Flights - Heathrow - Mumbai- Bangkok - Koh Samui

Arrived at Heathrow Airport and Paul waved me off through customs (after helping me sort out my 'liquids' into a plastic bag). Thankfully I already knew which gate to go to ha ha! Wandered by the shops (with my rucksack all firmly locked and my moneybag secured in my underwear!) but all too expensive. Sat next to a business man on the flight to Mumbai, he lived in Bangkok and was also doing the changeover in Mumbai. Already (as Chloe predicted) I had help sorted for Mumbai. With the assistance of patches to calm me, I made it to Mumbai. Saw the slums by the runway - amazing (just like Slumdog Millionaire). What a tight security airport!! Had my bags searched and had to empty, due to two lighters in my handbag!! Did they think I was going to set the airport on fire???? Unfortunately they forgot to stamp my bags! After a two hour wait, I was stopped at the boarding gate because my bags had not been checked! A surly man told me that I had to RUN (they were boarding) back to the middle of the airport to get my bags scanned (2nd time). I ran like mad, got them scanned, labelled and then ran back (hot and sticky now, not at all looking like a sophisticated experienced traveller). Went through the gate, down the corridor to my plane, and guess what….. had them scanned AGAIN (3rd time) !!! Finally arrived (last person) and sat down. Had another 'local' to Thailand sitting next to me, he lived in Koh Samui. He wasn't taking the connecting flight that night, told me it was too rushed! Normally I am slightly frightened of flying, but the whole two flights I had only worried about the connecting flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui. I only had 1.5 hours to check in and out!! Luckily my first seating partner had seemed confident that I would do it, even offered to take me to the Bangkok Airways counter. However….. once landed, I went straight to a 'suit' working in Immigration/Passport control, explained my situation and she fast tracked me through. I was at the carousel before my suitcase! Once I had pulled this off the belt, I walked like a mad woman, up two flights, down the length of the top floor and checked in with 10 minutes to spare! Then I had to travel the length of the entire airport to the right gate! Phew just made it as they were boarding.

Flights were good, excellent service and had sooo much to eat all FOC! There was an occasion on the first flight where I missed out on a free drink! (should have read the itinerary ha ha!). Left the plane with a free blanket - came in very useful on the beachJ