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[2mycountry]

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[airofare]

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[vayubooking]

Cheap USA To Amritsar Flights | Book Flights from USA to Amritsar

Find the best flights from the USA to Amritsar with VayuBooking.com. Book your tickets and explore great deals on airfare for your journey to Amritsar, India.

[myticketstoindiaaustralia]

Find cheap Sydney to Ahmedabad flights deals at MyTicketsToIndia Australia. Book your tickets now and save big on airfare. Explore the vibrant city of Ahmedabad without breaking the bank. Touch with us to don't miss out the best flight offers. Start your journey today!

[flyopedia02]

Travelling to India From Canada: Travellers Must-Know Things

If you are travelling to India from Canada, especially for the first, you must be aware of certain things. Wondering? Do not start to scratch your head, Flyopedia Canada has got your back. Today, we are going to share a first-time Canadian visitors guide. So let’s begin!

[runwayrunway]

A New England Planespotter In...England (And Scotland)

So I've just gotten back from two weeks in London, almost directly beneath one of the arrival paths to Heathrow. One weird thing about being in London was that...my home airport, Logan, is big, sure, lots of international flights, but it's weird in that it's only a hub for three airlines, one of which is domestic. Being sandwiched between NYC and Newark does that to a place. So we get a pretty small selection of airlines here, all things considered.

Heathrow? Literally while taxiing from the runway to the gate I saw us go past an Air Mauritius and a Royal Brunei Airlines plane (and I didn't have my camera out to take a picture!). On the way out on my way home I saw a RwandAir plane (and it was at an angle behind me where I couldn't get a picture of it either!). I saw multiple A380s a day from British Airways and Singapore Airlines, and even a 747 flying for Korean Air Cargo went overhead! (747s never fly to Logan.) I saw THAI, Air India, TAROM, Air Serbia, and the full complement of gulf carriers - which I expected - and China Southern Airlines, which I somehow didn't.

Hey, wait, is that tailfin...

There she is! (I was so happy to see her that I think I startled the person sitting next to me.)

There were of course the usual faces as well - Delta, American Airlines, and even JetBlue now flies to London. I didn't see any full-size FedEx planes, but I did see a FedEx Feeder ATR 72 (at least I think it's a 72) at Edinburgh Airport.

(she was quite far away and the image is inevitably very crunchy)

A few other cargo airlines more typical of Europe were parked nearby her - DHL, Maersk Air Cargo (in the old Star Air livery), West Atlantic, and whoever that is at the end - the livery feels so familiar, actually, but there's no wordmark and half of me thinks it's a wet lease that hasn't been painted. If anyone remembers what's on the tip of my tongue, please do tell me.

While entirely expected, I also enjoyed seeing little Loganair ERJs around in Edinburgh. They're so short! I was arriving in an A320 and even then I had to wait until I was on the ground to take a decent picture that wasn't half cut off by the plane I was actually in.

I don't know enough about Loganair's routes to know what they actually fly to Edinburgh, but a tiny part of me was sad I didn't see any of their littler prop planes. I have a huge soft spot for the Britten-Norman Islander, the first prop plane I ever got to fly on, which Loganair operates two of. Among their uses in the fleet is operating the shortest scheduled route in the world, which lasts around a minute and is about as long as the runway I landed on when I took all those pictures. I won't pretend it's not on my bucket list. (To be fair, I am also legitimately interested in the archaeological sites on Papa Westray...just maybe not interested enough to take a longer flight to see them.)

These aren't all the airlines I saw, but the rest I'm saving for other days and other posts. Still, there is one more type of airplane I saw which I think I have never actually seen in Massachusetts. When I was at Edinburgh I heard this bizarre loud thing that sounded like nothing I'd ever heard before and looked up and saw what I thought was a C-130. Then I realized it was actually an A400M with its weird scimitar propellers. As far as I'm aware this is the first airlift plane I've seen in person that wasn't a static display and it's definitely the first plane I've seen that sounds like that. I also got to see my first ever helicopter that wasn't a tiny little general aviation thing in the form of a Chinook going right over my head at...really not that high, but it didn't have its transponder on so I couldn't tell you more exactly. Is that a thing in London? Airplane-sized military helicopters at low heights over populated areas with their transponders off? I don't remember ever seeing that before but I suppose it has been a while. It was very, very strange.

And that's a non-exhaustive list of the things you just don't get to see in Boston! I will definitely talk about some of these airlines in full someday, but some of them I probably won't. I at least had a lot of fun pointing at airplanes and going "wow...".

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Established Relationship (10) Masterlist

part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six, part seven, part eight, part nine

2 minutes (ao3) - easybubbyy

Summary: On the long flight to Australia, Dan gets a tad bit handsy. They sort it out in the bathroom.

15 Years (ao3) - manchesterau

Summary: Their lives, forever intertwined.

