Attempted murder of the 'Year Club Bee'

In France, people tend to exaggerate more than is necessary, even if I may say so myself! When I go through Customs for the second part of my trip, I am really down on my luck. First, I am told to unpack my bags. The anti malaria tablet strip turns out to be the cause of the bleeping sound. Then I am asked in a French that is too quick for me what that bee on my rucksack signifies. Everyone who has known me for longer than one day knows that an awful lot of things can be said to me without causing offence, but that people had better refrain from moaning about my Year Club mascot (BeeOne), a soft toy in the shape of a bee. Luckily, I could save it from an almost certain death, using my best French. I was forunate enough to have a pocket knife in my rucksack, too, which was travelling with me on this flight from Air India in special wrapping and receiving special treatment. Hahaha, now you know why you need 3-and-a-half hours' time to check in...

Air India - wonder where the name comes from?

From Amsterdam to Paris I was seated next to someone who had never heard of the verb "deodoring", let alone the noun "deodorant". From Paris to India the score was: two cockroaches and a 'delicious' curry smell; this way I was well prepared for what was awaiting me on my travels.