Today as I promised in the last post, I'll bring to the daylight one very important subject. The suicides within the airline. Shocking, sad but real.

Over the years, there have been numerous instances of suicides and suicide attempts among the Emirates cabin crew. These tragic events have largely been kept under wraps, hidden from the public eye, and shrouded in secrecy. The company has been quick to silence any discussion of these incidents, with the threat of immediate termination hanging over the heads of those who dare to speak out.

Every now and then, a story would leak out, making its way into the press. But for the most part, these tragic incidents remained hidden within the confines of the airline. I remember my younger, naive self, reading about these incidents and dismissing them as personal issues, unrelated to the job. I defended the company vehemently like a lioness, convinced that these were isolated incidents, unrelated to the work environment at Emirates.

But as I delved deeper into the inner workings of the airline, I was confronted with a harsh reality. The suicides were not isolated incidents. They were not the result of personal issues. They were, in fact, a direct result of the unbearable work conditions at EK.

Take, for instance, the case of a female supervisor who took her own life by jumping from an aircraft while it was abroad. She chose to do it outside of Dubai, in an attempt to draw the public attention to her plight, knowing that if she did it in Dubai, her death would be swept under the rug, as if it never happened. She had no personal issues, but she was constantly vocal about her suffering at work.

Then there was the flight attendant who attempted suicide at the airline's headquarters in Dubai. He was saved in the nick of time and rushed to the hospital. His cries for help, his pleas that the company was killing him, fell on deaf ears.

These are just two of the many heartbreaking stories that have emerged from the shadows of Emirates. Stories of individuals pushed to the brink, with no support from the company they dedicated their lives to. Stories of individuals who, in their darkest moments, felt they had no other option. 

I don't wanna point out every single one as it's too heavy and sad to know that more people took their lives for example in their crew accommodation etc... However it's important to know and not forget about them.

It's a chilling reality that if you're struggling, if you're showing signs of depression or suicidal thoughts, you can't expect any help from the company. In fact, you can expect the opposite. If you reach out to the "anonymous" hotline or the peer support organization, you're more likely to find yourself out of a job than to receive the help you desperately need.

It's heartbreaking to think about those who have lost their lives, and those who loved them. It's hard to comprehend why, knowing the immense suffering they were enduring, they didn't leave the job sooner. But perhaps that's a testament to the immense pressure and fear that the company instills in its employees.

This job, this prestigious, glamorous job, is not worth losing your health or your life over. Yet, tragically, some flight attendants have become fatal victims of the mentally draining atmosphere at Emirates. To those who have lost their lives, may you rest in peace. 

To those who are still working at Emirates, I urge you to take care of yourselves. Please, take breaks when you need them. Don't be afraid to say no to breaking your boundaries. And most importantly, please, take care of your mental health. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please seek help. There are many resources available to you, our of the airline.

Stay safe!

 Here we go - part II of the real face of Emirates.

As I mentioned in the previous post, Emirates Airline, for years, has been known as the jewel in the crown of the aviation industry, glittering with luxurious service and a reputation par excellence. However, under the surface, behind the gleaming facade and the immaculate uniform, there lies a sinister reality that is far removed from the glamorous image the organization so painstakingly tries to portray.

The flight attendants of Emirates, the brave souls that keep things running smoothly at 40.000ft have had enough. They have dared to raise their voices against the oppressive culture that pervades the airline. They have begun to share their experiences and to reveal the truth behind the polished exterior - the ugly reality that lies beneath the shiny veneer. They speak of an environment characterized by a monstrous attitude, suffocating atmosphere and traumatic experiences. 

The stories that have emerged are truly harrowing. They paint a picture of a company culture that is toxic, traumatic, and ruthless. A company that has been described as a 'flying hell', 'the worst', and a 'golden cage'. A place that has been likened to the infamous Guantanamo prison and where employees are treated like slaves. These are not isolated incidents, but a systemic issue that has been allowed to fester and grow unchecked.

Let me point out just a few examples from all the list of non-human, not fair, cruel and humiliating behaviors from the company to the cabin crew: 

Are you on a doctor-prescribed sickness leave and you have empty fridge, nothing to eat so to not starve you need to go to the groceries to get some food? Just be careful so nobody from the airline can see you - otherwise the company will be more than happy to take a disciplinary action against you and just fire you, because you're not rich enough to hire servants who would deliver grocery shopping to your bed and you dared to leave your accommodation and go buy it on your own.

