BIK E FOCUS BY MICHAEL ECKER
b+w photography: david ha rry stewart
IIWhat do you mean, Ino more seats'? I nave a confirmed
PHOTO, MICHAEL ECKER
reservation! " "So sorry, no more se ats. Nex t." With that the Pakistani International Airlines employee looked past me to the person behind. With the plane leaving in 20 minutes, I take a gamble and try to board with just my ticket, I get as far as the steps leading up to the plane. No amount of arguing helps the situation. Even waving US dollars under their noses doesn't help. So 15 othe unfortunates and I were packed off to the airline hotel to wait for the Saturday flight to Kathmandu. It's Wednesday morning in Karachi. With heavy gates and armed guards, we feel more like prisoners than guests. Small consolation-there will be hot water and cable TV for a few days. My introduction to developing country travel is complete. Cancellations and delays are things to get used to. I follow the examp of the locals and take things as they come.
