This is an unscheduled stop. While making my annual visit to Malaysia, I decided to pop across to Nepal to see Uma and the children. The journey is a mere three and a half hours ( rather than 13 hours from UK ) away.It would be a break from the heat, I thought
The flight took off on time. It reached Kathmandu airspace on schedule. Then everything went somewhat haywire. We were hovering in mid air for quite sometime. And bearing in mind that this is Malaysian Airline, the twice ill fated air line which attracted a lot of bad luck . No announcement came for what seemed to be a long time. Then the captain informed the passengers that due to the heavy rain in Kathmandu, the visibility at the airport is down to almost zero, therefore unable to land.We were then diverted to Delhi airport for refuelling until the weather improved in Kathmandu. The original arrival time was put back from 11. 30 am to almost 5 pm. What was intended as a short hop became a rather long flight. Uma has since told me that a Turkish airline plane crash landed a week ago due to the rain as well
Surprisingly, the immigration procedure was very prompt for a change. I was cleared in less than 10 minutes, a first for me! Before I left UK, I tried to establish what the weather is like in Kathmandu. Uma assured me that it will be hot. And so I have packed according. I have to say it was a real shock to the system when I realise the day time temperature is hovering @16 celsius. Walking around in light summer clothing is not an option unfortunately. My grey woollen cardigan has saved the day!
Without realising the significance, 13th April was Nepali new year's eve. That explained the unusually quiet roads.New Year's day is also a public holiday. My timely arrival has meant that the children will be able to have lunch out the next day- a treat from my Malaysian friends. A glorious lunch we did have.... and we were stuffed :)
It transpired that Uma has been receiving phone calls from the schools, asking me to visit. I was quite clear that this is a short social visit to see Uma and the children .No doubt there will be a long shopping list of needs but regrettably that has to wait .
A relaxing day indeed.
The flight took off on time. It reached Kathmandu airspace on schedule. Then everything went somewhat haywire. We were hovering in mid air for quite sometime. And bearing in mind that this is Malaysian Airline, the twice ill fated air line which attracted a lot of bad luck . No announcement came for what seemed to be a long time. Then the captain informed the passengers that due to the heavy rain in Kathmandu, the visibility at the airport is down to almost zero, therefore unable to land.We were then diverted to Delhi airport for refuelling until the weather improved in Kathmandu. The original arrival time was put back from 11. 30 am to almost 5 pm. What was intended as a short hop became a rather long flight. Uma has since told me that a Turkish airline plane crash landed a week ago due to the rain as well
Surprisingly, the immigration procedure was very prompt for a change. I was cleared in less than 10 minutes, a first for me! Before I left UK, I tried to establish what the weather is like in Kathmandu. Uma assured me that it will be hot. And so I have packed according. I have to say it was a real shock to the system when I realise the day time temperature is hovering @16 celsius. Walking around in light summer clothing is not an option unfortunately. My grey woollen cardigan has saved the day!
Without realising the significance, 13th April was Nepali new year's eve. That explained the unusually quiet roads.New Year's day is also a public holiday. My timely arrival has meant that the children will be able to have lunch out the next day- a treat from my Malaysian friends. A glorious lunch we did have.... and we were stuffed :)
It transpired that Uma has been receiving phone calls from the schools, asking me to visit. I was quite clear that this is a short social visit to see Uma and the children .No doubt there will be a long shopping list of needs but regrettably that has to wait .
A relaxing day indeed.
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