Did you feel too dizzy on the flight or what's worse you fainted on board? Get ready to get your license revoked, they will be happy to punish you for it as it was your fault because no, you don't have right to get sick. You must be a robot. And no worries, nobody will even ask you what happened and if you had any health problems lately.

Did your eyes closed out of exhaustion and loss of the last piece of your soul by the end of 17h long flight? Man, if you ever become too human to bear the many times overtime and draining job, and you uncontrollably fall asleep in flight even for 1 minute - 99% sure it will be your last flight coz there's no place for human exhaustion, only robotic power and again - Emirates is just waiting to prove you how bad and weak you are, because obviously it's your fault, in any case not theirs. That's why so many cabin crew who feel they can't anymore, sneak into the lavatory and take a few minutes long nap where nobody can see.

Did you get injured, sick or whatever else that because of medical reasons you cannot fly for more than 60 days? Pack your stuff - you're about to be forced to leave or if you don't do it on your own - they'll fire you as now you're useless for them. Well, if the airline wants to be prestigious they need to stand out, right? Because in all the other airlines around the world you would be allowed to take time to heal and come back to work. Here you can forget and look for a new job.

Did you get pregnant and you're not more than 3 years in the company? Oh girl, they'll not only kick you out of work but also deprive you of your accommodation and send back to your country asap. And if you're lucky enough to be in the company 4 years or more, the only mercy will be that you'll be allowed to keep your job but also left without salary, without accommodation and without any support for the whole pregnancy time. And then? You have maximum of 2-3 months to leave a baby home and come back to work. But - only if you are perfectly back to your pre-pregnancy shape and weight and if you fit into your old uniform. If you have some additional kg left or your uniform got tight... You can get ready for being fired straight away or body shamed to the limits to force you to lose a lot of weight in a few weeks or to make you leave on your own. If you think that they care about your post-partum recovery or your baby's health, don't even bother yourself, they don't give a fuck. That's why so many ladies sued Emirates for discrimination and harm. Some cases were even taken to the press.

For the first 6 months in the company you cannot leave the UAE country out of work. If you do and they find out - you're fired + might be put in a lot of trouble.

If you're any other sex orientation than straight and you share your story in social media, most probably you'll get a disciplinary call to the office or even be fired without any warnings. This happened to multiple influencers, my favorite one disappeared years ago just after she published a video with her girlfriend. Emirates gave her a choice. Social media or work. With this company you'll always be censored.

Speaking about censorship... Yes, Emirates controls social media of their employees. There's a whole bunch of people who's job is spying on the crew activity on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and all other kind of social platforms and to give you some hint, these officers get promoted if they put crew in trouble, ideally if they make them fired. What's more, the company has a big special department of social media control = long story short, if you wanna create a content openly saying that you're a flight attendant of Emirates, you must first send it to the company for thorough checkup and approval. So, forget about freedom. Otherwise if you post something and someone friendly gives a whisper to the company, in the best case you'll get a warning, in the worst, if you post or speak anything about the real situation inside the airline, you'll just get fired as this is a top secret taboo. Therefore all the always happy cabin crew ladies covering Emirates with glitter in social media always promote them as much as possible - because first, they are under control and approved by the control and second, they're being paid for it. So once again - don't trust social media as it's infiltration and fake bubble at its best.

Warnings ah warnings... Don't worry about being too free and relaxed being a member of Emirates... There you can get a warning literally for everything, starting from jokes being found "inappropriate" to your body shape. The fun fact is that rarely the reports come because of the seriously safety/security reasons (what is the only real reason someone should be reported and the procedure all the airlines around the world follow), and 99% of the reports appear because of personal reasons, hatred and mobbing/bullying. And many of them are fake accusations. Of course the company never asks you for verification or lets you prove it's not the case, they just make your file dirty, because why not. Another fun fuct - if the supervisor is creative, even one warning can get you fired and you might never find out what really happened behind your back. 

Important to know that the reporting culture within EK is huge. What comes with it - the more someone reports and harms another crew member, the sooner they get upgraded to the higher class cabin. The reports are almost never verified. And you almost never have a chance to clarify the situation. So, even if you don't get fired, you lose a chance of being upgraded. So the circle is closed, people report other people to put them in trouble and block their growth = speeding their own career up.

