If you’d told me twenty years ago that I’d be flying all over the world, I’d probably have laughed out loud. I made my first flight with KLM when I was 22 years old. To be honest, flying sounded a bit scary to me at the time. And yet here I am celebrating my 10th anniversary at KLM! I’d like to share some of the highlights with you.

PS: For the ultimate sweet memories atmosphere, please listen to my DareSheGoes Playlist on Spotify.

A blue home up in the sky

Every flight I work with a different crew. I think it’s great to see how all these different characters come together as a team. We strive to make the flight as smooth as possible. We work together, laugh together, and sometimes cry together. To me, a KLM aircraft is like a blue home up in the sky. A place to welcome people and comfort them. Where I want to be happy and safe.

I went through all my pictures from all my flights and have compiled a personal photo blog to share some of my most memorable moments with you. Hopefully, you’ll feel inspired to visit some of these destinations yourself someday.

Are you ready for takeoff?

1. Smile! On 5 September 2002, I earned my wings. Michel put us through six weeks of flight safety training. He still works for KLM as a senior purser and we’re still in touch.

2. ”Sorry to wake you, Mum, but I just wanted to tell you that I’m walking on the Great Wall of China!” (Beijing, China, 2003)

3. Four days in Delhi. And of course I had to see another Wonder of the Modern World. (Taj Mahal, India, 2003)

4. When I began working as a stewardess, I mainly flew to European destinations. Sometimes we had a 24-hour layover, which gave me a chance to explore places like Venice, which is wonderful.

5. Before and after a flight, I check my KLM mailbox. Not my email, but a real box that contains little notes, postcards and pictures from fellow crew members. I love this.

6. The Boeing 737 took me to places like Syria, Lebanon and, my favorite, Jordan. I’m so grateful that I got a chance to visit these places, that I slept out in de Wadi Rum Desert and saw Petra. (Jordan, 2004)

7. On a trip to Washington, we rented a car and drove out into Amish Country. (2006)

8. As a tea lover, it was fun to check out the beautiful Cameron Highlands. (Malaysia, 2007)

9. Some days you have to work when you’d rather be at home. Here I am celebrating my birthday up in the air! Cake anyone? (Sao Paulo-Amsterdam, 2008)

10. You have to go on a safari at least once in your life. It’s absolutely in my all-time Top 3.

11. 2009-2010 were life-changing years for me. I decided to fly part time, to be more creative, and to be more conscientious and caring. Read more about Dare to Care in my blogs about Johannesburg and Bushcamp.

12. “My happy place” – at the beach, relaxing, wondering. (Tanjong Beach, Singapore)

13. Because I love art and design, my heart skips a beat whenever I’m able to visit inspiring places! For instance, MAC by Oscar Niemeyer. (Rio de Janeiro/Niteroi, 2013)

14. Looking back: New York 2014 & 2002. When I look at myself, it’s great to see that travelling made me a woman of the world. Confident, proud, caring, with both feet firmly on the ground.

15. KLM gives me wings to fly, care & share. Thanks for flying with me. Hope to see you on board sometime!

X Valerie

The post Highlights From a Decade of Sky Life appeared first on KLM Blog.

I walked through passport control today. This time, however, I wasn’t in uniform but in jeans, cardigan and trainers—all set to spend a long weekend in London. My dear friend Ellen has been living in London’s Notting Hill district for the past six months. “Notting Hill” one of my oldtime favorite movies starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. How fun would it be to find that “famous” blue door this weekend? On a mission…

I landed safely at London Heathrow and thanked my colleagues for a pleasant flight. I caught the Tube to Ladbroke Grove (“mind the gap”) where Ellen came to pick me up. It was great to see her again and I immediately felt at home in this leafy, colourful neighbourhood.

Portobello Market

Saturday morning. Rise and shine! Portobello Market awaits! It is especially nice to walk the length of the market from end to end—from Ladbroke Grove down to the busier Notting Hill Gate. It’s here that you find all the bric-a-brac and second-hand clothes. On the way we had lunch at Lisa’s Kitchen and Bar. Another hot tip is the Portobello Market street food plaza located under a motorway. It has great atmosphere filled with music and different kinds of food.

Hyde Park

Ellen took me on a detour to Hyde Park to avoid the most touristy bits of the popular Portobello Market. Hyde Park was a relief from this frenetic and friendly city. We took a look at Kensington Palace which is a stunning building freighted with history. We walked home up Kensington Church Street. On the way we peeked in at Jamie Oliver’s Recipease where you can take cookery lessons or other activities. We stopped for glass of Pimms at the lively Westbourne Pub. Pimms is a sort of English Sangria. Delicious!

