I got back yesterday from a lovely week with my family in Australia. My cousin Sarah studies at university in Melbourne, and my Aunty and Uncle and Grandparents live in Canberra.
The original plan was for Sarah to come and visit in Dubai, but somehow that ended up not happening and I decided to make the most of my staff travel benefits (as I like to do every month!) and fly to Australia!
The flight was looking pretty good, with around 40 spare seats, so I booked my ticket and packed my bags. However as I double checked the loads the night before, suddenly there were only 3 seats available to Melbourne! Luckily the guys at staff travel did their best and I managed to get on, even it was the dreaded middle seat! But who’s complaining when you’re paying practically nothing 😉
13 hours later I finally arrived in Melbourne airport, and Sarah came to pick me up. As it was only around 6am we headed back to hers for the most important thing – sleep!
After some much needed sleep it was onto what somehow turned into a theme for the rest of the week – breakfast! Or more like brunch, although not in the Dubai sense of the word (going out on a Friday from 12-4 and eating and drinking as much as possible!).
We headed down the road to a lovely little brunch spot called “Industry Beans”. They do all sorts of special coffees as well but I just stuck to a good old latte.
We spent the afternoon wandering around central Melbourne.
The next day we continued with our breakfast/brunch theme and headed to an area of Melbourne called Richmond.
It was a beautiful crisp sunny day and the view over the river to the city was lovely.
Sarah wanted to try a restaurant called “Top Paddock” that she’d heard do the best breakfast in Melbourne so I was up for giving it a try!
What can I say; it definitely didn’t disappoint! By far the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time.
We headed back to her house to drop the car off and then wandered into town. I was very lucky that the weather was on my side while I was there, although it was still pretty chilly! We spent the rest of our time in Melbourne meeting friends, drinking lots of amazing coffees and just generally having a very relaxing time!
Our next stop was Canberra, where my Aunt, Uncle and Grandparents live. We got an early morning flight (after a night out and very few hours of sleep…not so fun, haha!) and were there in no time.
And of course a tradition when we’re in Canberra, afternoon tea with Aunty Mary and Granny! 🙂
A lovely treat that we all enjoyed. We made sure to make the most of the buffet as well!
A beautiful sunset looking over Canberra finished off the day nicely!
We spent some of the next day with one of Sarah’s friends cooking lunch (and baking the most delicious banana cake ever!) together.
It was so lovely to be able to spend some time with my family, especially as they live so far away! Grandpa is a little bit camera-shy so I haven’t got any pictures to put up here.
Before we knew it we were on a plane back to Melbourne. Sarah had to head back to uni and I had a loooong day of travelling ahead!
A lovely week in Australia! It was a refreshing change having cooler weather as well!
I do apologize about the awful quality of these pictures, I did bring my camera with me but ended up only using my iPhone, which is getting increasingly more rubbish every day. Think it’s time for an upgrade soon!
P.s. If you want more regular updates on what’s been happening in my life, follow me on Instagram and Twitter @rachelwwilson!
If you don’t mind could you tell us your skincare routine? what products do you use?? you’re skin is flawless!
Hi there, I just came across your blog, I really love all your posts! I guess you could say you have a new reader. Haha. By the way, I’m planning to submit an application before the Emirates assessment day Oct 19th (Invitation only, hopefully I they choose my application). Just wondering how long it will take before you start your training if ever you pass the interview. And also, how do they do the screening? I have a tattoo I’m getting removed this Sunday. Do they ask you to show your arms when screening? (Silly question, but hope you could let me know) Oh and what country are you from? Xo
Hi there, I just came across your blog, I really love all your posts! I guess you could say you have a new reader. Haha. By the way, I’m planning to submit an application before the Emirates assessment day Oct 19th (Invitation only, hopefully I they choose my application). Just wondering how long it will take before you start your training if ever you pass the interview. And also, how do they do the screening? I have a tattoo I’m getting removed this Sunday. Do they ask you to show your arms when screening? (Silly question, but hope you could let me know) Oh and what country are you from? Xo
Author
Hi, thanks for reading! 🙂 Well I applied and got the call that I was successful 2 weeks later, then I moved to Dubai about 2,5 months after that. However you can move quicker if you tell them you want to come ASAP, or wait longer if you need more time to resign from your current job. As far as I can remember they don’t ask you to show your arms but they do ask you if you have any tattoos. If you tell them that you’re in the process of having it removed then that will be a big plus for them! I’m from England, but I spent 6 years in Austria before Dubai! 🙂 Good luck!
