Em's World

Such A Tease

2008-12-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

All excited for my trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ready to get my fix of retail therapy then BAM! Rostering Changes....

With a bag full of clothing appropriately suited for 30deg weather guess who ends up in London with a maximum of 4deg. Well this is even to cold for the old bolt to the local shop to buy absolutely any jumper/jacket, just to get through the day! I was soooo spewing about this, i couldn’t even rest properly before the flight, as i was pumped for the new destination that i have been hanging to go to. My poor house mates hadn’t heard the end of it all day as i sang: Im off to K.L. repeated in my continuous morning voice which seemed not to go away??? Weird??? ha ha NOT – admittedly sounds horrible!!!

With no-where to go and nothing to wear and an attitude which was mighty p*****d off let me assure u, i basically had my little shower and went straight to Zzzzzz for a whopping 24hrs.... Damn i was even more tired than i had thought.

So i say: "Damn u roster changes for being such a tease!"

But that is the day in the life of a flight attendant. You also know your a flight attendant when:

All of your pens have different hotel names on them
You wake up and have to look at the hotel stationery to figure out where you are
You are standing in an elevator in your hotel and cant remember what floor you're supposed to go to, or what your room number is
When ur going out from the hotel on a layover u smile and greet people u meet in the lifts... and ur not even in uniform!
You always point with two fingers
You can recognize pilots by the backs of their heads-but not by their faces
You know better NOT to date a pilot!
You can tie a neck scarf 36 ways
You own 2 sets of uniforms: fat and thin
You know at least 25 uses for air sickness bags-none of which pertain to vomit
You get a little too excited by certain types of ice
You have mastered the art of walking very quickly down the aisle and not catching anyone's eye
You stand at the front door and politely say "Buh-bye, thanks, have a nice day" when someone leaves your home
You stop and inspect every fire extinguisher you pass, just to make sure the "gauge is in the green”
Your thighs are covered in bruises from armrests and elbows
You refer to cities by their airport codes
Everytime the door bell rings you look up at the ceiling
You change into you "galley shoes" to cook dinner at home!
You open your bathroom doors at home slowly incase someone forgot to lock it
Your at a friends party and you start wiping your hands on their curtains
You call for the car doors to be armed and cross checked before pulling away
You answer your phone by saying "Hi its ..... at "position"
When you try and put the foot brake on your shopping cart
When releasing your seatbelt in the car, you try to 'lift the top portion of the buckle and pull apart" and are confused when you can't find it
You see rubbish dropped on the floor in your own home and instead of bending down to pick it up, you kick it under the sofa.
When you've finished your dinner you throw the dirty plate in the cupboard and kick the door shut.

Aukland

2008-12-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

Even though hit hard with a tummy bug, just touching down on home turf is sometimes priceless. So i sucked it in, and went on this trip, direct melbourne, aukland, melbourne, back to the dunes; and there goes 6 days. Well, what doesnt kill u, makes u stronger right???

The trip was pretty cruisy; i wasnt up for doing too much, but satisfied i escaped dubai for a bit. Auk is so similar to being in Oz, just without the fashion sense - if i can say that, curled up in my tracky's. ha ha. It really has some beautiful scenery to be seen, best done by hireing a car and working ur way around both north and south island. This is definatly a place for u G.V. & Ret. Only having a day here, i went for a walk around the town, down Queen St the main commercial strip of stores, leading to the waterfrount, full of bars and resturants, something for everyone. From here we strolled to the Viaduct Basin, where the Americas cup is held. After some food and beer, i soon was back at the hotel, as the bug inside me was neither hungary or thirsty!

Melbourne has been getting better and better each time i go. I dont know what is happening here, i was never a fan, but i am running with it. We went out to stupid o'clock to a bar called bimbo, which reminded me so much of minke days. My kinda funked tunes.... Love it!!! Just wish i could buy beats just like it, but each time i go into such music stores, i have no clue of what i am looking at, and it's a challenge not to have another bout of terrets. After 2hrs sleep, I had my fix of retail therapy in the city centre and down Chapel St, so no complants.

My Sanctuary

2008-12-05T01:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a few photos of my little sanctuary. Just to help myself settle back in after such a great time @ home, i have made some changes to my room to funk it up a knotch! Still got a little work to do like actually hang that print up on my wall rather than try to balance it on my desk. Also i have a shelf to be mounted, to set up my projector which can finally escape from inside my cupboard! And lastly get some more photos around the place, even though i am stoked with the few photos i had printed and framed the other day from my time back in A-Bom! Love u all and thanks again for the best break ever! xxx

Happy UAE National Day!!!

2008-12-05T01:03:00.000-08:00

Happy UAE National Day! - for the 2nd Dec

After heading down the Palm to see Atlantis, we headed to my favourite place in Dubai, the Madinat for dinner and a bottle of wine! As it was the 37th UAE National Day as in 1971 the 7 states Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain all combined to form the United Arab Emirates.

It was a national public holiday, all businesses except hotels/resturants for obvious reasons were closed, decorated cars flooded the streets and big celebrations were held. Thought i would post a couple of photos of some of the locals doing the national dance/song in one of the squares of the madinat.

