My plans to visit a hospital whilst travelling through India were placed in chaos as I eyed the huge line of people outside the Indian Embassy as it opened at 9:30am. Being the ignorant traveller I am, I had thought it would be a simple process of showing up, giving your passport and paying before waiting a few days. Speaking to an old guy I discovered quite the opposite - he had been there 4 times; once ignorant like me, then at 5am the next day to get in line for a form which was handed in four days later with his passport and now to collect everything after another 2 days. Yikes! I had hoped to catch the bus on Friday, but with only 3 working days that included today I wasn't going anywhere near India, especially as I probably wouldnt get my visa until mid next week. So I began to worry a little as I have 4 days until my Nepal visa expires, and Im not too keen to pay $30 for another couple of days.
Did a few hectic emails asking for dads advice on my new plan - travel to Bangkok straight away and just chill for a week sipping cocktails on a nearby beach. Straightforward enough. It was the easy but expensive option out - the internet search showed that it was at least 550 bucks to get there! Bugger. But I already have my Thai Visa, prearranged back in Aus, so no worries about getting fined. I checked dad's reply before heading to the office - he couldn't book any tickets for me online. Uh oh...
Was tempted to run to AmaDablam's office but the heat was getting to me. A few nervous seconds as the gaurd didn't open the gate, I doubted that the office was even open! He finally appeared and I rushed in, asking the secretary if they could buy international tickets. Wasn't I going to India? No, things have changed. Luckily her hubby worked for some company or another and suddenly she was calling people and answering at the same time - i finally realised how important having three phones is. Amrit came in and told me the details about tomorrow morning; ma and pa have given me an Everest View flight as a birthday pressie! Waiting for the hubby to get back to the secretary I helped out a new guy on typing up a brochure. He had a few opposing ideas to the format that the boss had suggested and though I agreed with him I avoided taking sides! He was pretty good at english and nicer than the guy he had replaced so I was glad to finally be useful in the office again.
Amrit came in with the news that the flight to Bangkok would cost me $260 dollars and I would leave on Friday morning. I had gotten the last seat and even the office was surprised at the price of the ticket. I have a bad feeling about additional taxes or the quality of the airline, but for 300 bucks I doubt I will complain. Only problem is I have to pay in US dollars and can only take out the equivalent of 150 in rupees at a time from the atm. Will undoubtedly have problems with the money exchangers in the morning!
