3rd June – leaving Istanbul, Turkey
So the time had come. The end of the holiday. After trying really hard, I managed to fit all of my gear into the bags – and to protect the breakables. It was then time to go.
My car transfer arrived right on time and off we went.
I got to see another part of Istanbul – the not tourist side, which I always love. The thing that stood out to me was how big the ancient city wall was. And how much of it still remained. The wall ran between the city and the water and surrounded the old city – it was huge. Some of it was in excellent repair and being looked after. Much of it in a state of deterioration. And it was everywhere. Car parks, playgrounds, under building!
Then on to the plane to Doha, Qatar. The flight was painless – well as painless as any four hour economy flight can be! Poor me!
The direction to Mecca flashed up every time we changed heading.
3rd June – Doha, Qatar
Doha is the capital of Qatar. 60% of the countries’ nearly 2 million people live here. The city was founded in 1825. Qatar is a ‘high income economy’, with the world’s third largest natural gas reserves and oil reserves. Richer than the UAE. Qatar is very conservative and follows a strict interpretation of Islam.
I arrived at 6pm to 36.5 degrees and went up to the lounge and put my hand luggage in a locker.
And had a drink. A Coke! Qatar is a dry country!
I purchased a travel vias – $29US for one day, got a taxi and headed off to have a look. The flight was about an hour late so I missed any daylight – but that worked out well as these Qatarians sure love pretty lights.
Hamad Airport (Doha) is the best in the Middle East – because remember everything is a competition in the Middle East. The whole airport is like a shopping mall. A toy shop with the biggest soft toys I have seen. Harrods is even here – makes sense since Qatar owns it! Even Dinosaurs. Then back to the lounge for a sparkling water and some really good middle eastern food. Then an excellent flight to Dubai…..’cause I flew FIRST CLASS!
3rd June, 4th June, then 5th June – Doha, Qatar – Dubai, UAE – Bangkok, Thailand – Sydney then Canberra.
A really long trip BUT……. OH MY GOD! I was travelling FIRST CLASS. First Class with Emirates!
It was amazing. This is THE way to travel! In my own suite, with fresh orchards, and drinking Dom! And so many buttons to press and things to play with. First leg was only two hours, then a limo to a hotel for a few hours, and a limo back for the next leg.
All included. YAY FOR ME – and for Qantas points! “Cause I sure didn’t pay for this trip!”
Breakfast at the lounge was cooked to order but only Moet! Hear that? ONLY Moet. Then time to board for the long trip via Thailand…more time to play with things and drink Dom Perignon 2004. I boarded, and my lovely suite was waiting for me. I was given the menu book and the wine list. A 2003 Chateau Montrose Saint Estephe Cab Sav or a 2004 Chateau Montviel French Merlot. Johnny Walker BLUE! or even a 40 year old Port from Portugal.
After take off they came to see if I wanted anything – because there are no set dining times. It’s all a la carte. Order what and when you want. I decided on a Dom and the Caviar, presented with freshly chopped onion, grated egg, sour cream and lemon. But, not just a wedge of lemon. The lemon was tied up into a cloth – so I could squeeze it without those annoying little pips getting in my food. Oh and a full bread basket – just in case I wanted more to eat.
After eating I decided to have a sleep. As much as it pained me to miss time enjoying this experience, I really needed a sleep. My bed was too long to reach the end. The mattress topper was very similar to the one I cart around with me and that, on top of the soft squishy leather seat/bed was fantastic. A full sized pillow and a nice doona – and of course lovely linen on it all. At the push of a button on the iPad like controller, I dimmed the three different lights, closed my three window shades, turned off my seat massager, closed the door to my suite and slept. I actually slept – not dozed but slept.
I woke and had a cup of tea – fancy cloth tea bags in a pot with a little jar of honey. And of course a few Belgium chocolates – from the same shop I went to. The best shop of course.
Then I thought I needed another Dom! “Just a half – I don’t want to waste it”. The guy laughed and filled my glass up! Then repeat it all for the second leg. AMAZING!
I always used to say that if I won ‘the millions’, I still wouldn’t travel First Class – Business would be enough. What a lot of shit that was! It would be First Class every time! I have never been sad to finish a flight before. I was this time. But the chauffer waiting in Canberra to take me home help to cheer me up. That, and being home after many weeks of travel.
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An amazing trip – The things I saw! 14 countries, temperatures near 50 degrees, time with family, history, culture, amazing food, indoor ski resorts, spices, NO pirates, the lowest point on earth, had missiles fired at us, canals, camels, mules, the home of three religions. Ridiculous wealth and terrible poverty. So many icon! And so many guns. Don’t forget the smells, the sounds, the tastes – and the heat.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost.
Brilliant.