So, I was hoping to get to do some sightseeing in Doha on my return flight back, but a two hour delay in Kathmandu set that back. By the time we arrived in Doha, it was already dark so I didn’t think it would be wise to go venture out by myself. Because of the overnight connection though, Qatar Airways paid for a hotel for me (in a freaking nice hotel too!) and so I didn’t have to deal with the dilemma of paying $150 for the room or sleeping in the airport… By the time that was all sorted out, I didn’t get to the hotel until about 10 o’clock which is when I had dinner. By that time, I was so tired, so I called it a night as I had to get back to the airport at 5 a.m. In any case, on the short ride to the airport, I did get to see some of Doha’s skyline and a beautiful sunrise. 🙂 I kind of want to go back for the World Cup in 2022 that they were promoting the whole flight there. 🙂 A few pictures below.
The rest of my flight back was all right. From Doha, I was headed to Chicago on a 14 hour flight. It was not fun, but I watched a few movies (Dallas Buyer’s Club and The Hunger Games’ Catching Fire — both good). I also slept for a few hours. When we landed however, I had to go through U.S. customs AND recheck my bags AND get a boarding pass. The flight was half an hour late, so I literally only had one and a half hours to do this. I was afraid I wouldn’t make the flight, but the lady at the United counter said if I run I could make it. Unfortunately this included a terminal change, and a long line up at security!! I asked about 20 people if I could go ahead of them. They were all nice and said yes. When I got through security, I started running. I learned that if a zombie apocalypse happened, I would not be able to outrun anything!! I was pooped within five minutes and started speed walking. I made it to the gate with 11 minutes to spare, huffing and puffing. Sad, really, but I made it! By that time, I had been up for almost 20 hours and was tired, so I slept the entire way to Ottawa. I arrived, but my bags did not. I assumed they didn’t make it on the plane because of the tight time frame, but when I got them the next day, there was a note inside from U.S. security saying they had searched the bags. Gotta love the U.S. security.
But, now I’m back and just getting over the jet lag and taking it easy. I have already been busy volunteering at the MS Walk, attending an event for Martin’s campaign, eating yummy poutine at Ottawa’s Poutinefest (twice!) and Ian and I just booked a trip to the Dominican Republic for May 21. Yeah! Did I mention I LOVE my sabbatical? 🙂
I am still sad my nine week adventure has come to an end. It has kind of been surreal, but now, laundry! (Of course, the post-mortem will come very soon!) As I’ve been telling a few people, I’m both happy and sad to be back home. At least it’s not snowing anymore. 🙂
–Bea
Bea Vongdouangchanh 
I had an amazing 4 weeks with you!! Followed you in Nepal by you’re blogs. I.m planning to go back next year but it will be not the same without you. The memories will last for ever. If you ever come to Nederland call me and I’ll show you around. Big hug Stanny
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