Assalamualaikum and hi everyone.

It has been quite a while since I updated the blog. The reason being, I am busy doing work and everyday life thing here in Houston. I will start my first post on my experience boarding Qatar Airways from Kuala Lumpur to Houston via Dubai, and my hotel in Houston.

I am going to be in the States for 2-3 months. I was scheduled to arrive on 31st January, meaning I departed KLIA on 30th January. The economical flight was Qatar Airways and following my company policy, I will be a Business Class Passenger.

What did I bring for my extended trip? A summary would be a clothes enough for 1.5 weeks, leather coat, long john, shoe, my personal laptop, iPad, curry powder, foldable bagpack. I distributed my clothes on 1 luggage and 1 hand luggage. The hardest part is leaving my parents at the airport. Ibu keeps on crying for 2 weeks after I left KL.

My Qatar flight bound to Doha was to be at 3 a.m. My whole family send me off and at 2 a.m, I proceed to the gate. I did not even get to go to the Premium Lounge.

Best ke naik Business Class Qatar ni?

I got priority boarding. When I got in the A330 plane, the seats are already full. I put my hand luggage and laptop bag on storage and took a seat. My travel partner is a high profile ex-govenment officer who run multiple business. He is going to Morocco with his team for a business opportunity. the seat on Qatar Airways is generously spacious. The chair recline to flat bed position. For long flights, you will get amenities kit. One toiletry bag containing socks, lotion and perfume from Giorgio Armani and earplugs and sleeping patch.

On the seat, you'll get medium size pillow and blankets. In Qatar Airways, they promotes on-demand dining. meaning you can eat whatever, whenerver and how much you want. The menus are pretty extensive. You will also get a pyjama set once onboard.

For my first leg, I chose to drink mango juice and open some entertainment on the screen. I watch a movie and ordered Hot Chocolate. The sleepiness took over so I slept almost the whole 7 hours journey. I ordered breakfast which I pick an omelete about 2 hours before landing. The flat bed was very comfortable to sleep in.

Arriving in Doha, you'll get through special screening counter and I straight away went to the new AlMourjan Lounge. It is located on the third floor. The Lounge is huge with 3 floors and multiple restaurants. I tried to have a shower but the shower was full. Instead, I have some breakfast at the restaurant and call my mum.

AlMourjan Lounge huge eating area

Semi-private seating area

My pre-flight breakfast at Doha

I then went to the boarding gate right at boarding time. This leg will use the 777 plane. 777 has a wider and even more spacious legroom. It's like a private room. I was the first onboard and just like previous flight, we get the amenities, blanket, pyjamas. But this time we get the duvet since this is a 16 hours flight. I didnt use it though.

The Business Class cabin

My flight route pass over the Middle East, Russia, Europe, Iceland, Canada then down to the Gulf. I ate 3 times, spacing few hours between meals. The meal was really good... I watched 4 movies, slept alot on the plane. I frequently look out the window to see where I am. The most interesting place was when we flew over Greenland. I can see ice bergs, and a massive snow sheet on a no-man land. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

The beautiful Greenland

We arrived in Houston at 3 pm and I was detained at the Immigration for some paperwork. I was there until 8 pm. That was almost 4 hours. I was cranky, hungry and upset I just felt that I want to cry. You cannot use your phone in the Immigration office. They work really slow.

After getting stamp, I straight away went to the car rental bulding where I have to take a shuttle. I pick-up my car - the 2016 Chrysler 300. The car was so canggih that i spent 30 minutes figuring the system. With build in GPS, I attempt to search for my newly build residence in Houston.

I got lost 3 times, miss the junction due to the road being dark. I dont expect the road to be this dark though. I finally find my hotel, Residence Inn Springwoods. It just open for 2 months. Checking in was a breeze and I was happy with my hotel room which is a Studio complete with King Bed, Microwave, fridge, dishwasher and Stove.

My studio

My hotel has amenities such as coin laundry, a gym, free breakfast, a pool and a free cookie everyday. It is located quite near to the campus and surroundings. 2 mins drive to nearest grocery store and 15 mins to the nearest town.