My first four trips for August
It's been quite hard updating my multiply site, even though I found a way around it. But all is good. :)
My post for my trips this August is long overdue. I first went to Johannesburg, South Africa. I should have gone to the Lion Park or some safari that they are known for. After all, it is Africa! But everyone was so tired, that they just went to sleep when they arrived in the hotel. Good thing, Camilla was there, my Moscow buddy to save the day.
But sigh, we only ended up having a steak lunch (which Joberg is known for!) and went back to the hotel to call it a night.
Pictures in here.
Malaysia on the other hand, I have so many to write about, because so far, this was one trip I did enjoy. Not because of the place, since I just ended up eating, shopping and only went to Twin Towers (to shop!), but because of the crew! For the first time, I actually got to hang out with Filipinos. The best part of this was that one of them, Ria, actually speaks Ilonggo! I really, really had fun. I don't mind flying with other nationalities, because they can be a lot of fun as well. But speaking in your own language is so much nicer because it feels so close to home.
Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 12 midnight, Jonathan (SFS), Ria and I decided to meet at the lobby after 15 minutes so that we can grab some food. We were so hungry. The flight was a bit tiring, especially for me, since it was my first time to be on a new position in the aircraft which requires me to serve a long cabin of passengers.
We got instructions from the receptionist where to get some local food, so we can feel the Malaysian aura. We took a walk and it brought us to the place where they pick up the prostitutes. And not just women prostitutes mind you, but transvestites! They even got bigger boobs and sexy butts than me! If I just had the guts, I would have taken a picture of them just to show to everyone how it was a big eye-opener for me. It was my first experience to a place like this and for Ria as well. We both got surprised, then shocked and scared in just five minutes. We were hanging on to Jonathan as if our lives depended on him! Men in their cars were whistling and calling at us, thinking we were on sale as well. Boohoo!
We changed directions and did end up in a local restaurant. This time, imagine big pots filled with red curry, oil and foreign matters that you can't even figure out what. Chicken, beef and other food were placed in a separate plate with mosquitos flying over them. We were left with two choices, feel the local atmosphere and end up having a bad stomach or find a place where we can digest the food without thinking what other creatures have taken a bite of it first.
So, guess where we ended up eating?
Ahh... there is nothing like good old Mcdonalds to satisy the hunger in us. Love ko to! :)
The next day, the three of us went to the Twin Towers where Ria and I ended up shopping because there was a big sale going on. Well, for those who love to shop, Malaysia is the place to be. Zara, Mango, Vincci, you name it. I guess, that is one reason why I was able to swap my other Malaysia for a Zurich! :)
More pictures here.
After Malaysia, I had a Trivandrum turnaround and a Dhaka layover. I swapped my Khartoum turnaround for the Dhaka, since I wanted to buy some DVDs. I miss Makati Cinema Square, where it was so much accessible for me. Anyways, one thing I like about this job is that I have always something new to talk about. It might be about the new country I get to explore, the crew I get to work with or the passengers I have to deal with on every flight. It is something different and interesting. It might be good or bad but at least something new to talk about everytime.
Trivandrum was an okay flight for me, since a lot of the passengers speak English. Dhaka on the other hand was a different story. I was so close to screaming or crying, whatever you do when you get very frustrated. It felt like a marketplace. Everyone calling you, "Sister, sister, water", and they can't seem to wait for their turns. I know I should be more patient with them, since they come to work in Dubai for just 500 dirhams per month. But still! And to top that, I even caught a passenger smoking in one of the toilets! I just try to remember how they live and how poor their country is, that I should laugh this one out. I am blessed and I should try to share my blessings with them. Tomorrow is a new day. :)
My prize for my hard work was watching Ratatouille! :)
I am going to Zurich, Switzerland on Wednesday. I can't wait to see
thegrindhouse! It has been more than a year (or was it almost 2 years?) since we last saw each other. :) See you Ate Darls! :)
P.S. When I went to City Centre today, I passed by the shelf of flashlights. I was thinking that I needed one in case a black-out might occur, but I passed up the urge. Well, lo and behold, after a few hours when I arrived at home, there was a black-out. Wala lang. :)