I was born and grew up in Cape Town. I always wanted to travel and I thought the best way would be as a stewardess. I applied and got a job at Emirates and have been here for five and a half years now. We do six weeks of training in areas such as safety and security, first aid, image and uniform and service, so that we know how to respond in certain situations. If a passenger is afraid of flying, they will usually come up to us before the flight and tell us. Then we will assign a crew member to reassure and look after them.
I'm a senior flight stewardess, which means I manage the crew in everything from their on-board service to seeing them before the flight to making sure their uniform is correct. I'm also a part-time trainer for the Image and Uniform Department for the cabin crew. We've just launched a new uniform, so it involves training people and making sure they maintain our standards. There are different areas, such as make-up, hair, and uniform, as well as a fitness programme. Emirates' trademark is the red lipstick, so I always make sure that the female cabin crew are wearing that.
The best thing about my job is that I meet so many people from different backgrounds and of different nationalities. Even in Dubai, you meet people from all over the world. It's a really good experience. One of the things I like most is walking through the airport after arriving in a new place. People stare at you as you walk past and you have that feeling of pride for the airline and for yourself.
The worst part is getting used to the time zones which sometimes means starting your day at 4am. It's your job though, so you get used to it. Even when I'm on holiday I like to travel. My favourite places to visit have been Thailand and Japan. I've travelled all across Thailand; I've also been to China and Paris and I've been home to South Africa. I haven't been to the US yet, but would love to go to New York. I think once the travel bug has bitten you, that's it. The next step for me would be purser, which is the highest level to which cabin crew can aspire. As a senior flight stewardess, in one section, for example Dubai to Hong Kong, you manage the economy class, and on the way back you manage the business class. A purser manages the entire plane.
