Landing in Kathmandu airport was like being transported back in time. The  airport facilities felt old, outdated, but surprisingly highly efficient. Signs were simple and clear. And the long lines that night were easily eased out.

I learned from the ground crew assisting me that the “airport hospital” was located after Immigration.

Even if I felt dizzy, half deaf, and droplets of blood were still coming out of my ear, I pretended to be a normal healthy person. I wanted to get through immigration without drama.

I lined up to pay for my Visa upon Arrival. It dawned on me that, in my sickly state and in my haste to get out of Dubai, I forgot to bring cash for emergencies.

I had a few Dirhams on me, but it wasn’t enough for my visa. I kept going back and forth the counter and the ATMs. But all the machines weren’t working.

The old me would have panicked and blacked out. But the new medicated-me, coached my brain, “calm down, relax, there is a way.” I talked to the officers behind the counter. At first, they were unmoved, “try another card” they firmly said.

When the 3^rd round of passengers on different flights have come and gone, the immigration line was empty, and I was left alone. The officers took pity, and asked me,

“Where are you from?”
“Philippines”
“How much cash you have?”
I showed them what I had.
“Ah, not enough.”
“I have money, but the ATM is not working. Can I pay you outside, after immigration?”
This made all 3 officers laugh.

“How will you pay us there?”
“I will meet you outside and pay you.”
They laughed and talked amongst themselves

“Ok, give us your money. Just enjoy your travel. We want Filipinos to enjoy your stay in Nepal.”
“Thank you so much. If you come to the Philippines, I will pay for your visa also.”

We all laughed and I waved goodbye to them.

I passed through immigration in a breeze and found the “hospital” just after the immigration counters. It was a small clinic with a few sleeping patients, and no doctor to be found.

I kept knocking, but no one was there. I felt blood dripping out of my ears again.

Welcome to Kathmandu, bloody ears.