15 Years of Forever (ao3) - theheartnexttophan

Summary: As of October 19th, 2024, Dan and Phil have known each other for 15 years. They’ve had 15 years of moments together, so here is one moment for each year.

alpaca (ao3) - ShiwiSins (IetjeSiobhan)

Summary: It’s just a joke, a bit of fun, this lack of explicit confirmation they have going on, except for the fact that right now, it feels less like a joke and more like he still has to flinch away from some of the touches he wants.

Or: They're in Sydney when they decide to come out.

angel and demon (ao3) - possumdnp

Summary: Dan and Phil go out to a bar dressed in a couple's costume, and Dan is surprised at just how freeing it feels.

(A fic about Halloween 2024, pushing boundaries, and the perils of red hair dye.)

attired to defy (ao3) - buskingalbatross

Summary: One of Dan and Phil's favorite board games is Wingspan. At first blush, like many other board games, it can seem a bit complicated. But, once the basics are learned, it becomes clear that really, all Wingspan needs to be is an excuse to look at pretty art of birds and learn facts about them. You don’t have to strategize to have fun playing the game. On days where you’re in a post-New Year’s haze on top of being sick, it’s a game that can require almost zero mental effort.

bragging rights (ao3) - wednesday_ukiru

Summary: A hot doctor sits down next to Phil as he’s coming off anesthesia.

Comfort in Chaos (ao3) - Anonymous

Summary: Phil wakes to Dan having a nightmare that he struggles to rouse him from. It later transpires that there is a reason behind his unsettled and panicked behaviour.

Delicate (ao3) - easybubbyy

Summary: Phil reveals a hidden desire to be treated more femininely by Dan, particularly drawn to Dan's masculinity and how he looks in sleeveless shirts. Dan indulges Phil's desires, leading to a passionate evening of trust, affection, and deep connection.

Falling for you (ao3) - dnpangels

Summary: Dan and Phil are cuddling in Phil's tour bus bunk. When Dan slips and falls out of the bunk, he wakes up the entire tour crew. Fluff and teasing from the crew ensues.

family (ao3) - hello456there

Summary: Dan and Phil unexpectedly have to babysit their niece

Float (ao3) - Aliquis

Summary: Dan's a professional, after all, and this is his job. Just another day at the office in front of hundreds of their grown-up fans whose expectations exited the stratosphere somewhere between his last two posts on socials. Fuck.

golden kiwi (ao3) - possumdnp

Summary: "Phil turns the corner and spots it on display in a corner of the shop: a large golden kiwi statue. It’s quite possibly the most majestic object he’s ever seen."

(A fic set during Dan and Phil's day off in Auckland during the Terrible Influence Tour.)

Google Phwed (ao3) - theheartnexttophan

Summary: Dan and Phil are filming a game of Google Feud for the gaming channel when they get a rather familiar prompt.

Help Taking it Off (ao3) - cats_with_no_tails

Summary: I don’t know if Dan helped Phil pick out the phlonde-launch outfit, but I certainly imagine he helped take it off.

—

Set the day of Phil’s blonde hair announcement - Dan comes home to him in that cunty little midriff and wants to devour him.

here comes the heat (before we meet) (ao3) - possumdnp

Summary: Three weeks is way too long to go without seeing each other and touching each other.

(Set during Dan’s February 2010 trip up north to see Phil after coming home from India.)

Holding On For Just Tonight (ao3) - definitelynotczargasm

Summary: The night before Dan leaves for the American leg of WAD, he suffers a little crisis of faith. As always, Phil is there to help him through it.

[set a few hours after the filming of "Dan Is Leaving Me"]

i thought that i was dreaming (ao3) - twoheadlights (fizzfic)

Summary: Dan and Phil and the beds they've shared. Basically.

Jacket Stolen From Husband (ao3) - danrifics

Summary: Dan wants to marry Phil, Phil wants to marry Dan. They’re both waiting for the other to propose.

Like Fine Print (ao3) - totalincandescense

Summary: Every few weeks, Dan was given an unfriendly reminder of at least one of the many reasons why he never went outside.

The most frequently recurring thing on the list being the general existence of people.

But more specifically, the existence of people who flirted with Phil.

make me feel (ao3) - blossomsphan

Summary: dan discovers a new use for his walk-in closet

Meant to be, we might be alright now (ao3) - lesbosz

Summary: Dan thinks about the cramped tour bus bunks and traveling the world again with his soulmate of 15 years.

nana (ao3) - dizzy

Summary: Dan's grandmother goes to see the Terrible Influence Tour.

Proxy Requests (ao3) - philsmeatylegss

Summary: A story about poop and fear (unrelated)

One Yaps, One Disassociates (ao3) - philsmeatylegss

Summary: One yaps, one disassociates meme except it’s rpf

Origins of the Phass Inflation Post (Dan and Phil in Greece) (ao3) - EverythingIsAsItWas

Summary: Dan and Phil rarely take vacations just for themselves, vacations in which they make no content, do not work, and simply enjoy each other's company. Going to Greece feels like the perfect opportunity for this, but Phil also thinks it's the perfect opportunity for a video... and Dan likes being a little shit.

some of the most normal pictures (ao3) - natigail

Summary: Phil took many photos of Dan. It was second nature. To capture this life that they shared and this man that he got to share it with. Each moment precious, captured when Dan was his most relaxed and at ease. And they're completely normal. Of course.

