My wake up call came on schedule at 3:30 am. I really stayed up too late last night... anxious about the days travels. For me, traveling to the airport in the US is challenging enough. Doing this in a foreign country where I don't know the customs or security practices is very stressful to say the least.
I was 99% packed before I went to bed so I only needed to shower and pack a few remaining items. Even still the one hours time I had allowed wasn't enough and I was rushed and more nervous about forgetting something. *Aaaagh*. Even still I made my way down to the lobby and got checked out by 4:30 am. A hotel car was reserved for my transport to the airport. This was the same service that picked me up from the airport. The car came right away as when he was called and we were off.
The sun is just starting to light the morning sky at this time in Kolkata so as we drove away from the hotel I faintly see some of the local area people sleeping on the sidewalks, or just waking for their day. There wasn't much car traffic on the roads yet so we drove faster than I had been since my arrival.
The drive to the airport is about 30 minutes even at fast speeds (averaging about 40 mpg). As we sped though the city and sky brightened the streets, more and more people emerged for their day. Some were traveling to the city for jobs. Some preparing for work their neighborhoods. Just like the day I arrived I am still struck by the extreme contrasts here. Tiny hand built shanties shadowed by towering billboards advertising mobile phones, computers, and vacations.
So, we arrived at the airport at about 5:00 am. My car was met by a British Airways agent who escorted me to the entrance. At then entrance I showed my passport and then was asked for my ticket... which is electronic... (catch 22 - no entrance into airport without ticket, no ticket without entrance into airport!)... *blood pressure rising* I was asked to show some proof that I have an electronic ticket... *blood pressure rising*... keep in mind security at airports outside of the states look like mobsters in uniforms that would sooner kill you than help you... he has my passport, I am searching my bags for some proof of an electronic ticket... who has my passport? where did he go? *nearing panic state*... then like a goddess from the heavens above (no she was just a human) the British Airways checkin clerk came to my rescue and told that security guy (in his native tongue) just what to do! She whisked me past his checkpoint and into British Airways Club World! Yeah, I confess, I am spoiled!
Now, here I sit in the air conditioned BA Lounge with food and beverage service, comfortable seating, peace and quiet.
*blood pressure normal*
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