When it all comes crashing down !

In slow motion it might have been poetic as the 2 full cups of wine and orange juice pirouetted in the air inside the aircraft cabin after we'd hit a brick wall of air turbulence that caused all unsecured items to be launched into space ! Played at full speed though it was just simply alarming as our drinks (read Kev's) smashed down upon us (read mainly me) from great height !

Now while we both copped the misfortune of the drinks and the extra security and customs checks prior to boarding and the mistakes that saw us waiting at the wrong departure gate and Kev lose his boarding pass, we both struggled after being slammed by Qatar Airlines with a $400 (200 each) surcharge for being 1.9kgs and 2.0kgs over weight respectively. This was despite the fact that we were 1.5 kegs under in our carry on - our agents suggestion that we reopen all our bike boxes (no knife no tape) and redistribute the weight (in Kev's case no room) was not overly helpful - thanks for nothing Qatar airlines !

While I was peeved Kev was slightly more pissed ! After remembering Kev's reaction in China in 2007 when the hotel demanded $2 off him for for a replacement pillow slip ("no way it's a matter of principle"!) I quickly paid the surcharge !

We'd both calmed down somewhat by the time of boarding and endured our 22 hours (even though I smelled like a wino for most of it) of flying by way of Doha before arriving to an amazingly sunny and mild day in Edinburgh !

After having made our way by taxi to our downtown accommodation and reassembled our bikes in our confined room it was finally time to start relaxing and start thinking about the trip to come - over of course a much needed pint of Scottish beer !

Sent from my iPad