December to March.

A recap from my travels and life in December 2014 to March 2015.

I honestly have the worst memory, each flight becomes harder to differentiate from the crew that I worked with to the destinations visited. Maybe this is just something that all crew experience.

I felt it a lot in the beginning. I remember coming down the lift from my apartment heading to work, another crew came into the lift and asked me where I was off to today. I remember opening my mouth to answer the question however I stuttered, completely lost and dumbfounded as to where I was going and how long for.

It is true that you lose a sense of time and physical awareness of where you are. Hell I remember being in Munich and thinking I was walking the streets of Frankfurt.

December came fast, in between flying and keeping up a lively social life Christmas arrived.

I had a few days off before Christmas and was able to celebrate in my friends apartment upstairs from mine at the time.

Being in Dubai over Christmas was nice as it was still great weather like the Australian Summer however the feeling of loneliness and longing to be with close friends and family was a little hard. I am usually not the biggest fan of Christmas and we never celebrated it too intensely back home but as always, I feel everything a lot more when I'm separated from my support network, especially on special occasions. I guess my life and emotions become exacerbated because I do live my life high and low, up and down (Well, when flying you literally do!)

A beautiful memory in December was on Boxing Day, I flew to Milan.

I ventured out on my own as the other crew weren't interested in going out.

It was freezing and I was keen to sight see and do some shopping.

Whilst I was in awe looking at the beautiful Duomo it started to snow. It was such an incredible and emotional sight for me I started to cry. I felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and appreciation for where I was, right there and then to see such an incredible sight.

Some other highlights from layovers over this time include a very crazy layover in Mauritius- on a boat, free booze and bikinis. You do the math!

And again, some of the same crew I was fortunate enough to be with on an Amsterdam layover, full of sex shows, seedy bars and sex museums. 

But, it wasn't all fun and games - there was a lot of jet lag, missing home and running myself down due to lack of sleep. 

I did indeed Graduate in March which was a step forward. We made it through our 6 month probation and what an incredible 6 months that was. 

Filled with excitements, dissappointments, wins and losses. Regardless of those times; I was officially part of the crew.

Back to Blogging!

I can't believe I've been in Dubai for nearly a year now!
I've traveled many destinations and have experienced so much in a short amount of time.

To think I came to Dubai having the idea of maybe staying only for a year with the company, I have no question in my mind about leaving.
There is still so much to do and explore.
I feel like my journey has still only just begun!

Right now I'm currently typing this quick update from my hotel room in Houston.
To bring you up to scratch with recent events, I was able to move out of my desert accommodation and into the city. Lucky me! I have been in Downtown Dubai for a few months now and just last week have been approved to move into one of the nicest apartment blocks the company provides us with my best friend. Very exciting times!

I've been loving my life in Dubai whilst living Downtown. The convenience of having an amazing yoga studio close by has been a tremendously positive impact on me.
Additionally, having The Dubai Mall just 2 metro stops away is fantastic... Yet a little dangerous :)
With the job we are fortunate enough to have quite a few days off some rosters which helps being able to unwind after long haul flights. Sometimes it doesn't seem enough however if you're able to manage your sleep life can be a lot easier on you.

Flying has been an eye opening experience, working with people from so many different backgrounds, cultures and contrasting ideas to your own is a challenge yet an incredible way to learn about yourself and the world around you.
I find myself being more patient with others and myself which then helps me in my role as cabin crew.

I am thinking of doing a few shorter blog posts with some travel photos and notes with each month at a time to catch up so I can start blogging again from here now.

Thanks for reading and keeping the blog alive 🌺🌻

Exploring Dubai

Finally decided to go out and explore a bit of Dubai that I hadn't seen yet with a few girls from my batch.

We visited the Creekside, The Gold Souk and wandered through markets.

Another two days off before Singapore on Thursday for the weekend.

First stop, Munich!

Feeling well rested after my first layover to Munich.

A 6hr flight over, along with me was one of my batch mates.

For our first 2 flights we are additional crew so observing service and procedures is the main goal.

I felt I learnt a lot and am feeling confident for my second flight (a turnaround to India which is meant to be challenging!)

Munich was beautiful, unfortunately I didn't get to see too much in the 24hrs I was there due to the fact it was a public holiday there and not much open.

The streets were lit at night, plenty of people cycling past and the metro crowded.