Atlantis - The Palm

2008-12-05T00:10:00.001-08:00

Finally, little Mmsly has made her way onto the Palm, after the grand opening of the new $1.8 Billion US, ATLANTIS, the worlds 3rd 7 Star hotel, with rooms roumoured to be upto 25,000US per night!

Atlantis is a massive complex on the top of the man made palm island. Incorporated into the design is the Middle Easts first open air marine habitat, which may i add is incredible. 46 hectares, 42 million litres of h2o, 65,000 fish and 250 species, yeah not small! Also there is Aquaventure, a massive waterpark with a slide 27.5 meters down a ziggurat through shark-filled waters. There is a dolphin bay, private beaches, a chance to sleep under water, and some gorgeous resturants, and bars, that i can assure u are typically over priced! Consider yourself lucky when u manage to grab a quick caffene fix for 15 Aussie $$$. OUCH!!!

Kolkata - (formally known as Culcutta)

2008-12-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

Sometimes in life, it is better to not allow yourself to have emotional attachments to certain things, places or situations. India is one of those places. It is a place suffering with urbanisation, over population, poverty, polloution and traffic congestion. It is more than a reality check. The conditions in which these people live in opens ones eyes, and silences ones voice, leaving a strong reminder of how lucky we are.

My one day in Kolkata, was enough. Good people from around the world will only travel to such places to offer themselves to volunteer work, usually in orphanages. By catching a taxi from the hotel and heading to Mother Theresa's house and back to the hotel, we had seen more than enough and was ready to pack it in.

It was such a confusing feeling that night, when we sat poolside of definatly the best hotel that we stay in, knowing what was happening outside the walls of the hotel.... It is such a different world than we come from. It is sad.

NYC

2008-12-04T06:23:00.000-08:00

NYC!!! Woop Woop!

Across Brooklyn Bridge, into downtown Manhattan, Damn i love NYC. Broadway, Times Square, Fifth Avenue, 42nd Street, Madisson Avenue, The Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty just to name a few. With my 'I heart NY' tee-shirt in hand, what a BIG place, pumping with atmosphere and exciting chaos. It really is very Sex In The City!

Home Sweet Home

2008-10-25T07:14:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would post a couple of pictures of our home sweet home. With a coat of fuchsia pink to funk the place up a notch and a couch full of fluffy soft furnishings so there is no-where to sit and a fully stocked bar... It’s perfect and feels like home! It’s not quite finished, but once it is, it will definatly be our little palace!

Desert Safari

2008-10-24T23:07:00.000-07:00

Finally.... I went and did the desert safari! I can now say i have properly been out to play in the sand-pit! Adzy and i were picked up in the afternoon, and about an hours drive, if that out of Dubai, we hit the dunes in our 4wD. We hooned up and down the dunes, getting some good air and some nice drops to go with it! I think there was just one moment that i almost.... he he i say almost, had a scare, but hey even the driver let out a massive scream and they are apparently professional! It was a great way to experience and see firsthand how gorgeous the dunes are! The sand is like dust so soft to run through in beautiful reds and browns.

From here we went for camel rides, had henna tattooing, smoked sheisha, held a falcon, watched a belly dancing show with crowd involvement, had a chance to wear the Abaya and Hijab, and then ate an Arabic buffet. Arabic food is delicious (despite the fact i am sooo sick of looking at it now), but u must be careful as they are not shy on the use of oil.... and the desert.... let’s just say it was interesting, and after a taste we kindly left it for the cleaners!

Birmingham

2008-10-10T02:41:00.000-07:00

Once again... Shopping, Shopping, Shopping. I have said it before and ill say it again, the UK is great for shopping. And i especially love the Bullring in Birmingham to get my fix of retail therapy. When we arrived at the hotel, it was a race to get into our rooms to rip of those bloody pantyhose, which were doing my absolute head in! Enough time for a quick shower and straight to the Bullring.

After great spending, and a bowl of Lasagne, to warm me up, as it was freezing, only 15degress, but feels much worse after being stuck in the extreme heat of Dubai, i headed back to the hotel for an early night. I was so tired, i just wanted to cry, this being one thing which i have never managed to grow out of. It was impossible to keep my eyes open without raising my eyebrows. And these days, it is all about prevention, and to prevent these wrinkles appearing on my forehead i went to Zzzzzzzzzz.

I have never had this much sleep on a layover ever. No complaints here, shopping, food and sleep. Just the way God intended! He he. The next morning after the gym, i went for a walk before the flight to a nearby supermarket, to take advantage of real shopping and proper food just like home. The UAE doesn’t have any restrictions regarding bringing food products into the country so it was good to get some cooking essentials to stock up on which aren’t sold in Dubai. Damn i miss supermarkets in OZ!

Favourite Event:

Sweating out that icky feeling from flying at the gym. That is priceless sometimes!

Favourite Purchase:

Many.... But some of u must wait till i come home to hear about these.... he he

Ladies Do Tucker

2008-10-10T02:11:00.000-07:00

Nice hot day, in the sand dunes of the UAE, what’s a better idea than to spend another day off, with the girls, over lunch and a bottle of wine??? So off to the Madinat we went...