The Blue Door

To finish off the day we wandered past the cheerful pastel-coloured doors to Westbourne Park Road in search of the blue door. And there it was, number 280! I took a “movie moment” and walked in the footsteps of Julia Roberts. We laughed as we took pictures. Mission accomplished: 280 Westbourne Park Road. Check (R)! Been there, done that, got the picture.

More Lovely London tips with Valerie:

Markets and Shopping Districts

• Spitalfields Market, 65 Brushfield Street London E1, tube: Liverpool Street Station
• Brick Lane vintage & street food plazas, London E1
• Columbia Road Shops & Flower Market (Sunday only, rain or shine) Columbia Road, London E2
• Portobello Market
• Boxpark, Shoreditch, 2 Bethnal Green Road, London E1

Tea, Drinks and Food

• Lisa’s, 305 Portobello Road, London W10
• Jamie Oliver Recipease, 92-94 Notting Hill Gate, London W11
• Printers and Stationers, 21A Ezra Street, London E2
• Albion Café and Bakery, 2-4 Boundary Street, London E2
• The Westbourne, 101 Westbourne Park Villas, London W2
• Comptoir Libanais, 1-5 Exhibition Road, London SW7

Fun and Culture

• Hyde Park
• Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8
• Electric Cinema, 191 Portobello Road
• Look out for fun and beautiful street art everywhere around town
• Notting Hill Carnival, 30-31 August 2015
• Enjoy the DareSheGoes London playlist on Spotify

The post A Weekend in Notting Hill, London appeared first on KLM Blog.

KLM has been serving soup as an alternative starter in World Business Class since 1 July 2014. To make the introduction more interactive, purser and junior ICA product specialist Ingrid Niewold came up with the idea of a soup competition for KLM crew.

The Idea

Ingrid knows from experience that many of her colleagues are real foodies and she has spent many a night copying recipes from colleagues. So it wasn’t long before she hit on the idea. After a bit of research with the food specialists, it became apparent that it would be possible to serve a soup onboard which a crew member had devised! KLM designer René Kemper designed a flyer with the criteria: the soup had to be vegetarian, made from sustainable produce, and it had to be pourable. And the prize at the end? “Your soup on the World Business Class menu with your name attached!”

Participants

Ingrid encouraged crew members at Crew Centre to submit as many soup recipes as they could think of. She received around eighty of them, some even came with wonderful stories attached. The nine most suitable soup recipes—by eight cabin crew members and a first officer Boeing 777—were included in the competition.

The Event

The soup-cooking event was held on 6 December at cooking school and restaurant DeKookfabriek in Amsterdam. KLM staff were there in uniform to welcome and to assist the guests. The jury included food & beverage manager Roel Verwiel, KLM Catering Services chief Nico Polanen, Restaurant DeLibrije’s sous chef Maik Kuijpers, EVP Inflight Services Paul Elich and former swimming champion and government member Erica Terpstra. As a frequent KLM flyer she was invited to give her vote from the passengers point of view. On this appetizing Saturday morning, everyone went to Amsterdam, entirely voluntarily, to make this event as special as possible. All the participants cooked their soups “live”. They then explained them in detail and served them to the jury members.

And the winner is…

Having tasted all nine soups, the jury withdrew to deliberate. It wasn’t an easy decision because all the soups were utterly appropriate. The runner-up—a spinach, sweet potato and coconut soup—was given special mention by sous chef Maik Kuijpers. Senior purser Layla van Homoed produced a fabulous creation, which was vegetarian but also vegan and gluten-free. But the soup that all World Business Class passengers will be savouring from October 2015 is the Eastern pumpkin soup by assistant purser Colette Verdijk! Her reaction? “That’s brilliant! I honestly never expected this! The soup turned out really hot this time.”

The Recipe and the Story

“This just-a-bit-different pumpkin soup has been a favourite in our house for years,” said Colette. She once tasted a soup like it in a charming Amsterdam restaurant and liked it so much she was inspired to try to make it herself. It got a bit spicier each time she made it. As people don’t taste as much at altitude, she thinks the extra kick will be appreciated.

She hopes her soup will appeal to our World Business Class passengers and that they will enjoy it to the full from autumn 2015!

The post What’s Cooking? The KLM Crew Soup Contest appeared first on KLM Blog.

Chengdu is of course synonymous with pandas! And they’re simply beautiful. But on my first trip to Panda City, I wanted to head off the beaten track.

