as I was about to board an Airbus 380 for my first time, what an impressive aircraft that is. But was even more impressive was the service of the crew, we were greeted by colorfully dressed flight attendants that showed each guest to their seat. Hot towels were handed out and beverages served before the flight took off. Shortly after being airborne more drinks, including wine or any other alcoholic beverages made the rounds, to my astonishment they were served in glasses. Not long after leveling out at cruising altitude dinner was served; and yet again I was astounded, there still is good and enjoyable airplane food out there, and of course all served with plentiful wine. The in-flight service was capped off with some refreshing green tea ice cream just before descending into Bangkok.
It is now Monday July 7th. 11 PM in Bangkok, gathering my huge load of luggage was easy and most efficient at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the airport reminds me of the one in Zurich, well laid out and easy to navigate considering its size. I found a place where I could leave my luggage overnight, so as not to have to cart it all the way to the hotel, where I would try to get a couple of hours of sleep before heading back to the airport at 4:30 AM.
Tuesday July 8th 4:30 AM I am back at Suvarnabhumi Airport to get on my last flight to Paro Bhutan. I got dinged yet another $275 for my bike, I am thinking I should have bought one over there, I was helped by some very friendly staff to make sure all is in order and my bags get to where they need to. The Bhutanese passengers waiting at the departure gate some dressed in their traditional national garb gave me a slight idea of what I was about to experience upon my arrival at Paro. But first there is the actual flight into the mountainous region of Bhutan and the Paro International airport. The approach into Paro is nothing for the faint hearted, the city is at 2400 meter above sea level nestled between lush green mountain tops and deep valleys dotted with rice patties and ancient monasteries built onto rock ledges along the steep valley slopes. The skilled pilots guide the big Airbus 319 through the valleys over tree tops, banking to the left then the right another left in very quick successions before another sharp right bank and a fast drop down to the air strip, just barely missing the rooftops of the houses that skirt the air strip. At times it seemed one could touch the valley slopes and tree tops. There are only 8 pilots that are licensed to fly these jets into this airport. To give you a better idea of the real experience, here are a couple of videos I found on-line. This is my first day in Bhutan, time to get some rest and get ready for my next 8 weeks here in this beautiful unspoiled piece of paradise.
More posts to follow soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmGy7qcDwQU , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMEviAW2pOU&index=13&list=PLE096CF6FC5D0F1BD , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBPRmDFbaP4&index=1&list=PLE096CF6FC5D0F1BD