What's more, half of Dubai is Emirates cabin crew so my darling you cannot feel safe anywhere as people love to report their colleagues for situations from the time and places out of work, however the airline is happy to see it and accuse you of "putting shame" and "destroying a good name" of the company, while you're just having fun at the party or dress something in their opinion "inappropriate" and then post it on Instagram for example.

If you don't look like extremely underweight person, have bigger breast than 99% of the employees, small waist and big buttocks, you'll most probably at some point start being bullied, reported and flooded with mobbing from the image and uniform officers and supervisors while your tiny colleagues will have a happy life. Real story that happened to me and more than ten other girls that I know in person.

If you are a colorful, crazy and independent person who doesn't wanna adjust to the royalty od the company and keeps being yourself in every situation - look at the points above, juicy bullying is waiting for you until you give up on yourself or leave the company.

If you faint or feel sick during the briefing, forget about getting any help. They'll put blame on you and give you absence at work which is exactly the same as you would be too lazy to show up at all. In general all your health problems are always and forever your fault and it's not allowed to have them, otherwise sooner or later you'll become useless.

Because of mobbing and harassment, many cabin crew members fall into anxiety, depression, insomnia, mental health problems and are literally scared to go to work, lose all the joy of flying and living in the bubble-trouble Dubai. Some even start having suicidal thoughts or in the best case end up in the psychotherapist office.

Security officers, ah officers... How many times happened that they broke into someone's accommodation saying that there was something happening when there was absolutely nothing and of course they couldn't prove it? Also, coincidence that they mostly see the "accidents" in the female accommodations huh? Happened to me too, at 4 in the morning, when I was half naked sleeping after 11h flight, food poisoned and half alive. Apparently, I opened a fire, did they ever prove it? No. Was there any fire or smoke? No. Was there a violation and violence? Yes.

Did the customer complain about you even though all the fellow crew members from this flight stand by your side confirm that the story didn't happen? The airline doesn't care, they'll put you in trouble without hesitation, even though everyone states it's not true. Because you and your clear records through years of work don't matter.

If you report sickness, there's a big chance the officers will accuse you of being lazy and looking for any reason to not come to work, and give you no show, even if the doctor confirms the health problems. This was the final red flag for dozens of crew who decided to leave soon after.

Have you been physically abused and expect the airline to act accordingly? If it was done by the other cabin crew, then yes, they will take your back. If it happened from the "hand" of someone higher by rank than you, then you're left all alone and the subject becomes a taboo like it never happened. How it impacts you and your mental health, if you carry a trauma until the end of your life - doesn't matter at all.

Do you have a crisis any problems, struggling and think of using the peer to peer help and mental support or the anonymous red line? Haha, man... It is supposed to help, it is supposed to be anonymous but you know what it in real is? None of these. Dozens of cabin crew lost their jobs this way. Why? Because they confessed to the people who went directly to the management and the next days, all the crew who looked for help got, was a goodbye letter and ticket back to their country. This is how the company cares about and supports their flight attendants, who anyways, started struggling because of the company itself. 

There were also many suicidals but... Let's leave it for another post coming soon.

And obviously, if you look for help, you tell anyone from the company that you're in the edge, that there's something bad happening, that you're being bullied, that you are being treated in a bad way, that you're fatigued etc etc, the airline will just state you as a mentally ill and will put you down, mock you even more.

These are just a few examples and the list is much longer...

Manipulation, brainwashing and accusations are a daily routine pracitce. Combined with all of the ones I mentioned above, results with hundreds of Cabin Crew leaving Emirates every month. What's more, there are hundreds of flight attendants being fed up with this airline and resign after just a few months since the day of joining.

People from all around the world, flight attendants of different cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, habits, and experiences have echoed the same points. It's a universal chorus of discontent, a symphony of dissatisfaction that cannot be ignored any longer. The worst stories come from those who have had extensive flying experience with other airlines before joining Emirates or those who have left Emirates to spread wings on the more friendly board. The stark comparison between Emirates and other airlines is a clear indication that Emirates's problems run deep.

It's heartbreaking to see the number of people who were once thrilled to join the airline, who thought they were about to embark on a dream job, only to find their dreams turn into a nightmare. The dream of soaring in the sky, of exploring new places and meeting new people, quickly becomes a prison. The allure of the uniform, the prestige of the role, and the promise of a glamorous lifestyle become chains that bind them to a toxic environment.

The management's obsession with body shaming, bullying, and ignorance is a constant cause of anxiety for the crew. No one should have to work in an environment where they are constantly belittled, objectified, and disrespected. This is not the hallmark of a reputed company, rather it is the mark of a company that has lost its moral compass. 

The horrible state of affairs at Emirates is undeniable. Flight attendants are fleeing the company like rats abandoning a sinking ship. It's a mass exodus of epic proportions. And how does the airline respond? By desperately scrambling to recruit replacements in a desperate frenzy. They're holding recruitment events in every nook and cranny of the globe, accepting anyone and everyone who bothers to show up. It's a far cry from the pre-pandemic days when Emirates had rigorous standards and only the cream of the crop made the cut. Now, they're so desperate that they can't even maintain a stable workforce. It's a clear reflection of the situation inside the company. It's an absolute mess, and quite frankly, it speaks volumes about the scale of this problem.

As this airline now keeps hiring literally everyone who showes up on the recruitment day, the standards keep going down in the insane pace. Instead of taking care of the old good crew and making them stay, they prefer to hire people who would never have a chance to be accepted even by the low cost.

Many people were laughing at Ryanair (including me, my bad), the "poor" low cost that used to hire people without too big requirements but now looks like even Ryanair has higher recruitment standards than Emirates, as they don't accept everyone like EK does.

Fun fact my dear readers - Emirates loves to stand out so much, that to get as many new people as possible, lowered the standards so much that even last months gave up on the basic safety requirement - SWIMMING ABILITY, without which all other airlines and private jets around the world would reject candidates from the start. Unbelievable but true.

So, next time when you fly with this company think a moment that if something happens over the water, most probably nobody will save your life, as the newest crew cannot swim. 

It's high time that Emirates takes a good, hard look at itself. To continue down this path of ignorance and apathy will not only harm its employees but will also tarnish its brand. The shine of the gold can only hide the rust for so long. It's time for a change. It's time for Emirates to fly better, not just for its passengers, but for its employees too. 

In the end, the question remains: How long can Emirates continue to fly high with the weight of these allegations pulling it down? Only time will tell. Until then, the brave flight attendants continue to share their stories, hoping that their voices will be heard, and changes will be made. And for the sake of those who once dreamt of flying, we hope that change comes soon.

I said what I said. No taboo here.

Could it be? Yes, indeed! Your favorite sky surfer is both a flight attendant and a tattoo artist! It's like mixing strawberries and pickles: odd, but surprisingly delightful. Let's embark on a whimsical tour of my somewhat peculiar career, shall we?

From my earliest memories, art was my first love. My childhood days were spent in a world of color and imagination, my hands restlessly sketching and painting every whimsical thought that fluttered into my mind. This love for art wasn't merely a pastime, it was the foundation of my dreams and an integral part of my identity.

Fast forward a few years and picture this: me, mesmerized in a tattoo studio, watching a dear friend as she masterfully inked vibrant stories onto human canvases. I was captivated by the colors, the intricate designs, and the stories that seemed to come alive with each new tattoo. It was like peeking through a keyhole into a fascinating new universe.

Inspired by this revelation, I began to play with tattoo designs of my own. An innocuous pen, a blank paper, and a mind full of inspiration were all I needed to start sketching my own renditions of the tattoo art that adorned my friend's studio. When she saw my designs, she was pleasantly surprised and, in a twist of fate, encouraged me to try my hand at tattooing fake skin.

Intrigued and eager, I jumped feet-first into this uncharted territory. Bit by bit, I explored the vast world of tattooing, learning about the tools, techniques, and safety measures, and diving headlong into various tattoo styles. It was like opening a treasure chest of art, and I was eager to discover every gem.

Over the past year, my journey as a tattoo artist has been nothing short of incredible. Every free moment I get, I find myself sketching new designs or working with clients who wish to wear my art forever. It's a deeply humbling experience to be part of their personal journeys of self-expression.

