Merry Christmas & last blog for 2013!!

 

 

 

 

I was meant to fly to Kuala Lumpur on the 27th but that didn't happen. Good thing too, because I am sick again - flu! I think it must have happened while I was in London. They searched our bags at the airport (each and every crew member) - we had to get off the bus and go into this building and it was raining with strong cold winds blowing. So tomorrow I am on home standby for a few hours. Will probably get called out for a turnaround.

 

My one South African flatmate is moving out today - she is moving to Tecom building (so happy for her, it's a stunning building)

So now one room is open in the flat and I am quite curious to see who our new flatmate will be :) hopefully she will be from South Africa as well!

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas for those who celebrate Christmas! I was all alone in the flat, but that's the sacrifice you have to make when you are flying - you will miss most birthdays, you will miss Christmas and New Years with family.

 

 

 

I am looking forward to 2014, it will start off with a bang and lots of excitement!!

 

 

 

Thank you to each and everyone of you for reading my blog, it has reached almost 93000 hits! May you all spend the last day of the year with the ones you love, and end the year on a wonderful note and happiness in your heart!

 

much love x0x0x0x

 

 

 

Booked off sick for days, a Legend died, Crazy month, happy times

http://instagram.com/marykebz     <----- Follow me on Instagram :) I will be posting throughout the month so easier to keep track of what I am up to!

Think about this!!!



So a lot has been going on in my life the last month or so, actually the last 6 weeks! I am going to try keep it short, otherwise I will be writing pages and pages, and therefore I might end up boring you :P

I fell sick with flu on the 2nd of December, had 5 days off and decided to go back home for 4 days. I got more sick and finally went to see a doctor who said I am not fit to fly (not even as a passenger) because I had severe ear problems and if I was to fly, I could burst my eardrum and you could end up losing your hearing permanently so it's not something to take lightly.

Stayed in South Africa until the 17th, flew back to Dubai, then had a flight to Nice in France on the 19th. That was unexpected, for it is a city which I have always wanted to visit. Just my luck: It rained from the moment I got there, so could not do any sight-seeing :( meh!

I am now on Home Standby, for another 5 minutes - fingers crossed I don't get called for a flight eeeek! I have London tomorrow, which will result in me landing back into Dubai the morning of Christmas day. So spending my Christmas and potentially New Years in Dubai. Not fun.

A legend of South Africa died on the 5th of December: Nelson Mandela - the first black leader of SA. He was a world icon and I was privileged to be in the country at the time when he was announced dead. Went to see his movie: Long Walk To Freedom a few days later and what an amazing story! I learned so much about my country's own history which I never really knew or understood. So, if the movie is showing in your city, do go watch it, you won't be sorry!

While I was in stuck in SA, I celebrated an early Christmas with my family :) was so blessed to see everyone together again (my brother and his wife is currently visiting from Perth)

I realized again, that money isn't everything in life and it can't always buy happiness. I am considering my future and things might change soon, I want to be home with the people that matter most to me and I want to have my normal life back.

Below, some pictures of the last couple of weeks:

Dinner with my fav person in the world

Nelson Mandela

Prawns at Ocean Basket - delicious!!!

My brother, my Dad, my Sister and Me

Puzzle completed, was so much fun!

Me and my loooove

View from my room in Nice, France

Nice, France

 

SEP Recurrent Exams

It has been a crazzzzzzzy few weeks! Can't believe I am writing my first blog for this month and the month is almost over!

Anyways, here I am again ;)
So my holiday was amazing, probably one of the best holidays I've experienced in a while, even though I was so busy for most of the time.

I ended up swapping my one flight for an extra 2 days off, so I had 11 days in total. Went to Clarens in South Africa for a wedding which was absolutely breathtaking beautiful. There is no place on earth like the landscape and nature of South Africa!! (Whoever hasn't been to SA, if you ever are thinking of planning a vacation, SA is definitely worth it)

We stayed at this cute little guest house, surrounded by mountains, in the heart of this little town. There were all these small shops where you could just go walk around and buy things, things which are unique to South Africa and "Afrikaners"
Me being Afrikaans speaking, let me tell you something: We have the BEST food recipes. Our type of food is very homely, meaning most things you could buy there was "home-made". It was just amazing, loved every minute of being in Clarens.

Moving on: For the next weekend, we went to Marloth Park, which is right next to Kruger National Park - that's where you will find the "Big 5"
For those of you wondering what that means: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino - magnificent animals!

