Image via Thinkstock.
A newly single man is searching all of Canada for a woman with the same name as his ex-girlfriend to fly with him on a trip around the world. The most peculiar part of the story, however, is that the entire thing isn't nearly as creepy as it sounds.
Mashable's Jessica Plautz joins the growing number of people who have happened upon one of the more interesting Reddit posts recently; and that is truly saying something.
It all starts when Jordan Axani and his former girlfriend with the name of Elizabeth Gallagher purchased a pair of tickets to tour the world. Unfortunately, not all love is as permanent as plane reservations, so Axani is left with a pair of tickets, one of which with a very specific name attributed to it.
Axani then took to Reddit to explain what is quickly becoming a viral story:
"You see, in March I booked a fairly wicked trip around the world for this Christmas for my ex and I. While our relationship has come to a close, I am still planning on going on the trip and she is not (naturally). And because I hate the idea of a ticket around the world going to waste, I am looking for a Canadian named Elizabeth Gallagher who could use the ticket.
Anyone familiar with the archaic system that is modern air travel will know that a name change on a ticket is damn near impossible. Moreover, the flights were purchased during a massive blow-up on Priceline and were frankly so cheap and on so many different airlines that they're not worth the headache or money to cancel."
And with that, we have a compelling story that figures to yield fairly interesting headlines, garnering Axani all the publicity he needs to occupy the now available ticket.
Now, of course, the cynical masses have some questions, so Axani set out to answer most of them before the media buzz.
First, he offers, "I am not looking for anything in return. I am not looking for companionship, romance, drugs, a trade, or to take selfies with you in front of the Christmas Market in Prague. If you feel compelled to toss me a couple hundred bucks, great. Really the only thing I ask for is that you enjoy this trip and that it bring you happiness."
Second, Axani states that Gallagher (the future travel version) can join him on various trips off the plane or take her own special tour of the world. It's up to whomever wins this very odd resolution.
Any Elizabeth Gallaghers have to realize that this is merely for plane accommodations; meaning everything else that comes with leaving New York City on Dec. 21 and returning to Toronto on Jan. 8 must be accounted for. Lastly, the stay in India may or may not be extended, but that will be a joint decision.
All Axani asks is the following:
"1. Be sane, smart and (hopefully) interesting.
2. Have always wanted to travel, but maybe haven't had the opportunity or cash to see much of the world.
3. Be named Elizabeth Gallagher and have a Canadian passport.
4. Be ready for a rather spontaneous life experience that will, one day, be an epic story that you'll tell your kids.
5. Pay it forward. I've been lucky in life and this is me giving back to the universe. Do something similar someday."
And with that, the world has generally freaked out. Here are some tweets from Axani:
Now Axani has updated his initial Reddit post to offer some thoughts on the budding viral buzz.
There he gives some words of comfort, "If it matters, I'm a totally normal 28 year old guy living in Toronto that's friendly, trustworthy, full of good stories and am coincidently a great guy to share a laugh with over a beer."
He also writes a very important reminder for anyone captivated by this story: "One thing that's super important: please respect the privacy of the real Elizabeth Gallagher and let's keep this light and fun. Remember that this is a feel good story, and let's stay focused on that."
As Plautz also notes, one of the more entertaining comments comes from an Elizabeth Gallagher, currently the number one comment on the post: "Hi, My name is Liz ( ELizabeth) Gallagher. I'm Canadian ... But I'm old enough to be his Mom. If there's no younger person to step up I'd have to say it would be interesting. My girls ( 25 and 23 ) tell me DO IT MOM! they wish now that they had my name. LOL"
Axani responded, "This is awesome!! Can you shoot me an email to jaxani@gmail.com??"
So if you are looking to see the world, are named Elizabeth Gallagher, carry a Canadian passport and are the adventurous type, you may have your holiday plans all set.
The search for Elizabeth Gallagher 2.0 continues. Good luck to Axani on what only sounds like the plot to a weird reality-TV show.
Topics From This Article to Explore
