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Kathmandu lost in horizon
It is a matter of great pride to visit developed
countries, at least once in lifetime. If the visit
is to European countries, it is even more worth
mentioning. Even though I am tourism entrepreneur
myself, I was yet to get the opportunity to travel
abroad.
Though I was excited on my first foreign visit, I
was equally sad to miss my motherland though it was
only for short span of time. My family members and
my dear friend Mr. Dol Prasad Aryal (Hari) had come
to airport to see me off. After departing from my
friends and family members, I waved my hands towards
them and entered the international terminal. There I
was excited and equally worried.
That was my first entrance to the international
terminal at the Tribhuwan International Airport. I
got my boarding pass after paying Nrs. 795. The
employees of Indian Airlines asked me to take off my
garland that my family members had lovingly wrapped
around my neck. Until then, I didn’t know that air
passengers aren’t allowed to wear garlands. After
showing them my tickets and verifying my documents
at the immigrations section, I was ready for my
maiden international flight.
Since I had not reserved my hotel rooms, I started
thinking about hotels in New Delhi. So, I requested
the officials of Indian Airlines to suggest me about
hotels in Delhi. They suggested International Hotel
at Mahipalpur for me. I thanked them and started
strolling in the terminal lounge. After sometimes,
the staffs called passengers to New Delhi and thus
we boarded a bus that ferried us to the aircraft.
Once aboard the aircraft, I searched my seat
numbered 45. Luckily, it was a window seat. The view
outside the aircraft was very beautiful. The monsoon
had just started showering and the light drizzle was
making the environment very beautiful. All the
passengers were already seated by then and the
airhostesses were asking the passengers to tie their
seatbelts. After racing in the runway for nearly two
minutes, the aircraft took off and sprung in the
air. With nearly 100 passengers, the plane gradually
started flying towards New Delhi.
The interior of the aircraft was very beautiful and
there was good arrangement for newspaper, drinks and
various dishes. The delicious dishes brought water
to my mouth and I hoped that these arrangements
would help make the journey memorable. The smile of
airhostess was also increasing my joy. We were
spreading our wings in the sky.
Looking out of the window, I could figure out some
human settlements but the vision was not clear. I
asked the airhostess about our location. She
politely replied that we were flying above the
Indian sky. I was shocked on hearing that Nepal has
already faded in distant horizon. Silently, I asked
for a leave of three weeks with my motherland.
After sometimes, we landed in New Delhi. Habituated
with mountains and steep land, I was surprised to
see the flat plains of New Delhi were covered by
tall buildings. The New Delhi Airport was also big
and spacious as compared to Tribhuwan International
Airport in Kathmandu. |
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Flight from Delhi deterred |
After clearing all immigration
formalities, I got out of the airport dragging my
luggage behind me. As per the suggestion of the
airline staff at Kathmandu, I went towards
Mahipalpur and booked myself a room at Hotel
International. Though it was still daytime, I got my
key from the reception and took refuge to the hotel
room.
But napping all the day during holiday is not a good
option. I thought of roaming in the streets of
Mahipalpur and got out of the hotel. I saw a fresh
juice shop and ordered myself a fresh fruit drink. I
gave Nrs. 100 but the shop owner refused to accept
Nepali currency. I was utterly surprised and fumed.
Indian Currency is widely accepted in Nepal but the
shop owner wasn’t accepting my Nepali Currency. But
there was nothing that I could do because I was not
at my homeland. This is an alien country for me. I
paid the amount in Indian currency.
Back to the hotel room, it was very difficult to
pass time. The August heat was taking its toll and I
was having difficult time getting to sleep. I kept
on changing my sleeping positions to get the night’s
sleep. However, I managed to sleep dreaming about my
journey to Frankfurt and Brussels the following day.
Since my flight was at 5 in the morning, I woke up
early in the morning and reached the airport just in
time. Indira Gandhi International Airport is a very
busy airport and it was very difficult for me to
find the counter of Air India, which was to take me
to Frankfurt enroute to Brussels. There was a long
queue at the counter and I also stood in the queue.
To kill my time, I started observing the activities
in the terminal. The airport was well facilitated
with banks, shopping centers, communication centers,
restaurants and other essential services. Each of
these places was crowded by large number of people.
When my turn came, the officials of Air India said
that 17 passengers including me could not fly today
because the airline issued more tickets than its
usual capacity. I was fumed because that was not our
fault. But there was nothing we could do. They
assured us that they would arrange us flight at the
earliest possible time.