It was my fiancé's dad's birthday on that weekend so we went to surprise him for the day. They are retired and have a house there, it's so peaceful and relaxed. The animals come up right to your house like giraffes, zebras etc.

So in short, it was a good holiday. I was sad to come back to Dubai because I knew I had my SEP recurrent exams waiting for me. I literally had 4 days of studying before I went for the exams. 2 Full days back in Training College, written and practical exams. I passed all of them without any problems! Best feeling! Now I have 2 days off and then I am off to Johannesburg on Friday :D
I swapped my Casablanca flight to go back home. Will have Casablanca again in the future I'm sure - but couldn't resist not going back home on a weekend.

<3

Rainbow in Pretoria after some rain

 

On our road trip back from Clarens

 

Clarens sign

 

Ah, lazy days...

I love my days off! It makes me feel like I am on holiday :P except, I'm not, and I'm in actual fact stuck in Dubai....However, I do still love them!

This will probably be my last blog for a while since I am about to go on leave in a short while. I only have one more flight to complete then I will be going home...sweet home!
Next flight is: Manila. Meh, not really in the mood, but have to get it over and done with. Then I can finally relax for a few days!!

Oh! My roster for next month came out a few days ago... The lineup isn't looking bad AT ALL.

1. Guangzhou (China)
2. Johannesburg
3. Casablanca (Morocco) - New destination :)
4. Lisbon (Portugal) - New destination :)
5. Johannesburg

Extremely happy with the fact that I manage to get 2 Johannesburg flights for November :) I need to enjoy these moments because I don't have leave planned again until January so going to miss home so much!

I had some lunch with 3 of my batch mates a few days ago at Mall of the Emirates. We ate at a restaurant called "The Cheesecake Factory"
Such amazing food and the restaurant is so pretty.
Other than that I don't really often go out :S On my days off I just want to relax and not be around people. I am so happy with my own company and I don't think that's a bad thing as this job can get very lonely.

I am going to a wedding next weekend in Clarens (SA)  Looking forward!! I managed to finally get a dress (have been looking for a while)
This time it will be Navy Blue (first time I bought a Navy Blue dress)

I hope the previous 2 blogs helped a bit for those who are attending open days soon! Good luck to you all, and hope you all get the Job x



 

Emirates Assessment days - Basic Tips

The Assessment day is the biggest of all...

The key is remain composed at all times. You want to freak out, but you shouldn't.
If you get short listed during the Emirates Open Day then you are one step closer getting in. :) So now you should just up your game.

If you think you had to dress to impress during the Open Day, then if you are invited to attend the Assessment Day, you should know by now that you really need to look your best.

It will be another looong day, longer than the Open Day. Again, take some snacks and water. You will be divided into groups (depending on how many people are at the Assessment day - we were in groups of 15)
There will be an introduction about the Emirates Brand hosted by the Emirates Recruitment ladies. You will have the opportunity to ask them questions about relocating to Dubai etc.

After that you will all leave the room and have a break. Then they will start the assessment by order of group number. During each assessment once you leave the room, each and every one of you will receive a folded paper/letter - when you open it up you will either find that you made it through to the next round, or that you have been cut from the line. That can be extremely nerve wrecking believe me!! Your heart beats so fast it feels as if it's going to jump out of your chest.

The first assessment will be about testing your height, then you will be called to sit down with one of the Recruitment ladies, she will go through your CV and ask you questions based on your past experience. She might also ask you why you want to work for Emirates.  Remember to smile and be genuine in your answers. You will feel like a wave is about to crush over you but you should try and stay calm.

If you made it through to the next stage, you will feel how the groups are getting smaller and smaller. It's really stressful and you feel like you can't go on, however you need to be strong and motivated to push through.

The next stage you will have a chance to have some role play. They hand your group a scenario and you need to work together with your group to find a solution. Here both of the Recruiters look at each and every one of you and make notes in what they observe. After that your group needs to explain to them how you managed to work out a plan to solve the scenario. Here it can be tricky. Try to not be bossy and run the show - they WILL cut you. They are looking to find girls who are soft-spoken and not "bitchy and trying to run the show" Don't try and be the leader of the team but also don't jus sit there and not participate. They need to see that you are able to work as a team and still have respect for the other team players.