The Madinat is in Jemeirah, close to the marina, with hotels, restaurants, bars, souk markets, and stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, the worlds only 7 star hotel. With manmade canals with gondolas cruising by, and modern interpretations of traditional Arabian Architecture, and palm trees around, this place is a definite must see and experience when in Dubai.

Well my housemate Emma, Michelle and Steph, my newest of friends whom conveniently live in the same building as me, headed to the Madinat in the afternoon for a late lunch! We sat outside to enjoy the summer heat. Damn it was hot, but not as unbearable as it had been. The wine was great, despite the fact u would have to drop an ice cube in it every couple of minutes to make it drinkable, but the food was better. Always trust the good ole’ “Meat Co.”

We stayed til the sun set and the lights came out, and this is when u really appreciate this city’s beauty. From here we went to a bar called Barasti, at the marina, to chill out for a little longer. Barasti has an indoor bar and area pumping out the beats, and another level on the open roof which looks out over the beach. Outside, there is another bar with plenty of seating, and a few steps down, is a grassy area with cushions and blankets, and a few more steps down is the beach, with loads of lazy boy’s to simply lay back and enjoy. I love Barasti, although this night was absolute chaos. Ramadan had just finished and all the kids were out to play.

Melbourne

2008-09-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Never in my life have i been a fan of Melbourne, it is grey, cold and rather depressing. But this trip has given me a new frame of mind, as i enjoyed it more than ever before! Truthfully i was hanging to touch down in Oz after the last few weeks, so any destination was satisfying. Got to the hotel room, had 4hrs sleep, brilliant in the life of a flight attendant whilst away. Woke up and headed straight to Bridge Road for a wonder and a delicious organic breaky and organic coffee! Yummo!

I was really struggling with the cold early in the morning, esp after all the heat in Dubai, but it did make me realize i am not ready to come back home as i cant deal with freezing anymore! I think i am going to have to be a free spirit whom follows the sun! But then by afternoon, i couldn’t believe it, the temperature really changed. Blue sky’s and warmth??? Pinching myself and asking, ‘am i in Melbourne?’

After that we headed into the city for a day of shopping and walking around, saw a few sights. It was so exciting to see stores i knew 'too well' once again! You would all be proud that my outfit that day inspired the crew. I had on the Ugg’s, strutting around Melbourne, so we went on a hunt so they all could buy them! he he. I did my job for our image that day!

But can i just say...... How dope is some of the graffiti in Melbourne!!! Whoop Whoop!!! I don’t care what they say, there is always a time and a place for street art!

Favourite Event:

Definitely just touching down back in Oz. Easy pleased here. But downing a chunky steak and mushroom pie in record time, as if it was my last meal or that the world depended on it, was pretty damn good!

Favourite Purchase:

Hmmm, tough one.... I ordered a gorgeous print of the ocean to be sent back to my home in Dubai for my bedroom! White sand and bright blue water, turn my bedroom in this crazy city into my little sanctuary. Then again, i also bought 5 badges that are terribly funky and very, very 80’s! Now that is real Porn!!!

Singapore

2008-09-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

Every 7 months it is a requirement that we complete 35 days on Reserve/Standby, where we are given any shifts several days prior, or worse with a minimum of 45mins notice. And yes my first night of reserve was driving me clinically insane, just waiting for that dreaded phone call..... And to my surprise!!! Woo Hoo, it got a decent trip! Singapore to Melbourne back to Singapore and home to Dubai. Gotta love these long trips on Reserve, more out and about, and less waiting around! Plus just touching home soil once in a while is priceless.

Singapore is the cleanest city in the world, you could quite happily lie in the gutter eating ur dinner straight of the pavement, without catching anything! Depends if that is ur thing or not i spoze???

It was bliss being surrounded by such luscious greens everywhere that u looked. The crew and i went to the most hilarious bar in Clarke Quay called ‘The Clinic.’ The bar was inside with massive surgical lights hanging over it, and all the seating was outside. Not just any seating mind u, the chairs were actually wheel chairs, we drank cocktails from an I.V. drip on the stand and shots came in massive syringes! It was all class!!! So with all this fun, u can imagine the rest of the story, so lets just leave that there.... Later on in the night we ended up at a Salsa Bar..... Fun Times!!!

One morning we headed out to Sentosa Island, just off Singapore by Cable Car. Looking over the harbour and Singapore from a bird’s eye view was amazing! When we got to the Island we were taken on a tour which involved 3D and 4D Cineblast movies, An Aquarium, a Skyride and Luge carts (which could have been much faster, but admittedly i am a chick, and we are never satisfied! he he) and a show at Dolphin Lagoon, where the beautiful stars were pink dolphins.

Favourite Event:

Playing with two beautiful snakes on Sentosa Island! After taking many photos with them, yes later in the afternoon i had to go back to play with them again. They were gorgeous.

Favourite Purchase:

Pair of hideous children’s glasses where the lends is clear plastic and the sunglasses part flips down at the sides when needed, and they are in the shape of fish in bright purple, hot pink and fluoro green! Very Porn!!!

