11 Comments
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Peter Brooke Turner's avatar

Reads like a condensed prison diary - touching, that through all the existential angst, Burton was your Pole Star. Fine essay fellow traveler!

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Michael Jensen's avatar

I love the timeless feeling that comes with long flights. But I have to wonder how I'd fare on a 19 hour long one...

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Jeremy Harshman's avatar

I legitimately hated reading this. I felt like I was there with you, on the plane. As someone who periodically flies from California to Japan… no thank you. Excellent work.

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Jane Killingbeck's avatar

Oh my goodness - something I Never want to do! - love your narrative - hope you enjoy your traveks in Malaysia and that you will relate them here

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John McLoughlin's avatar

Lovely read… I did a much shorter flight of 9hours yesterday and the same feelings popped up despite my 10th time on the route. What was the Burton book please?

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Peter Redward's avatar

Having done this flight many times, the key to success is sleeping pills.

I once had the interesting experience of flying Singapore to New York, realising as we flew over Siberia, that I'd left my wallet and all my cash at home (long story). Arriving in New York penniless and without any credit cards, even with a hotel booked in Manhattan, was definitely an interesting life experience!

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Mark Lesser's avatar

As a traveler, I have Singapore on my list and have wondered how I might manage a long flight. Thanks for sharing. It confirms and teases my own ability to endure the world’s longest flight.

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picturetalk321's avatar

Brilliantly evocative.

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Yasmin Khan's avatar

What an ordeal, love your description of the flight as a luxury flying hotel, you write so well ! I don't think I could never go on a flight that long. Recently travelled from London to Kuala Lumpur but broke the journey up in the Middle East, annoyingly most of the passenger screens were not working and the food was miserable in economy.

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Jill Loree's avatar

I enjoyed reading this. Great perspectives!

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Christine Johnston's avatar

I’m not knocking your choice of Crazy Rich Asians as your long haul staple. Mine is Pacific Rim. But these days I’ve learned to love the one stop long hauls where you can get off the plane and stretch your legs and then get back on a completely different plane.

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