So, where does the flight attendant part come into play, you ask? Well, my other love is the thrill of adventure and the joy of new experiences. As a flight attendant, I get to meet diverse people, immerse myself in different cultures, and simply live out my love for travel.

Juggling these two exciting roles is like spinning plates, requiring a delicate balance of time, energy, and passion. When I'm not flying high among the clouds, I'm down on the ground, lost in the world of tattoos, creating new designs during layovers or scheduling tattoo sessions on my days off.

Being a tattooist-slash-flight attendant is like walking a tightrope sometimes, but the thrill and the joy are worth every step. I get to meet amazing people, hear their stories, and leave a lasting imprint on their lives through my art. There's something magical about being able to paint my spirit on someone else's skin.

Now, I know what you're thinking as you look at my pictures. Are you wondering if I'm a good girl without tattoos, or if my body is actually full of meaningful inked stories? Or maybe Photoshop is my best friend!? Yes, yes, tattoos are often treated like the biggest sin for a high-ranking flight attendant, but who said that even the best stewardess doesn't hide some secrets?

So, do I have tattoos or do I just put them on other people? Let's keep it a forever mystery, my lovely teddy bears. After all, a little intrigue never hurt anyone, right? Just imagine the conversations that would spark if passengers caught a glimpse of a hidden tattoo peeking out from beneath my uniform. The sky would be buzzing with curiosity and wonder!

Perhaps my fellow flight attendants will start a game of "spot the secret tattoo" during long-haul flights. Who knows, maybe we'll even create a secret club where we compare our hidden artworks. It could be like an exclusive society, accessible only to those soaring through the clouds, with inked tales waiting to be discovered.

But for now, let's keep the tattoos a tantalizing secret, floating in the air like the wisps of a dream. After all, every good artist loves to keep their audience guessing. So, the next time you're on a flight and you happen to see a flight attendant with a mischievous smile, know that beneath that crisp uniform, there might just be a hidden masterpiece waiting to be unveiled.

So buckle up, my fellow adventurers, and let the mysteries of the friendly skies and tattooed tales take you to new heights. And remember, in this vast world of endless possibilities, sometimes the most unexpected things can be found in the most unlikely places. Until we meet again, happy flying and keep those imaginations spreading wings!

Kiss Kiss Muah 🤪

 Here we go with the promised and so awaited by most of you Part I one of the real face of the famous Dubai airline. What you'll read in here is just the beginning, just the small flash of what "exciting" happened to me while flying there (and it's still not all coz if I was about to point all of them out it would take me a book, and the consequence of this adventure will be described in the final article...), so be ready for the next parts, general overview with the real stories of other crew and another dark corners of this theater. As I'm out of the never ending taboo bubble - Now, let's go! 

Just in case you need it to picture stuff better: before EK I had over 4 years of flying experience with renowned and huge international airlines & I saw a lot in the aviation industry, yet would never expect something like this.

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Once upon a time, I believed Emirates Airline was the epitome of grace, elegance, and sophistication. I was enamored by the allure of its beautiful flight attendants, the red hats, the creamy uniforms, and the red lipstick that looked like the perfect cherry on top. Little did I know that behind this façade of glamour and luxury, lay a world of torment, bullying, and discrimination. 

In 2021, I received my second Golden Call from Emirates. I was overjoyed, my heart full of dreams, and my mind buzzing with excitement. I flew back to Dubai, eager to don the famous red hat and the creamy uniform once again. My wings fluttered in the highest skies, my soul full of magic and dreams. The pandemic had temporarily taken my red hat away, but it couldn't dampen my spirits. I had spent that time in Turkey, working as a VIP flight attendant on a private jet. That experience had made my wings stronger and given me a taste of what was possible in the world of a luxury secret aviation. 

Returning to Emirates was supposed to be the beginning of a new chapter, a new adventure. I was eager to fly to countries I'd never been to before, to meet new people and experience new cultures. However, the beautiful dream soon turned into a living nightmare. The company that I had once admired showed its true colors, and they were far from the bright and vibrant hues I had imagined. 

The Emirates I returned to was a world of ruthless tyranny, where bullying and mobbing were the order of the day. The higher-ranked staff seemed to have an irrational hatred for anyone who dared to be different or independent. I was judged for my body, told that my breasts and buttocks were "too big" for the company's image. Everyday, different details of my appearance became a constant source of mockery and harassment. 

The bullying escalated to an extent where I dreaded going to work. The excitement and joy that once filled me at the thought of flying were replaced by fear and anxiety. The final straw was when I was physically abused by a fellow employee, and the company did nothing about it despite there being a witness. 

The stress and emotional trauma took a toll on my health. I developed insomnia, suffered from deep anxiety, and would wake up in the middle of the night crying and screaming. I experienced episodes of dizziness, fainting, shaking hands, and panic attacks. The neglect and indifference of the company led me to a hospital bed, unconscious with heart neurosis and cardiological problems. 

Regaining my health and confidence was a long and arduous journey. But I am glad to say that Emirates is now a part of my past. I would never go back, even if offered a fortune. My experience with Emirates almost cost me my physical and mental health (how much - you'll read later). I was and I am lucky to have a supportive partner, the love of my life, my now husband by my side who helped me through this dark period, as without him - it would be the real mission impossible.

I want to thank all the ex and current cabin crew of Emirates who had the courage to share their horrific stories despite the company's attempts to control their social media content. As you noticed I also disappeared from my blog soon after stepping into Emirates, not a coincidence, believe me. Your stories gave me the strength to speak up about the nightmare I lived through. You're not the only one. And now I see I was not too.

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I hope my story serves as a cautionary tale for those who are considering a career with Emirates. It is with a heavy heart and a burdened soul that I share the truth behind those glamorous pictures and videos that flood social media. The smiling flight attendants, dressed in impeccable uniforms against the backdrop of luxurious cabins, are often nothing more than a facade, masking the harsh reality that lies behind the scenes. 

I saw my fellow crew break down, their dreams shattered, as they succumbed to the overwhelming stress. But I pressed on, determined to prove myself and succeed in this supposedly glamorous world. Now I know that if not my self-sabotaging ambition of being the best and a need of proving it, getting validated, I would fight for myself much earlier...

The reality of the job was far from what I had imagined. I felt like a mere puppet, trying to prove my worth to always mean and mocking "ladies". Behind closed doors, tears stained my pillow as exhaustion consumed me.

Social media, with its carefully curated posts and filtered images, painted a picture of a lifestyle filled with luxury and excitement. But the truth was far from it. The constant pressure to maintain an image of perfection, the fear of being judged and scrutinized, weighed heavily on many of my fellow cabin crew. The smiling flight attendants you see in those pictures are often just as broken and exhausted as I was.

I watched colleagues battle with depression, anxiety, and burnout. We were constantly reminded that our lives revolved around the airline, that our personal needs and desires were secondary to the demands of the job and basically meant less than zero for the EK association. Our mental health became collateral damage, casualties of the company that prioritized profit over people.

So, to those considering a career with Emirates I implore you to reflect deeply on your priorities and well-being. No job, no matter how prestigious or glamorous it may seem, is worth sacrificing your mental health and happiness. Remember that social media can be deceptive, and all that glitters isn't gold. Just a friendly reminder - all my uniform pictures were also always perfect with the bright smile just like I was the happiest person in the world... However at some point some of my followers noticed that despite the smile, it was visible on my face and in my eyes that something is very wrong.

Choose a career that nourishes your soul and allows you to thrive, rather than one that strips away your essence and leaves you empty. Seek out environments that prioritize work-life balance, mental well-being, and genuine care for their employees. Your worth is not defined by the uniform you wear or the number of miles you fly, but by your own happiness and fulfillment.

Yes, Emirates gives an opportunity to take millions of stunning pictures around the world to post on Instagram and make your friends jealous, but is it all worth it? I think you know the answer.

My time with Emirates taught me the importance of self-care and the fragility of our mental health. It was a heartbreaking journey that I would never wish upon anyone. So, let my story be a cautionary tale—a reminder that no dream job is worth sacrificing your well-being for. Choose wisely, and may you find a path that leads you to wholesome peace, not to broken pieces.

By the end of this post and at the beginning of the Expo collection, I need to honestly say that I somehow feel sorry for all the new joiners going to enter the company soon or just on their first days there, I somehow wish you good luck, somehow worry that you'll go through the same as me and your colleagues and definitely hope that this company airline doesn't make your beautiful eyes cry too much...

Today, the calendar marks a significant spot, one that's close and dear to my heart. It's the 8th of August 2023, the eighth anniversary of this blog's inception! Eight years ago, a young, inexperienced, and somewhat unsure version of myself embarked on a journey. A journey that was as uncertain and volatile as the waves of the sea surrounding the tiny Greek Island I called home. A journey that, to my surprise and delight, would span eight years and reach across the globe, touching countless hearts and minds. Yes, it's been eight years since I pressed 'publish' on my very first blog post.

On that fateful day, I was a teenager, barely out of school, with a heart full of dreams and a head bursting with thoughts. I remember sitting on a rock, the gentle sea breeze ruffling my dress, the salty air filling my lungs, and the endless expanse of the ocean stretching out before me. It was a moment of tranquility, of solitude, of introspection. And it was in that moment, under the soft glow of the setting sun, I decided to create something that was my own, something that would reflect my thoughts, my experiences, my emotions. 

There was a certain shyness, a certain apprehensiveness, and yes, a certain shame. Who was I to think that I could write? Who would want to read my musings? But the desire to share, to connect, to reach out was stronger than my doubts. And so, I started to write. I wrote about my life, my dreams, my fears, my hopes, my disappointments, my triumphs. I wrote about the island, its beauty, its people, its culture. I wrote about the sea, the sky, the stars, the sand. I wrote about everything and anything that touched my heart and moved my soul.

And to my surprise, people started to read. People from different countries, different cultures, different walks of life. They read my words, resonated with my experiences, shared their own stories. They made me realize that we are all connected, in spite of our differences, in spite of the vast distances that separate us. They made me understand that no one is ever truly alone.

For six years, I wrote. I wrote before I became a flight attendant, I wrote being a flight attendant, I wrote in between of my flights, I wrote on layovers, even in the airplanes. Unfettered, unfiltered, undeterred. My blog became my sanctuary, my readers my companions, my words my wings. Then, life took a turn. I joined another, Dubai based airline that I thought was my dream, a job that promised adventure and excitement. But it also brought unimaginable restrictions. My freedom to write, to express, was curtailed. My blog, once a vibrant space filled with words and thoughts, became silent, became dead... 

But here I am, back where I belong, back to the world of words. The constraints are gone, and the passion, the desire to write, to share, to connect, is as strong as ever. I have stories to tell, experiences to share, thoughts to express. So, here's to a new beginning, a fresh start. 

Welcome back, dear readers! I'm here, free, happy, and ready to take flight once again. This is just the start of another exciting journey. Stay with me and enjoy the unfolding chapters of my life ✨

Dear readers,

It's time to buckle up, fasten your seatbelts, and prepare for a turbulent ride through the wild world of flight attendants. Today, I'm here to shatter your illusions and debunk the ridiculous stereotypes that have been floating around for far too long. So, grab your complimentary peanuts, sit back, and prepare to have your mind blown!

First and foremost, let's address the elephant in the cabin: the notion that flight attendants are nothing more than "stupid waitresses in the sky." Seriously? Who came up with that one? I can assure you that we are far from being mere waitresses, and the sky is our majestic kingdom.

Sure, we might serve you beverages and snacks with a smile, but trust me, there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. We are your guides, your protectors, and your entertainers in the sky. We are the ones who ensure your safety, answer your questions, and keep you entertained during those long-haul flights. We are the masters of the skies, and our job requires a unique set of skills that no ordinary waitress could ever possess.

Let's talk about safety for a moment. While you're busy reclining your seat and binge-watching your favorite show, we are trained to handle emergency situations with grace and composure. We know how to evacuate an aircraft in record time, administer first aid, and even fight fires at 40.000 feet. When was the last time you saw a waitress whip out a fire extinguisher or perform CPR on a passenger? Yeah, I thought so.

And let me tell you, our training is no cakewalk. We spend countless hours perfecting our emergency procedures, studying aircraft layouts, and learning how to handle unruly passengers. We're like a mix between MacGyver and a superhero, except our capes are invisible and our gadgets include safety cards and oxygen masks.

But it's not all serious business up in the skies. Oh no, we also know how to have a good time. Have you ever seen a flight attendant break into an impromptu dance routine or crack jokes over the intercom? Trust me, it's pure entertainment gold. We're the masters of inflight entertainment, and we take our job seriously, even if it means embarrassing ourselves in front of a plane full of strangers.