Dinner & Stink

2008-08-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, i realize that i haven’t been keeping up to date with all my blogs lately, but today has been a massive catch-up day, and its always better late than never! But i was looking over my trips and decided, that as exciting as that may be, i still need to keep u all up to-date with the so called down time, and other things i have been doing....

So the other morning when i got back from my 8day trip, From Bangkok, Sydney and Aukland, well if that is not long enough time to spend with people u only just met, well actually it wasn’t. The crew from that trip were so cool, that we decided to all catch up for a night out in the playground of Dubai.
Firstly, i went to David’s (gorgeous ‘little bro’ i call him, who was on the trip) house where he cooked the most amazing meal. I was so impressed, and i don’t know if i can compete with his cuisine, the standard has been set extremely high. There was a nice group for dinner, then Lou, my new housemate came and met us. From here, we went to a messy club called Zinc, which no-one admits to liking, but no matter where u go out, u can almost guarantee u will end up at Zinc, or shall i say Stink! It screams looseness, but is always so much fun.

Well i thought i should post a few photos of the craziness, the beginning of many more to come, i am sure!

Bangkok

2008-08-09T04:12:00.000-07:00

The city of absolute Chaos...... Where the people are so friendly, beaming faces, delicious food, great shopping, and flying with one of the best crews to date!

I had two nights in Bangkok, where on the first we went out for a traditional Thai dinner and drinky-pooz until stupid o’clock. The second day is where we shopped, shopped and shopped! We went to MBK, a major shopping mall full of shoes, handbags and imitation designer wear. The clothes were not interesting me at this mall, but the jewellery and scarfs defiantly sucked me in! Oh, and the 3 pairs of sunnies, which i just had to have! We ate tepanyaki for lunch, which was one of the best tasting meals i have had in a very long time. It was brilliant! Every time i have Japanese it gets better and better. Salmon steak, rice, vegies, dumplings and miso soup.... delicious! Who wouldn’t love that???

From here we went to another mall called platinum, and this was even better. Next time i go to Bangkok, am going straight back there. The clothing was more funky, and there was more fashionable designs and cuts, not just plain tee’s with fake labels on the front, like in MBK – boring!

Once the funds had ran out, myself and David, a darling crew member whom i met on this trip, went for a traditional Thai massage! The walk back to the hotel took 10 times longer than on the way there, as we sleepily stumbled home!

Sydney

2008-08-09T03:50:00.000-07:00

Many sleepless nights were had coming up to this trip, back to my home land where i belong. I absolutely love Sydney, always have, always will. And for me, Sydney is the closest thing to Adelaide as for Melbourne, we all know that i aint too fond of that depressing hole!

The best thing about Sydney, was being able to see some familiar faces once again. Firstly i got to the hotel room, attempted to have a power nap, and was picked up by Shelly, where i spent the afternoon with her and hubby Paul. It was so great to see them; and once again “Thanks sister Shel. Love ur ass!!!” After lunch at Bondi, and a tour of their home, i headed back to the hotel room and put myself to bed! – Delirium was defiantly settling in!

Several hours later, i was woken by this an old man, who made his way into my room! It was Daddy G, the king of Gravox. The creepy little old man who i longed to pay out! And he typically made it so easy to do so..... he he! Little daddys girl was back in action and was loving every minute of it!
It was so great to hang with Dad, we had dinners and breakfasts, went shopping and just strolled around for hours, from Darling Harbor, to China Town then down Oxford Street one night. It was brilliant. It really made my stay in the big city much more homely.

The only problem i had was trying to fit all the shopping i did, mainly groceries, in my already over full suitcase. It got to the point that even sitting on my suitcase wasn’t heavy enough. I had to jump several times and literally had to stand on it, trying to keep my balance as i bent forward to latch it! Great difficulty i tell u! Still managed to get in the new pair of Uggies i bought, which are an absolute necessity here in the dunes, considering it is only 40 something degrees here today! What the??? Chocolate brown ones too, they are all porn!

I even like the way Sydney is up with the times, displaying the tard face over many of its billboards, he he. Daddy, i know u hold the proof of this.... he he

Cape Town

2008-08-09T03:23:00.000-07:00

Cape Town is a stunning city with European influences in the buildings structures. The town is based at the bottom of the mountains and stretches just a small distance to the ocean. Where ever u stand, u are surrounded and in awe of the picturesque views of the worldly famous table mountain, the lions head and the port. Its beauty is so grand, that only the cutest of dolls houses would be found here. It is defiantly one of the countries secrets, however whilst being here, it is difficult to believe that u are in Africa.

I was privileged to be able to visit Cape Town three times last month. And this allowed me to really experience what it had to offer. On one trip i did the fine dining dinner at the Waterfront, a place full of shops, and a style of food to suit anyone. After a few bottles of wine, a detour to a nearby bar, typically a few shots of tequila, then straight to the clubs we went. A place called the BroncX a gay bar where fun times were had by all. They are not shy of a party in this town.

During my second trip, i had an early night, woke up first thing the next morning and went on a tour going through Bantry Bay, Clifton Camps Bay, all the way down the coast to The Cape of Good Hope. We went to the National Park and got a beautiful collection of photos, and then to a Penguin park, where the animals live in their natural environment. The other thing about going on this tour which i was so intrigued by was, whenever we pulled the minda bus to the side of the road, within five mins, u would be able to see Southern Right Whales. This was amazing, watching them swim, so elegantly with their movements. My last trip, was very casual, i went out for breaky, then just strolled around the Waterfront for several hours. Always keen for a lazy dazy day out in a new exciting city!

