I am less than three days in and recovering from a near - fatal bus crash. Although I am fighting and resisting writing about this experience, wondering if I am perhaps dwelling on the recent events, thoughts resonate in my mind and I cannot help but recount the reality of what happened.
All 28 crew returned to Dubai and are safe and healthy. Currently, I find myself struggling to move towards authentic gratefulness. I know I will get there, perhaps even as soon as tomorrow, however, at the moment I feel frustrations bordering on anger, admittedly, self - pity and wishing someone would miraculously understand the magnitude and perhaps say some magic words to stifle my fear.
August 28th, 2011, 28 crew endured delays to finally reach our destination; Bangkok. We were more than tired - we were shattered and exhausted after a day in uniform for over 16 hours. We operated a turn- around from Hong Kong to Bangkok. Wonderfully, our transport received us and we slumped happily on our seat en route to our hotel. As usual, there was chatter about the full flight, followed by earphones to the ears, lipstick wiped off faces, and hair loosesend. We were free from the view of the public at airports and passengers who followed us taking pictures.
About 20 to 30 minutes into our blissfull ride to our awaiting bed - Oh my god, we were sliding! Sideways and out of control as if we were on ice. Worse than that, we were on a vaulted highway in a double decker bus. It was 3:40 am and the rain was pelting down fiercly. It is monsoon season in Thailand.
I felt it, the slow sway, the incorrect slide, immediately and was alarmed with so many thoughts. Initially, there was mild concern as I thought the bus driver hydro-planned but would certainly gain control. Everything was in slow motion. But we nearly tipped and then we fish-tailed towards the other side of the highway. I remember thinking for a split-second that perhaps our driver fell asleep at the wheel, but our driver was trying to compensate for the direction heading towards the edge of this escalated highway where we had no chance of survival. This went on, back and forth in a slow and terrifying, rounded zig zag. Maybe 30 seconds in, I was hoping and praying that he was going to get control. I remember my earphones falling out of my ears, I was listening to french conversation, and I began saying, "no, no, please.....," over and over, very quietly, but audible. We then hit the side of the highway, just lightly enough to send us out of control again, more swiftly and tipping, I began to go into shock. I was SURE there was no chance of anything but disaster. At this time my mind just didn't go to the place of what extent. We, again, swerved to the other side - my side, where I could see the edge coming. I looked out my window seat and saw everything below. The height, the ground so far away. I was so high up and occupying the backseat which was raised higher than all other seats, and being at the aft of the bus I felt every whip of the out of control vehicle. I saw concrete, I saw how high we were up and I felt the speed. I heard gasps and groans and half screams. Now I was clonic. Rigid, waiting, "please just stop!" I wished we would just tip on the highway. I would welcome the injuries. I wanted to just stay on the highway. I begged to "the universe" to spare us and just crash - please don't go over the edge. Then, we swerved again, and again and I shut down. We veered again and again. It just went on too long, enough time to realize all that was inevitable. I don't remember how we came to a halt.(We discussed later that we teetered long enough to have lasting effect, equivalent to trauma as if we survived near-death three times over!) I was confused, as I was sure we should be dead. There was no question. It was surreal. I watched, I felt, I knew. I felt the ridiculous vehicle near- tip - I watched several times as the edge came towards me and promised devastation, promised tipping over the edge to a concrete grave. You might not ever understand and I never want you to. We stopped.....
Moments, after screaming ceased, I realized, I didn't hear them before... just stillness and then I yelled, "Please stop, please let's just stop for awhile...." I was full of panic. I wanted off but wanted to follow colleagues who sat still in their seats. Here we were sprawled across a four lane higway.... Where were other cars - what if we hit another car....? My mind was swimming, my hand was in the colleague's hand beside me. I think tears were in my eyes.... What the fuck just happened....? I didn't want one word spoken to me. I needed to figure out how we were still alive! And I needed to breathe!
