caMicroscope in the GSoC 2020!

We have made it into Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2020! This is the first year for caMicroscope as a GSoC mentoring organization. But we have an experienced bunch of mentors from previous GSoCs. Please view our project ideas at https://github.com/camicroscope/GSOC.

Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2020 from Pradeeban Kathiravelu, Ph.D.

Getting an SSSS

In Singapore

SSSS refers to "Secondary Security Screening Selection". It is supposed to be "random". But I continue to get it. In January, I got an SSSS while flying back from Colombo to Atlanta, via Dubai and London. This time, also when flying back from Singapore via Doha.

This time, it was just a swap on my hand and I was good to go. It was only in Doha. I did not have any additional measures in Singapore. 

But, when I flew from Colombo to Atlanta via Sri Lankan Airlines and British Airways, the Sri Lankan airlines managed to give me flight tickets only until Dubai (the first of the 3 legs). Then British Airways in Dubai gave me only the second leg, until London. In London, they took me and several others downstairs for additional checks. Basically, they went through each and every pocket of my hand luggage and also swapped my shoes (after removing). But the silver lining was, I got to board earlier together with the first-class dudes. I was the third to board even. British Airways and London LHR Airport are my least favorites ones in Europe anyway.

An unplanned trip to Tejakula

Les Waterfalls

My trip to Bali, and Tejakula specifically, was entirely unplanned. I was in Singapore and decided to visit Bali. I had some good time, especially a small hike to my first waterfalls outside Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily in Singapore and Indonesia. But not too bad, as I still had some good time and great memories. I hope to return to Indonesia and Bali in the future. I like the country and the island.

Free Overnight Stay in Doha, Qatar

Museum of Islamic Art

Qatar Airways offers a free transit visa (need to specifically apply through their website) to Qatar and an overnight stay in Doha in a five-star hotel, if your flight has Doha as a transit through Qatar Airways (booked directly), and has 24 - 48 hours time window. This applies only if the flight originates from the USA.

There was some confusion. Qatar Airways failed to send me a hotel voucher. Their Twitter account told me that I won't receive the free stay since there was another earlier flight option available. After explaining their own Terms and Conditions to them, I received the hotel booking sorted out!

Katara Cultural Village

I stayed in Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha. It is a nice hotel, close to the metro station. The metro station connects the airport directly. I visited Souq (the market) with a friend in the evening of my arrival. Then I went to Katara Cultural village the next morning and then went to the West Bay and the National Museum. I enjoyed Doha a lot. Although my stay was only 2 days (around 27 hours), as I was actively visiting around, I managed to see many places in a short time.

It was indeed a pleasant stay. Thanks, Qatar!

Personality Traits..

So I was trying some online personality tests and got some interesting (sometimes contradictory to each other) results.

 ENFJ-T

From ITP Metrics

I also got an ESFP in another site. It is all fun.