Friday, October 17, 2008

Journey to USA

The flight was at 2'o clock in the night but I started early from my home so that I have enough time to commute and reach the airport on time. It seemed to be a fine decision as on the way, the engine of the cab which I hired heated up. The first thought that came to me was "Why does it have to happen with me?". Well, after stopping the cab twice and refilling the engine with chilled water, I finally reached the airport.

After joining my colleague who was also flying with me, we went inside the airport and checked in our luggage. Well as expected both of the luggage were over-weight but the lady at the counter didn't say anything and gave me the boarding pass. The next stop was the Immigration counter where the guy asked me "Where was I going and why ? ". He was satisfied with the answer and stamped my passport. Next was the security counter where the baggage was scanned and a body search was done, without any issue :) . I was in at around 11 and the flight was at 2 in the morning and then it was a long wait for the flight.....

The airport waiting area was crowded as there were too many people waiting for their boarding announcement. The only difference from a railway station was that there were enough chair for the people to be seated. So people were on chair rather than on the floor as we see in the railway station.

Ok, the boarding started at around 1 and I boarded the plane. It was a KLM flight and the aircraft was huge Dougles aircraft. The seats were in economy class. Travelling in economy class is really a pain (The seats of bus have more leg room). You cannot even stretch your legs while sitting on the seat.

The journey was long

1) New Delhi --> Amsterdam : 8 hrs + 5 hrs waiting
2) Amsterdam --> Atlanta : 10 hrs + 4 hrs waiting
3) Atlanta --> Minneapolis : 2 hrs
4) Taxi from Minneapolis to St. Cloud : 2 hrs

So total 22 hours ki journey with 9 hrs waiting

Amsterdam airport was huge and the view of the airport with all the aircrafts was fabulous. There was an ING stall there where the ING/Renault racing car was dispalyed with cute chicks around.

The Taxi from Minneapolis to St. Cloud was driven by a Somalian driver "Mahmood". He was a nice guy and had few questions for me. He spoke few hindi words also and had a conversation with me all throughout the journey. He advised me to marry an american girl and get a green card.

Reached hotel at 10pm Sunday night (started on Saturday night from India). I was too exhaused but was unable to sleep.. maybe due to the jet lag. The Grandstay residential suite hotel and its One bedroom suite is luxuries. I am going to have a good time here

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