We were convinced at last when we came to know that
the management of Air India had booked rooms for us
in Central Hotel which is a five star hotel in New
Delhi. But I was not happy about the postponement of
my flight because it had deterred my schedule. The
staffs at hotels were very friendly and they treated
us in a very hospitable way. The hotel was very big
and it was very difficult for me to find my room. I
took the help of hotel staff for the purpose.
After keeping my luggage in hotel room, I called my
family members in Kathmandu and also called Mr.
Peter, who was to be my host in Belgium, about my
flight cancellation. I started strolling in the
hotel premises observing the facilities that the
hotel was offering. The hotel had sports ground,
beauty parlour and saloon, sauna, restaurants and
bars among other essential services. Since
everything was complimentary for me, I enjoyed
mouth-watering dishes and fresh fruit juice. I also
took few snapshots of the hotel. After spending two
days in hotel, we were informed that our flight has
been confirmed but not on Air India but on
Lufthansa. Also in spite of flying directly to
Frankfurt, the plane was to take us to Munich
enroute to Frankfurt. |
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Above Arabian Sea |
The shuttle service of the hotel
dropped all 17 of us to the airport. I lined up in
front of the counter of Lufthansa, showed my
tickets, took the boarding pass and was finally
ready for my overseas flight.
Since mine was the only Nepalese face in the
terminal, I was feeling a bit of uneasiness. But I
soon got acquainted with an Indian passenger named
Vikrant. He too was heading towards Belgium because
he used to work there. I took a sigh of relief and
thought that this man would help me. But still I was
failing to break the ice. Gathering my courage, I
asked him whether he could help me because I didn’t
have much information about Europe. He agreed and
together we went towards our aircraft.
I took my seat and at 10 in the morning the aircraft
left the runway of the Delhi Airport. The plane
started flying smoothly in the Delhi sky. I started
enjoying the views of human settlements and plains
in Delhi from the window of the plane until the
plane took great height.
Finally I was heading towards Munich. Now, I started
observing the interior of the aircraft. There are
about 150 passengers in the plane. I could see that
the crew members are having hard time in arranging
food and other services for the passengers. They
started moving trolleys ferrying essential services
for the passengers. They provided warm blankets for
all passengers in case we needed them. To kill our
boredom, we have wide selection of music through
headphones. A blonde beauty was seated adjacent to
my seat. We started our conversation and I came to
know that she was from Denmark and was returning
from her trekking in Laddakh.
The aircraft was flying on its way to Munich. The
airhostess came to us and requested me to take meal.
She handed me wet cotton to clean my hands. I chose
the chicken set and the meal is before me in no
time. Since I had not taken breakfast in the
morning, I was very hungry and ate to my heart’s
content. For the first time in my life, I enjoyed my
meal in the sky. After sometimes, I went towards
toilet to relieve myself. The toilet was well
decorated and there were mirrors in either wall. The
environment at the passenger cabin was entirely
different. Some passengers were already asleep while
some were still eating or drinking.
The long flight was very boring. There was nothing
that I could do except listening to music, reading
newspapers or magazines or sleep. I listened to the
headphones and there was the option for Indian or
English music. Though the music was not that good, I
started listening just to kill my boredom. The plane
was still flying.
I felt that we are already in European sky after
crossing Arabian Sea. But I could see only sea below
me. The view was very beautiful. The blue and never
ending stretch of Arabian Sea was a wonderful sight
from above. Munich mustn’t be too far, I thought to
myself. But that was only my guess because I had no
idea where the plane was flying. I again looked
outside the window but still couldn’t figure out our
location. At last, I asked with the airhostess. But
she, too, wasn’t aware of our location. I was amazed
by her answer. I had thought that she was a regular
on the route and she must know about our location.
But I didn’t ask her again.
Again back to the window, this time, however, I
could figure out big human settlements, moving cars
and beautiful roads. It seemed that we are above a
big city. I felt that we have already reached
Germany. The aircraft lowered its height and soon it
was speeding in a runway.
After flying for nearly 10 hours in the sky, the
aircraft finally landed in Munich International
Airport. Before landing, the weather was not
favorable as dark clouds were scattered in the
Munich sky. I was frightened but the aircraft
successfully landed in Munich Airport and that
consoled my frightened heart. The hospitality of
airhostess and beautiful views from the window was
the best part of my otherwise boring flight. |
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Reaching Munich |
With my arrival in Munich, I was
fast approaching my destination: Brussels, the
capital city of Belgium. After getting off the
aircraft, I also lined myself to the immigration
counter. The lady at the immigration counter
thoroughly investigated my Schengener Visa. Then she
started interrogating me about my destination, days
of my stay, reason of visit, who sponsored the visit
and other things. I confidently answered all of the
questions. She finally put the immigration stamp in
my passport and I was allowed to enter the airport
terminal.