After that if you are through to the next round you will most probably write an English test (if English is not your first language)
After that they will give you another note and that will tell you if you are through to the Final Interview which will be held the next day.

Basically to sum it up for you: We were 450 at the Open Day, 78 made it through to the Assessment Day, and only 21 of us made it through to Final Interview. Out of the 21 they chose 9 girls to join the Emirates Family.

Did you know that only 4% of the World (all the other countries who apply for the job)  gets chosen to work for Emirates as Cabin Crew?

That is a scary thought isn't it? But really, if you want this, you need to give it your very best and work hard. It can be achieved and if you fail the first time, don't give up. Try again.

 

Emirates: Tips for Open Days & Interviews

Want to join Emirates? Then DO! Never give up on your dream. I know some people who work for Emirates because they never gave up on their dream... some of them tried 6 times before Emirates gave them the opportunity they needed, craved!


I am going to share my experience with regards to the Open Day, and give some tips which you might find helpful.

One thing you need to understand and accept: If you want to work for the best, then you need to be patient and wait, because as soon as you start applying for the job, it becomes this long waiting game. It took me about 6 months from applying to actually moving to Dubai.

Before you even apply for this job, take time and use it to make your CV look neat and presentable. Get a full length and head and shoulders photograph taken of you with a professional photographer. Be clothed professionally.

If you are shortlisted you will get the opportunity to attend the open day. On that day, it's make or break for you. Be there way before the open day starts, you do not want to be late for the open day.

- Get a good night's sleep the day before; don't go out partying because you will not look fresh in the morning.

- Get up early and take your time to make yourself pretty.

- Don't overdo your makeup ladies!! Emirates is looking for women who can look beautiful naturally.

- 2 weeks before the open day, start hunting for a nice outfit. You want to look professional and my personal opinion is this: Go for a pencil skirt (make sure it covers or touches your knees). Colour to be black or navy blue. Get a long sleeve suit jacket that matches your skirt. Wear a white button-up blouse and skin colour stockings with a SLIGHT heel. You do not want to you wear your highest stiletto's that you love wearing out on a date or to some club.

- Hair: Up is better, trust me. Choose to either wear your hair in a slick pony tail or nice ballerina style bun.

- Makeup: Less is more. The only thing you can apply without worry is Dark Red lipstick, this is what will get your attention with Emirates.

On the open day, remember that you are there to try get in with one of the biggest airlines in the world. Therefore, cellphones are a no. Forget about your phone for the day - you can chat to your boyfriend/fling/sister/aunt/brother/mom etc once you're done.

Take some lunch and water because it might be a long day. When I attended my open day, there were 450 other candidates just like me.
Remember to take your CV and photographs with you. On the day, you might be required to do the "height test" - this will be conducted without shoes on.
Last but not least, remember to SMILE, that's what will get you in if nothing else.

Also, try mingling with the other girls, don't go stand on your own and be shy. I am a very shy person but on the day I had to get out of my shell and make it happen. If you can do that, you won't regret it, believe me.

I really hope this helps a bit, I will do another blog soon when I have some time for tips on the Assessment day (after all, that is the big one)

"Flight Attendants never die"; dealing with Jet Lag, & coping with home sickness.

So there is this saying:



This saying - I can definitely relate to!!! Truly, we are like freaken robots, or like the energizer bunny: just keep going without ever burning out (although we probably do, but we can't show it whilst being on the aircraft)

Seriously, I didn't know a person could be this strong, determined and always manage to push forward. Believe me, most days I just want to crawl up into a ball and be left the hell alone. I get so tired of dealing with different people from all over the world on a daily basis - it changes you as a human being. I suppose if "It's for the better or worst", that is entirely up to the individual.

I am back from my little vacation (you all know I went home) - sometimes I get tired of traveling to different places, so it makes sense for me to go home and relax with my family and my pups. Nothing in the world can even come close! It's funny how you take small things for granted, and once you leave your little circle of comfort, only then do you realize how important it actually is and how close it is to your heart.
That being said, I had a lovely time back home, I wish I didn't have to come back! For real, the more I go home, the more I wish I could just stay there and not come back. It's like living 2 separate lives!!

BUT, I know I can't just stay - life is waiting for me in Dubai. And, I know that next year I will be back home permanently and you know what?! Then I will also miss this lifestyle and all the benefits. So for now, even though days are up and down like a yo-yo, I just have to remain strong and keep going. Nothing more, nothing less. At the end of the day I am only human and yes, I am a very emotional person, so for that reason I need to push myself a bit harder.