In all honesty, I only knew about well-known places in China like Beijing and Shanghai. That is, until KLM took the initiative as Europe’s first airline to open direct service to the city of Chengdu a few years ago. This whet my curiosity. Chengdu is the provincial capital of Sichuan province in Southwest China. Set to embark on a six-day trip as part of my duty roster, I asked myself: “What does Chengdu have to offer?”

Home of the panda

Chengdu is the home of the panda. The giant panda has lived in this region for over two million years. Around 10 km north of downtown Chengdu, you’ll find the amazing Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Sometimes you can find tiny pandas here too.

Thanks to the tips I received from colleagues, I also discovered that Chengdu serves as the perfect home base for beautiful trips like:

• A visit to the terracotta army in Xi’an (World Heritage Site);
• A trip to Lhasa in Tibet for a few days (with flights leaving daily from Chengdu Shuanglui International Airport);
• A visit to the Giant Buddha in Leshan (World Heritage Site);
• A flight to Guilin to get to the amazing Karst Peaks of Yangshuo County;
• Mount Emei is a must-see for its Buddhist culture and mountain views. It’s the highest of China’s four holy Buddhist mountains.

Yangshuo Town

Because we had a few days at our disposal, I joined four colleagues to head off to Yangshuo. It’s a small tourist town on the banks of the Li River, well known for its landscape consisting of towering Karst Peaks of 100 to 200 metres tall, formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone.

Cycling

We stayed at a gem of a hotel along the river. Only in the morning did we see just how charming and idyllic Yangshou was. The view across the river, picturesque streets and a red lantern on our balcony. We enjoyed breakfast at the Drifter’s Backpack Café. The English menu certainly helped.

A tip from a colleague brought us into contact with the cheerful local guide Hui. For the next two days, she shared an exceptional part of China with us – by bicycle (it cost less than a euro to hire a bicycle!). We cycled through nostalgic villages and past wondrous temples on our way to Moon Hill. Across the countryside, through rice paddies, a friendly atmosphere. Absolutely fabulous. I met some exceptional people and they allowed me to take photos.

Tai Chi

Day two kicked off with a communal Tai Chi class in the park next to our hotel in Yangshuo. Then we hopped on a local bus to visit the nearby village of Xingping. After exploring the market we took a boat trip to marvel at the Karst Peaks along the Li River. A real must-see; from the water you really feel like you’re gliding through a fairy tale.

We spent the last day of the trip in Chengdu. I visited the Wenshu Yuan Temple and tasted the Tibetan atmosphere in the district near Jinli Pedestrian Street. Chengdu is special. It offers so many different ways to discover an amazing part of China. Xiexie! (= thank you in Mandarin Chinese).

The post Chengdu – a great way to discover China! appeared first on KLM Blog.

World cities have a magical effect on me. They inspire me. They energise me in an indescribable way. They fill me with warmth. It feels a little bit like love — a kind of welcome-to-my-world feeling. That’s why I fly at least once a year to my BFF of all destinations: New York City! About three weeks ago, I returned to the Big Apple. Not a long visit but long enough do a few things — shop, meet up with some people. I was looking forward to seeing Bleecker Street and walking along the High Line again. Not a bad combination for a twenty-four hour stopover.

Friendly Energy
From the moment I board the plane, it’s clear this will be a special flight. Many people seem to be on a mission of some kind. The Dare: the New York Marathon. There’s a delicious kind of energy on board. Enthusiastic discussions, new aims being shared and supported. One more item that can be checked off bucket list. This flight, full of positive energy, makes my arrival in New York all the more pleasant. I’m so happy to meet up with an old friend from Amsterdam. He’s been living on the Upper West Side for two years, now. We go out for drinks in Midtown Manhattan. Grab a burger and take some pictures. Tired but deeply satisfied I go to sleep, only to wake up much too early. Hello jet lag!

Walk the Line
What a beautiful day! I walk to West 30th Street and 10th Avenue — the northernmost point of the High Line. This elevated freight rail line, which had long since fallen into disuse, has been transformed into a veritable oasis of peace on the edge of this energetic city. It’s a beautiful walkway that takes in art, street scenes, and nature. In a thirty-minute walk, it carries you through New York’s old Meat Packing District and offers wonderful views of the Hudson River. The High Line is one of my favourite spots in New York! After a short stop for coffee on Gansevoort Street, I head over to Bleecker Street. Most of Bleecker Street is in the West Village — the western half of Greenwich Village. The area is chock full of designer shops. I stop along the way to buy a few gifts and treat myself to the city’s most delicious cupcake at the Magnolia Bakery. Then on to the subway to 34th Street and Broadway. Duty calls.