Beijing

2008-07-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

Book me in for an emergency lung transplant!!! – i need one!!!

We all here about how some places in the world, China to name one, never have the privilege of experiencing a blue sky. Knowing this seems so sad, but seeing it an putting it all into perspective, it was really quite depressing. The pollution in this city is absolutely foul, i don’t know how people could live there....

I did manage to enjoy myself in the cloud of smoke. I didn’t get the chance to see the Great Wall, which i must tick off my list one day, due to the weather. The view wouldn’t have been the best at this time of year apparently. But the 24hrs i was there, was actually long enough. You could taste the pollution in the air, and even your clothing, reeked of dirty smoke.

The adventures of my trip were that i played tourist for the day, spending hours walking around the Forbidden City, which was brilliant!!! The Forbidden City is the home of the Emperor, Imperial Palaces and imperial gardens, of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. I saw Tian’ anmen Square, The Heaven’s Heart Stone, the Temple of Heaven which is the place where the Ming and Qing Emperors came to pray for good harvests and also the Summer Palace, the Echo Wall and the Triple Sound Stones.

There were people everywhere in these places, quite amusing as there were people older than you Daddy, that were playing hacky-sack!!! And there were ladies performing dance and song routines, and it was obvious they have never been to a dance class, even a disco in their lives.... But it was great to see that they loved it, and thought they were brilliant. Card games and checkers was being played by the hundreds, and there is no such thing as placing the card down, they slam it down as if they hae just gambolled their lives away.

The rest of the arvo i spent at the silk and pearl markets. Didn't buy anything there though, cheap fakies, and lots of crap to be honest - nearly got tempted with a bag, but once i left, i didn't regret going home with a wallet full of cash!!! Was quite impressed with that actually. Even the pearls, no matter how cheap and how good the quality was, they are......lets be honest, way to grandma-ish for me thanks!!!

The weirdest thing i found, was that one of my missions was to find a supermarket (more than challenging with the language barrier – i have no idea how this place is going to be able to host an Olympic games – good luck, they’ll need it! – those poor athletes!!!) I wanted to stock up on lots of little goodies, and flavours for my cooking at home. Once i found it however, the selection was most disappointing. There is more Chinese variety found in the local wollies at home, than in a giant super store in the middle of Beijing City??? I also never realized how poor China is, the rich are absolute millionaires, and the poor are poor. We've got it pretty damn' good!!!

Favourite Event:

Went out to dinner and ordered a meal, of.... i have no idea, the language barrier once again! It was far from the best and tastiest meal i have had, but the flavours and i spoze, the mystery of not knowing what we were ordering was both exciting and intriguing. The thick wooden tables has gas stoves in built in the centre, then they bring out a massive bowl, full of different flavoured broths, which u boil, and then out comes the raw, fish, noodles, and tofu. So it was similar to Korean in the way you end up cooking for yourself. It was so much fun, as all the workers of the restaurant were surrounding us around the table, laughing at us, been so motivated about the experience, but having completely no idea at the same time. There were times where we had to be basically spoon fed, with what to do...

Favourite Purchase:

Chocolate Cream and Peanut Butter Oreo’s! They are amazing, and it is typically impossible to open a packet without finishing the pack in one sitting. Glad i bought a few packets for that reason!!! not glad for the waist line but!!! (Not traditionally Chinese either??? Hmmmm????)

Paris

2008-06-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

I went to Paris on a mission to decide, which is ‘the city of Love...’ The reason behind this is that i had used this statement, associated to my recent trip to Venice. However, i was then corrected or shall i say questioned.... ‘isn’t Paris the city of love?’ well, i don’t care what they say, i have my own answer...

Paris is just Paris, Venice is the city of Love!!!

- And doesn’t that sound funny, Paris is just Paris (look at the jet-setting attitude now!)

Don’t get me wrong, i really like Paris. It is a beautiful clean city, and being summer - it was perfect... I wish i had a t-shirt for during the day, but once the sun began to go down, i was glad to be all rugged up. I couldn’t believe how quickly the temperature could drop, and the other thing that amazed me was that the sun doesn’t go down until after 9pm even 10pm... There’s no such thing as an early night in France.

I continued with ticking off some of the boxes on my long “things to do before i die” list, seeing places such as Notre Dame, The Ark de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and more..... And the old buildings, i love them, standing in Paris reminded me slightly of the London, but much classier. There were moments where i let myself drift off into Emmies little dream world, pretending to live in some of the most beautiful and glamorous apartments i have ever seen, with tiny iron balconies covered with small flowers, feeling like a beautiful princess! But seriously, imagine waking up living in a place like this every morning... Life must suck for some people!!!

There is so much to see and do in a city like this that i look forward to my future adventures here, like spending a whole day in the Lourve. I didn’t go there due to lack of time, as i know i would have wanted to be lost in there for hours, admiring all the artworks esp. those of Dali and Escher (my all time favourite artists).

