April 2

April first — We were up and about, went to get our last hearty breakfast, packed our stuff (we left quite a few things – lightening out load quite a bit), and checked out Osho Hotel by 1145. I feel better. Jeff ordered a taxi to take us to the airport. We said goodbye to the staff. One staff person had found our cache of stuff before we left and asked about an item, that I assume he will acquire. 😂  We loaded up in the taxi and arrived at the airport by 1215. We actually had a security check to get into the airport. We got checked in, with our checked bags bags on their way by 1238.

We went through immigration and then to the lounge, before security?! This is a first for us!! Anyway, so thankful for these lounges and the food (all because Jeff preplanned and got us in Priority Pass.) We had lunch: baked fish – stuffed with spinach and cheese; little bits of the four types of salads (a Greek type one, a corn/bell pepper one, a bean pod/tomato one, and a bell pepper/carrot/peanut one); seasoned potato wedges; chicken based cold cuts with cheese; and great garlic bread. The food was all decent, some was great including a great small piece of pistachio three tier cream cake!

Around 1400 we left the lounge and through security. Arrived at our gate as they just called to board, but there was a huge line already (Indian style – so not really a line, so much as a sea of people pushing in). We waited. 1445 boarded bus to plane. There was a third security point somewhere before here, Jeff and I can't remember exactly where.  Anyway, we got off the bus, and realized we were queuing two lines onto the plane. They were announcing how to line up but I could not understand, and said that to Jeff. A man heard me and said, “He said, 'Australians in the back,'” I laughed and came back with the comment, “of U.S. after that.” We both got a kick out of this. It's great to find humor when you can!! Finally, figured out the queuing was women on one side, men the other. Then another security check, on the stairs to board the plane! It's our fourth one!! Wow, really? Questions?? At 1500, we are on the plane. 1519 backed out (14 minutes late) then we stopped until 1526. Finally, we taxied. Up and away at 1531, leaving Nepal. 🥲  We really enjoyed ourselves here in Kathmandu and can see coming back. Once at elevation, we could see mountain tops peaking out of a fluffy layer of clouds. I was able to snap a great picture. I'm saying that one of those mountains is Mount Everest (I don't know if this is true mind you, but I can have my fantasy that one is!! 😂)  The flight was okay. I connected with the girl next to me. She was in the window seat and allowed me to get my picture. She is Austrian by birth, and quit her job some time ago and is now traveling!! Good for her she is only 30, looks 25, traveling alone! She said she loved our story, and asked if we have Instagram or some such social media. I explained about our Website and Blog, also giving her my WhatsApp number. We wish her well!

We of course, landed late in Mumbai, at 1818. By 1830, we were to passport control and collected our luggage, Jeff discovered an email that our flight tomorrow has been canceled!!! What?!? 😮😒  So, we found a Vistara desk, after some searching. Their next available flight was not until 3rd! And they don't do refunds here – only by app.  Also, we can't connect to the internet. Also, Jeff's phone is dying… Really! Sooo…. we went to Uber “zone”. Jeff booked, the driver okayed, then asked Jeff to cancel! Oh my! This is turning into a big April Fool's joke, right?! No, it was very real! Jeff told the driver no, he would have to cancel. We have had drivers do this before, and we have had enough problems. 

He showed up and took us to our hotel. It only took 20 minutes, as it was very close. Jeff was able to book us another flight on the way, on Indigo. We  arrived at the hotel, Jeff was paying the driver and he said he did not have change. Jeff was not having this and the driver stepped over to a local stand getting change. We got to our hotel, Hotel Apex, finally. But wait, the hotel seemed to have troubles finding our booking. Wowza! Pinch me, because this day…  These are some of the things of India I definitely don't like, and it seems to be compounding on us today!! The lady finally looked through online bookings and found our booking. Then, of course, they wanted payment in cash, (not a credit card). So I sat with our stuff while Jeff went to the ATM! Finally, we stepped into our room, unloaded I started this crazy transition “days” blog. We are in India for the night. We ate some bread and buttered rolls Jeff went out and found; and last of our left over nuts. It was all I could handle. Bed by 2145. Glad this day is done!

Today, we awoke before our alarm of seven – me at 620, Jeff at 445! We got up and about by 630. By 710 we were walking with our luggage, to the airport. Along the way a tuk-tuk stopped and offered to take us rest of the way (not far, probably 2/3 a mile) for 50 Rupees ($0.60 – yes, that's sixty cents!). Through a security check to enter the airport. Again checking in, with our checked bags going on their venture!🤭  Then  we went through security, then immigration, and then to the lounge. We arrived here about 0830. We had breakfast of Poha and Upma (Some of our favs!! The day is starting out well!); cinnamon rolls (that glanced at the cinnamon container while being made); yogurt; Gobi (cauliflower) paratha. Jeff also had a croissant, muffin, and a hushpuppy. I had a coffee (very bitter😖, had to add a lot of sugar, whew). Anyway, we left the lounge just before ten and arrived at our gate, just as they were lining up to board. We go directly onto the plane – no bus, no tarmac! Sitting waiting for everyone to load I became nauseated! Really?!?  I took some nausea medicine. Pooh! We backed out at 1045 – five minutes late….  heading to the Maldives.

(Jeff took over writing, posing as me… to get this blog out!)

Flying into Male the capital of the Maldives is unreal.  Seeing all of the coral atoll islands, some with resorts and ones with nothing but sand.  The blue and green of the water contrasting with the white sand, brown structures, and green vegetation.  When we got off the jet we were hit by the heat (91 degrees) with humidity.  We had to hang out at the airport for 2.5 hours to catch the speed boat to our island (Dhangethi). I felt great on the boat with the cool ocean breeze whipping in my face. The boat stopped at the dock outside the airport for 2 minutes to let us climb aboard.  Ninety minutes later we were getting off to walk 300 meters to our hotel.  Owner gave us a fresh coconut to drink and a T-shirt with his hotel name on it.  The bed had a heart made of flowers and petals to welcome us. I laid down. He showed Jeff the restaurant where we get our included breakfast at.  And then showed Jeff around the southern end of the island.  Jeff met the dive shop people at 7 to get fitted out for tomorrow mornings dive trip.  I'm not feeling up to going out tomorrow.  Sunset was pretty awesome as well.

The Maldives are a Muslim country and there is still another week of Ramadan.  The calls to prayer and sermons? over the loud speaker are loud and long.