JFK - Doha

Boarding that big beautiful Boeing 777-300 I was lucky enough to have a seat in the second row behind the bulkhead that separates us commoners from the "Business Class" folks. Lucky - right! That put me only two rows from the bulkhead where the baby baskets were hung up with care in the hopes that the sandman soon would be there! Jikes! Really? It was like being inside a scream-fest! It's amazing how much piercing noise can come out of those little lungs. Actually once we were airborne they pretty much settled down and I was able to get some sleep.

Ever feel like a minority? This plane was packed. And even the few other pale skinned folks onboard were speaking a language that made about as much sense to me as a flock of turkeys gobbling. I'm not being mean, just trying to convey the feeling. But it is amazing what the universal language of a smile will do. I'm not sure if it is appropriate to smile or even look at a woman in her hijab but when she is swaying, proudly holding her baby... Well, she smiled back and I guess that was OK. This is one of the greatest things about travel. You get a chance to make a connection with a total stranger, however briefly.

Just before takeoff I almost passed up another opportunity to connect. A gentleman asked to use my phone to contact his family and let them know he was OK.  He was showing me his phone was not working. I was talking to Evelyn at the time and waved him off, thinking he want to call a foreign number. After completing my call I felt bad and motioned him over. It was a US number so I dialed it and handed him the phone. A few minutes later he returned the phone, thanked me, patted me on the back and said I was a good person. Well, he doesn't know me all that well, but it was nice and made me feel good.

So 12 plus hours later, after having been offered more food than I could eat by the Flight Attendant (OK, I won't call them stews any more), we landed at Doha, Qatar. The airport terminal is beautiful, clean, and modern. I was surprised no one asked for my passport.

Disappointed really, because I wanted my passport stamped! We did have to go through security screening again, which was pretty fast and efficient.

Found the giant Teddy Bear

(directly across from the Bentley sports car on display), my signpost to finding the Al Maha lounge. This is one of the best

perks to my Platinum AMEX card, getting into most airport lounges. I had skipped breakfast on the plane (chicken and rice! - Really!), so went to check out the goodies they were serving. Humous, tabouli, shred carrots and little veggie sandwich.
 Best is a place to chill, charge all the electronics and use the loo.

Well this is where it gets a little descriptive, so you may want to avert your eyes. Don't worry, no pics in the Lav, but it's the first place I've seen this gadget, that looks like the thing from your kitchen sink that you use to rinse the dishes, next to the commode. Instant bidet! Works like a charm too, gets the old bum nice and clean! OK, 'nuff said.


Well, time to head to the gate. Will try to post from Bangkok.