Long story, short - we crawled "home" in that hateful bus. No police, no console. We were all in shock. The pilot, Captain, had yelling words with the driver and our amazing Purser, our supervisor. Adam was supportive and I knew we were in good hands. A short time after, we simply kept going to our hotel. We dispersed and some of us met to sip beers - wide eyed and wanting interaction.
I got to my room and proceeded to throw up. I fumbled through my cell phone and attempted to call my mum. I couldn't get through and was thankful as I needed some time to be with my colleagues. We chatted for hours into the early morning, sipping big beers. We had to sleep as we had to operate back home to Dubai that very day. (We sipped beers legally, by the way).
That is that... We woke up and got on the bus and transported to the airport. The driver drove beautifully slow during that rainy, thunder and lightening night. We arrived later than usual and quicky made our way to the gates, and operated our full, demanding flight, as usual.
I feel tension and I feel tears well up as I re-counted the events. I feel strong, though. I am slowly feeling authentic gratitude. I feel that I do not give a shit if I am dwelling a little bit. I am feeling that it is ok that when I re- tell the events, some say, "I would have beat the crap outta that driver". I dismiss that they have no idea as to what it feels like to SEE before your eyes death right in front of you and that that driver who put us in danger, also got us out, due his experience. I know that there are many tiny factors contributing to us being here. Had there been a car in the wrong place, had there been weight of our crew luggage in another spot...? I regress and think about it all before I try and sleep. I go on in my head and am still in awe.
Big breath.... I am home and I had a nice dinner with girlfriends. I wasn't quiet about my episode and after speaking with my mom and spending some time with Monaco, Stephanie, and Jamie. I feel beautiful. Back to almost normal, although, I held Steph's hand during a cab ride... We were travelling too fast... and she knew... Thank god, thank the universe, or whoever you thank - for beautiful friends!
Thank you for sharing this experience. I look forward to moving FORWARD. I am off to New York - where I feel so alive and can't wait to share happy experiences. I LOVE this city. What I get up to will be shared soon ;)
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tour de France, of Sorts
A brilliant layover trip to Paris, France! It was a "PG" sort of trip; literally. I travelled with my new friend Jale (Juh- lay), and her beautiful mother, Helene. Jale and Helene are of Turkish descent and Jale was born in Australia. Helene was wrapping up a summer trip to Turkey and joined her daughter in Dubai. Jale and I operated the flight from Dubai to Paris where the two would continue their mother- daughter visit. I love them both and thank them tremendously for sharing my day - or I should say, for allowing me to share their day! They got along so lovely and I miss my Mom so terribly, so it was sincerely quite beautiful to be in their presence.
We arrived to a beautiful day of 29 degrees celcius, in mid-afternoon. Nine of us crew piled into a cab to set out for the city. What to do, and where to start - and who to do what with who?! We talked of champagne below the Tour Eiffel (named after Gustave Eiffel) in the Champs de Mars, leaving the Trocadero district we would join a bus tour followed by a Siene River boat cruise to save our feet after working a long flight, and finally, a formidable dinner!
Jale, Helene and I set off on our own. Our afternoon began at Pont Neuf, which means "new bridge," however, it is the oldest standing bridge in Paris. For the first time, I saw the River Siene and it was amazing to see the history built all along its banks! This grand canal, with its mouth being the English Channel, its basin countries Belgium and France, is arched with over 120 bridges, linking districts to one another and giving Paris a mosaic of flavours and CULTURE! Take away a few hundred thousand tourists and I would think even Parisians would love their city - more than they already do, of course!
I dutifully listened to the guides, as much as humanly possible after working a long and full flight. I mentally took notes of what to research a little more in-depth at a later time... and then I just quit. Be there and take it in, I told myself. It was a beautiful day, the breeze atop the double decker was very much welcomed and the sights breathtaking. There was so much to absorb! (By the way I am usually "near- against" double decker bus tours in any city and this is the first one I utilized. No, you don't have to be in your fifties! Besides, bring along some Chablis and you've got a booze cruise.)
Paris is huge, busy, exciting, always beautiful, no matter what time of year and the tranvestites are something to behold, even in their pink glory at four o'clock in the afternoon.
Which takes me to the Quatier Latin. The Latin Quarter of Paris is in the 5th and parts of the 6th arrondissement (district), situated on the left bank of the River Siene. It is known for its lively atmosphere, bistros, higher education establishments and therefore, the best public houses. They are not called Pubs - this is not England or Ireland and don't EVER confuse the two or compare. Big snobby riots will break out ;) There is nothing "Latino" about the district and the area was named for its international language of learning during the middle ages.
The Theatres and Opera houses are structures I now remember to be something of a stage. But not literally, here, I just mean that they seemed "staged" or a facade. I am meaning that I cannot comprehend what I was seeing. I discussed this once, recently, with a dear male friend I travelled with to Spain and Italy. We agreed that there was so much beauty and we were filled with amazement with every new architecture we witnessed that we took the "little guys" (smaller structures) for granted. The sights became overwhelmingly too much, quite simply.
Opera de Paris Bastille, Madeleine (Magnificent theatre), Comedie Francais, Palais Royal... All beautiful with their gardens and more than grand entrances! I vow to see a production, show, ballet, or concert of any kind in ANY of these facilities at some point in my young or old life!
Of course, the museums! The stunning Pantheon (means 'Every God'), which is actually a secular mausoleum and up until 1922 housed 'The Thinker', Rodin Musee ('The Thinker', and my favourite, 'The Kiss'), Musee du Louvre.
Let me pause at its greatness; Musee du Louvre. Built in the 12th century, like much of the trandescent landscapes of Paris, 35,000 objects reside, from prehistory to the 19th century. None of that surprises or impresses a layman like me. What does impress is the history; the controversy, the seizures, court cases and war. There it stands today with works that have endured all of that! Imagine! And the bloodshed! I could write an entire essay here, but my brightside won't allow for that at this moment.
Interestingly, I just read that the Musee Louvre announced opening a Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi. Construction will be completed next year. This is a 30 year agreement, signed by the French Culture Minister, Renaud Donnediue de Vabres and Sheik Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan - costing 1.3 billion.... etc, blah blah.... It was designed by a french architect and the roof will resemble a flying saucer. Like the French, I have opinions about that. If you have money, they will build it? The UAE is younger than me! Only 33 years old. Perhaps "The Great Louvre" could find a more nostaligic home? Forgive me and my ignorant view, but... Anyway, 200 - 300 works will be rotated over a period of 15 years. Shukran - (Arabic for thanks) - I can see some works in my own "backyard sandpit".
Tour Eiffel, etc. tidbits: During the German Occupation, Adolf Hitler was embarrassed when the swastika flag blew off into the city and when he attempted to erect a new one he found the cables to the lifts cut. He immediately ordered the tower be destroyed and General Dietricht Von Choltitz disobeyed. I like ole cold titz :)
Also, it takes 70 tonnes of paint every 7 years to coat the "Iron Lady" to prevent the old lady from rusting. What a job! In my funny - to - me- mind, I picture hundreds of beret'd men in striped shirts painting away with little brushes. Artistes. . Kim, stop.....
Oh, and 'The Thinker' - it is Rodin's sculpture depicting Dante pondering poetry over the Gates of Hell and represents intellect - duh! 'The Kiss' is a sculpture capturing an Italian woman kissing her husbands brother and committing adultry! Very sinful. I love Rodin's story. He married his life-long partner, Rose Beuret, in the LAST year of both of their lives. If you don't get married for ever and ever - but you do right before you die - wow - Finally gave in - but the point is he gave in to his beloved comapnaion and it was meant to be. If I wasn't romantic - I am now!
We arrived to a beautiful day of 29 degrees celcius, in mid-afternoon. Nine of us crew piled into a cab to set out for the city. What to do, and where to start - and who to do what with who?! We talked of champagne below the Tour Eiffel (named after Gustave Eiffel) in the Champs de Mars, leaving the Trocadero district we would join a bus tour followed by a Siene River boat cruise to save our feet after working a long flight, and finally, a formidable dinner!
Jale, Helene and I set off on our own. Our afternoon began at Pont Neuf, which means "new bridge," however, it is the oldest standing bridge in Paris. For the first time, I saw the River Siene and it was amazing to see the history built all along its banks! This grand canal, with its mouth being the English Channel, its basin countries Belgium and France, is arched with over 120 bridges, linking districts to one another and giving Paris a mosaic of flavours and CULTURE! Take away a few hundred thousand tourists and I would think even Parisians would love their city - more than they already do, of course!
I dutifully listened to the guides, as much as humanly possible after working a long and full flight. I mentally took notes of what to research a little more in-depth at a later time... and then I just quit. Be there and take it in, I told myself. It was a beautiful day, the breeze atop the double decker was very much welcomed and the sights breathtaking. There was so much to absorb! (By the way I am usually "near- against" double decker bus tours in any city and this is the first one I utilized. No, you don't have to be in your fifties! Besides, bring along some Chablis and you've got a booze cruise.)
Paris is huge, busy, exciting, always beautiful, no matter what time of year and the tranvestites are something to behold, even in their pink glory at four o'clock in the afternoon.
Which takes me to the Quatier Latin. The Latin Quarter of Paris is in the 5th and parts of the 6th arrondissement (district), situated on the left bank of the River Siene. It is known for its lively atmosphere, bistros, higher education establishments and therefore, the best public houses. They are not called Pubs - this is not England or Ireland and don't EVER confuse the two or compare. Big snobby riots will break out ;) There is nothing "Latino" about the district and the area was named for its international language of learning during the middle ages.
The Theatres and Opera houses are structures I now remember to be something of a stage. But not literally, here, I just mean that they seemed "staged" or a facade. I am meaning that I cannot comprehend what I was seeing. I discussed this once, recently, with a dear male friend I travelled with to Spain and Italy. We agreed that there was so much beauty and we were filled with amazement with every new architecture we witnessed that we took the "little guys" (smaller structures) for granted. The sights became overwhelmingly too much, quite simply.
Opera de Paris Bastille, Madeleine (Magnificent theatre), Comedie Francais, Palais Royal... All beautiful with their gardens and more than grand entrances! I vow to see a production, show, ballet, or concert of any kind in ANY of these facilities at some point in my young or old life!
Of course, the museums! The stunning Pantheon (means 'Every God'), which is actually a secular mausoleum and up until 1922 housed 'The Thinker', Rodin Musee ('The Thinker', and my favourite, 'The Kiss'), Musee du Louvre.
Let me pause at its greatness; Musee du Louvre. Built in the 12th century, like much of the trandescent landscapes of Paris, 35,000 objects reside, from prehistory to the 19th century. None of that surprises or impresses a layman like me. What does impress is the history; the controversy, the seizures, court cases and war. There it stands today with works that have endured all of that! Imagine! And the bloodshed! I could write an entire essay here, but my brightside won't allow for that at this moment.
Interestingly, I just read that the Musee Louvre announced opening a Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi. Construction will be completed next year. This is a 30 year agreement, signed by the French Culture Minister, Renaud Donnediue de Vabres and Sheik Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan - costing 1.3 billion.... etc, blah blah.... It was designed by a french architect and the roof will resemble a flying saucer. Like the French, I have opinions about that. If you have money, they will build it? The UAE is younger than me! Only 33 years old. Perhaps "The Great Louvre" could find a more nostaligic home? Forgive me and my ignorant view, but... Anyway, 200 - 300 works will be rotated over a period of 15 years. Shukran - (Arabic for thanks) - I can see some works in my own "backyard sandpit".