Since the flight to Brussels was not ready I decided
to stretch my legs after nearly ten hours’ flight.
Vikrant had advised me that free coffee is available
in the terminal. So I took Nescafe and started
sipping it. Had Vikrant not advised me, I would not
have found out that coffee is provided free in the
terminal. Sipping coffee, I began reading the
newspaper but couldn’t find any issue that could
interest me.
Munich is a very busy airport. Unlike our
international airport, this airport is very big and
it can accommodate hundreds of passengers at once.
Aircrafts belonging to prestigious international
airlines take off and land quite often here.
Passengers are moving in great hurry to reach their
respective destinations. Munich has air connection
with many international cities like Frankfurt,
Moscow and Heathrow among others, making it one of
the busiest international airports in Europe.
I thought of giving a call to Mr. Peter and tell him
the time of my flight to Brussels. I took out my
diary but I had no idea where the communication
counter was. Also, I had heard that making a call
from communication centers in airport terminal would
be very expensive. I saw a middle-aged woman with a
cell phone in her hand. I requested her if I could
make a call from her cell phone. She readily agreed
and handed me her mobile set. She told me that she
was also from Belgium and that she had visited Nepal
some years back. She also said that she has friendly
relation with some Nepalese. I thanked her for
letting me use her cell phone for my personal use.
I dialled the number which was received by a woman.
It was Mrs. Els, wife of Mr. Peter. ‘Hello, this is
Khum from Munich Airport,” I said. ‘Peter is in
Brussels Airport now. He is waiting for you,’ Mrs.
Els said. I was very glad to hear that Mr. Peter
will be receiving me at the airport. I thanked her
and gave the cell phone back to the gentle lady.
Then I entered the departure terminal but I was
confused because I didn’t have any information about
the terminal. I couldn’t find the counter of the
airline. I saw an information desk and after
collecting necessary information, I found the
counter and cleared all formalities. Then I boarded
the plane to Brussels. Since Germany is a very rich
and developed country, it is obvious that Munich
Airport is equipped with all sorts of facilities. It
was beautiful, clean and well managed.
Now we are flying above the German sky above green
forests and impressive human settlements. Clearing
the clouds we are smoothly flying towards Brussels.
While flying in the sky, I am always afraid of
clouds. I fear the flying cloud may not block our
vision. While I was observing completely different
landscapes as compared to that of Nepal, we were
informed that we are approaching Brussels. |
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First step in Mini Europe |
 Finally I was in Belgium. What a
beautiful sight? A small yet beautiful country, I
sighed to myself. Beautiful houses, abundant
greenery, wide roads and peaceful environment were
my first impressions about Belgium. The landscape of
Belgium seemed to be different than Nepal.
Since my documents had already been checked at
Munich Airport, I can now travel to 16 European
nations without any hurdles. I made my way out of
the terminal, dragging luggage behind me. No sooner
I was out of my terminal, me eagerness to meet my
dear friend Mr. Peter was increasing. After all he
was the one who arranged my journey to Belgium. When
I was out of the airport, I saw the familiar face
waving his hands towards me. Both of us were happy
to see each other after a big gap. We shook our
hands and hugged each other. After exchanging our
greetings and good wishes, we drove towards his
home.
On the way to his residence, I was observing the
Brussels city through the car. Belgium is indeed a
beautiful country lying in middle of Europe. Cities
and suburbs seemed to be evenly developed. I asked
how much it would take to reach your home and Peter
replied 45 minutes. My heart knew no bound because
within less than an hour, I would reach my shelter
in Belgium. Many vehicles were speeding in their
respective destinations. They seem to be speeding in
top of their speed. We can rarely see people walking
in the streets. It seemed that everyone in cities in
Belgium owned cars. The road was very smooth and
clean. Enjoying the beauty of Belgian city, we
reached his residence situated in Dendermonde.
On reaching his home, Peter’s wife Els welcomed me
in courteous way. It seemed that she was very
excited to receive me. Incidentally, Els was
celebrating her birthday on the same day. I wished
her a happy birthday and wished her many happy
returns of the day. Peter and Els had made plan to
celebrate her birthday by visiting the hot air
balloon operating site. As per their wish, we all
headed towards the site.