I came back from Manchester this morning, got into bed at around 2:30am and only slept for about 5 hours. I am so sleepy, but I have to make the most of the day otherwise I will end up sleeping until 11am then I won't sleep tonight. This is the joy of having to deal with "jetlag" - boy oh boy I don't think we can ever master it.... every other crew I talk with, have huge problems with their sleeping patterns. Many of them can't even go to sleep when they return from a flight at 7am in the morning. So luckily for me, when I am exhausted I sleep, even if it is just for 4-5 hours.

On a different note, here is my lineup for October:

1. Manchester
2. Lagos
3. Lagos
4. Hong Kong
5. Manila

I must say, I am not too thrilled about the roster, I want to try swap my Hong Kong and Manila for something else (might not be so easy) and I have Lagos back to back. It's not an easy flight and the destination is bad. But, the money on those two trips will make it worth my time.

Happy thought: I go home again on the 31st of Oct for my fiancé's stepbrother's wedding - it will only be for 6 days but it's still something amazing to look forward to :)

I want to thank all of you for taking the time to read my blog, it means the world to me - the blog has reached almost 70 000 hits #Very happy!!!!

x0x




 

First time to Amsterdam & my new fav show: Breaking Bad

Flew to Amsterdam a few days ago.... for the first time ever.

I am a bit disappointed by our location :( Our hotel was literally at the airport, like inside the freaking airport. I was not impressed. One thing I don't like about this job, is that we fly to all these amazing cities, yet some of them (majority) sucks because of our location.

Needless to say, I didn't go to the Red light district nor really anywhere else for that matter. Taxi's are so expensive, one of the other girls paid 55euros to get back to the hotel. We only receive 70euros for the layover so do the maths. She told me that she ended up spending above the allowance. Not cool.

Anyways, the weather was really nice, cold and rainy :P I LOVE rain, and I love cold weather ever since I moved to Dubai, that is just the reality. Makes me want to be all snuggled up under a duvet with some nice movies to watch and makes me crave cinnamon and sugar pancakes with some hot chocolate. :) sounds like a perfect day for me.

Maybe next time I will go into the city, when I get an Amsterdam flight again. I did, however buy something very traditional - Caramel filled waffles (see pic below)

Planning on taking it home when I fly to Johannesburg on Friday morning :) another excitement for me! The more I go home, the more I feel the need to go home. As much as this job is fabulous and the money is fantastic, nothing can compare to the time you have with your loved ones in your home country.

I returned on Sunday morning and have had days off ever since, which I adore!! I went to Dubai Mall yesterday to get something for my mom's friend back home and I still get goosebumps when I walk in the mall - it's truly remarkable and fascinating. And it is impossible not to shop when you are there, the shops are out of this world!!!

I recently started watching this series called Breaking Bad (sure you know about it) - man it's sooo addictive, once one episode is finished, you just HAVE to watch the next one... I think I completed 3 seasons in a matter of a week! There are two words that this drug addict guy uses a lot throughout the show, which is just so funny the way he says it: "Yo b#tch" so sometimes when I chat with my fiancé we will joke about it (he also loves the show) - so my point is, if you haven't watched Breaking Bad yet.... DO it, you are missing out b#tch :P

Have to get going, hope you will have a wonderful day oh and if you are not following me on Twitter yet, do it ;) @MaryksB

 

Amazing time in SA & Roster for September - looking FINE!!

I had a wonderful time in South Africa, I was there for about 10 days and believe me when I say, I didn't want it to end. Sadly, reality hits you in the face after some time and I had to head back to Dubai sooner than I thought.

There is always a silver lining: I will be back in about 3 weeks - I have such a cool roster for September: Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, CAPE TOWN & Johannesburg :D couldn't be more stoked about flying to my country twice in one month and also the fact that I only have a total of 4 flights! I was supposed to be on Reserve this month however I skipped it because I have leave :) clever girl and I didn't even realize!!

I started Twitter a year or so ago but never really got into it too much, and I decided to give it another go - can't really see all the fuss about it but I suppose it's a great way to share information and seeing as I visit so many different countries, I thought it would help to share this with all of you.
So I will give it a trial period and see if there's any interest.

