A Greek Experience at Thunderbird Resorts and Casino

Many Santorini-inspired beach resorts can be seen in our beautiful country, like in Ilocos and Batangas. But we chose to see the nearest one which is located in La Union, the Thunderbird Resorts and Casino.

It is not a membership club. Anyone can be a guest in here. I am just not sure if they accept walk-in. But I suggest that you book online ahead of time. You can book either through their website itself or through third parties like Agoda, Booking, and Hotel. It frees you from all the hassle.

After 2 months of not holding a stick shift, I definitely missed driving, so a 4 to 5-hour drive is no biggie at all. It is even easier to travel northbound now via TPLEX. I shall give thanks to Google Map for saving someone who has no sense of direction like me. Haha! We had this weekend getaway on September 3-4.

My family and I had a pullover along McArthur Highway for some rest and coffee. We saw a vendor of corncob and of roasted suman. Wow! They are very, very tasty.

It was such a beautiful weather not until we arrived at the resort. We were checking in when rain suddenly dropped. I was very disappointed, but of course, it did not stop me from adorning myself with bright yellow long dress and a floral crown. Haha!

I was not able to see the beach and pool on our first day whereas my family did. Some parts of the resort are still under construction. However, the main building itself gives you a glimpse of Santorini. It's just wow! Everything is blue and white. The lighthouse is located behind the casino. We visited but unluckily did not get in to climb up as it is only open on weekdays. There is a band playing at the open lounge in the evening. We just had chitchats over a cup of coffee and a glass of mango juice.

Sky was grey and raindrops were falling the next morning that made me sad. We had our breakfast at the buffet. The food was delish. I apologize for not uploading photo of it as I really am not into food photography.

If you cannot let the rain go away, then just go with it. We put on our swimmies and rushed to the pool. Thunderbird has 2 pools; the regular one and the infinity pool near the beach. The water is warm and with less chlorine which gave me a chance to capture an underwater video. Yay! But my father did not dip due to fever. So, he was just sitting there, watching us, and taking photos of us. Haha! We stayed there for an hour, I guess.

It was just a short stay yet we felt relaxed. The warm and comfy ambiance is just amazing in spite of bad weather.

We toured the Ma Cho Temple that is also within the vicinity afterwards.

Geneva - City of Peace

With all the hustle and bustle of every city I have been to, my mind and soul would want to escape. I would like to mooch around where my arms don't collide with the crowd. I would like to sip my frappe and would just hear the sound of a running lake. Or perhaps lay down on the grass at the park and hear the birds tweet. I found this serenity in Geneva. No wonder, it is known as "City of Peace".

I have been to Geneva, Switzerland twice. My first flight to the city was on December 3, 2015. It was the season where the leaves change color and fall off trees. It was autumn, yet it felt like winter already. It was freezing cold that I was shivering with discomfort in my back muscles and joint. Nonetheless, it was good to be here during this kind of season, rather than going there during terrible snowy winter that may lead to flight cancellation. But oh boy! The aerial view of Swiss Alps from the aircraft was astonishing. Paradoxically, the coating of snow across the mountains melted my heart.

I had another layover on July 8, 2016. This time, sun was shining brightly. My mini floral dress was perfect for the weather!

Saudia provides us a beautiful hotel in Geneva. Grand Hotel Kempinski always gives me a huge room. And what I like about this modern hotel is its location. It is close to the tourist spots and to all modes of transportation, like 10-20 minute walking only. Additionally, it offers free transportation passes, like boats and bicycles. Not to mention, the breakfast buffet is superb. I always dine on the veranda where you can view the tall fountain from afar and small birds are fly around you. Too cutesy!

Usually, my colleagues and I take the free boat which rows you around the lake and give you a dramatic glimpse of the Geneve's prominent landmark, the tall fountain called "Jet d'Eau". I don't get tired visiting L'horloge fleurie located at the edge of Jardin Anglais. It is the famous flower clock that tells you the time in a unique and ravishing way. Walk a bit further, you would see a cafeteria with gazebo where people dance. Not to mention, I joined and danced, without a partner though. Haha! Walk across to the other side of the street, many boutiques and restaurants await. FYI, boutiques closed at 6 pm and most shops are shut on Sunday. Known for its famous chocolates, you may hoard the tastiest ones in this city.

Why Saudia?

Have you noticed the massive hiring of most airlines lately? This is due to their international operation expansion. More aircrafts are arriving and many destinations are added up. This goes to show that airline industry faces intense competition in the market. Every airline aims to be number 1 and to reap large profits.

A lot of people are wondering how come I get to go to the Philippines every month? Some friends of mine even confusedly think it is a layover. Let me cut out your curiosity. Saudia has a base in Manila. Our colleagues/seniors, who transferred there, operate that flight. Thus, Riyadh-based hostesses, including I, do not have MNL in the roster. Well, I was able to operate and have a layover in Sofitel Philippine Plaza once, but that is because I was on reserve. Read this: Crew on Reserve. But to see this destination in our lines is unfeasible. So, when you see me driving around Philippines, I am on days off, not on layover. This is one of the benefits I get, which I am very grateful of.

