12 June 2025

The airline pajamas are out!

Going to India after a long time. A very quick turnaround after a couple of days. There was a time this was the trip that I used to look forward to every quarter. The prospect of seeing my parents, listen to some more humorous quips from dad, have mom’s food – that was what the wait during the rest of the quarter was all about. I always had or the other surprise every time. Including that one time, I surprised everybody by showing up one fine day. Only to realize that everybody had gone somewhere else!!

The center of gravity used to be Kalyani where my parents lived. My brother and his family would show up there and of course, my sister and her family would be there too.

After my parents’ passing away in quick succession, that whole excitement balloon took big punch in the gut. There was that one time I did go two years after their passing away – to surprise Sharmila who was visiting her mom.

On the other hand, I use that opportunity to go visit other countries!

This time I am going for work (I think it has been 20 years since I have gone to India for work). Will swing by Durgapur to check on my mother-in-law and my uncle there. In fact the whole center of gravity will be Durgapur this time. My brother, sister, brother in law and their spouses will be showing up in Durgapur.

I have also heard a certain college student is visiting his parents in Durgapur. High up in priority is high-fiving him!!

Also will be visiting Vijaywada for the first time in my life!

11 June 2025

Vexillology quiz

These days, I have found a great way to learn more about country flags. My friend in office – Danny – is a wizard at this. He asks me questions. I get stumped and then I learn. I come home and learn a few more countries and go back and ask him next day. He answers them without even blinking. My upside is that in the process, I am learning!!

There is another friend of mine Sharmistha – in Houston – who is equally adept in world flags!

Someday, I am going to be like them. Right now I am grinding thru it – one flag at a time…

Here are some interesting things I have learnt…

1. Most all flags are rectangles. However, 2 countries have square flags. Can you name them?

2. Here might be something most people know. Which country has a flag that is neither rectangle nor square?

3. What is the most common color in all the country flags? It is found in a whopping 75%+ flags!

4. What is the most rare color in country flags? How many countries have them?

5. Which country has had the most number of flags?

6. What was the least amount of time that a country flag survived before it was substituted?

7. Which country has the oldest continuously used flag? Celebrating 400 years this year, in fact!

8. How many countries have the front side and the reverse side of the flag different from each other?

9. In the 1936 Summer Olympics, two countries showed up to compete and realized they have the same flag! Next year one of them made an alteration to their flag. Which two countries were these?

10. Many countries have images of arms – often symbolising their struggle and sacrifice for independence. Saudi Arabia’s for example, has a sword. But there is one country that has a AK-47 on its flag!! Can you name it?

Answers posted here.