Discovering Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a city that I never really thought twice about. I’ve actually flown there a couple of times, but since we used to stay in a hotel away from the city, most of the crew would just meet for drinks in the hotel and have a relaxing layover. However, since our new crew hotel is now only a 20 minute walk from the city centre, I decided to give it a visit!

If you saw my July roster post you would have seen that I was meant to be flying to Guangzhou. Well, I checked my roster a couple of days before and it had suddenly changed to Frankfurt! No complaints on my side; although Guangzhou would have been a new city to tick off the list, it’s not somewhere I’m particularly fussed about visiting.

The flight over to Frankfurt was nice and short, around 6 hours, although it was a 3am departure which meant lots of coffee was needed! Once we arrived I had a good nap, then got myself ready to do some exploring.

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Getting into bed as the sun is rising – that’s cabin crew life for you!

After a scorching walk into the city (35 degrees no less, I almost felt like I was back in Dubai but without the air-con!) it was time to hit the shops.

The central street in Frankfurt is called the Zeil, and has everything you could ever need! I was on a mission to find shoes to go with my dress for Kirsty’s wedding next month (my ex-flatmate who has now moved to Hong Kong) but it was mission unsuccessful this time.

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My walk took me past the Opera House, where there was some kind of summer festival going on with lots of food and drink stalls.

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Frankfurt is such a contrast between old and new – its of beautiful old buildings and then plenty of shiny new skyscrapers!

After stopping for some dinner and to write my postcards, I strolled on down towards the old part of the city.

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One of the main attractions is the Römerberg, where there are some beautiful 15th – 18th century houses, as well as the old town hall.

Unfortunately the Ironman competition was getting ready to be held there in 2 days time, so it was full of scaffolding and quite difficult to see the whole square fully.

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I headed on down towards the river, where it seems a lot of people had had the same idea! Every cafe or restaurant was full, everybody was sitting outside in the sunshine enjoying the evening.

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I crossed over the bridge, where I was hoping to get a good view of the skyline. I wasn’t disappointed, as it’s the perfect spot!

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The bridge is slowly filling up with love locks, let’s just hope it doesn’t end up like the Pont Des Arts in Paris, which is in danger of collapsing!

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I sat for a while just enjoying the sunshine, but it was so hot that I soon gave up and headed back across the river. I’d spotted quite a few ice cream places on my walk so decided to treat myself to help cool down!

After all that walking I made my way back towards the hotel, perfect timing to witness the beautiful sunset and with plenty of time for a nice sleep before wake-up call the next morning.

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Thanks Frankfurt for a lovely little layover 🙂

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8 Comments

  1. Nomphelo
    July 29, 2015 / 4:20 pm

    Hello Rachel..Last year I applied to emirates for cabin crew position however it was unsuccessful.Please do give yourself time when free to help me with my application again starting from my resume,cover letter just to see my mistakes that’s all your help will be appreciated please respond to my email if you can see it Thanks..xxNJ

    • July 29, 2015 / 7:27 pm

      Hi there! I’m not sure I’m the best person to help you, maybe try getting a family member or work colleague to help you, somebody who knows you?! Good luck! 🙂

  2. Mel
    July 26, 2015 / 5:17 am

    Hey Rachel! I really enjoy your blog 🙂 I have a question for you if you dont mind answering. Do you think it is possible for a former cabin crew of a well known airline to work for emirates cabin crew? Because both are pretty much huge airlines, sort of like direct competitors. Let’s say former crews from singapore airlines or cathay pacific or qatar. Do you think it is possible? Because I am currently in the 6 months period of waiting to be able to repply for EK because I didn’t make it after the final interview, and theres currently a recruitment for other airlines. What if i get accepted to one of these major airlines like EK? Do i still have the chance to work for EK in the future although i have been a part of its major competitors? Because i plan to work for EK and will always try for it. What do you think? Have you ever met former cabin crew from a well known airline who is now working for EK? Thank you so much! Your answer will be much appreciated 🙂

    • July 29, 2015 / 7:25 pm

      Hi, thanks for reading! Yes it’s definitely possible, I’ve flown with crew who previously worked for other Middle Eastern airlines 🙂 However I’m not sure if you can go directly from one to the other, there may be a 6 month waiting period. I’m not sure of all the exact details though 🙂

      • mel
        July 29, 2015 / 7:29 pm

        Thanks for replying! What about non middle east airlines like singapore airlines/cathay pacific? Have you ever met former crews working for those airlines? Cos im coming to singapore airlines recruitment next week. What do you think?

        • August 13, 2015 / 1:52 pm

          I haven’t personally met any but I’m sure there are some! Good luck for the Singapore recruitment 🙂

  3. Quin
    July 18, 2015 / 1:00 am

    Your adventurous spirit is everything! I like that instead of you laying in like some of your colleagues you’re always up & about. I’m positively waiting for my assessment day invite & I know I’ll nail it. Thanks to flight attendants such as yourself for always sharing & giving advice where you can. The Germanic style architecture has got a fairytale feel so lovely, timeless & pedestrian friendly areas.

    • July 29, 2015 / 7:22 pm

      Thanks for your comment! Although I have to admit that there are some layovers where I don’t go out and explore all day 😉 Good luck for your assessment day! 🙂

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