My Twitter name is: @MaryksB

Below, some pictures of the "Groenkloof Nature Reserve" in Pretoria, South Africa - it's actually a city but funnily enough, there are some animals you would normally only find in the lowveld.... which makes this a truly remarkable city!

 

 

Beautiful Mauritius!

Went to Mauritius again, which was stunning as always!! Flight(s) went ok, crew weren't really amazing, I don't know what it is lately, but I haven't had nice crew for the last 3 flights now :(

So when I got to Mauritius I was really tired and sleepy after the flight, however it was about 11:30 by the time we arrived at the hotel and I really wanted to get a tan so I decided to brush off my tiredness and I am glad I did... I had a really nice tanning session and had a nice view too! The weather in Mauritius was perfect! It didn't rain once (don't get me wrong, I LOVE rain however it's not ideal for tanning) and it also wasn't too hot!

I am now back in Dubai, enjoying my days off - I have "Can Use reserve" for tomorrow, which might turn into standby or a flight but to be honest, I just couldn't deal with another flight tomorrow and then have Cairo turnaround on Thursday, it's just been really crazy since this month started! All I want to do is chill out, go to the gym and pack for my trip to South Africa (which is on Friday) - I am super stoked, can't wait to see my family and my two beautiful dogs!

My facebook is also back to normal, I gained access and all is fine :)

Below, some pictures of Mauritius, Port Louis:

 

Roster looking perfect after swaps, and.... Facebook was hacked!

I finally managed to swap most of my roster to suit my needs :) I got rid of that long Bangkok/Sydney flights and now have Frankfurt and Mauritius in exchange!! Pretty sweet deal I would say...

I am flying to Frankfurt later today (will be my first time to this destination) - looking forward to it, as I love Europe!

Am also very excited that in just 11 days I will be on leave and back home with my family!!! The days can not go by faster... I just need to do 3 more flights!

On another note, my Facebook account was hacked last night :( I can not access it at all so I locked my account until further notice. It is a mission to regain control of my account but hopefully it will be up and running again within a day or two. It's the first time since I have been on facebook that this happened and it's not the best feeling!!

It's such a shame that someone else's life must be so boring and empty to be sitting around and hack into other people's accounts.... but, I also believe, "what goes around, comes around"


 

Best Home Standby in forever!! Also roster for the new month - worst so far!!!

Where to start..... It's been a while since I last updated my blog, sorry, I know! It has been up and down the last couple of weeks!

I am going to start by the positives ;) 
I was meant to fly to Moscow, Russia on Monday the 22nd of July, so the night before the flight, they removed me from the flight and instead gave me home standby. I was not very pleased to say the least :P I was looking forward to my trip because I haven't been to Russia before.

I called my mom and my fiance to tell them my "devastating" news and they told me to calm down, nothing that I can do to change the situation. Easy for them to talk right :p Anyways and my dad emailed me to say that everything happens for a reason in life and that's what I should focus on. SOOOO.... Long story short, I got pulled out for a flight to Johannesburg instead :D Can you imagine my happiness and joy when I found out? I was over the moon with excitement, it was just what I needed, honestly. Have been feeling so home sick lately.... 

I am back in Dubai at the moment, recovered from my flight back from Johannesburg :P was very tired when I got to the flat, slept for hours and hours. It was lovely to see my family! My fiance finished work a little early on Tuesday, so him, myself and my sister met my dad for lunch which was so nice. I saw my mom for a bit and also got to spend some time with my dogs :) really it was the best feeling! Some other great news: I get to fly to Johannesburg again this coming Sunday :D 

My roster for next month really isn't amazing. It was supposed to be my top bid month, but instead of giving me what I bid for, I got the worst roster since I started flying!! I have Moscow, Bangkok/Sydney trip which consists of 8 days, 3 turnarounds and Bangkok AGAIN at the end of the month. I also have leave in Aug, but trying to swap most of my roster for better flights, and a day off so that I can extend my leave.

We will see what happens in the next few days, will keep you posted ;)

Yesterday New York, tomorrow London!

Hi to all my frequent readers :)

It has been a rollercoaster few days/weeks! I went to NY for a second time, I had a lovely time exploring the city, and yes, I still think it's the best city I have experienced so far... I had a few days off now (this is my 3rd) but believe me, the rest was needed... doing a JFK flight really takes it out of you.

