Road To Mysore

Yesterday I arranged with Shiva for a car to take me to Bangalore. I decided to get an airconditioned Indica instead of the old reliable Ambassador. It was a little more expensive but would be worthwhile since it's a 4 to 5 hour ride, the roads are very dusty and I would be going at noon which could be very hot. Unfortunately, the airconditioner was barely working and it was just too hot for it to sustain it's coolness(not a very good investment). To top it off, we got a flat tire midway and we had to step out of the car and enjoy the sun and the heat. I eventually made it to the airport around 5PM and checked in by 6PM. It was my first leg and I already felt like crap. I don't do very well in the heat and I was sweating on the way to Bangalore.

At 8:30PM, I hopped on Singapore Airlines Flt 429 for Singapore. My main air carrier is Cathay Pacific but since it does not fly out of Bangalore, my travel agent arranged it so I don't have to go through Mumbai(I still hate Mumbai). I've always heard that Singapore Airlines had one of the newest fleets, the best service, wider seats and is more expensive. All the above is true. I was really quite impressed and may consider flying exclusively with them next time. When I got a quote from them last year, it was about 500 dollars more(maybe worth it). The flight was a little over 3 hours and we got in around 3:00AM.

I thought the Hong Kong airport was quite impressive but the Singapore airport is absolutely much better. More reason to fly Singapore Airlines. My flight to Hong Kong didn't leave until 10AM so I wanted to check-in the transit hotel. I was advice to reserve a room a week before I arrive. I should have listened(dumb ass). The rooms were fully book so I had to settle for a 2 hour nap at the nap room which was much lower end. I took a much needed shower and didn't start my nap until 5:30AM since the nap rooms was not was available until then. I had to wait in the lounge for a couple of hours before I could get any horizontal sleep(much needed).

I got up at 7:30AM and took another shower since the next shower I'm going to take won't be until I get to LA(seems like forever). Got my shit together and headed to check-in with Cathay Pacific. We boarded at 10AM and I was instantly reminded on how much nicer the Singapore Airline plane was...much newer, cleaner, wider seats and flat out better. I really should consider flying Singapore Airlines. It was another 3 hour flight to Hong Kong and I got in around 2PM. I've been travelling for about 24 hours already and I'm just completely exhausted...it's not even funny anymore. Again, I'm reminded on how much nicer the Singapore airport is...oh well.

I'm presently at the Hong Kong airport waiting to get on my last leg to LA. Unfortunately the last leg is the worst leg(damn it). The Hong Kong to LA leg is at least 13 hours(God please help me maintain my sanity...) I have about an hour and a half to kill(what do I do with myself?) I arrive in LA on Saturday around 1PM(Hong Kong is about 12 to 13 hours ahead of LA).

A thought just occurred to me...the "Road to Mysore" officially ends the moment I land at LAX(that about 14 hours from now). I don't think I'll stop blogging though. I just need to think of a new title for my blog. I will officially end this chapter when I'm back and when I have all my thoughts together. Wake me up...I still can't believe this chapter is ending...NOOOO...Great journey though. I think my next journey will be better...