Bike-Ride To Australia 7th-December 2011 Istanbul. I checked the weather in Mumbai first thing this morning, and it’s in the 90s! I’m looking forward to that, I’ve had enough of these sub-zero temperatures! Breakfast was a drawn-out event, on purpose! The only thing I had to do today was finish packing my hand luggage, or rather my pannier. Everything else was packed away neatly into one big bag. I was quite proud of the way I’d packed everything away! One pannier as carry on luggage, one bag to go in the plane’s hold and my bike in its box. In a thousand and one-pieces!
After my final bit of packing, I checked out of my room and placed my bags in the left luggage room, and went out for one last look around Istanbul. I like Istanbul. It’s got a good feeling, and I’ll be a bit sad to leave. While I was out in the markets, I managed to get some anti-malaria tablets for India and beyond. One less thing to worry about later on in my trip.
I’m Off
Back at the hotel, I said my final goodbyes to the staff, who had all been so friendly and helpful. It was then into a taxi and off to the airport! I arrived at the airport in plenty of time, just in case there were any problems! Which was just as well! When I checked in, I was handed a piece of paper and sent to the excess baggage desk, where they charged me £380! £380, that’s almost as much as I’d paid for my flight! To say I was surprised is an understatement! But hey, if that’s what it is, that’s what it is!
I went back to check-in and gave the girl the receipt. The girl at check-in looked at the receipt and then spoke to a colleague. She then told me to wait while she wandered off to the excess baggage desk. After a few minutes, she returned and said they had overcharged me (dam right, I thought!) They charged me for excess baggage, instead of sports equipment! I got my £380 back and got charged £55 instead! That put a smile back on my face. Next stop, Mumbai!
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