Coincidences one after the other...

Unbelievable, how can Christmas already be next month? Where has the time gone? They say time flies when you're having fun, and I'm definitely having a lot of fun but it scares me as well that the months go by so fast. I wanna do so many things, travel more, see more friends and chill more. Life is busy, a good type of busy don't get me wrong.

Cumbuco

This summer was an amazing summer with lots of festivals as mentioned in my previous blog. But in my opinion the party of the year was the gala. Every 5 years the union of the pilots hold a gala, but it's not your typical dance. They have an enormous budget, amazing location and food and drinks are free. Me and my friends heard about this gala a few months before, and me being me, I needed to be there no matter what. However, the only way you can get access if you're a plus 1 of a pilot who's going. Since I was only flying for a few months I didn't know that many pilots yet. So challenge accepted. It took us and the girls about 3/4 weeks before we found ourselves some 'dates', blind dates. Karlien's roommate knows this pilot guy and his friends were looking for dates, so that was settled! Time for some dress shopping, even though I had a deal with Hanneke to not buy clothes for 3 months, but I needed a dress. Besides that, I didn't buy anything else those 3 months.
September 7th was the day, time to get ready for a party! We went for dinner with the guys before, so we actually knew who we were going with as well. We were with 6 guys and 4 girls for dinner before we walked to the Concert Building at Museumsquare. Once we arrived there was a guy playing on a saxophone, and once you entered the building some girls were singing. Tickets got scanned and then we got our first glass of champagne, how lovely. When we entered the ballroom we even saw girls hanging from chandeliers who were pouring more champagne! What kind of party is this?! One, you didn't want to miss for sure. The whole night we could get champagne, gin&tonics and literally any other drink you can think of. The performances during the night were also of a next level. Some famous dutch artists were singing their hearts out for 2000 pilots! I don't blame them haha. I have been to many parties this year but this one is getting into the top 3 of this year. Not to forget the amount of food they handed out, from caviar, oysters, 'bitterballen', hamburgers, tartare, name it and it was there. It was very much a couple party, and then there was us. Just dancing and having a good time. I love men in suits so this was a perfect party. At the end I could not stand on my feet anymore, it was the Louboutins to blame. Yes people I still wear them, quit often actually. They are too expensive just to stand in my closet. After grabbing one last frites it was time to call it a night and head home. What a party, and how fortunate that I could attend it with the girls.

Time to recover before an Europe trip. I have said this before but sometimes you meet colleagues and you just connect, if only falling in love would be this easy. I met a girl on my flight Sara, and from the moment we met we started talking and didn't finish until we were back in Amsterdam 3 days later. It's just so nice to talk to somebody who just understands certain situations, yes talking about men situations. As if it was meant to be we met, very lucky to have this girl in my life now. She even flew with Wouter a few weeks ago!

Then I was on my way to Rio de Janeiro to meet my dear friend Florien. Oh no way, there was a festival in Rio, while I am there? What a coincidence..... NOT! This was so planned. Florien got me tickets for the biggest Rock festival in Brazil, Rock in Rio, how cool. She just moved to Madrid to do a masters degree. There we were, 2 dutch girls in the middle of all these Brazilians, nothing we can't handle. Had such a great time, and again so fortunate to be able to fly around the world to see my friend and make more great memories together.

Rock in Rio 

Exactly one month after that crazy dance it was the birthday of KLM. KLM was celebrating it's 100th birthday, and being the oldest airline in the world still operating under the same name. I had a lovely flight to Lagos that day, and once we arrived at the hotel the staff even got a banner, cake and snacks.

On the airport in Lagos

When it's somebody's birthday we throw a party, even a company as big as KLM. However, the day of the party I had a flight to Barcelona and would land back at 22.00, while the party would last until 22.30... So Houston, we have a problem. However, problems are there to be solved so I called crew control and see if they could swap a flight for one that would bring me back earlier. Somebody up there wanted me to go to this party because it worked, they gave me a short London and around 20.30 I was holding a beer in my hand and celebrate KLM's 100th birthday. Thank you! Even ran into the CEO and got a cheesy photo.