Tomorrow I will be visiting London for the first time!! I am looking forward because the weather in Europe is nice at the moment (although I wouldn't mind some cold, snowy weather) but also because I have always wanted to see London.
I have 2 London trips for the month of July - I will fly there again in about 2 weeks from now.

I am still trying to find that excitement of flying again - before I joined Emirates, I used to love airports and planes, and to see a plane take off and land... however I feel like I have lost that excitement a little. Before, when traveling as a passenger, I would get all excited and dress up, high heels were a must! However, now when traveling as a passenger, all I want to do is be comfy - especially in what I wear... I am traveling to Perth next week Friday to go visit my brother and his wife and my sister... it's my birthday on the 15th so I will get to spend the day with them :) I am looking forward to that, however now I must focus on getting London and Korea flights out of the way. Anyway, so my point is, I was thinking what to wear when I travel to Perth next weekend, and all I can think of is a track suit :P

I have been feeling a bit homesick - what am I talking about - I have been feeling homesick since I got back from South Africa after my leave. I managed to swap my NY flight (which would have been on the 28th of Jul) for a Johannesburg one - so that I can go home for ONE day - believe me that one day will make the world's difference to me!

Below, some pics from when I was in NY recently:

 

 

 

The City that never sleeps - New York, USA

In the heart of New York - Times Square !!!

 

I have never experienced such an incredible city as New York... you know some people say that they believe NY is the best city in the world, and now that I have been there, I can see why! It's buzzing all the time, it's large, it's over-the-top crazy and it's a tourist hub like no other...

 

 

Dubai can forget about ever even trying to compete with NY!!

 

 

Our layover was for 31 hours and our hotel was the Sheraton which is located 2 min from Time Square and 5 min from Central Park.

 

What stood out the most for me about NY was all the yellow cabs - the colour is so much more vibrant in real life and they are all over the place. I can't imagine that it's difficult to catch a taxi in this city :P

 

 

 

The flight to JFK Int. Airport was long that I must tell you - but it was worth it for me. I didn't do any shopping because I am trying to save for my wedding but you don't need to really spend money when you want to do sight-seeing :) Best part is I have NY again at the end of June, looking forward!

 

 

My vacation in SA was wonderful, I really didn't want to go back to Dubai and the worst was when I walked into my flat and it was all quiet etc - I broke down in tears and just had to call my fiancé and hear his voice... It gets tough living in different countries and all I want to do is be back home with my family but I have to finish what I came to do - and that is to see the world and make money (still a dream for most other people) and in the end it will be all worth it :)

 

On another note, Emirates was named the "world's best airline" for 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so yes, I am truly blessed, working for the best in the world.....

 

 

PRETORIA!!!

How nice isn't it to be back in South Africa, oh my goodness,,, the smell, the sound, the blue sky, the roads, the FOOD, and the people; MY people!!!

I arrived last Thursday night, and can't believe it's Monday morning already. Time flies when you are having fun, we all know that saying too well!

I am loving every second so far, it's so refreshing to be with my family, my dogs and the most important: my significant other!

Decided on a change, (of hair colour) - it's now very light, as in VERY light brown... I am still deciding if I like it or not, it's definitely a big change as I have always been dark brunette, however sometimes change is good.

Right now it's the beginning of winter, so it's starting to get really freezing cold in the mornings and evenings, which is also very nice for me because Dubai is getting too much for me at this stage with summer taking full charge. I am not missing Dubai a single bit as you might have noticed by now :P

Today I plan on spending my day by visiting my grandparents, chilling with my dogs in the living room and taking in the fresh air of Pretoria, the city I was born in :D

 

 

 

 

 

Down with the Flu :(

Yup, it's that time of the year when the seasons change and people get sick. I have been healthy up until now, and after being in Dubai for exactly 6 months, I get the flu!

 

 

I came back from my flight to Birmingham on Wednesday morning, slept after the flight and when I woke up, I could feel my throat is sore. I immediately took some flu meds which I bought while I was back in SA (As the pharmacies in Dubai don't sell it at all) and took it easy for the rest of the day.

