For the first time in my life, I got an upgrade and flew business class on my flight from Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur. Not even on my birthday on a half-empty plane with Icelandair and dressing well could I manage that. I certainly didn’t look distinguished this time. I have a ridiculous Dutch Masters beard-and-mustache look and dress as shabbily as always. I didn’t even ask for an upgrade. I can only surmise that it was given because I was the only white guy on the plane. It was packed full of Nepalese slaves—I mean, guest workers—going to Malaysia.
     Business class had the same uncomfortable seats as economy class, just wider. (Wouldn’t you like to get your hands on the person who designed aircraft seats?) There was no other benefit that I noticed, but I liked the racist gesture. Thank you Nepal Airlines!

     For my friends who are learning English: one misspelled world, just one letter, can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. (then vs. than)

     I like the ingenuity of someone who thinks, 'Look at that wasted space under the stairs! I'm starting a lassi business there!'