After a drive of nearly half an hour, we reached the
site. There was a crowd of enthusiastic people
waiting for their respective turns to enjoy balloon
flight. Els was also eager for her ballooning flight
as that day was her birthday. Peter and I helped her
board the balloon and together we pushed it towards
the sky. Soon she was flying in the sky. After
enjoying the flight for about an hour, the balloon
came down and we left towards our home.
I presented them a Thangkha painting as a souvenir
from Nepal to them. They were very happy to receive
Thangkha painting as a souvenir. They asked me about
my journey and I started narrating the interesting
moments of my flight. They were listening to me
interestingly. After finishing our conversation, we
enjoyed our dinner together.
Since I was very tired, I wished them goodnight and
went to the room that they have arranged for me. The
room was beautiful and comfortable. My jet-lagged
body fell on the bed and I was fast asleep. I woke
up at 8 in the morning. Peter and Els had already
left for their job. Now, I remembered my family
members. I was yet to inform that I had safely
landed in Belgium because I was very tired
yesterday. After performing my regular morning
activities, I called them and informed that I
arrived here safely. The difference in time between
Nepal and Belgium is nearly 4 hours and forty-five
minutes.
I went to the kitchen and made myself a cup of tea.
I found some breads left for me and I started eating
breads with tea. Though bread and tea were familiar
to me, the taste was slightly different than that of
Nepal. It was not as tasty as in Nepal. Maybe I was
feeling home sick. |
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Mechelen and Gent |
Peter and Els are working people.
So it was difficult for them to take proper care of
me. But Els decided to take break from her job and
take me to Mechelen city for sightseeing. So we two
took a car and headed towards Mechelen. After nearly
45 minutes on road, we reached the city. The city
was very beautiful.
After parking her car in the parking lot, Els took
me to church, grand shopping centers and carpet
dealers. Since I was greatly interested in Nepalese
carpet, I entered into one such dealer. But to my
dismay, most of the carpets in the dealer were from
Iran. There were only a few Nepali carpets.
When we were enjoying our sightseeing, it started
drizzling. The downpour further enhanced the beauty
of the Mechelen city. The stone paved streets of
Mechelen were simply outstanding. After enjoying our
sightseeing in Mechelen, we lunched together and
returned back to Dendermonde.
In the meantime, Peter had informed my friends in
Belgium that I was in Belgium. Peter informed me
that team leader Danny Geerinck and members Olivier
Vandevoorde, Bart Deboeck, Liesbet Willocx, Andre
Geerinck and Ingrid Geerinck of 2005 Expedition to
Mt. Pumori were coming to meet me. Peter arranged
for a get together and slide show presentation about
the expedition on my third day in Belgium. I was
very happy on the prospect of meeting them.
All of the members arrived in Peter’s home on
appointed date and time. They had brought champagne
with them. It was the tradition in Europe to bring
something to attend invitations. But one of the
members Bart was yet to come because he had to come
from the Netherlands. After his arrival, Peter
arranged a projector for the slide show
presentation.
We took our respective seats and started enjoying
the slide show taking occasional sips of drinks and
enjoying snacks. Bart has brought with him the
pictures that he had taken during the Mt. Pumori
Expedition. Watching the slide show of the Pumori
Expedition, I felt as if I was back in Nepal. After
the slide show, Bart invited me to visit his home in
the Netherlands. I thanked him and accepted his
invitation but I didn’t visit the Netherlands. He
handed me some CD-ROMs containing pictures of the
expedition and requested them to give them to Nepali
members of the expedition: climbing guide Motilal
Gurung, cook Ram Adhikari and assistant cook Chhabi.
I promised to hand the CD-ROMs to them. We enjoyed
the dinner together at Peter’s home. After the
dinner, all of the invitees went back to their
homes. I could not meet one member of the Pumori
Expedition Mr. Jan Bockstale because he had gone on
an expedition to Alps then.
Gent is another beautiful city in Belgium. The
artistically rich church is the main attraction in
Gent. Because of this reason, Gent is frequented by
foreign visitors most of the time. We also observed
the activities in the surrounding areas. The
environment in Gent was very fabulous. While
enjoying the beauty of Gent, it was already
lunchtime. So we entered a restaurant and ordered
finger chips and vegetable salad. After lunch, we
headed back to Dendermonde. We talked for some time
in the evening and retired to our respective rooms. |
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