 

By Friday I was still sick and it was just getting worse. I then had to call in sick for my flight to Glasgow (was actually looking forward to go) for the first time. I felt bad, but I knew that going on a flight will just worsen the situation. Crew Control then put me on home standby for Saturday night and yes you guessed it: I got called out for a flight departing at 03:30am to India. Only a turnaround but still, 4 hours and 3.5 hours flight back. Overall a 9hour duty+

 

Thought I was going to faint when they told me at the briefing that I have been pulled out as a Gr1 (meaning Business class crew) I mean come on, I have only just been flying for 4 months and now they want to put me in Business class which I know nothing about. It was probably one of the worst flights, I was sick, the sfs kept on pushing me and overall it was too stressful for me to cope with at that stage.

 

It was a great opportunity, however I think I would have dealt with it better if I wasn't sick. I should have just called in sick for my standby but I didn't want to get into trouble as I had a meeting with my manager set up on the Monday.

 

Went to the doctor yesterday, was told I can't fly until at least Thursday and I have my flight to Johannesburg SA on Friday morning. Now I just hope these meds will start to work so that I can fly home :)

My mother is flying to Dubai this afternoon to see my graduation which will be tomorrow. I am not particularly looking forward to tomorrow as it will be a super long day....

 

But, on the bright side, after tomorrow, I have my wings :) Probation period is over, and now I can start to breathe a bit!

 

 



Being Cabin Crew - the story behind the story

❝ BEING A CABIN CREW

Here’s something I got from my experience as a cabin crew:

If you’re traveling away with any airplane, no matter five-star Skytrax or low-cost, international or domestic airlines – whatever. You will meet males and females dressing in their magnificent uniforms welcoming you with their warm smile.

*They are ‘CABIN CREW’.

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW IS:
They have trained to help you in any emergency, not only to work as YOUR waiter/waitress to serve you Coffee or Tea.
And they are praying so hard that Nothing is going to happen to you during the flight.

*Sometimes you see them smiling all the way during takeoff and landing.

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW IS:
Deep down inside they cry, thinking about their sick and old parents, young son/daughter, breakup etc..

*Sometimes you see they are with brand name items.

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW IS:
They shop mainly to forget home.
And they have to keep their gorgeous look.

*Sometimes you see them walking so fast at the terminal gate.

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW IS:
They want the day to end fast, so it continues to another day, making one day closer to their annual leave. And then they can spend their time happily with their family/lover.

*Sometimes you see them sitting on jump seats, although service is over, they do not close their eyes.

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW IS:
They feel so sleepy, till they can sleep without closing their eyes.

*Sometimes you yell at them, because you cannot get your choice of meal.

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW IS:
They feel guilty, but they cannot do anything about it.
In some cases, they even offer their own crew meal to you.

*Sometimes you tell them to carry your heavy bags and stow them in the overhead compartment.

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW IS:
They are not allowed to do that in case they get injured. Besides, they are human and mostly woman. What if all the passengers ask them to carry their bags?

AND WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW IS:
They really wish to be in your position,
traveling with their whole family,
sitting next to their lover,
cuddling with their young sister/brother.
And when they see you outside the aircraft,
they think about what it feels to be on ground.

So PLEASE, if you are a PASSENGER, please be nice and patient with the CABIN CREW, as we are to you. ❞

Melbourne = WOW!!

It was wonderful to see my family in Melbourne!! I got the opportunity to see my aunt and uncle and also my 3 cousins for the first time in about 6 years!!
And what made it even more special was the fact that I got to see my sister whom I haven't seen since I left SA to join Emirates back in November 2012 :)

They have a lovely house, live in a great area, a little bit out of the busy city but wow, once you drive into the city, everything lightens up! It's just such a pity I couldn't stay there longer, would have loved to go explore the city with them!

I think my sister will enjoy it there, and maybe she can settle down in Melbourne for a while. It really is such a cool city because you have these old vintage buildings but at the same time you have modern buildings and also clear blue sky and fresh air!

My trip to NZ, Auckland was also very nice! I am just thankful for a wonderful team of crew otherwise these 5/6 days would have been terrible! The area where we were is also very "old" so you have all these small little shops next to each other on the side of the road - so cute!
I went out with the crew the night we landed in NZ to this vintage pub, had some amazing chocolate mousse and iced coffee - so yummy!

Also made friends with another South African girl who flew with me, she's also Afrikaans and we had a great time together especially on the flights :) Overall, I had a wonderful, memorable 5/6 days, now back in Dubai for 2 days before my next flight.

My graduation will also be this month, and I fly to Johannesburg 2 days after that, so a good month is lying ahead :)


me, my sister in the middle and cousin Jeni on the far left: 

 




MELBOURNE BELOW: