30 countries in 5 years. The world is huge, and I still have a lot to visit

If I’d say nobody told me five years ago when this adventure began that I would visit all those places by now, I'd be lying. However, somebody did. On Nov 20, 2017, one of my instructors at Air Canada's initial training asked us about our dream destinations as new hires. After listening to all of us, with a beautiful smile, she replied, "Don't worry, in five years, you'd have been in more places than you think". ." Afterward shared her experience; In five years, she got to visit more than 30 countries, and by then, she had been an instructor already.

Unfortunately, a few months later, she quit the aviation industry to start another new adventure. But she inspired me to pursue this career in this beautiful industry.

Welcome to the episode "the world is huge, and I still have a lot to visit."

I couldn't believe this was possible, but today I can tell you it's true. So far, I've been to 5 continents, 30 countries, 70 cities, around 100 airports, and many hotels. I've flown around 6000 hours of work and fun combined. Usually, I fly 80 hours per month, and I've worked with hundreds of brothers and sisters… oh, because that's what we are; as flight attendants, we are all a family.

Being a flight attendant is the most fantastic thing that has ever happened to me. It started as an adventure. Then it became half of my life, passion, and world because I spend more time in the friendly skies than on the ground.

A while ago, during my first year flying, I met a person that used to work for the aviation industry, who told me, "aviation is life. You'll see what I mean later”. He was right. I couldn't understand it, but now I know what he meant.

36,000 feet up

Sometimes, I wake up 18 hours away from home, on a plane with a beautiful view, in a hotel on another continent, or, luckily, on my bed. Sometimes, I wake up not remembering where I am or what day it is. It happens more often than you think because we lose track of time, haha; it sounds scary and funny. Somehow, we arrive on time at the airport for the flights 🤣. However, I can't complain; I'm gifted and don't have jet lag problems 😉.

Oh yeah. I miss flying when I'm not working. I miss going on a plane and being surrounded by strangers😄. I meet hundreds of people every day, which I call an adventure. Every day is a new challenge, an experience, and a memory.

There is no routine; there is no time to get bored; even if you often fly to the same destinations, there will always be something new to do, a restaurant, or a place to visit. Also, working with a new crew is exciting every time I step on the plane.

What do you collect?

We all have a habit of buying souvenirs or some objects while traveling. Some people collect stickers, postcards, key chains, maps, museum tickets, coins, bookmarks, etc. I mainly collect fridge magnets 🤭. I also keep some maps and metro/train tickets. I usually buy souvenirs from new destinations for some friends; it's a way of saying, “hey, I thought of you on this trip.” For.” many, traveling is not easy, so a little souvenir is not bad.

Oh, I also buy local spirits where possible to keep at home; And to clarify, those are not part of the collection😄.

Seeing the world through my travel stories

Part of myself believes I've chosen this career to make my dad's dream come true. He was a country guy, a farmer who never got to soak in the ocean or hop on a plane because he couldn't afford it. Those were his biggest dreams. I didn't promise to bring him anywhere; I just knew I'd do it one day. Unfortunately, he was too old and sick to travel when I got the job. He was happy and proud when he learned about my new job. So, I tried to make him see the world through my trips, photos, videos, etc. I used to buy him souvenirs and a guide in Spanish for him to read from all the places I visited.

That way, the old man teleported every time he read those books; he was amazed to learn new things. He understood geography well and could relocate to those places despite not having traveled. We had moments where we chatted about my trips, making his eyes widen. I had to explain everything in detail so he could get a better idea. I can't imagine what it was like for him to receive so much information. He kept the books and souvenirs in a wooden drawer he had carved. So, he proudly showed those gifts to a few friends, until one day his engines ran out of fuel, the turbines went out, and he did not continue this flight on earth anymore.

Here ends this somehow nostalgic story.

Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more stories 😄

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