So it’s unfortunately been a very long time since my last blog. The main reason being that my roommate moved out taking her internet connection with her. Coupled with my absolute despise of the Dubai service industry, has resulted in Jessie remaining internet challenged.
With so much time passing, it leaves the question where to start…
May Madness
Mother Russia loves you
My first few rosters have been very tumultuous, never remaining the same for very long. This is a result of being at the bottom. If the plane is not full, sorry for Jessie…bumped! This is the reason how I came to having not one but two Moscow flights back to back in the month of May.
Ever the traveler, I was excited to visit Russia, despite the horror stories told by cabin crew regarding the flights. The flight was a busy and difficult flight, no secret…Russian’s love to drink. They love to drink not only the free booze on board (which results in constant call bells) but they also like to bring their own from duty free. Upon clearing meal trays a 500ml empty bottle of whisky/ vodka appeared on several trays. Fortunately the flight is not too long, just over five hours, and none of our passengers got disruptive.
Making new memories
I was blessed with an awesome 9 day Bangkok, Sydney and Christchurch flight in the month of May. I have visited both Bangkok and Sydney in happier times and loved them immensely, so the trip held mixed feelings. Although emotionally quite difficult, the trip was wonderful. My cousin Nicky now lives in Bangkok, so I was able to spend some quality catch-up time over a delicious Thai dinner and a Chang beer. We also did a quick walk through of the Patpong night market, famous for its lady boys and ping pong shows.
The next day was spent doing a small bit of sightseeing and large bit of pampering. A Thai massage in preparation for a long flight was definitely a must. The thing about a Thai massage is, although it’s relaxing it also kinda feels like a workout, as they bend and twist your body in ways you didn’t think it could bend. You definitely however feel relaxed and calm afterwards though.
Next section was Sydney. It’s quite a long flight, 9 hrs. Everybody arrived at the hotel and made promises of meeting up in 3 hours to have lunch and sightsee… I woke up 6 hours later. Not being able to get hold of anybody I decided to not mope in my room feeling melancholy but to rather go take advantage of the good wine and watch the sun going down over the harbour. A pleasant way to spend the end of the day. I was even asked out to dinner. I accepted because dinner alone isn’t much fun. The guy was nice up until the end of dinner where he went and powdered his nose with a bit of coke. A polite and swift get away (nothing like an early flight in the morning excuse), and I was snuggled in bed by 09:30…I was awake again at 12:00…Jet lag!!!
Bleary eyed and exhausted the Christchruch turn around was only doable because the passengers were polite and undemanding. All the crew were suffering badly from lack of sleep and happy to finally get back to Sydney later that day.
Sydney, famous for its multi-cultural people, meant a Korean bbq was a must. I went to dinner with two crew members and stuffed myself full with the food I’ve missed so much. An early start in the morning as I was going to take the train to Berowra to visit the Langmores (long time family friends). My stay was much needed, nothing like feeling at home and some good family time to refresh a homesick and tired traveler.
Heading back, last stop in Bangkok. I again met up with my cousin and was treated to a good old fashioned SA braai. I squeezed in a massage and a quick nap and was ready to return to Dubai.
A very enjoyable trip but nine days of travel can really take it out of you…
Just in time June
2 home flights!!! Excitement was immense, but stress high. Trying to squeeze seeing everybody into 2 two 24 hour lay overs is quite a challenge. Needless to say I was exhausted on both return sectors of these flights but it was worth it. Nothing better than hugzies with friends and some good old family time.
Manchester
Sandwiched between my 2 home flights was a Manchester flight, not a very popular flight among crew. The English you’ll be shocked to hear…like to drink J On the upside they like to drink so much they will usually get up and come to the back to fetch order and collect their drink so less running up and down the cabin like a headless chicken trying to answer all the call bells. Although rumour has it that this flight was unusually easy for this sector.
Unfortunately the crew wasn’t up for going out so the night out included 2 trips to Tescos and drinking strongbow in the hotel room with a fellow batch mate…a pretty dismal start was made all better by the awesome Primemark in Manchester, wow…Shopping madness…just not enough time in one layover to take full advantage J
A pleasant surprise
So unsurprisingly my rostered Germany flight was changed. I say this because I have had about 8 Germany flights rostered and have not gone once. What was a pleasant surprise however was that instead of the usual crappy turn around as a replacement I was given Seychelles.
What a treat. Although the layover is very short, 15 hrs, you squeeze as much as possible out of it. A couples paradise, the resort was beautiful. We all dropped our bags in our rooms, threw on our cozies and headed straight for the beach. If I got 3 hours of proper sleep before the return, that’s a lot. The girls were all trigger happy… I have an immense amount of photos for such a short period of time. Beautiful white beaches, and lush green scenery, everything you expect from paradise J
Singapore
My last flight of the month was Singapore. Hearing only good things of the destination, I was quite keen to go. Balmy temperatures, lush green surroundings and not a piece of litter in sight. As cities go, it’s pretty nice. My favourite part of travelling is getting to taste the local food, especially when it comes to Asian destinations. Singapore did not disappoint, some delicious sweet and sour pork, fried noodles and spicy morning glory (a green vegetable popular in Asia), I went to bed with a full tummy.
Next day was spent visiting Universal Studios on Sentosa Island so I wasn’t able to really sight see but with there being 5 flights a day to this city I figure I’ll visit again. Having never been to a Universal or Disney themepark, I was very excited. A fun filled day on the rides, the biggest disappointment being the longest wait in the queue was for the most disappointing ride…typical! A boat trip through Madagaskar, tubing in Jurassic park, a walk through happily ever after, a mummy inspired rollercoaster with a story…all in all a day well spent.
So a new month awaits, will hopefully update more often to avoid the novel writing J
xoxo
