New York to Kathmandu

This is a big travel day as we’re essentially flying to the opposite side of the globe. We start with our long-awaited return to the Etihad Apartments from New York to Abh Dhabi and then connect to a regular narrowbody business class cabin from Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu. It’s about 19 hours travel time altogether, but mercifully in very comfortable surroundings.

We left the Andaz 5th Avenue for JFK at around 11:30 and arrived 30 minutes later at Terminal 4. Quick checkin, pass through security, and then a refreshment in the lounge. We were excited to board so as soon as the clock struck 1:40, we made our way to the gate to board.

The Apartment is just so incredibly spacious! It could easily seat six.

It wasn’t long after we settled into our suites before our chef for the flight, Nour, stopped in to find out what we would like for lunch. Here were our choices, along with snacks and breakfast the next mornings.

Then prior to landing breakfast.

Snacks if you got hungry.

Shortly after Nour, our Cabin Manager Sinan stopped in to pour a nice Heidsick Rose champagne.

Along with some lovely snacks of almonds, olives, and wasabi peas to enjoy.

Before we knew it we were airborne and headed to Abu Dhabi. Time for lunch! The opening course was a tin of Russian caviar with all the yummy trimmings.

Followed by a bowl of creamy corn soup.

A palatte cleanser of lemon sorbet.

And the main course of sea bass.

Then we finished off lunch with a delicious citrus curd tart.

The flight to Abu Dhabi is just over 12 hours so there’s plenty of time to lounge around and watch movies or read.

As we closed in on Abu Dhabi thoughts turned to a light breakfast of fruit and pastries.

Once in Abu Dhabi we had about 2 1/2 hours to connect so we raced over to the First Class lounge for a shower and complimentary spa treatment (foot massage for me, back massage for Jeffrey!).

Our time was up too soon, after which we boarded the flight for our final leg to Kathmandu. Kathmandu! Four hours later we were in the Kingdom of Nepal.

We were expecting madness at the terminal and in immigration but it turned out to be very quiet and civilized. Quite a surprise. We paid our $25 for a Nepal visa and entered the country with a smile from our immigration officer.

Less than 30 minutes later we were finally at our hotel for the stay, the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. We have a suite here with a view of the Boudhanath Stupa, pictures of which will follow when we’re not ready to drop dead. Hah. For now, bed time!

Tomorrow we start with a city tour of Old Kathmandu. Hopefully we’ll see a princess!