On the first week of every month, one thing that I would always look forward to is my roster for the next month.
You know that the roster is out when suddenly you're unable to log into the online portal because all cabin crew will be trying to get into it to see their rosters.
And long flights are anticipated because that's where the good allowance comes from. So every month I pray for either new destinations or long hauls.
We have multi-sector flights which will require us to be away for at least a week and sometimes up to 12 days. Some like it because of the allowance, some doesn't because the amount of commitment needed to be away for such a long time.
Normally, I belong in the first category. My best memories of flying are always created during these multi-sector flights, I'm always so blessed to meet like-minded people and we'll hang out after every sector so somehow time flies really quickly.
However, my most recent multi-sector flight to Frankfurt and New York, I just feel a little - more than a little - homesick.
I almost didn't make it for the flight, I just felt like I wanted to be at home a little longer, spend a little bit more time with my family, with Luke. I guess it's because I know I'm going to be away longer than usual. The whole trip will take 9 days, and when I'm back, I'm leaving for Japan the next day for another 5 days.
But Luke assured me that things are going to be okay and that I should go for the flight. Still, I left Singapore with the heaviest heart that day.
Surprisingly, the flight turned out better than okay.
I did a little cheering up for myself into Frankfurt by deciding to get myself a new cabin bag. I've been wanting to own a Rimowa for a while now, but the price will always make me think twice. However, this time round, since I'm already in Germany, I told myself to just go for it. And that's probably the best cheer up gift I've ever gotten myself thus far.
I slept really, really well in Frankfurt. I think on the touchdown day, I slept at 5pm until the next morning. So I was up really early the next day and had all the time in the world to get ready to head over to the airline house to get my Rimowa!
There were so many different designs in different colours and sizes but I've set my eyes on this baby. The moment I stepped into the shop, I went straight for the Classic Flight. It's love at first sight!
For those of you who are planning to get yourself the same cabin bag, just take note that there are two sizes - I got myself the one with the larger width because having more space is important for me because I cannot pack light. And they are of the same price! So it's just a matter of preference.
Yes, I braved the cold air outside just to get you, baby! It was freezing in Frankfurt, the kind of weather that makes you wanna stay indoors but I went out anyway because I didn't want to miss this chance to get my cabin bag. It definitely burned a hole in my pocket, but happiness it brings me is priceless. #lol #somebodystopmealready #confessionsofashopaholic
So Mario is a crew joint in Frankfurt, meaning it's a restaurant that SQ crew frequents. So on the touchdown day, I met up with the crew to have late lunch and I was surprised at the attendance- almost the whole set came down to eat together! Ordered Scampi Aglio Olio and I really enjoyed it, would love to try the Hello Kitty sauce the next time around.
Zara is significantly cheaper in Europe, and they have a larger selection too. So I went to hunt for a new jacket to wear in NY, just because.
These are the little things that I do to cheer myself up yet again.
Right after touching down in New York, the first thing we did was to get Shake Shack! Which was conveniently right opposite out hotel. It's my first time trying Shake Shack and initially, I thought it was just mediocre, nothing special. But right now, I find myself craving for it as I look at the picture. I remember how soft the bun was! That's a winner all right.
And I remember looking outside the window in the crew bus on the way to the hotel, New York was effortlessly beautiful. There's just something about the States, different city has a different feel and the energy I get in NY is just goddamn contagious. I haven't slept a wink, but somehow I forgot how exhausted I was. New York could perhaps be my favourite city in USA.
Now guys, this is how a full load flight with very little rest looks like. Although I look like a total mess who desperately needs a good sleep, inside I'm jumping because I could see Times Square from the window of my hotel room.
My American breakfast at Junior's! I will forever be amazed at the portion and how the Americans can actually finish the whole plate- it's truly amazing.
"New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do"
I'm so glad I made it to the Brooklyn Bridge! It's one of the places I know I have to see in NYC. I spent days pinning down places I want to visit on Pinterest and finally being here feels so surreal.
The next stop on our list is to visit Central Park. I'm so amazed at how beautiful the park was during autumn. I'd love to come here again in Winter, imagine how pretty the park will be like when it's covered in snow.
If only Singapore has different seasons. I think it's one of the greatest beauty of nature. I've never knew how it'd be like to experience the different seasons until I started flying. I really enjoy looking at how people dress up differently according to different seasons and how places can look entirely different in depending on its season.
Look at how red the leaves on the trees are! It's something else, truly. So many tourists just like us were taking turns to take pictures at this spot because it looks really pretty.
New Yorkers, y'all are a lucky bunch to be able to see this every day.
Tried Luke's Lobster, which was conveniently located in the food hall connected to our hotel! I heard so many good reviews on the lobster roll, and truly, it's heavenly. I think I might like this better than Burger & Lobster in London and that's saying a lot!
I had to get myself a souvenir from New York because I wanted something to remind me of the first time I was here and I found the most perfect momento in Starbucks- a New York Starbucks tumbler of course! They had so many to choose from but I settled for the gold one because well... #gold
I guess the moral of the story is that there's good in every situation, it just depends on whether you choose to see it or not.
Imagine what I would've missed out on if I choose to not go for the flight- and how much I would probably regret it. I get paid to travel the world, what can be a bigger blessing than being able to see all these sights without paying a single cent out of your own pocket? I guess sometimes being too comfortable just makes you get a little complacent that you forget to be grateful for all that you've been blessed with.
It might not be the best, the most happening multi-sector flight I did, but I learnt so much from this trip. I learnt so much about myself. And how discipline is showing up for something even when you don't feel a hundred per cent.
And I have to say, I'm so thankful to have a great support system in my life. I missed Luke's birthday because I had this flight, and it did bring me down a little. However, seeing how Luke can still be supportive and encouraged me to go for this flight reminded me of how things don't always go your way, but that's how life is.
God bless Luke for being the amazing person that he is, not everybody can be this understanding when you're with someone who can't always be around even on important dates and you have no control over it. Like I said, this is how life is. It's not about what it throws at you, but it's about how you deal with the situation when shit does happen to you.
At the end of the day, things will always be okay.
Love,
Ashhy
Post a Comment