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
19JUL25 0743Z DIAP DBBB Andy Grant Airbus A320 (A320) -354 ft/m 420 nm 01:07 View
17JUL25 1456Z FNLU DBBB Matt Hurst Boeing 737 MAX 8 (B38M) -208 ft/m 1189 nm 02:52 View
13JUL25 1722Z DGSI DBBB Killraven Cirrus Vision SF-50 (SF50) -148 ft/m 282 nm 01:10 View
06JUL25 1312Z FNLU DBBB Krupke77 Airbus A380-800 (A388) -580 ft/m 1148 nm 02:34 View
30JUN25 1808Z DIAP DBBB ChaseButters A300 Freighter GE ??slan -102 ft/m 421 nm 01:02 View
26JUN25 2326Z DNPO DBBB CPT Jose Collado Boeing 737 MAX 8 (B38M) -122 ft/m 304 nm 00:49 View
26JUN25 2318Z DNPO DBBB Tomas Pontetto Airbus A321 (A321) -176 ft/m 327 nm 00:53 View
26JUN25 1334Z LFPG DBBB CaptainPhil Boeing 777-200 (B772) -229 ft/m 2921 nm 06:25 View
19JUN25 1622Z DGLE DBBB ITum Lockheed C-130 Hercules (C130) -114 ft/m 305 nm 01:01 View
18JUN25 1009Z DNPO DBBB Dave Torkington Airbus A318 (A318) -48 ft/m 307 nm 00:50 View
10JUN25 1416Z DFFD DBBB #Navy#Nhok Airbus A320 (A320) -398 ft/m 448 nm 01:11 View
03JUN25 1416Z GOBD DBBB Danny Horne Pilatus PC-24 (PC24) -154 ft/m 1318 nm 03:59 View
01JUN25 0610Z DNJO DBBB Gary Davies Honda HA-420 HondaJet (HDJT) -118 ft/m 434 nm 01:15 View
28MAY25 1405Z DRRN DBBB NPS334/PhilippeB Boeing 737-800 (B738) -148 ft/m 461 nm 01:11 View
24MAY25 0217Z GABS DBBB Unknown Airbus A330-900 (A339) -335 ft/m 744 nm 00:49 View
21MAY25 1942Z DNPO DBBB John M31 Cessna Citation CJ3 (C25B) -145 ft/m 306 nm 01:09 View
17MAY25 1915Z LFPG DBBB Jean-Marie Croisetu Boeing 777-300ER (B77W) -437 ft/m 2941 nm 06:44 View
11MAY25 1843Z GOBD DBBB Kinggong Airbus A350-1000 (A35K) -75 ft/m 1333 nm 03:14 View
20APR25 0146Z DGSN DBBB PVPilot Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning 2 (F35) -101 ft/m 364 nm 00:39 View
15APR25 1703Z DNPO DBBB IrishVirtual 01 Airbus A321 neo (A21N) -308 ft/m 306 nm 00:52 View