Enroute

Riyadh Saudi Arabia

If this seems disjointed, it is because it is 2:00 A.M. and we are sitting in the Riyadh Saudi Arabia airport.  We got in about 12:30 and they parked the airplane way out in the back 40.  We took about a 15 minute bus ride just to get to the terminal.  Then as we were transit passengers we had to stand in a line and go through security again just to get to the departure terminal.  We had to wait in that line about 20 minutes before anyone showed up to actually allow us to go through security.  We all just flew through security except for Cindy.  Every woman had to go back into a special room and have a thorough pat-down.

SkyTeam

Saudi Arabian Airlines who we are flying is a new Delta partner, and it shows.  They have a Skyteam lounge here in Riyadh, and as we have done every where else on our trip went to the lounge to while away our time while waiting 5 hours for our flight.  The man at the desk was APPALLED I was trying to bring other people in with me.  I explained that I do this regularly, and in fact the gate agent for Saudi  Airlines in London made a special point of ensuring we had access to their lounge in London.  He all but threw me out of the lounge making big gestures with his arms and angrily telling me to leave, because I was a LIAR.  Not the most welcoming people here, glad we are not staying!  Other than that the workers at the food stands etc. have been very nice.

The Flight

The actual flight here from London was quite pleasant, and I have nothing but good things to say about the airline, and the service.  Makenzie had a very rude awakening at the end of the flight.  She had been asleep, for a few hours during the latter part of the flight.  After we had landed and we stood up, all of these women who had been just wearing their casual clothes were now in their black burkhas and had their faces covered.  At first Makenzie thought they were Karate Ninjas.  When she noticed it was just women, she was very opinionated as to what she thought of it.  Well only 3 more hours till our flight leaves for Delhi.  Once we reach Delhi, we will have a 4 hour layover then we are on our way to Chennai.  Sorry no pictures from here.