Pieter Elbers, Marissa and me

After the birthday party we had another Kuala Lumpur trip planned with the girls, and same as always it was good fun, we chilled a lot, got some ice coffees, only coffee I ever drink. You could notice that it wasn't summer holidays anymore, otherwise it's more busy during the week if you go out. But we still had a few great nights.

Dinner with the girls

In between flights I also spend some time at home with mom and dad, and not to forget my adorable little nephew. He's the cutest ever, and I am a very proud auntie, and my nephew is the best in the world, obviously.

Mats 

It's funny how sometimes you go to flights and you think oh this will be a quiet one, I will just pack a sweater and that's it. Well, lesson learned. On our flight to Edmonton in Canada we had Armin van Buuren on the flight, and I don't think this guy needs any introduction. Once I arrived at the table where you shake hands with the pursers, (same senior purser as when I flew to Lagos, mentioned before), she straight away said WE HAVE ARMIN ON BOARD! And he's performing tonight at this Scream festival, we are trying to get tickets! First thing that popped in my head was, I only have a sweater with me, this is not happening. So there I went, 40 minutes before briefing started I was running over Plaza (shopping area at the airport before customs) looking for some sort of shirt I could wear, also got a celebration card for Armin (since he launched his new album the day before) and I got him a chocolate letter (some dutch celebration we do on the 5th of december, will not explain now). During the flight everybody wrote something on the card, including myself. The senior purser said, since I bought everything and made the effort, I was the one who should give it to him. At one point I got a call, Merel come to the front now, he's awake and soon going back to sleep. So I had the honor to say something to him, give his card and then as a surprise give him his chocolate letter. And no joke, he was pleasantly surprised and he even got a bit shy, he said, you got this specially for me? I said, of course!! Then he gave me a high five... I was going for the hug or 3 kisses, but hey a high five is better then nothing! He then said his famous words, if you guys wanna come to the festival tonight I think we can sort something out! Me and my big mouth said, no way, are you sure? I also just bought a new shirt because I only packed a sweater...... Merel, Merel, Merel, WHYYYYYY! Anyway it didn't scare him because that night we went VIP to his party and it was insane! Had the best time. How to think a 'boring' Edmonton can turn out VIP at Armin van Buuren, guess life has its funny ways of making things happen. On the way back we had 85 special meals and 75 wheelchairs, what to say... life has it's funny ways, but it was worth it!

read this first

Scream Festival

While I was packing my bags again for another trip, this time 9 day trip to Singapore with my friend Karlien, I thought, let's check if maybe some cool dj is playing while we are there. Guess what, DJ Chuckie might not be as famous as Armin but it's a dutch DJ. One of the crew on our flight to Singapore happens to know dj Chuckie personally, what a surprise... She got in touch with him and put us on the list, so there we went VIP dj Chuckie in Singapore, why not. Dancing all night long behind the dj table, while somebody was just handing out Veuve Clicquot. I'm an easy drinker so champagne it was.

DJ Chuckie

But, the party is not over yet. After Singapore I had a trip to Fortaleza, which is in Brazil. Didn't know this before either. My friend Marissa was staying there to learn kitesurfing so I managed to get the flight and spend 2 days on the coast to chill and relax. I needed some vitamin sun. Just drinking water out of a coconut and get some tan.

While writing this blog I realize that a lot has happend in the past few months, all good things though so not complaining. Yesterday I was supposed to go to Bangalore in India. I was again flying with somebody I know. However, 3 hours into the flight we had a technical issue that we had to turn back to Amsterdam. Obviously this is not normal so we had to be flexible with the services, trying to calm down the passengers and let everything run as smooth as possible. These things happen, in the airline industry they do not take any risk when it comes to safety. It was a minor technical issue that they couldn't fix short term in Bangalore. All passengers who had to stay the night in Amsterdam got a hotel and they left this morning with another plane to Bangalore. The cabin crew got today and tomorrow off and I'm flying to Lagos on Saturday, but they said I could fly back as a passenger, so we will see! Fingers crossed!

I always end my blog with a bit of self reflection, and even this time I want to share some thoughts. The other day I read a book, yes people I read books, it was called Ichigo-Ichie. It sounds very strange but it's about the Japanese wisdom of how to live in the moment. Be more aware in the moment you live. Everybody knows that in Japan around March you have the cherry blossom season, the japanese take this moment to reflect and appreciate to have yet another cherry blossom season. In the book they describe that every moment is an unique one so we need to make the most out it. It's a very interesting book and it really makes you open your eyes and look around. Smile more at the people around, because you know what they say, from a good deed comes a good deed. Especially with the holidays coming up, be nice to each other and enjoy every moment because you never know what the day might bring!

Bye Summer, Hello Autumn

My second summer in the Netherlands, and it has been a good one! Been to multiple festivals in Amsterdam, and not to forget I did go to Tomorrowland again. This time not a whole weekend but just the pre-party at the camping and the first day of the first weekend with my friend Yolanda. It has been her dream to go to Tomorrowland for years and my friend Koen still had one ticket left. So he made Yolanda a very happy girl. Festival season started with a few Festimi festivals on sundays. Been to a Thuishaven party and went to De Zon festival. De Zon festival was at the NDSM-wharf, which is a rural area just above the river in Amsterdam. It was also my best friends birthday so we had a great time, with lovely weather.

TML '19 with Yolanda

Believe it or not, but in between I was flying as well. Been already to so many amazing places with KLM. I'am already flying for 5 months, and it has been my best decision ever. My colleagues are amazing, the company is the best to work for and get to see amazing cities, where I can actually have time to see and do things. With EK we only had 24 hours at most destinations, but not the KLM! It is great to see that if you work with people that speak your language, have the same norms and values you work in a better way. You work for each other and with each other.

Lifting the plane in Venice

Flew my own plane again

A few weeks ago I did a 7 day trip to Kuala Lumpur. I mean 7 days, for real! The best thing was that I was flying with 2 new friends of mine.

Marissa, me and Karlien

Actually funny story. About 2 months ago I was on reserve and they called me, I had to fly to Atlanta, so there I went. On my flight was a girl around my age, but I didn't really talk to her since she was working in the back and I was working in the front. Anyway long story short, on our way back to the crew centre in Amsterdam we started talking and she mentioned this party called 'United for Stripes', which was held in 2 days in Bloemendaal. Of course, I would be me if I didn't invite myself to this party. Karlien also invited two friends of her Marissa and Kurtine. So there we went off to Bloemendaal for an airline party and we had so much fun. And from that day on we have been friends, going to drinks together in Amsterdam or go to KLM gatherings. When I went to Kuala Lumpur I flew with Karlien and Marissa and we had an amazing few days in KL, didn't really do much sightseeing but we experienced KL nightlife to its fullest (4 nights). In the middle we also had to do a shuttle to Jakarta. You fly to KL, off for 2 days, then do the shuttle and then off again for 2 days before heading back to Amsterdam. PERFECT!

It's funny how small events and decision make such a big impact on your life. I mean I know these girls for 2 months now and it feels like I know them for years. They live in Amsterdan and Kurtine lives in Rotterdam, we are all single and ready to mingle. It is nice to have people living in the same city who also have days off during the week and want to hang out and do things. I know a lot of people but not so many who want to go out on a monday or tuesday, since sometimes I don't have weekend on saturday and sunday.

The party of the year is this saturday. It's a ball from the union of the pilots. The union holds a ball every 5 years, however you can't just buy tickets. You need to be part of this union and then you can bring a +1 (like a date). This year it is in a very iconic building in Amsterdam, at the Concert Building near Museumsquare. Once we heard about this ball we did every possible thing to get invited by a pilot to be somebody's date. And guess what, it worked. I'am going on a blind date with a guy named Daniel and Karlien is going with one of his friends. Can you imagine so many pilots in their suits, it's like a dream come true haha! Can't wait till it's saturday. Got a beautiful long black dress and golden statement earrings. Need to look at my very best. Photos will follow on my next blog!

It's the 5th of September today and most likely it won't be summer weather again for a long time. But it's fine, will just ask for warm destinations to keep my tan game on point. But not gonna lie I'am looking forward to wearing boots, big sweaters and cosy nights on the couch chilling.

