Today’s post contains images and descriptions about extreme violence. Reader caution is advised. I wrote previously about how I was unwittingly caught up in a mass shooting at Bangkok’s premier market: Or Tor Kor. Its been six weeks since Monday 28 July, a day I will never forget. On that day, a gunman killed five people before turning the gun on himself. I left Thailand a few days after that event and now I was back on my current RTW trip. Back in the city, I retraced my steps at the market, Steps that I…
Weird or Wonderful
Category Archives for Weird or Wonderful.
My 2024 Around the World – now 90 Countries
Happy New Year! Where did you explore/enjoy/experience in 2024? I had a phenomenal 2024, visiting 28 countries throughout the year, including five new ones. This brings the total number of countries I have ever visited to 90. I also explored 15 new cities, and flew my 100th Boeing 747! From ancient ruins to vibrant festivals and serene lakes to bustling markets, my journeys spanned a massive range. Here’s a look back at my top 20 travel experiences and some fascinating stats to wrap up the year. My Top 20 Travel Experiences for 2024 2. Enjoyed…
Stranded? What To Do When Your Airline Collapses
Question: “How do you create a small airline?” Answer: “Buy a big one and wait for a couple of years.” Boom boom! The airline industry is very volatile, as many thousands find out every year. I have flown 125 airlines since 1968. Of those, 41 do not exist anymore. Names such as Air Berlin, Alitalia, Ansett, Malev, and Pan Am no longer grace the skies. This year: Last year, we saw the demise of Aeromar, Air Moldova, Flybe, Flyr, Go First, MYAirways, Niceair, and Viva (full list and background information at link). If you or…
Whimsical Portmeirion, Home of “The Prisoner”
I am a fan of the weird 1960s TV series called “The Prisoner”. This cult classic was written by and starred the actor Patrick McGoohan, who had previously worked on a top-rated British TV series called “Danger Man”. The Prisoner is an enigmatic, brilliant TV series that has left a lasting impression on fans worldwide. If you don’t know it, here is an explanation (language warning): “The Prisoner” was filmed in the strange, whimsical, and wonderful village of Portmeirion in Wales. I had an unforgettable day visiting Portmeirion. Walking through its winding streets felt like…
Tarmac to Takeoff: A Blistering Hot Charity Run on Bangkok Airport’s New Runway 3
As the dawn broke last Sunday morning, 17th March 2024, I joined around 5000 runners for a charity run on Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s new Runway 3. In July, 2024 the airport will open this 4 kilometre (2.4 mile) new runway for active use on the western part of the airport, the same side as the main warehouse and the current western runway. The two existing runways presently handle 60 plane movements an hour. When Runway Three opens, the capacity will jump to 94 planes an hour. After some obligatory speeches, the 10km runners began their…
Agoda Nightmare: Falling Victim to the Booking.com Phishing Scam
I am very vigilant about avoiding scams and identity theft. I take extra care with my passwords, avoid clicking random Facebook links, and exercise caution in all aspects of my online life. Despite all my efforts, I recently fell victim to the Booking.com scam. One that has been recurring for about five years. To defend myself, it’s important to note that this wasn’t entirely my fault. In this scam, it appears that Booking.com’s data has been compromised, as cybersecurity experts at Perception Point reported. This compromise seems to be ongoing. Through whatever vulnerabilities exist, scammers…
Stunning Sunset over Philippines
I am not sure exactly where I am but it is at least nine kilometres (five miles) above the island nation of the Philippines aboard a Philippines Airlines flight. I cannot decide which picture I like. Your preference? 1, 2, 3, 4? Whichever, sunset from a plane is always phenomenal. S
Unique Roadside Meal in Morroco
A new one for me. Deep in rural Morocco this is a butcher shop/ cafe. Behind the sheep and cow carcasses, you can see hanging up are a slicer, mincer and barista coffee machine. My driver pulled in here whilst en route from Chefchoen to Fez, raving about the food here. Fresh Moroccan tea appeared at our table first. Customers were served tea or coffee or meals or kilos of fresh meat to take home. Never had this experience before! We had a beef koftah served with tomato & onion and hunks of flat bread…
Tasting Interesting Drinks across the World
This appeared in a cafe chain across Thailand. Gingerbread Earl Grey iced tea latte. Would you try this? I enjoyed it but it was still sweet even when I asked for “wan noi” (little sweetness). Thais consume one of the sweetest drinks on the planet Thai iced tea which has black tea, star anise, cardamom, and tamarind seed, red food colouring, sweetened condensed milk and oodles of sugar. It has a creamy layer on top and a punch of sweetness. I am a huge fan of Bubble Tea; it has become a weekly treat for…
Bemused at Lounge Stone Stealing
I am used to people sampling toiletries, extra tea bags or chocolate from airport business lounges but today’s weird activity was most bemusing. I was sitting next door to the indoor garden display at a Melbourne airport business class lounge. A passenger walked past, picked up a stone and started to slip it into her handbag. Then she saw me watching. She then tapped the stone against the wall and threw it back. So many questions: Do people really steal such things? Why? It’s a not a significant or special stone nor a special place?
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