Jet Vignettes

Dinner in Paris at a favorite neighborhood brasserie, three nights later cocktails at the “barrel bar” in Rome, and three and half days later, having a full-service manicure and pedicure in Buenos Aires for less than $25.00. This is part of what makes the job of a flight attendant addictive. Despite the many trials and tribulations of dealing with the traveling public, a diversion here, a cancellation there, it’s all in a day’s work. But so is sitting a café in the afternoon, riding the free rental bikes along the beach in Los Angeles, swimming in the Mediterranean ocean or going back to see the Louvre Museum for the fourth time in the winter or, because it is winter, heading south to lay on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. These are some of the stories that reflect on what being a flight attendant has made of me with all the laughter, experiences, sadness, downright frightening moments, and sheer joy that is the characteristic make up of such a abnormal job. Being a flight attendant was never my career goal; now I can’t imagine having any other job. Flight attendants have the job that reaps the most rewards. When we arrive, our work is done and the day, or night, is ours to enjoy.