Favourite Purchase:

Ballet Slippers, and typical me, i couldn’t decide which colour so i bought both, black and baby pink.... Now i can prance around my home, because i am the little dancing ballerina girl... so grown up!!!

Favourite Event:

Eating, at a crepe restaurant where i ate delicious Buckwheat crepes with vegies and salad, with the worst ice coffee i have had in my life (but lets forget that part!), followed by desert!!! The yummiest vanilla ice-cream which was deep gold in colour, with caramel toffee topping but not just any topping, this was insane... i don’t know what their secret is but it was brilliant!

Manila

2008-06-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Packed and ready for another trip to Venice, as i rocked up to work, i find my flight changed and im heading to Manila, Philippines. All excited as i hadn’t been there before and to be honest i was only in Venice days earlier, so ready to start a new adventure!

I experienced my first day in Monsoonal weather, and damn the sky can rain! I have never seen so much heavy rain let alone the amount of water, besides looking at the ocean – duh!

The people are so beautiful in the Philippines, tiny frames with big glowing smiles. I think they are such beautiful people, with their perfect little features and gorgeous black hair! It was amusing for myself, as i admired their beauty when they were equally amazed at my eyes, as they were not used to seeing blue eyes...

Due to the weather, my time in Manila was experienced inside and let me tell u, they love their shopping in Manila, and cheap dvd’s, and not the burnt crappy ones either! – I was stoked as i added a few to my collection – like one of my fav’s – Domino of course!

I bought a few more neck scarfs which brings me to an interesting point! Are u aware that the world experienced a fashion of big neck scarfs some countries even 3 yrs ago? Well oz missed this one, or it just never took off. So 3 yrs behind, i am getting into the so called new look in my eyes, but outdated in other places i go! Oh well, its all about the strut!!!

On the Friday night most of the crew went clubbing, yep fun times and much tequila in one of the biggest clubs in Manila called the Embassy! Had the best night but the dj, hmmm it was one of those ones whom do an awesome work-up then just leave u hanging!!! What the???

Ok this is the foul part! On the flight home half way through the service BAM! Straight to the lav, with a glamorous dose of food poisoning – damn prawns! I have never been so ill, so quickly it was horrible! I then spent the next 7 hrs in the flight deck! I even managed to power chuck in the flight deck – missed the captain thank-god, but how incredibly embarrassing! But if that would ever happen to anyone, it would defiantly be me! There we go again, too much information!!! But by the time i got home i was even worse... i thought i was dying and all i wanted was my Mum!

Favourite Purchase:

New handbag, not girly at all, plastic bright blue, with one side covered in a brick style pattern in blue, purple, green and white. Different i know, but i think it will look funky, all u need is the sunnies and lip gloss remember – and ur ready to go!

Favourite Event:

Finally lying in my own bed, after the horrific flight home! I want my Mum she says again, and some lemonade!

Venice

2008-06-17T01:42:00.000-07:00

- The city of love, and isn’t it just that... Venice is the most beautiful and romantic city...

I remember asking the question “Where does a flight attendant go for their honeymoon, after flying to many glamorous destinations for work?” I have found the answer and it is Venice, Italy. I have to admit that at times i felt a little lonely and missing having attention, as it was defiantly a place for lovers...

Venice is built on one hundred and seventeen small islands, and holds 150 canals, connected by an amazing 409 bridges. So my time in Venice was spent walking, walking and walking some more. I loved the feeling of almost being lost, wandering down the canals and tiny narrow lanes. The buildings were so old, and had so much character. Many small shops were hidden away in the walkways such as glass blowing shops with dainty jewellery, gorgeous vases, plates and more and decorative mask shops. There were tiny coffee shops and real Italian cake stores, where i realised my love for cakes as they are not like the ones at home.

San Marco Square was massive, and in one of the small lanes leading off of it, i ate real Italian pizza for dinner and it was delicious! I managed to find a small bar full of locals enjoying a knock of drink, in a small courtyard and it was so lovely to be standing in such a relaxed yet very old and glamorous place.

It was beautiful to stay out late to enjoy the city once the sun had gone down and all the lights came on. I am looking forward to heading back to Venice in a couple of days, this time to try real Italian expresso, and to take a ride on the gondole.

Favourite Event – Just being lost in the city of love, that i love.

Favourite Purchase – Cream puff from a tiny Italian cake store, where i was reunited with my long lost love for cakes with heaps and heaps of cream.... yum, and only 1.2 calories!!!!! – whatever?

Seychelles

2008-06-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

I have been to paradise!!! This trip is an absolute dream!!!

i feel like i have been on a honeymoon – all by myself!!!

Seychelles is made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, east of Africa. 41 of these islands are the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth. The other islands such as Mahe, where i stayed, are famous for their stunning beaches, tropical surroundings and the African culture which still exists.

The water is of amazing blues and green, it is so warm and so clear that you can see all that is beneath the surface. I spent hours and hours swimming just in awe of my surroundings. The sand was so soft and white, the tropical fauna around was so lush with mountains in the background, the beaches themselves were not overcrowded nor polluted, and to top it off i saw the most stunning sunset i have ever seen in my life.