A few weeks ago my father turned 60! Sounds so old but he doesn't look like it or feels like it, which is a good thing. We had a big bbq party in the garden, and we even performed a song specially made for my dad about my dad. As a gift I told him that he can come on one of my flights, I will pay the ticket for him and he will pay the rest. He wants to go to Buenos Aires. Can't wait to take him on my flight and enjoy Buenos Aires together, drink a lot of red wine and eat steak!

handsome daddy

And not to forget my cute nephew

This summer made me realize how happy I am to be back, back in the Netherlands, back with my dear family and back with my friends. They mean everything to me. Super grateful for the experience I have had in Dubai and to work for Emirates but extremely happy to be back home. As if there is some sort of peace, not having to worry about what is next, who is next and where will I see my future. It is here, right here in the Netherlands, and for now I call Amsterdam my home. But who knows what the future brings, but for now I'am the happiest I have ever been. Grateful to be able to spend time with my family and be there for them. Life is full of moments, you decide how you fill these. I will fill them with joy, happiness and laughter. 

xxx 

One year back!

Today marks the day that I have been back for already exactly 1 year. How time flies, literally. Thinking about all the things I did in the past year and where I am now gives me a big smile on my face. I did it! I got my dream job! It was a busy year, from doing nothing the first 3 months (okay I did go to a lot of festivals), then went to New Zealand with Wouter, worked in a classy fish restaurant for a month, to then working 3 months for the Heineken Experience, which was a complete experience, as if I was back studying, even though I got my bachelor degree 5 years ago, haha. And not to forget my little trip to Dubai and the Seychelles. To now already working 3 months for the best employer in the Netherlands (no joke, KLM is the best employer in the Netherlands).

I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart that I never felt this good in my life. I just turned 27, have an amazing apartment with a very good friend and I love my job. Life is good, very good. Amsterdam is the best, always something to do and if you don't want to do anything it's fine as well. My bike got stolen last week by the government because of wrongly parking, but if you pay 22.50 euro you can get your bike back. Not having a bike in Amsterdam is just simply not possible. I love how this city accepts everybody, nothing is too crazy and it's simply - in my opinion - the most beautiful city in the world. Being in 70 countries I think I got a good impression of other cities around the world. Every time I have to go somewhere with my bike (if the government doesn't take it) I still look around and appreciate the beautiful canals and their gorgeous houses.

and the festivals are the best here!

This Thursday will be going on another great trip, Wouter and I are going to Vancouver, yes for work people! First time we will be flying together in our KLM uniform, sorry not sorry for the spam that will be heading your way. So excited to explore yet another new city. I have heard that it's whale season as well, so hopefully we will see some.

Reminiscing about this day last year I still remember how I felt. I didn't cry that whole last week in Dubai, not that I don't have any emotions but I think my body just couldn't handle it. So instead I had stomach pain for about a week. Until the moment I arrived at the airport and my friend Ays gave me a hug and said in Dutch: you take care of yourself girl. BAM tears all the way to back Amsterdam. Then watching a sad movie, which didn't help either, that the guy next to me on the flight was asking if I was okay. I was not, but had to let them go, and after 3 gin&tonics I was doing better.

mom and dad

Once arrived in Amsterdam I had to wait for ages for my suitcases and there they were, my dear family, all waiting for me, and yes again crying! Meant so much for me they were there waiting for me. They always support me and come and visit me all over the world. My mom has been to Dubai 9 times, dad's been 8 times, my brothers surprised my once at Frankfurt, mom and dad came to Paris a few times. Six months before I left, both my brothers with their wives all came to Dubai, such a special moment.

my family <3 

Some people ask me if I regret leaving Dubai and Emirates. With every single bone in my body I am super grateful I got to experience 4.5 years of Dubai and Emirates but it was enough. Time for another chapter in my life, in a city that I know, with my own crazy dutch people. And it has been the best experience yet! Here's to many great years of happy flying with KLM.

People be grateful for what you have and cherish the little things in life. They are much more valuable having all the money in the world.

May I introduce you the newest member of the family Loomans: Mats. My nephew of 5.5 months old! Isn't he the cutest little boy ever? I'am not the biggest fan of children, especially when they are annoying and rude (the job to blame for this one, seen it all on the plane). But this is different, my own brother is now a father, so strange. Cannot describe how special it feels to hold a new generation in my arms, I will spoil this little boy and can't wait to take him on one of my flights later when he's old enough. Cool auntie Bep is my new name! <3

Living my dream

As many of you know, I believe in signs, and yes I still also read my horoscope. Things in life happen for a reason, and for me I feel with all my heart that I'm on the right path. And one of those 'things' is that on one of my flights already I did fly the plane with my name on it! What are the chances?!

