Hi There**
My name is Sarah and I have been gifted with the invitation from Corey to tell a little about me and my life.
I am a flight attendant this month I start my 33rd year. To some that is a lot but to me it seems like yesterday when I was 25 I received the call from Piedmont airlines to come for an interview. Being a flight attendant is like no other job you will ever have few quit. Flying gets in your blood. I have been through numerous mergers, have had salary cuts, I also do not do a 9-5, sometimes get little sleep, but to see the world YES, please! I have had incredible opportunities that this lifestyle has given me.
As a flight attendant, I can work as little or as much as I want. I normally only work 14-16 days a month. I can fly free when I am not working, or just pay the tax when flying overseas. It is a lifestyle many people don’t get to have. I also fly to work as I am currently based in Dallas. What that means is I start and stop my trips there. I leave my house in Indianapolis hop on an airplane flight to work then go on a trip and then fly back to Indianapolis and drive home. I normally do the transatlantic flights but with covid, not much overseas is going on.
I live outside Indianapolis in a small city which I love! There is always a vintage or antique market going on. A pop-up shop or live music. We live about 2 miles from an outdoor amphitheater and by we I mean my son Carson and I. He is almost 21 and is a beautifully gifted musician, artist, and a beautiful old soul. He is happiest listening or playing old blues or jazz. I have taken him all over the world as well. Every year we went somewhere different for spring break Seattle, San Francisco, Anchorage, Toronto, and for my 50th we went to Paris. In the middle of the Porte de Vanves flea market, he said, « I get it, mom! I get why you love the flea markets and antique shows!” We are super close and for that I am grateful.
And where does Corey come into my equation? I went through a really nasty divorce and decided to do something for myself. I had been following Corey for a while and when I saw that she was doing a French la Vie journey at first I hesitated… then decided I was worth it! I had traveled alone before but not for this long. So in 2017, I flew to Paris, and then Marseille and I met 2 others on the same trip. We clicked and decided to go back again last year. This time we stayed in Corey’s lovely home and made it our home base. Corey will take you to every artist home, every flea market within a 1-2 hour radius, and help you ship your goods back home.
I have even met up with Corey while on an overnight in Paris!
Bonjour mes amies Sue and Deanna.
I have a booth in a resale shop I call Portobello Road. (Like the famous flea market in London) this year it was renamed to Portobello Rd Travels. I bring back goods from all over the world, digging at any and all fleas in every country, for amazing treasures! Favorites are Porte de Hol in Brussels, Porte de Vanves in Paris, plus a town outside London called Lewes.
I think hmmm will that fit in my bag or the first-class closet?
Or on Instagram Portobellordtravels
Misconceptions of my job~
Some people think we are waitresses — which there is nothing wrong with but most don't understand what we do, what we are trained to do (and go back every year to be recertified) We deal with medical emergencies, ok, yes people forget to eat or don't bring their needed food and they are diabetic. But also there are serious medical situations that happen like strokes and heart attacks. I just wish people would be more understanding of what we do and have some respect.
We transport more than vacation travelers we transport mail all over the world, life-saving medications (think eyes for someone’s surgery so they may see the world again) and equipment, military personnel, relief supplies after hurricanes or earthquakes, a quick evacuation, and even quicker emergency response. We drive dollars into the economy and we do it all with a smile on our face and the belief that it is the safest mode of transportation. Take a look around you and see how the airlines have influenced your life.
and sometimes I have time to look out the window to see the magnificent views, and I needed that right that at times.
Loves of my job~
Yes, I have met famous people some good some not so nice hahaha but favorites were Mr. Rogers and Muhammed Ali. My latest was Henry Winkler "the Fonz" What an absolute doll he was personable and kind.
I collected a bit of everything but my love for pottery is a sickness but I do use it! I collect vintage dustpans and have them hanging on my laundry room wall.
I love to buy from local artists and my home is full of antiques from over the world, blown glass, and pottery.
Flight attendants have tight bonds which is important, flight attendants have a closeness you cant get anywhere else.
Mexico fun bakery
I love discovering new places, going to grocery stores in foreign countries, embrace other cultures, finding that hole in the wall spot that only flight crews can find, ask us!
Probably one of the best trips ever was a trip to Greece and Santorini with a close girlfriend, no schedule, we rented a car (we were brave) and saw the island, tasted the food and went to the wineries.
I flew into San Francisco and drove to Seattle and back once with another girlfriend.
I have taken my son to the Redwoods, to Alcatraz, and to the Louvre in Paris. I believe the education of travel is important and makes you a better person in return.
Flight attendants see some crazy things, just when you think you have seen and heard it all over the years… you haven't.
a few days ago a guy boarded with a saddle on a thick leather belt slung across his back. I could tell you worse but I won't!
It is an amazing life but I am happiest at home with my cat Holiday and my sweet kiddo Carson just being together and enjoying each other!
but……….don’t be surprised if on a whim after we meet I say, ”Let’s go have dinner in Paris because we can!” and hop on an open flight and GO.
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Sidenote:
I saw this and wanted to add it to Sarah's page:
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