Walking along the beach was so relaxing, with the warm breeze and the sun shining, if only i could tan!!! I stopped at a little cafe on the beach where i enjoyed an ice coffee and down the beach a bit further, i ate a delicious serving of grilled prawns for dinner... After sun down, i was back to the beach, lying back just listening to the peaceful waves of Seychelles.

This place is perfection!!! I think i have found the ideal retirement package!!!

Nairobi

2008-06-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

JAMBO! (hello in Africance)

Well i love Africa. I defiantly enjoyed my stay in Nairobi, Kenya.

We went to the Markets and it was insane. They were not very big but you could get lost in there for several hours. The people in the stores harass you, follow you, barter and try to bribe you. I loved all the trinkets, and the wooden statues and the array of beautiful colours. The people were ever so kind and full of enthusiasm. It is amazing to see the beaming smiles on their faces and their contagious giggles, especially when they live in such poverty.

Nairobi is such a highly populated place and the bustle of movement of people walking all around the streets reflects this. People would just stop and stare at us when we walked by. I felt like i was famous but it was defiantly just because we were white, and i am sure the red hair didn’t help!

Im glad i ordered some room service though. I have always known not to as it is so overpriced but i did order a cheese platter and it was foul so now i think i have it out of my system, which is a good thing. I probably could have complained as even the dry biscuits were softish, but i know even in Dubai some of the savoury biscuits aren’t that crispy – so i let it go. I think we have always had nicer cheeses in the fridge at home. That brings me to a question, how is my baby fridge?

One morning five of us (from the crew) were picked up at 8 and we went on a 4hr safari. It was great to get out in the African savannah, even though it made me feel like watching The Lion King, yet again. Being cold here most of the animals had migrated, yet by the end of the trip i was still satisfied with what we saw. The closest animals we managed to get to, were several giraffes, one in particular, which we got few meters away from. It was a little scary at times as the tour bus we had, which had the open pop top, sounded terrible and with all the bumps on the paths, i thought we were going to loose a tire or even worse half the side of the van. It was very interesting.

Favourite Event:

The highlight of the safari however was an absolute classic. We stopped at a park site were there were facilities to cook a barbeque. Here i found it most amusing as we found a sign, “beware of the baboons.” As we all mucked around and began acting like monkeys, or better for me i defiantly was the true ranga and i think i pulled it off!!! But then out of nowhere came the baboons. They must have done this before, as they went straight for the van, through the opening in the roof, for a search for food. We had all left our bags in the van luckily they were all zipped shut. The baboon scratched and scratched at our bags trying to open them to go through our things. As this failed, we came to our next problem, trying to get it out of the car. One of the girls on the tour actually hates all animals, and fears them like i have never seen before. The only reason she did this is because she thought in the car she was safe and away from any physical contact from them. I think it was to add a tick to your ‘to do before u die list.’ It was so funny watching her. After opening all the doors and waving around a few branches out came the baboon and in we jumped. I don’t think we moved so fast all day. I got some great photos of this to show u.

So incloncusion: I WAS ATTACKED BY A BABOON!!!!!

From the safari we headed out to lunch at one of the famous restaurants in Nairobi called “Carnivore.” And yes, the name says it all. It was all about eating meat, meat, meat and some more meat. We ate Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Livers, Crocodile, Ostrige, Deer and more. After your first round of drinks they bring out a tiny tiny salad for the 5 of us to share, and a hot dinner plate, the ones that sizzle. From here they bring all kinds of meat to your table and offer it to u off of the largest squers i have seen in my life. In the centre of the table was a spinning wheel full of different condiments each dedicated to a different meat, and different style these meats were cooked in. It was delicious. I have always liked crocodile so it was in my top 3, in second place was the ostrige – never had i tried and i was really impressed and my favourite which i was very surprised about was the pork ribs. I never have been hot on pork and i hate eating off bones but with the delicious marinate it was cooked to perfection. For desert i had brandy snaps of course!!!! Always will if it is on any menu.

From lunch at Carnivore, we made our way to “Bomas of Kenya,” where we were taken on a mini tour of traditional Kenyan villages from years ago. I found this more interesting than the others which were with me, that i ended up walking of with the local tour guide learning and asking questions. I found it really intreeging, but i have always had a soft spot for anything African as u know. It was really interesting to learn not just about their housing but the relationships between different tribes from below Mombasa to North of Nairobi.

After this we went into a hall, it was more of a large arena where we watched local dance and song. The story was based on the transformation from African living years and years ago to having to go through changes when the white people invaded Africa, slavery then the evolving of the country and the people themselves. It was very, very interesting.

Back to the hotel we went, where i met some crew from the emirates flight which had recently just arrived. After talking with them for a while i found myself out to dinner with them at a place called “Casablanca.” I was so amazed when i walked in. It was a restaurant with a Mediterranean influence, i couldn’t believe there was a place like this, so glamorous in Nairobi, but every city has its secrets. It was so beautiful, lit by candles everywhere inside and out. It was defiantly fine dining so it was nice to treat ourselves.