*Behind the scenes look at each of the photos from this year's birthday tweet from Phil to Dan*

somebody said you’re an owl (ao3) - possumdnp

Summary: Phil hears an owl outside the house. (Or does he?)

A fic about relaxing summer nights and birdwatching with the person you love.

Spearmint & Espresso (ao3) - blossomsphan

Summary: Scents (and cuddles) can be healing ☕️🫧

sunkissed (ao3) - ivylakes

Summary: Maybe Phil was made to pour warmth into this man and leave little marks all over his body the way the sun does when it covers his skin with freckles. Maybe everything they’ve ever done and every little way they’ve loved each other has culminated in this very moment, where they can hardly see each other in the low light but are still brighter than the yellow light that breaks through the sky and glitters on the ocean.

Or, Dan and Phil go on holiday, and every photo they take tells a story.

the angel in the marble (ao3) - ivylakes

Summary: Phil dyes his hair blonde, Dan calls him angel, and neither of them can get any work done.

the hoodie bow incident (ao3) - antiadvil

Summary: they were kissing.

The Hunt (ao3) - toadsappho

Summary: Omega!Phil is forced to participate in a barbaric mating practice, but he's not going to go down without a fight

the night is thinking of love (ao3) - ShiwiSins (IetjeSiobhan)

Summary: Dan wants to be indulged so badly he doesn’t even know what he wants Phil to indulge him with; wants to enjoy the process of ordering something nice, because Phil is paying and he said anything, so much he doesn’t want to order anything at all and drag Phil home instead, only that he also really, really wants every single second of this: of ordering, of Phil paying, of being indulged.

Or: Dan and Phil tour and, simultaneously, slowly explore Dan's kink further.

waiting up (ao3) - pensieveity

Summary: dan falls asleep in his chair editing. the next morning, phil has a (not so) serious conversation about them needing to a video editor to help out.

[magic-belodie]

MCLLL Episode 17 Priya

I finished Priya’s route of MCLLL episode 17. It cost me 1.112 AP. I got Priya’s illustration. Here is the link to her illustration because of NSFW: https://magicbelodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1425-f0e1351d3663770e1688631297.jpg Here is the summary:

You start this episode on a plane. You are just waking up. Priya is sitting next to you on the plane. Priya kisses you and you two look out the window. You two could see a group of lush islands. Priya and you are going to spend here 15 days. The flight lands, you pick up your luggage, and a limo brings you two to the hotel. The hotel you two are staying is the same from episode 5 alternate life Kentin. Darma welcomes you two and brings you both to the honeymoon suit. At the last minute, Priya and you changed plans to go here instead of India. Your Aunt told you about her trip and stay here. It just sounded like the place to go. Priya and you are very happy with the room. You two deserved after the year you have been through. You two kiss tenderly. After that long flight, you could use a shower. When you come out, Priya goes in the shower. When she comes out, she is in her lingerie. Priya is looking at the view, and she sees the pool with the cave above it. No one is in it now, and suggests swimming. You are in for a romantic swim, maybe even some skinny-dipping. Priya thought you were tired from the trip, but the shower gave you energy. She points you towards a chair and puts on some music. Dancing, she starts to take out her underwear. You are enjoying the show. She walks towards you and takes off your towel. Then she lies on the bed in a position you couldn't resist. You join her on the bed and start to let your hands feel her body. Then it is her turn to feel your body. You don't know how long you two are enjoying each other with kisses and feeling everything with your hands. While moving to the rhythm of the music. Priya and you are felt with desire and moving your hot bodies against each other. You feel like you need another shower. You head together back in into the shower. It was a perfect moment. A little later, you get a meal delivered to the room. You two never took that swim. The next day after a perfect night of sleeping. You two go downstairs for breakfast. While you are eating, you see Darma. He asks if you two are enjoying your stay. You two are, everything is perfect. He also reminds you two that the hike to the Volcano leaves in an hour. You both finish your breakfast and go back upstairs to get ready. There you get to choose your outfit. There is only one outfit to pick. Then, you decide also to bring your sun hat with you. Priya and you go downstairs. There you notice that you forgot your phone. But you have no time to go back upstairs. Priya and you go on the bus. It takes you both to the start of the hike. There, a guide welcomes you with instructions. Then you two start the walk. While you two are walking, the guide talks about the surroundings. You get to take a break when you can see the volcano. It is beautiful. Priya and you are holding hands. You two wish to be alone. Priya sees a path and you two start walking it. You both find your own little paradise. Priya and you are hugging under some trees. You enjoy this moment a lot, but it is better to get back to the group. You two try to find your way back. But when you are back, the group has already left. You don't hear their voices anymore. Priya takes out her phone. She has no network. But you have to find the group and start walking. But you have no idea where you are. Then you suddenly hear a voice. You both think it is the guide. Turns out it were parrots. You are afraid you are going to die. But Priya tells you if you keep moving, you won't. You admire her optimism. You have come to this place for the fourth time. Conclusion, you two are lost. It is already four o'clock. Three hours left until the sun starts to go down. Priya wants to find a refuge. But for that you need an overview of the place. You two decide to go back to the place with the beautiful view. There you see the volcano again. It is better to go there than to stay in the jungle. You are going to try to find a stream. You two can do this. Priya and you find some monkey. Priya thinks you two should follow them. Maybe they have some food. You agree to go. But at the slightest side of danger, you go back. The monkeys have found some fruit. But there are very large bees nearby. The bees haven't noticed you yet. You two give it a shot. You choose the lychess looking fruit. Priya and you get some fruit and walk safely away. Priya starts to get tired, but you keep her motivated, She finds a waterfall, there you two take a little break. Then you find your way to the volcano. At volcano, you find a cave you two can stay in. You two use the hat you took with you as a filter to for the water. So you two can drink. Then you two need to make a fire. You are going to collect some wood. You walk to some trees and take the lowest branches. It took you awhile to get some, but you found enough for a fire. Now you need to get the fire on. You decide to rub two stones against each other. It works, but it goes out pretty soon again. You decide to rip one of your sleeves. And use that to light with the stones. Then it keeps on burning and you have fire. You are proud of yourself. The night starts to fall. Priya suggests eating what you two found earlier. A guest has joined you two. A cute little monkey. You two share your food with it. Then the monkey leaves. Priya and you try to sleep, but you both can't. You go sit back up again. It is still crazy that you two are here together. You ask Priya is she could imagine this. Priya could image the together part, but not the jungle part. She never does things lightly. She meant what she said under the Gazebo. Priya doesn't want you to leave her life. You know that. You have always liked that about her. Even before the Gazebo scene. You never told Priya that. She asks you when you found out. You had a spice dream about Priya and after that dream you asked your self the question. The first time Priya realized was when your roommate looked you out of your room. She wanted to defend you so badly. When Priya got home after that, she decided that she had to be very brave. Because she didn't want to play around anymore. You are very happy about that. You two kiss in the light of the fire. Priya and you must have fallen a sleep. The light of the sun wakes you up. The view of the sunrise is incredible. You were probably the first ones to seen it for a while. You stay hugging each other for a few minutes while enjoying the view. What should you do now. Priya still has some battery left on her phone. She walks up to the volcano to get some signal and opens up a map to make a path back. You could lose signal again. But it is better than nothing. You start following the path. You two found the waterfall from yesterday. These means you are on the right track. Then you hear a sound. It is the sound of a motor from a car. You two run towards it and find a jeep with the guide in it. They were looking for you. You were not the only ones who were worried yesterday. The guide brings you back to the hotel. Darma is there waiting for you. He is so happy that you two are back. Because of what you went through, you don't have to pay for your stay and the extras you want to take. That was the least he could do. Darma brings you two back to the room. Priya and you take a shower together. When Priya gets out, she is only wearing her lingerie. She lies on the bed. She doesn't ever want to leave it. The bed like that looks very inviting to you. You thought you were tired, but seeing Priya like that. You go lie next to Priya in the opposite direction. She always gives you energy. She goes to sit up with her head above you. You melt into it. Priya lies her hand on your neck and kisses you. Priya also still has energy left. You feel her hand put out your bathrobe. You think it is time to get equal. And start to remove her lingerie. You do it without taking your eyes off her. You get the illustration. Her body looks amazing, you start to kiss it. Going down to her thighs. You hear Priya moan, and it makes you felt with desire. As if Priya could read you, she pulls you towards her and kisses you passionately. Her hand slights between your legs, you moan. You start kissing her body. Priya and you get filled with desire. You both scream at the same time and you both come undone. You both collapsed out on the bed, reaching for breath. Priya hugs you. You both never want to leave the bed again and hug each other tight. You turn around and kiss Priya passionately. Then you both fall a sleep, the episode ends.

[2mycountry]

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[fleurcareil]

Leaving Canada

After finishing the road trip, the last 2 weeks of September were a whirlwind of activities to sort out things and say goodbye one more time before leaving the country. Although I may have benefited from staying a bit longer, having been on the road for so long made me ready to close off this phase and look forward to the next one, going back home to Europe! 🤩

First priority was to clean everything that I had been traveling with (with thanks to lots of space and a garden hose😁) and then figure out what to put into storage and what to bring as luggage. Initially my intent had been to travel straight from France to Chile, however due to exorbitant one-way air fares, I ended up booking a return ticket back to TO for mid-January.... not sure how this is all going to work out but for now it means that I'm only travelling with one suitcase instead of the 3 that I had already pre-packed. Easier to carry but harder to fit my clothes! 😅

Second key item was to get my car sold, so I got the car deep cleaned over lunch with Tara... something I've never done but should really have given myself as a gift much earlier! 😄 I thought the guy had done a great job at making my car look brand-new again, but he actually apologized to me as he hadn't managed to remove all bug residue from the grill nor the grit of the endless unpaved roads from the tires...the downfall of such an extensive road trip!

That afternoon, 3 accidents on the QEW highway meant that traffic was jammed for miles around, so I tried to wait it out by visiting the first 2 car dealers to get a sense of their offer... suddenly everything seemed wrong with my fab drive, as it needed new tires, new brakes, a chip in the window etc etc... 😯😪 I recognize the sales tactics for what they were but they still pulled me down, so by the time I got back home after taking 1.5 hours over a 20min drive, I was shaken & thoroughly fed up!

Next day, I toured a few more dealers who all basically said the same and then just cut my losses to get it over with (I must be the worst negotiator on earth! 🤣) ... I absolutely have had an amazing time driving my Rogue and I still loved everything about it, but it was time to say goodbye and move on.

Being a bit emotional after signing the papers, I drove by my old house in Burlington (where the new tenants are neglecting the pretty roses I had planted 😣) and then sat on my favourite bench in Paletta Park overlooking Lake Ontario. A mere 10 minutes' walk from where I used to live, I would often come here over my lunch break or after work, a great spot to relax! 😊

Next day, after having handed in the car & safely deposited the cheque at the bank, I was happy to go over to Priyanka & Arnie for a traditional Hungarian dish and meet again with their lovely parents. I first met Priyanka's parents at our MBA graduation over 10 years ago and we've been in touch ever since, having shared many dinners (including with my parents and in Delhi 🤗), theater plays, a powwow and ofcourse the wedding in India! 😍😍

On Friday, I spent hoouuuurs on the internet and phone to arrange anything from bank accounts & medical insurance to booking flights for my travels in Europe. Felt good to clean house and try to close as many things as possible before leaving. In the evening, we had delicious pizza & craft beer in the "Shed" in downtown Dundas.

That Saturday, it was fun times at the Ancaster Fall Fair with Arpita, Navneet and his cousin Nithia. 🤩 I had never been to a farm fair, which had everything from a hot sauce contest, cow & chicken displays to nitro-chilled snacks and prizes for the prettiest tomatoes, hay bales and funny-looking veggies! 😂 Quite an experience and a great afternoon!

On Sunday, I went with Heather for a hike in nearby Dundas Valley conservation area, my favourite forest west of the GTA. I've been here so often that I know most trails by heart but this time we walked in from a residential area on the side so that the forest still felt new. 😀

I spent the second week in Toronto where I lived for 11 years - my personal record of living that long in one city! 😊 - and it felt really good to roam the streets (albeit only for a short period of time before the craziness got to me 😫). For four days I crammed in as many friends as I could see, starting with a great backyard dinner with my old team. Having 9 different cultural backgrounds being represented leads to ever-interesting diverse conversations! 😍

On Tuesday, I had cozy lunch and dinner with my two good friends Kathryn and Lynne, both a bit senior to me hence always providing me with valuable insights that help me put things in a different perspective. 🥰 They're both great examples of how we can continue to have fulfilling lives for many years to come! 😘

Then on Wednesday, a lunch walk with Dana through my old 'hood and the Riverdale Farm, followed by relaxing tea with Natasha, Lance and their mother who I've also known since coming to Toronto and by whom I spent a memorable Christmas in Trinidad & Tobago. 🤩 In the evening, the drinks were tasty as usual when meeting with a loosely connected 😅 but somehow gelling group of Real Estate friends... always a good time!

On my last day in Toronto, I caught up with Harvey over Indian Roti and then had a few lovely hours at the new Love Park at the harbourfront. My final date was with my camping-sailing-drinking group of friends 😎 at the Queen Mother Café, a downtown thai restaurant where I used to go often in the first years. We're all a bit wiser (?!? 😂) then when we first met years ago but the laughs are still there!

Tired & having a terrible cold but feeling blessed with all those friendships, I made my way back to Dundas, where I was grateful to spend the last day with Arpita and Navneet, working a bit in the garden and playing the cool card game Dominion at night.

On the 30th September, they dropped me off to the airport, ready to fly home! 💖💖💖

[thesilenttraveller]

MY ANSWER

Ooh.. Long weekend is coming, need to utilise. Thought while filling up excel sheet in my office computer. Chill at home? its too hot outside, nope.. Parents will ask to do household chores! Go to hill station? Yes, let me check the train and flight tickets.. Shit.. All trains are booked, flights and hotels are way too costly. I can buy PS5 with that money. Shall I buy PS5? nope, its anyways way too costly. Agniv, need the data within 5 minutes, shouted boss.. wasted 30 minutes on searching. Need to search with more time.

Fast forward to evening that day-> scrolling reels while Atomic Habits laid in dust. DO YOU WANT CLIFFS AND BEACH AT THE SAME TIME? COME TO VARKALA, GREAT FOOD, GREAT NIGHT LIFE, GREAT FOR SHOPPING WITH VIEWS. UNIQUE PLACE JUST 1 HOUR FROM THE AIRPORT screamed one reel. Hmm.. interesting.. lets try the place. flights are anyways costly as the place is quite far from Kolkata, but atleast I can visit new place. Will save money by booking hostel.

Fast Forward-> trying to be awake at 2am sitting at Hyderabad airport which is my connecting airport. No A320s can cover all India.

Fast Forward-> Reached Thiruvananna... Trivandrum airport. early morning, the breeze itself makes you feel you are near coastal area. 40 kms more to my hostel. Sweet, will reach by the check-in time..

Full room to myself, nice.. Utilise the bathroom before the room gets full.. door opens.. enters 4 ladies, drenched in sea water. well, I feigned ignorance about their presence but every one of them were attractive. Hi, we need to change our clothes, can you excuse us for a minute? Hmm.. here goes my clean bathroom.. well, I can live with that. Also, I double checked with the hostel manager whether I mistakenly entered ladies dorm or not.

Went out for a walk. The place was absolutely stunning. Can watch the beach from the cliff above. Lots of temporary shops selling all beach clothes and accessories along the cliff. The place had a different vibe. The only con, its very hot and humid. Was feeling like the AC at the dorm is the destination I want to reach. I came back and was bombarded with questions from the ladies. Where are you from? how long you going to stay? can you ride scooty?The ladies were from Bangalore and was talking in their mother tongue in between which I didnt understand. I answered what they wanted to hear and made friends with 4 ladies at an unknown tourist place.

We rented a scooty and visited all the attractions.. did kayaking and learned surfing lessons. went for breakfast lunch and dinner together. At our last breakfast before we left for the airport, came the question from one lady, you are single right? Nope, I am married for 5 years......

I woke up suddenly.. Where am I? THIS IS THE LAST BOARDING CALL FOR ALL THE PASSENGERS FOR INDIGO FLIGHT FROM HYDERABAD TO TRIVANDRUM, REQUESTED TO PROCEED TO GATE NO 5 IMMEDIATELY. Oh, its my flight they are calling. Need to run.. Took my belongings and ran towards the gate. I ran and I ran excitedly, I ran happily knowing what my answer should be.....

[phanlentinesup]

“you had to go to bed, leaving me for 5 hours with nothing to do”

in the Valentine’s Day video, Phil says to Dan, "I know you said we weren’t gonna do anything for Valentine’s Day, but you had to go to bed, leaving me for five hours with nothing to do."

This one may be puzzling at first. Why would Dan go to bed 5 hours earlier than Phil? And why would the 5 hours be worth pointing out?

Simple answer: Dan was in India with his family when Phil made the video. Indian time is 5.5 hours ahead of the UK during the winter (4.5 during the summer, as India doesn’t have daylight savings time). He left for India on February 5 or 6, and came back to the UK on the 19th. He went to a YouTube gathering on the day he came back, then went to see Phil and stayed at his house until the 24th.

So the “leaving with for 5 hours with nothing to do” comment probably comes from the fact that, when they weren’t together, Dan and Phil would often spend their evenings talking to each other on Skype. If they were chatting that night, and Dan was in a timezone 5 hours ahead of Phil, it would leave Phil with 5 hours to spare at the end of the day after Dan went to bed.

SERIOUS BUSINESS video from danisnotonfire [watch on YouTube] Uploaded on February 27, the intro and outro were shot while Dan was in India.

Aeroplane Adventures video from danisnotintesting [watch on YouTube] Uploaded on February 28, shot on the flight home, most likely (given how tan he is)

Tweet from AmazingPhil on February 14, 2010 The tweet is from 12:02 AM which means it was 2 minutes into the 14th.

[Editorial note: this may just be a generic “Happy Valentine’s Day” to his followers, or a message aimed specifically at Dan, we can’t know. But given the timestamp it was probably posted just after he had finished uploading the Valentine’s Day video.]

Tweets from danisnotonfire on February 5, 2010 Just before leaving for India.

Tweet from danisnotonfire on February 14, 2010 This was the morning after Phil posted the video. The timestamp of 4:50 AM GMT would mean it was 10:20 AM in India when he tweeted this. He had probably just seen the video.

Tweet from danisnotonfire on February 16, 2010 When Dan says “on Sunday”, that would be February 21.

"My Fish Died" video from AmazingPhil on March 1, 2010 [Wach on YouTube]. Footage of the pancake making mentioned in the tweets above.

Tweets from danisnotonfire on February 18, 2010 Last day in India.

This confirms his flight lands in London on February 19. The comment from HurricaneRob32 refers to a YouTube gathering that took place in London on February 19 and that Dan went to, but not Phil (see tweet below).

Tweets from danisnotonfire on February 1, 2010 Planning for the gathering.

He probably stayed at a friend’s in London overnight and then traveled to Manchester the next day because he and Phil spent the day in the city (which they usually did when Phil picked him up at the train station in Manchester).

Tweet from AmazingPhil on February 21, 2010 He tweeted this at 1:02 AM, so the “nice day” he’s talking about was the 20th):

Tweet from danisnotonfire on February 24, 2010 He’s back home.