Where to start, as you know I got the job with KLM as Cabin Attendant. My training started on the 4th of March, this was 4 weeks of intensive training. KLM is more focusing on the person you are, your talents and how you can take this on the plane and use it. My trainers explained everything in a way that things actually make sense, which is the opposite of Emirates. So you can imagine that this way of training sticks better to you, also because they speak in Dutch. During our training we also had as they call it 'observation' flights and 'familiarization' flights. This was for us to see how things are going on the plane, get familiar with the aircraft and meet the crew, how it feels be part of the blue family. My observation flight was to Oslo, which is a medium length flight, the passengers were nice and mostly dutch, the crew was super friendly as well and they made me feel very welcome. My fam flight was to Vienna, and again the crew made me feel part of the blue family. Even the co-pilot carried me up the stairs when I went down to touch the ground in Vienna.

Getting carried onto the plane

Again the training itself was intense, I went to bed every night around 10pm because I was so tired. But I did it, I passed all my exams, and I got my wings. The 'wing' ceremony as they call they swap your 'trainee' batch for a 'cabin attendant' one. As I got mine and went back to my seat I saw an Emirates flight taking off. What are the chances in that moment that I become part of a new family and I see my old airline taking off. Again, a sign, am I right or am I right?!

Just before we started I met a girl from my training group and she lives nearby, I could drive with her to Schiphol Oost every day. It was so nice to talk about the day, the assessments and also about the homework we had to do for the next day. And besides, Nienke and I had so much fun in the car every day, such a sweetheart. We have an 8 day Buenos Aires trip coming up as well!

Together with Nienke

My first ICA (intercontinental) flight was to Johannesburg a 5 day trip. Which means 1 day flying there, another one to get back and then 3 full days in Johannesburg. That's definitely different then EK, been to Johannesburg about 4 times but didn't see and do much because the layover was too short and nobody wanted to do anything. But not with KLM. Just before the flight I saw my brother Tim who was heading to Montreal for work.

Timmie!

About 4 days before the flight I got an email from the captain, asking who wanted to join for a safari and a two-night stop in a 5-star lodge. I wrote back, I'm new and I will be up for a safari and def to stay in a 5-star lodge! We went with 8 of us in total, the captain with a friend, the co-pilot, a business class lady (started flying on my birthday 17-06-1992, and yes I saw this as a sign), and then one of the girls from economy had her friend with her as well, and then there was Kimberley and me.

the crew

Sometimes you just meet people and you have a click, and safe to say that's what happened between me and Kimberley. She used to fly for Etihad and now she's already flying for KLM for 7 months and she loves it.

my partner in crime

The drive to the park was about 4 hours and on the way we got some wine (obviously). From the gate it was another 20 minutes to the lodge. We already saw some giraffe's and zebra's, we are in Africa people. So cool. Once arrived at the lodge we got a nice cold iced tea as a welcome drink. The lodge called Jamila have 5 lodges, and we occupied 4 of them. The captain and his friend took one, the co-pilot had one for himself (and no, not because what all of you are thinking now), the girl from economy with her friend took one and then it was Gitte (the woman from business), Kimberley and me in the Elephant lodge aka the BIGGEST lodge of them all. It was insanely beautiful and big. One of those big beds in the middle with a mosquito net over it, looking very romantic, and not to forget we had a big jacuzzi. 

our bed <3

Straight away we went for lunch and then to our first game drive in the park with one of those very big jeeps. In total we did 4 drives in 2 days, one in the morning and one in the afternoon where we then had sundowner drinks somewhere in the park. Which was a big scary the first night since we saw a lion passing by us 15 minutes before that.

lion

lioness

Breakfast place

Elephant

Rhinos

last drive we saw a baby leopard

Good thing only the lioness hunts and we could enjoy our white wines in peace. Once we got back to the lodge we again got a drink, this time it was an alcoholic beverage and very typical African; Amarula, yummy! After dinner we got ready for our first jacuzzi session. It was magical under the stars in South-Africa, chilling in a jacuzzi with a beautiful tasty red wine. We were in a good place, had long conversations and really enjoyed our time in the middle of nowhere.