I enjoyed a dinner (PORK!) with some of the crew and came back to the hotel early to rest, I was exhausted.

I felt the layover allowance was quite generous and enough to have some left over.

My one and only picture from Munich; enjoying a delicious pastry on the street. :) 

College complete!

I haven't posted since I have been in Dubai, mainly for the reason that I have been focusing my energy on making Dubai my home and creating a routine around college.

Since posting last, there is a lot to update on!

I passed college! No repeats or re-sits of tests which I am feeling chuffed about.

College was hard. Early mornings, late nights, exams nearly every day and add that into trying to settle into your new apartment, new surroundings, new friends and pretty much starting fresh and over with everything!

The hardest, most challenging part of college was SEP (Safety and Emergency).

The batch I was placed into split up into other batches so I had to make a whole new circle of friends and in two short weeks at the end of the course you realise how strong the bond you created during the time - pulling together because you almost have to in a sense.

It's strange putting 120 people from different backgrounds, cultures and all with varied beliefs together, the mix was fresh and comforting. Many differences but still a common goal- to reach the end of training.

I returned to my original batch for the rest of the courses, GMT (Medical) and also Service training.

I have also formed a close friendship with a few girls who live in my apartment block.

Thankfully my housemates are lovely as well which makes my living situation more pleasant, as I am located slightly far out from the city.

I've attached a few photos from training- next post I will update on my first flying experience... X

DOJ 5/9/14

This post was written on the 5/9 during my flight - only posting now due to being so busy! Will continue another post from the past week shortly x

My flight was scheduled this afternoon from Sydney at 6:45pm.

The flight was to go to Bangkok then Dubai.

My mum and my step dad drove me to the airport and waited with me before I entered the departure gates.

Saying goodbye to my mum didn't seem real at all. I didn't cry nor did I even feel like I was moving.

Reality is, I am!

I ventured through the departure gates on my own and through customs very smoothly.

We boarded a B777-300 and I was seated in economy.

My tv didn't work and I spoke to the staff several times and they tried to reset it but it still didn't work. 

I couldn't watch movies or use the entertainment system through to Bangkok. It was still okay because I had my iPod and tried to sleep most of it.

I made one of the stewardess aware that I am a new joiner moving to Dubai when she passed my seat. She was very friendly and told me that she will show me around. 

A couple of the girls came up to me half way through the flight and invited me down to the end of the plane.

They walked me through and I was greeted by several girls who were eager to show me around the cabin.

They took a Polaroid of me wearing the famous Emirates hat with them and gave it to me in a little frame.

Turbulence kicked in and I was ushered back to my seat.

I sat there for the rest of the 9 hour flight to Bangkok and slept a bit more.

Arriving to Bangkok at 10pm UAE time, we were given the option to stay on board or get off for half an hour. I stayed on and chatted to a few friendly passengers.

The cabin crew left and said good luck to me and a new crew boarded.

Whilst they were checking my boarding pass, I introduced myself and the girls and guys were so excited that I was on the flight. They promised me that they would take care of me.

At 1am, an hour and a half into the flight I was invited again to hang our with the crew in the back of the plane.

They were so friendly and accommodating, making me coffees, offering food or anything that I may need.

This crew were young and energetic and seemed so happy to be together.

Again, turbulence began and I returned to my seat.

I am writing this now with 4 hours before I arrive to Dubai at 6am. 

I am feeling relaxed, excited and really impressed with the friendliness and warmth from the staff to make me feel welcome.

It has not hit me yet that I am leaving all that I know behind to commence a whole new life.

When I arrive I suppose I will be freshening up and napping if I am tired.

There is a girl from my FI that moved to Dubai several weeks ago that I might try and see during the day.

At 4pm, I am meeting at the Dubai Mall with the other new joiners. I assume we will be getting dinner and drinks to celebrate. Apparently there are over 50 of us starting on the 5/9.

I am going to try and sleep some more, next post I'll be in Dubai ! 

X

Accommodation

Yesterday, the 28th I received my accommodation.

I have been placed in the Sarab Building which is apparently a little far out from central Dubai.
Regardless, I am still extremely grateful to receive free accommodation from Emirates and I am sure there are still many perks in this area.

Apparently the Sarab Building has it's own pool and gym on site which is super convenient.
It is 30 minutes from The Emirates HQ however a free shuttle is provided.

I am starting to become very excited for my new adventure and am happy to reside anywhere!

7 days to go!