[wallnoises]

Favourite part of the airport so far?

Just now getting around to answering this because shortly after making the AMA post I ended up spending the entire day stranded at my connecting flight at the airport because my destination flight from the night before had to get turned around at the last minute because of “low visibility”. There were no other flights to my destination until five days later so I had to just ditch my Christmas trip altogether and buy another flight home. So at the moment it’s very hard for me to think about what I enjoyed about it because it is bar-none the worst travel experience I’ve ever had. I’m probably only lucky to be back at home right now because I managed to catch a standby flight late the next night (people who can sleep in airports and get actual rest must have nerves of steel)

That said, I did manage to have some really nice conversations with some other people during my entire day of waiting and running around. I can’t think of another place on earth where it’s possible to be physically interacting with people from all parts of the world except at an airport and I feel very connected to humanity because of it. I’ll list some of the few and fleeting moments I got to enjoy during my day at denver international:

Sat next to a squirrelly and talkative two year-old on my first flight who I tried my best to entertain by pointing at things outside the window and describing the sounds and sights the whole way. he left some little plastic toys on the floor under his seat that I picked up as quickly as I could so I could catch up to him to return them but to no avail. I kept them as a memento of our time together

Spoke to a college student who was on the same canceled flight that I was. She was flying back home as well, to Billings, Montana where her girlfriend lived. After bonding over that frustrating event for awhile, she told me she was studying to be a physical therapist. I believe she told me her major was “health and wellness” but I can’t be too sure. I told her a bit about myself as well and we had a lengthy and engaging conversation about other topics for awhile. She warmly wished me luck on my journey home after her flight began boarding

Met a Korean woman while sitting at another gate who was traveling with an incredibly well-behaved Pomeranian. I mentioned having owned dachshunds and smaller dogs in the past and how much I love them and she inquired what owning the breed is like. We ended up sitting next to each other on my flight back home and her dog still did not make one peep the whole time!

Watched some families’ toddlers playing peekaboo with one another by draping a colorful handkerchief on top of the other’s head and yanking it off repeatedly

Talked to another girl at the same gate who was a biology student from Toronto, and was from India originally. She had the most beautiful pink translucent eyeglass frames. I told her about what I do and showed her some of my artwork and she excitedly commented on it and proceeded to follow my Instagram, and also showed me her drawings as well

All in all it was still an awful day, but the few moments where I was blessed with the chance to speak with a complete stranger and still find things in common with each other was a heartening experience. We all have so much more to offer each other than we could ever know and my life feels all the richer just for knowing it.

Happy holidays everyone!

[kathleenmarymulligan]

The Good...

January 26, 2023 (Thank you, Kathy Sabino! I was stuck in 2022!)

Yesterday was Republic Day in India. The day in 1950 when the constitution of a new, independent India came into effect. Interesting that I find two different meanings of the holiday on Google. The other: that it is the day in 1930 that the Indian National Conference committed to independence.

We learned, the hard way, that it is not an ideal day to travel! With no explanation offered (and combined with my ignorance about the holiday), our original two flights to Varanasi were cancelled last week- then one of the replacement flights (from Delhi to Varanasi) was changed to 30 minutes earlier departure. We thought we’d make it—but we didn’t understand the madness of Delhi airport. We had to shift terminals (two different airlines)—and that is like shifting to a completely different airport. 30 minutes to travel from one to another—as we watched the window for our connection whither away. Finally, it was explained that airspace was being cleared from 10-12 for an airshow celebrating the holiday. Ah. Welcome to India. This must have been decided last week: thus, the cancellations and changes.

It all worked out fine. We checked into a nice Radisson near the airport (a little pricey for us- but we were exhausted and stressed.) We ordered in pizza, drank beer from the minibar (Republic Day a “dry day” for the city)- and best of all, I took advantage of the hot shower and STEAM ROOM in the spa. After a month of dicey hot water and bucket baths—it was glorious.

Now on to Varanasi, which promises to be an adventure, so I wanted to get caught up.

The last week has been one of big highs and big lows. I think I’ll focus on the highs, for now.

Last Saturday, we traveled with three students to border villages to interview Partition survivors and others with family stories from relatives who have passed. At every stop we were welcomed with incredible warmth and hospitality. We met one Partition survivor—the great grandfather of our travel companion Hardeep. This gentleman was twenty at the time, (making him now 95/96). His wife and infant daughter traveled by train across the border (a risky journey—many trains arrived at their destination full of slaughtered men, women, and children). He traveled on foot with a kafila. Of course, the wife and daughter would arrive long before he did—and the husband and wife made a plan to meet at a certain bridge near their destination. Days later, they were reunited—all safe. He told us he left many Muslim friends back in Pakistan—and he pulled out a well-worn diary to show us their phone numbers. They remain in touch to this day.