Hi Miss Rachel! Greetings from Philippines! :), you know I’m really pretty addicted in your blog! Actually I keep reading your blog even when I’m at work! haha!:) , and because of your blog it made a strong desire on mine to be a Flight Attendant of Emirates!, but I’m still 19 yrs.old at this time so I’m just waiting for me to turn 21:), I just only have one question to you , May I ask for your height? coz you know I’m just wondering if i cant pass the height requirement of Emirates once I applied. Hope you can answer my question:)
Your’e always been my Gorgeous Flight Attendant Idol ever!:) Thank you so much!:)))
Author
Hi! Aww thank you, I’m so glad you like my blog! I’m around 1m70. I think that the height requirement is that you have to be able to reach 212cm with one hand, and you are allowed to stand on your toes. Good luck and maybe see you in Dubai in a couple of years! 🙂 x
Hi! I got the job! Emirates here i come.. I have few questions and I would be super happy if you can help… How about boyfriend? My bf is living in Dubai (both western people:) is it okay if I date him there? Or do we have to get married… How does the Emirates/Dubai cope with fact that I have bf… I get that the Sharia law is very strict but I have still heard that Dubai is more western… Ohh Thank you so much <3
Author
Congratulations!! It’s definitely completely ok to have a boyfriend in Dubai! The only reason you would have to get married is if you want to live together/rent a place together. You’ll see when you move here that it’s really not that different from any other country! 🙂
Hiiiii girllllll,… i love your blog!!!!i feel like travelling myself even if i havent travel anywhere….i am intresting in joining emirates and i am trying to find as much information as i can get… What is the best accomodation you can get as a cabin crew in dubai? i have read about sharab and some others buildings but i cant understant the differenses…how many days each month do you work? what is the worst thing that has happened to you while you are working? have you ever thougt to leave your job?? thank you for your time..
Author
Hi thanks for reading! 🙂 The best accommodation is totally up to personal preference! I love living in the city but some people prefer being further away! I would say there isn’t a certain amount of days per month that I work, it’s usually between 80-100 hours. Depends on the flights of course! The worst thing that could happen onboard for me would probably be someone dying or something like that (happens way more often than you know!), touch wood I’ve never had anything too dramatic! I’m very happy at the moment so have no plans to leave! 🙂
I just wanted to say that reading your blog gets me so excited about joining (I’m joining Emirates this Friday!). I hope to have as much of a good time as it seems you’re having 🙂 Oh, and what lipstick do you use? I have to go makeup-shopping! And do you think Sarab is a good accommodation (despite being in the desert)? Did you find the training very hard?
Hugs from Sweden!
http://agnesvirginiamaria.tumblr.com
Author
Congrats and welcome to Dubai! 🙂 I use any red lipstick I can find haha I still haven’t found the perfect one! Well it’s kind of out of the city but I’ve only been there once very briefly so don’t know what the apartments are like! How are you finding it? x
Hi Rachel! I always read your blog, it’s so intersting, expecially for the ones who dream to become cabin crew as well! I wanted to ask you a question about the cabin crew grooming: do you have to use a foundation needs, or can you use a bb cream or a tinted moisturizer instead? Have a great time in Rio and Buenos Aires! Kisses
Author
Thank you for reading, I’m glad you like my blog! 🙂 We are supposed to wear foundation, but you could definitely wear bb cream or tinted moisturiser without a problem! 🙂 xx
This is so sweet. I love he part with granny. Hope to see the grandpa soon too! You look beautiful.
Author
Thank you so much 🙂 Maybe I’ll post a pic with my grandpa sometime!
Hi Hun really enjoyed this post sounded like a lovely time! Melbourne is right up there on my bucket list and have noted down the place where they say you get the best breakfast :-). Did you fly business? It looks really nice! If you don’t mind me asking when you mention it was a bargain was it because you got the flight at the last minute? It’s always good to know as I love travelling as well! Amanda xx http://thisluxlife.com
Author
Hey, thanks for reading 🙂 That breakfast was honestly amazing, if you ever go definitely check it out!
Yes I flew business, my dad actually works for Cathay Pacific so he got me standby tickets! Luckily there were seats available 🙂 Had to fly economy on the way there though haha! 😀
Hi Chick I LOVE your blog I worked through lots of the posts yesterday it’s brilliant! You have got to see soooo many wonderful places through your job!!!! I got to fly business once for work recently and it was amazing makes you hate going back to economy lol! xxx