Now, let's address another stereotype that needs to be put to rest: the idea that flight attendants are all glamorous, young, and impossibly attractive. Newsflash, folks: we come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. We're not all supermodels or former beauty queens. We're real people with real lives, and our job is to make your flying experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, not to be eye candy for your mile-high fantasies.

And speaking of mile-high fantasies, let's address the elephant in the cockpit: the age-old myth that flight attendants are constantly hooking up with pilots. I hate to burst your bubble, but no, we're not all participating in a sky-high love triangle. And if you've ever seen most of the real life, not magazine cover pilots, you'd understand in a blink of an eye why it is so... 😉 Sure, there might be some sparks flying between colleagues from time to time, but that's true for any workplace. So, unless you're planning on joining the "Mile High Club" solo, let's put this myth to rest once and for all.

In conclusion, dear readers, it's time to take a moment to appreciate the hard work and patience of flight attendants, which many of you may underestimate. While it's true that most of the passengers struggle with the simplest tasks like opening the toilet door or asking about the city we're flying over, let's not forget the entertaining moments when someone asks, "Can we go to the cockpit?" and the mischievous response of "YES" from the stewardesses.

But let's be real, folks. Flight attendants truly deserve a Nobel Prize for their unwavering patience and the ability to resist the urge to catapult some passengers out of a cruising airplane at 40,000 feet. So, it's time to clear your mind and start appreciating the hardworking flight attendants because, believe me, without them, you wouldn't reach your desired destination.

And as a friendly reminder, remember my name, Magdalene, because you'll want to watch your mouth and avoid getting into any trouble if you ever have the pleasure of boarding my plane. Consider this fair warning, delivered in a juicy and funny way before it turns into knife-sharp one.

So, dear readers, let's raise your imaginary glasses and toast to all the flight attendants out there who keep you safe, comfortable, and entertained during our journeys. Here's to the unsung heroes of the skies, the real main characters of air travel. 

Cheers! 

Today is the day we bid adieu to the glitz and glamour of Dubai and say a vibrant and cheerful hello to the sunny, heartwarming California! Yes, you read that right, my lifelong dream has come true. From the shimmering mirage of Dubai, life has swept me off my feet and landed me in the land of golden sunsets and Hollywood dreams - California. Is there anything better? I think not!

But wait, it gets even more exciting. I didn't just come here for the sunshine and the beaches. No, I came here for a reason that's more than I could have ever imagined - a totally new chapter in my life and my cabin crew career. And it's not just a new chapter, it's a double new chapter! Because, you see, it's a new beginning, my first time flying military fleet and ticking off the ninth country on my residency list - the United States of America! And let me tell you, IT'S ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!

One of the best things that ever happened to me, I dreamt about even visiting the Los Angeles area since I was a child. My work has given me the opportunity to have many layovers in the States, but living here? In the city of angels? Just steps from Hollywood? Can you even imagine?! And flying soldiers... That's a reality so breathtaking that it blows my mind every single day. 

I've been here since the start of the year and still, I wake up every day in disbelief of my own luck. It feels like I've caught a piece of heaven and get to live in it daily! The bright, shining sun greets me every morning. The wide, sandy beaches beckon for daily walks and water sports like swimming, diving, and of course, surfing and kitesurfing whenever the wind is strong enough and my flight schedule allows.

Let's not forget about the thrilling hike to the Hollywood sign, or the chill vibes of downtown Beverly Hills! It's like living in a dream, or as I like to call it, my very own Barbieland. Living between the never-sleeping heart of Los Angeles and the home of worldwide fame, Hollywood (maybe I should try to get in there too, huh? Don't die, just kidding). And just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the dreamy San Francisco and VIP Malibu. What can I say? I'm a Barbie girl in a Barbie world, living my own American dream, but with a little more flying and a lot more military.

Don't even think it's all, many more spicy and glittery details are on the way! 

So, here's to new beginnings, to the next chapter, and to the adventure that awaits. Raising my glass of the very best champagne for all of you, cheers! 😘 And remember, no matter where life takes you, always find the sunshine. For me, I've found it here, in beautiful California. Until next time, take care and keep dreaming! 🌞🌴🌊🏄‍♀️🚁🇺🇸