9 May 2025

How many types of airplanes pull up to a gate?

If you fly much, you must have noticed that long yellow line to the gate that the pilot follows and then there is an exact spot he/she stops the plane so it can align with the jetbridge. The spots are different for different planes. And the person below who ushers in the plane helps the pilot pinpoint the spot by moving his/her arms. (starts from two arms widespread and then slowly puts them together as the plane advances such that just as the plane reaches the spot, the two arms are together pointing upwards).

Today, I got a view of the different spots on the line. Guess how many types of equipments pull up to a gate? I would have guessed about 7-10. I counted nearly 30 of them marked on the ground!!

20 April 2025

Have you ever heard of anybody like this?

“So, why did you guys choose to visit New Orleans?” I asked Madhumolli.

That lead to a fascinating revelation about her. I discovered that she has a very unique hobby. She collects water from different rivers in the world!! She has gone to different countries to collect water from rivers like Volga, Nile and the like. This trip was to add Mississippi water to her collection.

That was jaw dropping. I have never heard of anybody with such a unique passion. Have you?

Is there an English word for people who collect water rivers from different parts of the world?

15 April 2025

And that brings down the curtain to this trip to Australia and New Zealand

# Flights: 10 (with 3 different airlines)
# Rental Cars: 4 (3 of them driving on the “other” side of the road)
# Hotels: 5 (all my favorite brand 🙂 )
# Train Rides: 1
# Bus Rides: 2
# Boat Rides: 3 (one included driving the car into the boat)
# Helicopter Rides: 1
# Ropeway Rides: 1

Got to see some magnificent sights. Made a ton of new friends and most importantly spent time with Rishu (nephew) and Nikita (younger daughter)

Now, nothing says we are back home better than grabbing a Starbucks moment we landed in Atlanta!!

Here are the Australia pics and posts: https://www.rajibroy.com/australia-trip-2025/

And here are the New Zealand pics and posts: https://www.rajibroy.com/new-zealand-trip-2025/