Why I chose Saudia to be the arena for my dream job? (Technically, Saudia chose me, of course. Haha!) I have "PERSONAL REASONS" as to why. Know them below:

1.) For those who are unaware, I grew up in Saudi Arabia. I have been here since I was 11 years old. Working at its flag carrier allows me to see my family and friends here. I am already familiar with the culture and traditions. Hence, no adjustment has been stressfully done.

2.) They consider me as an Overseas Filipino Worker. But I do not feel that I am because I go to Philippines every month. How is that possible when I am everywhere in the world? Saudia gives us 5 consecutive days off monthly, which can be extended 'til 20 days through flight trades (Aside from one-month vacation leave) And guess what? We go to our homeland FOR FREE. We only have to pay for the tax, which is like 5% of the original ticket price. A normal overseas worker could go home after a year or until the end of contract. Oh how I am thankful to be with my retired parents and little sister 12 times a year!

3.) Do you want the world to be your playground? No problem! If you do not want to use your free ticket to your domicile, you may use it to other Saudia destinations. But what if you prefer to spend days off at other destinations which Saudia does not offer? Like Australia, New Zealand, Brazil?! Again, no worries! You may book your discounted ticket through other airlines, like Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, etc. This is what we call Zonal Employee Discount. Airline staff may get 75-90% discount, my parents are part of it as well.

4.) As mentioned above, we have a base in Manila. Our colleagues there flies back and forth to Saudi Arabia only. All Filipina crew have the chance to be transferred to that base, and I would like to be one of them once I get tired of flying and done eyeing the world. It feels good to stay home, be with your family, and earn a living at the same time.

5.) Another best deal that our management offers is the suspension of contract. We can put our contract on hold after 3 years of flying. This suspension can be for as little as 3 months, up to maximum of 6 months. I may ustilize 6 months for wedding preparation, wedding itself, and honeymoon. Haha! Fly with them for 5 years, you could have a one-year vacation. This is applicable for those who want to have a baby. See? Saudia seems to know the flow of crew life. 

Some ask me why not try other middle eastern airlines. They tell me to apply to prestigious ones, but that does not affect my loyalty to my airline. I mean... Saudia may not be the best airline. It may not be on the top 10 list. We may not be wearing the most glamorous uniform. It may not be a 5-star airline. But with all those benefits/perks I obtain, I can say that Saudia is the best airline.

If you ask me, "Why Saudia?" 

I'd answer, "Why not?"

Italy Part 2 - Pisa Defying Gravity

I never lied. I am not a history buff, as I always say. Although, my eyes would love to see footprints of history, yet being unaware of the story behind it is fine with me. This attitude has changed when I saw an extraordinary tower.

On April 7, Crisselle and I traveled to Tuscany (particulary to Pisa) from Milan through Flixbus to see one of the most popular stops on an Italia trip. The trip between Milan and Pisa took 4 hours, with a 15-minute stopover halfway. It's a long drive but surprisingly, boredom did not bloom. Wifi on board entertained us a lot. There is also a plug socket in case you run out of battery. The bus is comfortable with a water closet in it. Add the picturesque view we eyed through our window.

The bus dropped us to Pisa Pietrasantina car park. We did not find a shuttle bus that could take us to Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). So, we decided to walk which took 15-20 minutes.

The outside miracle square is occupied by bunch of souvenir stores. Once you get into the field, 3 beautiful structures surprise you; the leaning tower of Pisa, the Pisa Cathedral or Duomo di Pisa, and the Pisa Baptistery. I was expecting a single tower only without anything next to it. I thought the tower is just a building that forever hangs but never falls down. Well, in my eyes, it turned out to be a compound for public forms of worship. Wow! It was then that I realized that the leaning tower is a BELL-TOWER. OMG! Sorry, for being clueless about it. Haha! Nonetheless, my naivety has pushed me to learn its historical facts. Thanks to Google for helping me know why it has been defying the gravity ever since. Haha!

We wanted to get into the tower. However, for someone who has a flight to operate the next day, 300 steps to get to the top is an awful idea. Thus, we just had a lunch at a cafeteria and souvenir-shopping beside the field.

Staying for 3 hours in Tuscany made me realize that it's a good place for couples as well. You would see lovers around kissing, hugging, and cuddling on the grass. How mushy! Teehee! Moreover, you would witness the struggle of the tourists to capture the best angle with the tower. Haha!

After all the tiring yet fun activities, we went back to Hilton Hotel in Milan to catch zzz's and prepare for our flight back to Riyadh.

I promise to research about the next historical place we will visit prior to arrival. So, I will not feel naive and funny anymore. Haha!

366 Days in the Sky

I've been working in a place where I witness the beautiful sunrise and sunset; where I can admire the stunning lights of the whole city at a glance; where my breathe is taken away by the aerial beauty of Swiss Alps and Niagara Falls; where I am literally above the storm and thunder and would just get amazed how both start; and where I feel like I'm Peter Pan flying over different clouds. This is how beautiful my working place is. It's a place that has changed me and my whole life.