A few too many glasses of wine later and probably only 4 hours of sleep it was time for the morning drive. We saw a few more animals, 2 lionesses, more zebra's, hippos, giraffe's, rhinos, monkeys, and a lot of Pumba's (yes the one from the lion king).

When we were back at the lodge we had some breakfast but most of us were falling asleep so afterwards it was time for a nap, the weather wasn't the best either so we didn't feel that bad for getting back in bed. That afternoon we had another game drive and while we were getting ready for our sundowner drinks our guide heard over the radio that somebody might have seen a leopard, and those are rare to find. So there we went, back in the jeep and on our way for a leopard. Leopard like to sit on rocks between trees. I'm not kidding, the road we were looking for this leopard was small and between rocks, and you could just feel him looking at you, so creepy. It was getting very dark so chances of us seeing this leopard was nihil.

On our way back to Jamila it was pitch black and I was sitting in the back. I looked behind me for a minute and there I saw a sky full of stars, there's no way I can describe such a beautiful sky in a million words. I had one of those happy moments where I feel blessed being able to experience this while doing my 'job'. While I was looking up in the sky I saw a star turning extremely bright and then it imploded, because stars don't explode, they implode. This was only a few days before the photo was published about the 'black hole', and it might be what I saw, how crazy. I actually saw a star implode, wow. My buddy Kimberley saw exactly the same, thank god, I thought I might have gone crazy otherwise. This made our last night in Jamila extra special, and even our 'braai' meal next to a campfire was just priceless. Jamila lodge is not priceless, it was expensive but worth every penny!

Would definitely recommend to go here and spend 2/3 nights here in the Welgevonden park. It would only be a successful night if we did use our jacuzzi again. So we did, surprise surprise. That night I lost my phone to the jacuzzi. I put it on the rocks for a moment, not seeing the rock wasn't really flat, so there I saw it slipping through the other rocks underneath the jacuzzi, phone gone. Typical Merel action...

I told the staff before we left the next morning for our last game drive, but by the time we got back we only 45 minutes to pack our bags, eat breakfast and find my phone. It took 2 guys about 10 minutes to move all the rocks from their original place to get to my phone, because apparently there might be some snakes down there as well she said, it was good I didn't try to find my phone myself putting my arm in the hole..... obviously I tried this about 10 times the night before, and thank god there were no snakes when I put my arm in the hole, would make it a greater story though.

The 4 hour drive back to the hotel went fast because I probably slept 3.45h of is, the key is to always bring your own pillow people! We could sleep for another 3 hours before our calling time to go back to Amsterdam. What an amazing first layover, the crew was the best and even the passengers were nice.

I have been a busy bee. During my days off I went to Keukenhof with Nienke. One of those things where no Dutch people go to and people from all over the world come here for the tulips. 

Keukenhof

My first Europe trip went to Helsinki, Prague and Porto with again amazing crew and lovely passengers. 

Typical Czech dish

Prague

Once we arrived in Porto

View over Porto with bad weather

And this crew also gave me some presents welcoming me to the blue family <3

Spend 4 days with these amazing women

Next Europe trip was going to Nice, Warsaw and Marseille!

Drinks in the old town of Warsaw

Lunch and drinks in Aix-de-Provence

The past 4 days I only had turnarounds, so going there and then straight back. But it was nice to be able to sleep in my own bed every night and not to forget it was also Kings Day a few days ago. And since I have lived abroad I had to miss it a few times so this year I was going NO MATTER WHAT!

Some fun on board

With my granny 

KINGS DAY

What a great few months did I have. Loved every minute of it. I feel so incredibly happy to be flying for KLM. It is who I am and I love flying so much, being surrounded by people I don't know, make my random jokes, laugh all day and take care of people, what else can I wish for (besides a hot my by my side)? NOTHING! I have never been happier, love my job, have a beautiful apartment with my dear friend, live close to my family and beautiful nephew! 

Life is good and I'm living my dream <3