I am shocked and dismayed to hear news that Air India AI 171, operating from #Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW), was involved in an accident after take-off on Thursday, 12 June 2025. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs (local time) with 242 passengers and crew on board. The passengers included 217 adults, 11 children and two infants. There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 #British nationals, 7 #Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. Air India flight AI 171 broadcast its last signal at 13:38 51 local time, at an altitude of just…
Riding the Spectacular Flåm Railway
I’ve been sorting my 161 photos of “one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.” National Geographic Traveller magazine called the Flåm Railway one of the top 10 train journeys in Europe. Lonely Planet went even further, naming it the best train journey in the world. The famous Flåm Railway, the world’s steepest non-cog railway, climbs 864 metres over 20 km from the fjord-side town of Flåm to Myrdal, 866 metres above sea level, which is perched in a remote mountain pass with no road access. Max gradient at 5.5% (1:18). Top speed of 40…
Helsinki: The Northern Jewel of the Baltic
Founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden, Helsinki has grown into a stunningly beautiful and highly enjoyable city, celebrated for its great quality of life. Situated on the southern coast of Finland, Helsinki spans 715 square kilometers (276 square miles) and overlooks the Baltic Sea. The city’s coastal setting, with over 300 islands dotting its archipelago, combined with lush green spaces, offers a striking contrast that defines its unique character. Comparable in size to other European capitals like Oslo and Dublin, Helsinki is divided into several districts, each with its unique charm, from…
One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens
Kōraku-en is gorgeous Japanese garden located near Okayama Castle in Okayama City, Japan. It is considered one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, alongside Kenroku-en in Kanazawa and Kairaku-en in Mito. It is a place where visitors can enjoy the timeless beauty of traditional Japanese garden design, offering a very peaceful retreat near the heart of Okayama. Kōraku-en Okayama was designed during the Edo period and was originally a place for the lords of the domain to relax and entertain guests. The gardens have a beautiful, expansive landscape with ponds, walking paths, rolling hills,carefully designed plantings,…
Exploring Okayama’s Crow Castle: A Journey Through Time and Culture
While in Okayama, a visit to its castle was a must. The castle’s exterior, made of wooden panels painted with black lacquer, earned it the nickname “Crow Castle.” Built in 1597, it survived centuries of history before being taken over by the Ministry of War in 1869, when many of its structures were dismantled and the moats filled in as part of modernisation efforts. In 1945, during World War II, it was heavily damaged by Allied air raids, and restoration followed in 1966. The historic six-level structure narrows as it rises, with each level featuring…
Exploring Wales/Cymru: A Journey Through all its Amazing Heritage Railways
When I was a young teen, I read an article about the preserved railways of Wales, and it sparked a lifelong fascination. Since then, I’ve been determined to visit every heritage railway in the country—a goal I’ve steadily worked on. Here are the Welsh heritage railways and how you can ride them. See the table after this article for a complete summary list of them. Aberystwyth Cliff RailwayI’ve always been fascinated by this 237mt (778ft) railway, one of the longest funicular railways in the UK. When I arrived in Aberystwyth, I ran to see this…
A Very Modern Map of Britain’s Ancient Roman Roads – Atlas Obscura
Let’s take the VII from Londinium to Letocetum. Source: A Very Modern Map of Britain’s Ancient Roman Roads – Atlas Obscura
Thirty Three Years On: A Rediscovery of San Salvador
Background I first arrived in San Salvador in 1991 as a humanitarian during the civil war. San Salvador served as a centre for Spain until its independence in 1821. Its history has endured many challenges, including devastating earthquakes, political upheaval, and periods of intense violence. Amidst the visible conflict, I fell in love with this crazy capital. The war pitted the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) against the government and military forces. Horrific human rights abuses and civilian disappearances characterised this war. I narrowly escaped my death in this city, a chilling reminder of…
No More Currency Confusion: The iPhone Calculator Hack I Love
My life is spent juggling currencies. I have clients who pay me in four currencies, I bank in two, and I spend money in 22 currencies. I can do many transactions in my head, but I’m always frustrated by existing currency app options. Changes- and that’s where my iPhone has become a lifesaver. With Apple’s latest iOS 18 update, the Calculator app had a built-in currency converter! Now that I have started using it, I can’t imagine managing currency conversions any other way. How to enable Currency Conversion on the iPhone Calculator You can use…
Exploring Yala, Thailand’s Least-Visited City
Thailand is renowned for its well-organised tourism industry, offering diverse options from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. The country attracts visitors with its rich culture, friendly locals, stunning beaches, lush forests, and numerous adventure activities. In 2024, Thailand welcomed approximately 36 million foreign tourists. However, most visit a select few of the country’s 77 provinces. Four provinces get the lion’s share of overseas guests: Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi (Pattaya), and Chiang Mai. I have been to 45 of the 77 now and can attest that many receive very few overseas tourists and feel much more isolated.…
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