April 26, 2016 marks my one year in aviation. Oh, the time! It flies as fast as an airplane.  In the span of one year, many lessons have been learned.

I will not talk about how I dreamed to be a crew member and how I became one. I already talked about that on my previous blog. This time, I want to share how my life and I have become over the year.

The biggest challenge I took is the independent life. Who would have thought I would cook kare-kare and pinakbet? Yes, I learned to cook! I learned to do chores. But not only that. Independent life means having more responsibilities. I am responsible for my own expenses, so budgeting has to be learned. When I face problems, I need to solve it on my own. When I bump into arrogant people, I should defend myself. It's no longer a kind of life where family is there to catch me always. But there are times that independent life becomes tough. It makes me feel I am alone. I remember one night when I got home from a layover and a long haul flight, feeling so famished. Restos in airport were already closed. I don't eat food from aircraft because daily consumption of such will ruin one's health. I was shaking in hunger. I grabbed some chips to fill my growling tummy, so I could have the energy to cook. I was crying while eating. I just missed the moment when I go home from work and meal is already prepared by mom.

I meet different kinds of people; from best ones to worst ones. Some test my patience and even provoke me to curse. I was so helpful and generous back then that I got being taken advantage of. But in this field, being adamant seems like a requirement. I needed to learn how to say "No". Not all their requests must receive the word "sure". Thankfully, I still get a chance to work with people who teach me how to appreciate my job more.

When people ask what my job is, I proudly answer "I am a flight stewardess". In the Philippines, they look high upon us. But in every flight, there is always one guest who thinks about and treats us like we are slaves. This is a hurtful reality! I won't be hypocrite here. There was a time when I thought I AM ONLY A WAITER who serves food and drinks. But after that, I realized how hard the job of a waiter is. It is hard to deal with several customers all at the same time, worse with demanding ones. It made me realize how important they are in our society. Now, I could say to everyone, "I CAN BE A WAITER TOO." Followed by a wink and a smile on my face!

Have you read my previous blog where I mentioned the stability in life I could get from being an aviation crew? I would say I was not wrong. God knows how grateful I am for working with Saudia. I am now giving financial support to my retired parents with the help of my big sister, though my parents own a small business. Hihi! I buy things I need and want. I was able to invest in car and insurance. However, I need to learn the ways of budgeting and saving, because  unfortunately I burn cash.

In 366 days, growth has been earned in every aspect. Working in the sky is fun, but not as glamorous as it may seem. But remember, those unglamorous things you see are the ones that teach you to spread your wings wider and fly higher.

Happy 1st anniversary to you, aviation chick!

Italy Part 1 - The Venetian Trip

It is everyone's dream to go for a wander round Italia. Fortunate we were to have it come true as we found ourselves amidst its history and romanticism.

Saudia does operate a flight to Milan. I went to Milan already in September last year, which I have yet to blog about it though. It was a beautiful city, no wonder! And for the second time, I was blessed to have had a layover in this city again. I actually was even more blessed because it's almost a 3-day layover. So, I needed to make the most out of it. Since I saw Milan before, this is a great chance to go beyond and see the other wonderful parts of Italy.

My flying partner for the month of April happened to be a batchmate, too. Crisselle and I schemed our itinerary only a day before our flight. I advise you to search information and prepare all necessities ahead of time, the transportation for instance, because if not, you would end up with no more available seat or paying pricier one.

Italy has a train network that connects every major city. Moreover, there are buses that hop from city to city.

We arrived in Milan on April 6, in the morning. We checked in to our hotel and immediately changed clothes and dolled up. That's usually how cabin crew roll on every layover. No rest, go on a tour directly! Haha!

First stop, Venice. We booked a rail pass through TrenItalia. Actually, our hotel concierge told us that we booked the wrong railway station which was Venezia Mestre. Since we wanted to be in Grand Canal, it should be Venezia Santa Lucia instead. The trip took 2 and a half hours. Thanks to the spectacular view seen through our window as it lessened the boredom. The ample space of the train and its mini store and toilet room give comfort to the passengers. After the train, we got on board of a bus. It is a 20-minute ride from Venezia Mestre to Venezia Sta. Lucia. We were so excited to wander as we stepped out of the vehicle. You cannot imagine how big our smiles were! Venice is like a city on a sea. The Grand Canal is surrounded by many antiquated buildings and bridges. There are water taxis, water buses, and the iconic gondolas.

What is Venice without the ride on a gondola? So, we blithely hopped aboard the genteel, black and red, hand-built wooden boat. Our gondolier slash tourist guide was Mr. Adamo. He rowed us around the lagoon. He even told us stories about some buildings along the canal. Like he pointed to the apartments of Marco Polo and the Cassanova family. He showed us the first and smallest church built in the place. It was entertaining!

You would perceive in your eyes the oldness of the place. Well, that is the touch of history. The only thing I dislike is the green moss that covers the wharf, bridges, and lower part of the buildings. You could smell it, too.

How we ended our trip? We stuffed our tummies with tasty Italian pizza and gelato.

It is definitely a once in a life time experience in the most romantic city. You would feel kilig even without a lover beside you!

(Wait for the 2nd part!)