Tour Eiffel, etc. tidbits: During the German Occupation, Adolf Hitler was embarrassed when the swastika flag blew off into the city and when he attempted to erect a new one he found the cables to the lifts cut. He immediately ordered the tower be destroyed and General Dietricht Von Choltitz disobeyed. I like ole cold titz :)
Also, it takes 70 tonnes of paint every 7 years to coat the "Iron Lady" to prevent the old lady from rusting. What a job! In my funny - to - me- mind, I picture hundreds of beret'd men in striped shirts painting away with little brushes. Artistes. . Kim, stop.....
Oh, and 'The Thinker' - it is Rodin's sculpture depicting Dante pondering poetry over the Gates of Hell and represents intellect - duh! 'The Kiss' is a sculpture capturing an Italian woman kissing her husbands brother and committing adultry! Very sinful. I love Rodin's story. He married his life-long partner, Rose Beuret, in the LAST year of both of their lives. If you don't get married for ever and ever - but you do right before you die - wow - Finally gave in - but the point is he gave in to his beloved comapnaion and it was meant to be. If I wasn't romantic - I am now!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Time is FLYING
Six months ago, only six months into my new career halfway across the globe, I found myself thinking thoughts like, "I did it, I fully appreciate this opportunity, I am proud of myself for taking huge risks - when do I wrap this experience up and get home!"
Even though I was (and am) having the time of my life, I wasn't quite settled, I missed home and the people I left behind. Of course, those who love me will always be there and I am not finished with this amazing journey, yet!
Secondary to my naturally unsettled feeling which was driving me to try and set my "expiry date" for this adventure, I was becoming terrified of flying! Not at all ideal when one's job is exactly that.
Currently, fears have almost subsided to the point of enjoying some turbulence now and then. However, I've certainly faked a few smiles during some severe situations and afterwards attended to many injuries, air sickness, fainting, intoxication, diversions due to volcanic ash (imagine the A380, double decker flying at 16,000 ft to divert the threat of ash that may render engines useless, while looking out and seemingly being able to TOUCH the ocean below. Normal altitudes are 39,000 ft). Also, there were instances of threat and subsequently in-air diversion due to world events, such as the demand to contain and therefore close the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You see the news, so much more tragedy continues. There is constant inside information relayed as well. This doesn't reach the news, but is briefed to us personally.
Let's see...I recall one passenger sure that her heart was failing and she was dying! Dementia, advancements from colleagues and passengers, medical attention to a surgical site - an open wound, which took all my professionalism and first aid knowledge. Now THAT was surreal! I loved it!
This is just to name a few! I could go on and I am sure I will in forward entries.
Upcoming
Forward moving, I am excited for my flight tomorrow. I am operating to PARIS! I have been there twice, however it was during last years' very cold winter and I saw the Eiffel Tower for 2 minutes, proceeded to a Trocadero cafe, had ample amounts of hot red wine and decadent dessert - and the rest is a blur due to fatigue. This visit, however, after two days of blissful rest and poolside reading (no partying as my girlfriends are away flying and truthfully, this girl is detoxing from an incredible yacht vacation, sailing around Croatia), I will be fresh and am eager to see the sights and perhaps parle francais! By the way, I have been teaching myself French, here and there! Confession: It isn't going well. I will keep at it though! See you tomorrow, Paris!
I look forward to sharing my France layover experiences! Stay "tuned" to future blogs assuming titles resembling something like, "Kim Shits Her Pants... For the First Time as an Adult," (referring to plans of skydiving) and "Not a Bad Hospital to be In," (referring to my first Arabian racehorse riding lesson), and "It's a Girl" (just joking).......
Even though I was (and am) having the time of my life, I wasn't quite settled, I missed home and the people I left behind. Of course, those who love me will always be there and I am not finished with this amazing journey, yet!
Secondary to my naturally unsettled feeling which was driving me to try and set my "expiry date" for this adventure, I was becoming terrified of flying! Not at all ideal when one's job is exactly that.
