I'm sitting once again in the lounge at the Addis Ababa airport as I type this update. It's been an interesting time up until now and it's only bound to get more so....
I decided not to go into the city of Doha once I arrived. There were multiple reasons including I wasn't sure what to do, there is no left luggage facility, and I didn't want to deal with the Immigration hassle since I'd only be in the city for three or four hours. So, I wound up going to the Qatar Airways Premium Terminal. It's took three buses to get there but once I was there the six or so hours passed very quickly. I wish all airline lounges were like this. It was luxurious without being over the top. There was two separate dining areas with several bars and plentiful seating. I foolishly didn't take a photo but it was worth the time and the mileage.
The flight to the Seychelles was uneventful. I had a separate bus that took me from the Premium Terminal to the flight. It was an Airbus 319 fitted out with two rows of Business Class seats then coach. I didn't really experience the service other than them bringing me tea upon approach to the Seychelles as I wanted to sleep.
Arriving in the Seychelles is pretty much like arriving in any other tropical destination without a ton of flights. We landed on the only runway (which also serves as the taxiway) which abuts the Indian Ocean. We taxied to the gate, went down the stairs, and into the terminal. Getting through Immigration was pretty easy though they were shocked that someone would only be there for a few hours. Once I got to my hotel, I definitely regretted only spending less than a half day there. Once through Immigration, it was a walk past customs, hit an ATM, and get a taxi to the airport.
The drive to the hotel wasn't that long but pretty expensive ($60). Based on my day room rate, everything on the island is expensive. However, I will consider that the best money I've spent. I had booked the stop in the Seychelles as some beach time. The water of the Indian Ocean was colder than I expected so I didn't stay in it long. I went back up to my villa and started to relax outside with a coffee on the deck. Shortly, I was asleep. Here's a few pictures from the deck and of the villa.
It's definitely a beautiful place. Prince William and Kate Middleton honeymooned at an island just off the coast of this one. Definitely a honeymooner's paradise.
However, I was only there for a few hours. It was back to the airport to head off to Addis Ababa. I had to laugh at the signs for the bathroom doors in the lounge....
It was an uneventful flight full of anticipation as I was hoping to be reunited with my bags which I had expected to be in Addis Ababa yesterday. When I arrived, I had a little trouble getting through the Visa on Arrival folks as I had put down transit instead of tourist and had to negotiate for the visa. Got it done and went off to look for my luggage. This is what I found.
Yes, those are all unclaimed bags stacked all over the place and on the floor. I didn't think there would be any way I could find my bag and I was right. So, I approached the gentleman at the counter who was the first person who could electronically track my bag. He let me know that it was on its way to Dar Es Salaam today. I freaked out a bit then he explained that it was following my original route and would be coming off the flight from Johannesburg in an hour. So, I sat around and waited for the flight to arrive to see if they could get my bag before it was sent to Dar Es Salaam. Success!!! I got my bag back and could now head to the hotel for a few hours sleep before heading off to the last destination before heading back to Johannesburg. It's so nice to have clean pants on again....
I decided not to go into the city of Doha once I arrived. There were multiple reasons including I wasn't sure what to do, there is no left luggage facility, and I didn't want to deal with the Immigration hassle since I'd only be in the city for three or four hours. So, I wound up going to the Qatar Airways Premium Terminal. It's took three buses to get there but once I was there the six or so hours passed very quickly. I wish all airline lounges were like this. It was luxurious without being over the top. There was two separate dining areas with several bars and plentiful seating. I foolishly didn't take a photo but it was worth the time and the mileage.
The flight to the Seychelles was uneventful. I had a separate bus that took me from the Premium Terminal to the flight. It was an Airbus 319 fitted out with two rows of Business Class seats then coach. I didn't really experience the service other than them bringing me tea upon approach to the Seychelles as I wanted to sleep.
Arriving in the Seychelles is pretty much like arriving in any other tropical destination without a ton of flights. We landed on the only runway (which also serves as the taxiway) which abuts the Indian Ocean. We taxied to the gate, went down the stairs, and into the terminal. Getting through Immigration was pretty easy though they were shocked that someone would only be there for a few hours. Once I got to my hotel, I definitely regretted only spending less than a half day there. Once through Immigration, it was a walk past customs, hit an ATM, and get a taxi to the airport.
The drive to the hotel wasn't that long but pretty expensive ($60). Based on my day room rate, everything on the island is expensive. However, I will consider that the best money I've spent. I had booked the stop in the Seychelles as some beach time. The water of the Indian Ocean was colder than I expected so I didn't stay in it long. I went back up to my villa and started to relax outside with a coffee on the deck. Shortly, I was asleep. Here's a few pictures from the deck and of the villa.
It's definitely a beautiful place. Prince William and Kate Middleton honeymooned at an island just off the coast of this one. Definitely a honeymooner's paradise.
However, I was only there for a few hours. It was back to the airport to head off to Addis Ababa. I had to laugh at the signs for the bathroom doors in the lounge....
It was an uneventful flight full of anticipation as I was hoping to be reunited with my bags which I had expected to be in Addis Ababa yesterday. When I arrived, I had a little trouble getting through the Visa on Arrival folks as I had put down transit instead of tourist and had to negotiate for the visa. Got it done and went off to look for my luggage. This is what I found.
Yes, those are all unclaimed bags stacked all over the place and on the floor. I didn't think there would be any way I could find my bag and I was right. So, I approached the gentleman at the counter who was the first person who could electronically track my bag. He let me know that it was on its way to Dar Es Salaam today. I freaked out a bit then he explained that it was following my original route and would be coming off the flight from Johannesburg in an hour. So, I sat around and waited for the flight to arrive to see if they could get my bag before it was sent to Dar Es Salaam. Success!!! I got my bag back and could now head to the hotel for a few hours sleep before heading off to the last destination before heading back to Johannesburg. It's so nice to have clean pants on again....
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