jetlagged..... but satisfied!

After three exhausting days off in Holland, I flew to San Francisco again.

I had the best days off, but it was simply too much: I went down to Dordrecht twice, to visit my parents and to spend a day with my good friend Ingrid in her new house, I had a reunion of Sudtours (not to be missed either!), I had to study... The only thing not exhausting was my 13(!) hours of sleep one specific night (no alcohol involved). I think, or better, I knew that I needed it. Even after my flighttrip to Bahrain the days before, where I did nothing than relaxing and reading next to the swimmingpool. But what else can you do, when it is 38 degrees Celsius?! I have to admit, I skipped the crewdrink after arrival, was not that social the next day either with my colleagues, but I just needed to do nothing and be with myself. I had the best quality time with myself ever ;-)Reading this great book about a woman in the Middle East who escaped from the Iraqi regime when little, while her father was murdered simply because he was jewish. No surprise that she's now fighting her war against Al Qaida. However, I did cover my book, as reading this book in the Middle East, is asking for trouble, but made the whole story extra alive.

Although very relaxing, Bahrain can't be compared with San Francisco (what destination can?).
All my other fellow trainees are exploring new intercontinental destinations, I was not feeling bad at all about going back to San Francisco. Why? As there is everything you wish for! A great hotel, in the middle of the city centre, great view, great climate, the ocean close by, the pretty Victorian houses, the seals in the sea, the Golden Gate bridge, China town, great parks, the ocean, ringing of the cable cars .... You name it!
We had an amazing crew, who just stayed together after arrival instead of splitting up in their own galley groups (that's what normally happens with 5 galleys on one plane). The day of arrival I went shopping a little with my galley partner Miguel and another girl Alexa, the next day we met almost the whole group for beating the Golden Gate Bridge by bike! It was simply great, what else can I say? The weather was great, we had big fun (the purser cycled almost the whole trip like the 'dorpsgek'). Although some parts were tough, we made it to the Golde Gate Bridge and even farther away. That day we cycled for about 35 km, strong wind, steep hills. After the Golden Gate Bridge we sat down in a wonderfull place called Sausoleo, we enjoyed some coffees and pastries, I especially enjoyed my iced-coffee with brownie :-)
On our bikes again, we headed for the next stop, Tribon, about 1,5 hours. Cruising along the bay, you have wonderful views on the sea, the mountains and lovely (but-unaffordable-for-a-stewardess) houses. It felt like holiday, we all agreed. After a great delayed lunch we went back by ferry, having a wonderfull view on Alcatraz, the beautiful skyline of the city and the sunbathing sealions next to Pier 39.

The next morning, day of departure, I felt some ache in my ear and had also a sore throat. Must have been the wind and the sweating during biking, although almost the whole trip I covered myself with my scarfe. With the bad experience of my Bangkok-Amsterdam flight not that long ago still fresh in my mind, I asked my colleagues for some advice. I ended up last minute shopping in the Wallgreens, just opposite of the hotel. A great shop where you can just buy everything you want to, 24 hours per day. I bought myself a bear filled with honey, some special sweets for my throat (with honey) and a nose inhalor. Almost the whole flight I have been on this special honey diet, can't see it anymore, I just had an overdosis I assume!

The flight back went great, I was not feeling ill, just kept in mind to drink all the time to keep my throat in good condition and I was spoiled by Miguel, who was feeling bad for me. Normally I would have gone for an hour and half of sleep in the overhead crew rest, but I was afraid that after waking up (not drinking for that time and being in the airco) I would feel worse, so I didn't take my break and kept on going the whole night. Miguel was so sweet to accompany me and didn't go for his rest either. Anyway, in the end I did got some rest as we had heavy turbulence and had to go back to our crew seat for about 25 minutes. There it was difficult to keep my eyes open, trying not to fall asleep... I just love turbulence!!!

It felt sad to say goodbye to this amazing crew, I hope to see some of them on very short term again on other flights! But first of all tomorrow I have my 'end of trial period evaluation conversation' (or whatever...) and some days in Paris with Taylor, before heading to Teheran!

Just take a closer look to my pics to see how much fun I had in San Francisco! Hopefully I'm back soon...