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Exceedingly early morning, considering I am on holiday: up at 05:00. Once at the airport, I am faced with the usual mind-boggling burocracy, get papers from left, go to right and get a stamp, pay in centre, bring luggage at front for security check, get another stamp, go and get tag on baggage at front left, bring luggage at rear where my paper is taken, etc..

Tea with a King

Degrubenc
2006-08-12 14:57:30

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Exceedingly early morning, considering I am on holiday: up at 05:00. Once at the airport, I am faced with the usual mind-boggling burocracy, get papers from left, go to right and get a stamp, pay in centre, bring luggage at front for security check, get another stamp, go and get tag on baggage at front left, bring luggage at rear where my paper is taken, etc..

Of course, the paper for the visa for Bhutan is not waiting for me as was planned. This means we need to call the agency in Bhutan to get the number; bad luck, both the people in charge of it are in Bangkok and unreachable. After much phoning and begging, the under secretary for tourism confirms that they are waiting for me.

I am allowed to board the plane.

Because of the inefficient service displayed earlier by Druk-Air, I have been able to negotiate an upgrade to Business Class on both legs of the journey: Kathmandu - New Delhi and New Delhi - Paro. The plane is a surprisingly large Airbus 319.

Rarely have I seen such large seats and luxury in business class: the seats recline into fully flat beds, a small bar has been installed in a
corner, there are flowers everywhere, a terribly smart affair. I am mightily impressed with Druk-Air’s planes and on-board service. It is only when we arrive in Delhi that I understand why the business class is such a small heaven of luxury. The plane taxies to a special area in front of the VIP terminal and a huge security operation swings into place. The plane is surrounded by the Army; at first I think they are after my leatherman but it turns out that H.M the King of Bhutan is to join us from Delhi to Bhutan. The cabin has been arranged for his rather than my comfort.

The next hour and a half is spent searching the plane, being sniffed by a number of dogs with whom I am not allowed to play, having all my bags thoroughly searched, being asked to stand outside and witness the destruction of my carefully packed rucksack ...