Currently, fears have almost subsided to the point of enjoying some turbulence now and then. However, I've certainly faked a few smiles during some severe situations and afterwards attended to many injuries, air sickness, fainting, intoxication, diversions due to volcanic ash (imagine the A380, double decker flying at 16,000 ft to divert the threat of ash that may render engines useless, while looking out and seemingly being able to TOUCH the ocean below. Normal altitudes are 39,000 ft). Also, there were instances of threat and subsequently in-air diversion due to world events, such as the demand to contain and therefore close the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You see the news, so much more tragedy continues. There is constant inside information relayed as well. This doesn't reach the news, but is briefed to us personally.
Let's see...I recall one passenger sure that her heart was failing and she was dying! Dementia, advancements from colleagues and passengers, medical attention to a surgical site - an open wound, which took all my professionalism and first aid knowledge. Now THAT was surreal! I loved it!
This is just to name a few! I could go on and I am sure I will in forward entries.
Upcoming
Forward moving, I am excited for my flight tomorrow. I am operating to PARIS! I have been there twice, however it was during last years' very cold winter and I saw the Eiffel Tower for 2 minutes, proceeded to a Trocadero cafe, had ample amounts of hot red wine and decadent dessert - and the rest is a blur due to fatigue. This visit, however, after two days of blissful rest and poolside reading (no partying as my girlfriends are away flying and truthfully, this girl is detoxing from an incredible yacht vacation, sailing around Croatia), I will be fresh and am eager to see the sights and perhaps parle francais! By the way, I have been teaching myself French, here and there! Confession: It isn't going well. I will keep at it though! See you tomorrow, Paris!
I look forward to sharing my France layover experiences! Stay "tuned" to future blogs assuming titles resembling something like, "Kim Shits Her Pants... For the First Time as an Adult," (referring to plans of skydiving) and "Not a Bad Hospital to be In," (referring to my first Arabian racehorse riding lesson), and "It's a Girl" (just joking).......
Monday, August 15, 2011
Around the corner - a new thing!
This is the beginning; my very first post in my very first Blog. So, where do I actually begin?!
My Inspriation, My Project
With inspiration from my Mother and friends, who have recently been published, and a recommendation of a fun book, "My Year With Eleanor," by Noelle Hancock, here I am! I have so much to share with you!
I am about to embark on a very exciting "Live and Learn" journey! Firstly, I wish to brief you on my intentions and goals. I am going to interactively take part in a new adventure each week and document my experiences right here. That is mainly the "Living" part of my project although the "Learn" part will be naturally encompassed as well as I wish to venture on all NEW experiences. Also, I wish to share interesting things I LEARN as I travel the globe.
The intention and GOAL is simple and most likely, obvious. Embrace life and have fun. Experience new things as much as realistically possible. Push myself a little. We all know, "Life is short"!
Understand that I am no extremist and I do not have an endless supply of funds, so as mundane as some of my experiences may appear, it will be new and exciting to me and I shall explore bigger and better ideas as I go along! Half the challenge, I find, is getting out there and trying new things!
Stay tuned for adventures and a sneak peak into this flight attendant's journey! Around each corner a new potential adventure materializes and the possibilities are endless!
My Inspriation, My Project
With inspiration from my Mother and friends, who have recently been published, and a recommendation of a fun book, "My Year With Eleanor," by Noelle Hancock, here I am! I have so much to share with you!
I am about to embark on a very exciting "Live and Learn" journey! Firstly, I wish to brief you on my intentions and goals. I am going to interactively take part in a new adventure each week and document my experiences right here. That is mainly the "Living" part of my project although the "Learn" part will be naturally encompassed as well as I wish to venture on all NEW experiences. Also, I wish to share interesting things I LEARN as I travel the globe.
The intention and GOAL is simple and most likely, obvious. Embrace life and have fun. Experience new things as much as realistically possible. Push myself a little. We all know, "Life is short"!
Understand that I am no extremist and I do not have an endless supply of funds, so as mundane as some of my experiences may appear, it will be new and exciting to me and I shall explore bigger and better ideas as I go along! Half the challenge, I find, is getting out there and trying new things!
Stay tuned for adventures and a sneak peak into this flight attendant's journey! Around each corner a new potential adventure materializes and the possibilities are endless!
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