4 kids, 20 suitcases and a beagle

The drive to the airport involved a van, pickup truck and two stops along the way, but eventually we made it. After paying the excess luggage and loading the barking beagle there was a great sense of relief to finally set foot on the plane. We flew Qatar Airways, direct from Houston to Doha. The new plane was great, the inflight entertainment system superb, the wine and bubbles came when requested, everyone was very happy. When we arrived in Doha it was an Adelaide flashback with a walk down the stairs to the Tarmac and then on to a bus to the arrivals lounge. The children stood wide eyed amongst their Chicken Little and Barbie carryon luggage whispering to G and I “is this it?” and “are we here?” We were then escorted to a lounge area and two incredibly efficient and glamourous women took off with our passports and handled the immigration and customs details. What a neat idea! Somewhere in the background a team of people collected our 20 pieces of luggage and still barking beagle. We were then whisked out the door of the airport, which was all thanks to the barking beagle who was making the airport staff a little uncomfortable. For those who are not aware dogs are mostly unfavoured animals in muslim countries, and our barking beagle was certainly not making a quiet and unassuming entry in to Qatar.