After returning from Brazil my dear friend Patrick recieved me in his appartment in Dubai again. I had left my bike with him and the stuff I wouldn’t need in the mean time.The flight to Lahore was already booked and I knew that I would only have a few days in the city. I used that time to edit the two videos I had prepared in Curitiba about the Permaculture farmers and the Biker’s Club. Then it was time to pack my stuff and leave. Patrick brought me to the airport and we said goodbye. The guys at the security check looked a little puzzled when they saw me come with my bike fully packed, I had to answer all sorts of questions before they let me pass. When I reached the Check-in desk I was given a look as if I was a terrorist. „This Bicycle is not going anywhere!“ – said the hysterical lady who was probably in charge at that night. I told them that I had already travelled with the bike and that it had been no problem. She didn’t care. Another person was called to tell me that I had to „prepare“ the bicycle in order to have it taken on the plane and he called some staff to take me to one of the packing stations they have at the airport. The Indians handling the machine that covers everything in plastic were very amused about the unconventional luggage. I told them about the project and they appreciated it, still I had to pay the 20$ for the wrapping. I came back to th check in, but now the guy who told me to wrapp my bike said that it was too late to catch the plane – I thought that he was kidding! „And anyway, you don’t have a return ticket!“ – he had finally found a reason for not letting me on the plane, something burocratic because that’s what the slimy shirt & tye users like most. So Mr. „I cannot do that“ showed me something that said, if Qatar Airways would let me fly without a return ticket I „might“ be rejected entry in Pakistan and they would have to pay a lot of money. Instead he wanted me to pay the money for a new ticket and of course he wanted to argue with me until my plane was gone for good! So just before I continue to tell the story of how I finally reached Lahore I would like to make sure that everybody who reads this is well informed. Listen to my advice:
Never travel with Qatar Airways!