buenas dias

Ola!!

How are you all machachos??

Finally finished two weeks of Safety Emergency Procedures, passed all my exams and got positive feedback. Today we did one day of intense security training, which included restraining disruptive passengers(hitting pressure points, etc), hijackers, identifying a wide range of firearm types, learned some amazing things and techniques. Only had yesterday off, and now back for 6 days till my next day off:( Tomorrow is a week of First Aid and General Medical training. Someone said something very accurate - that we are undercover agents -> on the surface we look like sweet, innocent, friendly air hostesses -> meanwhile, triggered, we'll have the attitude of a soldier:-) haha. But true.

Otherwise, not much news. Planned my first night out on Thurs (18Oct) very excited, to find myself on the couch Fri morning - I had passed out and missed out - slept for 11 hours. Eish. Sad story..:) Better luck next time

Little quiz:
Who can tell me where the fuel is kept in a plane?
And
What happens to all the wastes that are flushed in the toilet?
mmmmm

Till later amigos

Take care

Alta

Eid Mubarak

Hello skatties

Wow, a whole week of intense training has passed. I aced my first exam:), now I have two days off (Fri/Sat) and jumping straight into a practical exam on Sunday - Monday is a written exam. Geez!!! My brain is fried already!!

I wish I could send you more photo's, got these from fellow trainees (remember, my camera got stolen...)

I have been having a lot of fun, learning amazing things, forming friendships, keeping my focus, experimenting with freaky foods, exploring Dubai on foot (went to the beach today - water is nice and warm, and got a whole tour of Dubai from housemate) Dubai is twice the size since I've been here. It is one big construction site.

We do a lot of training in the simulators (when you see us wearing overalls, it is when we do practical stuff) - we have 3 fake planes operating as real ones, even does turbulence, smoke, takeoff/landing - feels absolutely real. The swimming pool is for emergency landing, where we had to get on the lifeboat and practice ditching etc. - had to go overboard, the works. Emirates has state of the art training schools and areas - it is really amazing how much they put into training the staff. I've gained new respect for airhostesses:)

Tomorrow is a day of chilling at our pool. Ramadan is finally over.. Makes things easier. From next week (starting Sunday for us), it is back to getting up at 5h30 for school.

I hope you enjoyed reading my news.
Can't wait to hear back from you.

Take care
Hugs,
Alta

Induction

Hi guys

thanks for all your replies!!

My flatmate turned out to be REALLY AWESOME! She is from Pretoria and we get along great. Realized that we got wifi at home, so enjoying being connected.

So, have been in an induction programme this week (have been getting up at 5h30 every morning) - today was grooming day. I learned to put my hair in one of those perfect buns (not an art), how to wear our uniform to perfection and generally learned to be a lady today. Did the whole shebang, giggling with the girls, removing makeup, splashing our faces with expensive products and then applying makeup (Gosh, will take some time to get used to the red lipstick, although am enjoying the conservative uniform and the pride to be in it - my mother will be really proud). I look around me when I wait for the bus - the people here are full of themselves, and I get it - because they all know that they are in one of the best companies to work for and one of the best airlines. And sometimes I feel so detached, as an outsider, because at the end of the day I must be professional and fit in here - and at the same time remind myself who I am, and what I am. I work hard(in myself) to hold my own opinions while being trained into a new perspective. And I can feel the changes happening. Today I miss Cape Town...(sniff sniff)

There is a certain smell about Dubai (I realized as I landed, and remembered from before). I am quite centred, have Spinneys (like Pick 'n Pay) next to me, a mall opposite, the creek where I can go do yoga and chill on the grass, etc, etc. We have a gym in the building and a beautiful swimming pool on the roof. I am proud to say that I have given up alcohol (maybe in the future have an odd glass of wine now and then), the girls try and drag me out, but I am content at home for now:)

I am also proud to say that I am my group's co-ordinator/teamleader:)

Tight hugs,
Alta

Hi guys!!

Thought I'd pop in quick to share some stuff:)

So I left yesterday very early, both my flights went extremely smooth, which was quite nice. When I landed in Dubai (00h30) it was 30'C and extremely humid (my glasses kept clogging up - embarrasing). We were greeted by Marhaba (a personal meet & greet company) and waited till 3 this morning for all the crew to arrive before we were taken to our accomodation (moved straight into our permanent pozzie:)

I have got such a gorgeous apartment. My housemate stuck notes for me all over the place (welcome note on my door, personal card to welcome me, info, and the name of the cat - Chanti) Yes, yes, I finally have a cat now also!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bonus!! So, she's been keeping me company, coz Linda (housemate) is only coming back tonight. Linda added her own personal touch to the place, bit African, bit arty, it is just plain beautiful. Can't wait to meet her!! I wanted to take photos straight away to add it here today, only to find that my digital has been stolen (in Joburg ofcourse)

Nir, there is an entire Fry's range here, whohooo! There are white eggs, brown eggs, golden eggs, omega 3 health egga, french eggs and no freakin' free range eggs:(

Today is also 30 degrees, but it's stunning!! Just perfect (for me) No wind, humidity VERY low. So, I've been exploring today. Alone, it's fun. The malls are very quiet, basically closed because of Ramadan.

I wil go now, very hungry - haven't eaten coz my hamper only consisted of wheat, dairy and sugar products:(

I hope you enjoyed reading this mail. If there is anyone who wants to be removed from this mailing list, please let me know (I will really not take offence at all)

En ek hoop julle Afrikaanse mense mind nou nie vir die Ingils nie:)

Looking forward to hearing back from you

All my love,

Alta