Kathmandu to Seattle

Thursday, June 14th (completed 6/24 after resting up)

Today's our day to head back to Seattle. I knew it would be a long day so tried to take it easy until flight time.

Had a leisurely breakfast in the hotel and then went shopping for last minute souvenirs. I didn't want much so mostly watched while the other guys bargained.

Ramesh came by at 1100 and escorted us to the Presidential Palace Museum which was a half mile or so away. Had to surrender our cell phones at the gate so couldn't take photos.

The museum consists of nineteen open rooms of the 54 rooms in the old palace plus the grounds. As such museums go, it's about average with pictures and artifacts from the days of the monarchy. There were several animal skin rugs, rhino and elephant foot ashtrays and other trophies from the days of big game hunting.

On June 1st 2001, the royal family was massacred by persons still unknown. Bullet holes in some of the walls are highlighted and the mystery persists despite rumors and speculation about the perpetrator(s).

Back at the hotel, we washed up from the dusty walk then had a light lunch, finished some last minute packing, settled our hotel bill and relaxed until dinner time.

After dinner  (2000) we loaded up the jeep of Ramesh's friend and rode across town to the airport where we cleared security but had to fight to keep our walking stick umbrellas.

Took off from Kathmandu at 2330 and landed in Dubai five hours later at 0230 local. Our bags were checked through to Seattle but we had to clear security again and get new boarding passes.

Whiled away four hours in the  busy terminal waiting to check in through another layer of security for our flight to Seattle scheduled for an 0830 departure.

Took off a little before 0900 for the long (14 hour 20 minute) flight home.

About midway on that flight Russ began to have severe pain in both legs. The flight crew got him out of his seat, prone in the crew area and administered oxygen.

Once the plane descended, the pain receded. The medics met the plane and evaluated him as fit to go through customs and immigration.

He went to the hospital later and was diagnosed with blood clots in both legs. It's been a tough trip for him and we all wish him well.

Home at 1330 to complete the long day of travel.