After that interview, we visited various homes of our student hosts. One village we visited was Batala. By a rather incredible coincidence, I had received a message that morning from a friend, Umar, who Sarah and I met in Islamabad back in 2015. He had arranged for us to interview his grandfather, a Partition survivor. Due to tight security in Pakistan, it was the one interview I was able to attend for our 2015 project, and I fell immediately in love with the grandfather. I remember his story of traveling on a train to Pakistan with his uncle. The train was attacked, and they were separated. For days, they did not know if the other had survived. Finally, they made it to a refugee camp, where they waited for the women and children of their family to join them. It took several weeks, in which time they had no information about the welfare of those family members.

Umar messaged me that morning to tell me that it was the one-year anniversary of his grandfather’s death. He wondered if we had a copy of the interview and expressed his regret that he didn’t ask for it at the time. I promised to look into it and asked him what village his grandfather had emigrated from. Batala. I couldn’t believe it. We were going there that day! He did not know the specific address. But I promised to send a picture and to say a prayer for his grandfather. I sent these pictures of the green fields around Batali, and he wrote back that his grandfather shared how he used to sneak into those fields to get fruit as a boy. Umar said, “ This is so calming for me to see—in a strange way I feel connected to this place.”

In addition to the family visits on that day, we visited a special border corridor open to Indian nationals wishing to visit one of the Sikh sacred sites now in Pakistan. This was one of the tragedies of Partition. The Punjab is the home of the Sikhs and the origin of their religion. When Radcliffe drew his line, many of the most sacred sites (including the birthplace of the first guru) were in Pakistan. We were not allowed to cross over (only Indian citizens.) But we could see, up close, that harsh metal fence cutting through the fields.

Our last stop was at the shores of the Ravi River. One lonely soldier seemed to be in charge of that outpost—and the poor guy was in a shower stall bathing at the time of our stop. We tried to steer clear and give him some privacy! The spot was breathtaking—and we looked across to Pakistan on the opposite shore. I imagined the refugees from both sides stealing across –most likely at night—praying that they and their families would cross safely.

The next day we were off to the border villages again, this time with director Emanuel and student Priya, who has been serving as one of our translators. Again, we were welcomed with unparalleled hospitality. The interviews with Partition survivors were gatherings for the whole family. One of my goals for this project is to connect young people with the stories of those who came before them—and I was happy to see family members young and old sitting and listening as their elders talked.

And wow, do they talk! It is as if these stories have been waiting to burst forth for decades. Once each got started, the stories poured out. We only got occasional translations, and that was fine. The stories were recorded and collected—that was the objective.

I have nicknamed the first woman we interviewed the Apple Dumpling Lady. I remember seeing those folk dolls from New England with faces created out of dried apples. Her face reminded me of one. What an incredible face! She was, as far as we could calculate, 88--and sharp as a tack (as have been all of the survivors so far.) At the end of the interview, I went to thank her and she blessed me. I loved her.

Later that day, we arrived at the house of a friend of Emanuel’s. After a warm welcome from the family, a son visiting from Canada told us that they had arranged for us to interview the couple next door: both Partition survivors and both in their 90’s. “Would you like to go to them, or would you like them to come to us?” I said that considering they were in their 90’s, wouldn’t it be best if we went to them?!

We walked across the road and entered the traditional courtyard (complete with cows.) We were welcomed by generations of the family, and then ushered into a small room in which a man and a woman wrapped in layers of blankets and shawls (it was very cold!) sat on charpoys. They had both emigrated in 1947- both at 13 years old. They married two years later and have been married for 73 years. He told us that she traveled by foot and had more stories—so he let her do most of the talking. While I didn’t understand much, I did learn that she was one of three daughters in the family. She traveled on foot with her sisters and her parents. They left most of their valuable possessions in Pakistan (like so many, they assumed they would return after things cooled down.) Her father said, “If I reach India and my wife and daughters are safe, everything I value will be with me.” At night, she said, the women in the kafila slept in the middle, encircled by the men, who took turns keeping watch. They all made it safely across the border after 22 days. “Your father did what he said he’d do”, I said. She nodded—her eyes filling with tears.

Every visit includes the essential group photo. And then, often, individual photos with various family members or groups.

Also- the random people we pass by who want a photo with us, or one with us and their children. I should have quite a collection by the end of this journey.

[aviaposter]

Boeing 777-200 Pakistan International Airlines

Registration: AP-BGY Type: 777-240LR Engines: 2 × GE GE90-110B1 Serial Number: 33781 First flight: Mar 8, 2005

Pakistan International Airlines is an international airline that serves as the national flag carrier of Pakistan under the administrative control of the Secretary to the Government of Pakistan for Aviation. Its central hub is Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, while Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and Islamabad International Airport serve as secondary hubs. The airline was founded on 23 October 1946 as Orient Airways, initially based in Calcutta prior to the Partition of British India. PIA became the launch customer of the Boeing 777-200LR. On 10 November 2005, PIA used the Boeing 777-200LR to complete the world's longest nonstop flight by a commercial airliner. This flight lasted 22 hours and 22 minutes on the eastbound route between Hong Kong and London.

Poster for Aviators. aviaposter.com