From here we decided to go for another drink and we had heard of a nightclub about 2 blocks away from the hotel. So as we were leaving the foyer, the concierge and a female receptionist ran after me. They informed me not to talk my handbag and not to take any valuables or much money as they thought it would get it ripped off me. Realizing this i headed back to my room, and decided to have a night in, rather than trying to make a night out of nothing. The danger side is not what scared me, but there are always necessities in a chicks handbag and without this i was naked. Plus a night off the turps is good for me at the moment.....

Although on my stay i did try their local beer called ‘Tusker.’ It claims to be the finest quality lager, and i did enjoy it even though one night it turned me very silly!!!! Hehehehe, ok i was a bit loose!!! I even ended up at the Casino, which i never ever do... and don’t wish to do anytime soon. Learnt a few games but!!!!!

The other things that made me laugh from Nairobi are:

At home we have the petrol brand Mobile, however in Nairobi it is called Kobile??? – get it, i thought it was funny and maybe its stupid, whatever!!!!! I think its a Kenyan thing???? We don’t call it Aobile??? Nor SAobile????

Also the slogan for advertising Coca Cola is: Coca Cola Available in 3 sizes...... yep thats it????? Thats the best they got!!!! And also on the coke topic, when u order a coke in Nairobi, they ask if u want it hot or cold???? What the hell??? Apparently it has something to do with in different weather they drink it different ways. But this still doesn’t make sense because even though Africa can get hot, it doesn’t get very cold either. Nairobi is 8,000ft above sea level so the heat is far from extreme, so what’s with the hot and cold coke????

Favourite Purchase:

Earings made of coconut and bone, generally i don't support animal products but this time i failed, hey im in Africa!!!

KWAHERI (bye in Africance)

Birmingham

2008-06-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, i like Birmingham more than London, ok i know that is a bit of a statement – whatever. Adelaide compared to Sydney is like Birmingham compared to London – although i like Sydney! I felt like i was trapped in a giant postcard and was unsatisfied as if i had seen it all before, but im a chick and we’re never satisfied.

Birmingham – Famous for the Bullring, a major shopping centre with a few streets of shops coming off of it. It is like the Myre Centre of Adelaide, but sorry to say, much much better. All i have to say really is thanks to credit, my suitcase was at least 4 times heavier on my way home and i was only there for 25 hrs. It is a shop-a-holics playground!!!

Faverouite Purchase:

The 1950’s Rayban Wayfarers – in plastic white!!!

You cant kill Cool,
Cool is immortal.
Cool doesn’t die.
Long live cool.

And these sunnies are very cool, its all porn!!!

Favourite Event
That’s right, i feel like myself again, the ranga has been released, i got pierced!!! And all of those who know me well, say no more, u know where!!!

The hotel was lovely, it was funky white with either hot pink or a bright red, art deco style, i felt like i was living in a film clip. Well i suppose u wont be hearing about the hotels for much longer as im sure ill be sick of them and living out of a suitcase in no time.

Dubai and Razooki - the beginning

2008-06-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Dubai and Razooki - the beginning

When i first arrived, taking everything in was definitely overwhelming. I took at least a day or two to build the courage to unpack all my things and move in. I am really in the desert, there is sand everywhere. The winter season is over, so it’s about 40 degrees and summer is still on its way.... Each day is getting better and better, i am settling in now. Once i get a few more photo’s around the place, it will feel like home.

Dubai is a cool place, it really is the futuristic city of the world. The construction here is phenomenal. People were not lying when they said that 80% of the worlds cranes are in this one city alone.

During the day its a bizarre city and i sometimes question myself, ‘where am i and what am i doing’ but by night, this place is brilliant. Its a city that doesn’t sleep, the lights come out and the glamorous places open and its just amazing. I will get some photos to put online soon.Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!!! Wow the malls here are great. I have never shopped like this in my life, nor have i enjoyed it so much. Back home i was never too bothered but it is surely a different world. The stores are beautiful, the malls are massive but the only problem is, that people can smoke in them. Its foul.

I have been out a few times to a couple of bars and clubs called: Plan B, Zinc and well many more but as u can tell, i went to these places after a few so i really have no idea, of where i was. Ooops!I love my apartment, its brand new, and wasn’t even finished when we moved in. I had no gas for the first week, hot water was a problem and the apartment wasn’t fully furnished. It took two weeks to get curtains which was interesting as many work men stood in construction sites outside, looking through our windows. It was like we were famous. I think i only forget and flashed once, but it was a goodie!

Its very, very low rise for Dubai, only 13 stories, with a pool and gym on the roof making it 14 stories i suppose. The only prob is we are about 20min from Sheik-Zayed Road (the main strip) near the boarder of Sarjah. Sarjah is one the other 7 emirates that make up the UAE and is extreamly strick, its a dry zone and requires complete body coverage, especially for females. When the Shiek of Dubai, turned the city into a cosmopolitan, westernized town, his wife was not happy with the change. She talked the Sheik to make it law, that Sharja stays respectful to the religion. Those who do not obey, are faced with fines and prison. Haven’t been there yet!!!! The other reason for this is the Sheik of Dubai borrowed a massive ammount of money from the/or one of the Sheiks of Saudi under the agreement that Sarjah remained like Saudi in many ways.