Single achievement

The Golden Calabash

Official achievement authored by JimG008.

Centuries ago, on the vibrant coast of Benin, a small Fon fishing village named Kútɔ̀nú thrived. Its people lived in harmony with the rhythm of the waves, casting their nets under the watchful gaze of the Nokoué Lake. The village was a humble dot on the map, its greatest treasures the bounty of the sea and the rich stories whispered by the elders under the shade of palm trees.

Everything changed when the Dahomey Kingdom, a powerful West African empire, set its sights on Kútɔ̀nú. The kingdom, known for its formidable army of female warriors, saw the village's potential as a trade gateway. With the kingdom's blessing, Kútɔ̀nú blossomed into a bustling port city. European traders, particularly the French, arrived with promises of exotic riches. The once quiet harbor teemed with ships, exchanging European wares for the treasures of the interior - palm oil, ivory, and slaves.

Kútɔ̀nú, renamed Cotonou by the French, became a cultural gumbo. European architecture rose alongside traditional thatched huts. The city pulsed with a frenetic energy, a melody of Fon drumming intertwined with the cacophony of commerce. Though French influence grew, Cotonou retained its vibrant soul. The Vodun religion, a spiritual tapestry woven from Fon beliefs and European influences, flourished. Shrines adorned with intricate carvings appeared around the city, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Fon people.

Cotonou's true turning point came with independence. Shedding the shackles of colonialism, the city embraced its role as the heart of Benin. Though Porto-Novo remained the official capital, Cotonou, with its booming port and infectious energy, became the de facto leader. Today, Cotonou is a city of contrasts. Gleaming high-rises share space with bustling open-air markets like Dantokpa, a sensory overload of spices, fabrics, and local crafts. The city's heart beats with a rhythm that blends the whispers of its fishing village past with the δυναμική (dynamike - Greek for power) of a modern metropolis. Cotonou, a city forever on the move, is a testament to Benin's enduring spirit and a vibrant kaleidoscope of West African culture.

Criteria

Depart from an airport of your choice, fly to and land at DBBB, your flight distance must be further than 250 NM.
Date Departure Arrival Pilot Aircraft Landing rate Distance Flight time
16DEC24 1843Z FQPB DBBB Athena Airbus A330-300 (A333) -441 ft/m 2901 nm 07:48 View
29NOV24 1616Z DNAA DBBB VAF155 Alberto Boeing 737-700 (B737) -74 ft/m 336 nm 00:18 View
23NOV24 1139Z DNPO DBBB Jose Luis G. Boeing 737-800 (B738) -102 ft/m 302 nm 00:45 View
17NOV24 1717Z LEMH DBBB Francis Panouille Airbus A380-800 (A388) -175 ft/m 2127 nm 03:00 View
17NOV24 0248Z DGTK DBBB Scotty Clifford Beechcraft Super King Air 350 (B350) -118 ft/m 291 nm 01:10 View
08NOV24 0148Z FTTJ DBBB MarioH99 Socata TBM-9X0 (TBM9) -38 ft/m 840 nm 02:45 View
04NOV24 2226Z FZFD DBBB Róbert Bencsik Boeing 737-800 (B738) -187 ft/m 1155 nm 02:44 View
31OCT24 1619Z DNAS DBBB XxGuI2eNxX Cessna Caravan (C208) -111 ft/m 263 nm 01:29 View
28OCT24 0313Z FOOL DBBB Tate - QTE88/STALL88 Boeing 737-800 (B738) -195 ft/m 576 nm 01:26 View
28OCT24 0310Z FOOL DBBB Michael Dowson Boeing 737-800 (B738) -343 ft/m 576 nm 01:26 View
22OCT24 1058Z DNAA DBBB Faneste82 Airbus A320 (A320) -491 ft/m 333 nm 01:03 View
18OCT24 2326Z FOOL DBBB Hockeydan99 Airbus A320 neo (A20N) -100 ft/m 583 nm 00:54 View
12OCT24 1502Z GOBD DBBB Daniel Rathke Airbus A321 (A321) -68 ft/m 1573 nm 03:57 View
06OCT24 2104Z DGAA DBBB Rock57 Douglas DC-6 (DC6) -4 ft/m 360 nm 01:19 View
06OCT24 0902Z DAUB DBBB Nuts Lange Boeing 747-200 (B742) -132 ft/m 1754 nm 04:04 View
05OCT24 0430Z DIAP DBBB J_Thananrat Boeing 777-300ER (B77W) -135 ft/m 411 nm 01:00 View
03OCT24 1735Z FGBT DBBB GrandPa1965 Boeing 727-200 (B722) -160 ft/m 551 nm 01:21 View
26SEP24 1651Z FGSL DBBB Kawfee British Aerospace BAe-146-100 (B461) -262 ft/m 418 nm 01:09 View
25SEP24 1118Z FGSL DBBB Jpfalcao Airbus A320 neo (A20N) -311 ft/m 418 nm 01:04 View
24SEP24 1800Z DGSI DBBB Javier M. Airbus A320 neo (A20N) -468 ft/m 306 nm 00:53 View