New York, New York
I arrive home on the day of the Marathon and watch it, full of admiration, on TV. I think of those amazing passengers who are now running. “If they can make it Dare, they can make it anywhere.” New York gives you something you’ll never forget. So Dare to fly — and Heart New York!

The post My BFF Destination: New York! appeared first on KLM Blog.

I’d like to  give you an idea of what my life as a cabin crew member is like. Starting with a yearly Flight Safety Exam, followed by preparing for my flight to Los Angeles, wrapping up with some photos of my work on board. If you want to find out what we did in LA, read my other KLM blog.

7:30 waiting for the tram to take me to Central Station. The big red book is my flight safety manual. I am having my yearly Flight Safety Exam. Banana for energy and to stay focused.

8:00 Arrival at Schiphol bus station.

 

8:45 Passed the exam on all flying types with 100 % score! The rest of the day we have a recurrent training. Practise of flight procedures, first aid and use of equipment.

Back home packing my suitcase for my trip to Los Angeles the next day!

8:00 checking in for my flight to LAX. Before the crew briefing starts: postbox check, cashing my daily allowance.

9:10 Business Class preparations to welcome the World Business Class passengers. The lovely Dutch designer Comfort Bags of Viktor&Rolf are a real must have for fashionista’s. Business Class exclusive!

9:50 take off for a 10 hours and 20 minutes flight. I work in Economy Class. First service is a drink service with a bag of smoked almonds. After diner and inflight sales you’re always free to come to the galley and get a snack or refreshment!

We Fly with a 747-combi. Meaning we also carry cargo. Today we have very special guests in cargo! 18 horses. During my break I’m having a quick look and give them a cuddle. We have special KLM animal attendants and groomes who take very good care of these beautiful animals during flight.

Check out this beautiful view of Greenland. My ‘buddy’ Dewi and I had a nice flight and are looking forward to our stay! You can read about it in my blog Los Angeles is music to my ears.

The post My Day in Photo’s – Crew Member Valerie appeared first on KLM Blog.

I sometimes ask myself how many people I’ve welcomed on board since I started flying years ago. I’ve met some amazing people – especially on the longer flights – sometimes entering into meaningful conversations extending beyond “How was your trip?” or “Would you like chicken or pasta?” Here are two examples of my encounters, with Vida (87) and Quinn (5).

KL702 Buenos Aires – Amsterdam

Almost a year ago, I met Vida, who was born on 29 February 1928. Secretly, Vida always wanted to be a KLM cabin attendant. She applied, but never made it through the selection process and ultimately found work as a secretary.

On board, she shared her dream of becoming a cabin attendant with me. I decided to make her dream come true during the flight – at least in part. We took a few snapshots of Vida, one of which shows her in the galley wearing my uniform jacket and scarf. When a friendly passenger asked for another glass of wine, I said: “Yes, with pleasure, we’ll be right back.” Vida had great fun serving the glass of wine, grinning from ear to ear.

As proud as a peacock

As a surprise, I sent the photos taken on board as a postcard. She always carries this card in her bag and is keen to share her meeting with me with anyone who’s interested. She calls me regularly and she’s even visited me in Maastricht by train, together with her friend Jan (87).

When I called her on 28 February to wish her happy birthday, I asked her when you actually celebrate it, if you’re born on 29 February. She replied: “Really, child, throughout the weekend. It’s a two-day party! Pity you can’t be here.”

I didn’t hesitate and three hours later I was boarding a train holding a bunch of flowers and a present. And that’s how it came to pass that I celebrated her 87th birthday at her house with Jan and her family and friends. I didn’t even need to introduce myself; everyone knew who I was. We toasted our friendship and life in general. Viva la Vida!

KL810 Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam

A day after the MH17 air disaster, I took to the sky with mixed feelings for a week-long stopover in Kuala Lumpur. I love my job, but also felt a sense of sorrow and was ill at ease, perhaps even a little scared.

The outbound flight went peacefully and professionally, and I received a home-made bracelet from a sweet eight-year-old girl. “Your lucky bracelet!” she said. I was moved and immediately felt better.

Peanut butter commercial

On the homebound flight, I met five-year-old Quinn. His friendly presence was immediately striking. He was travelling with his mother, stepfather, brother and mega Minion – a large cuddly toy. They too were visibly shaken by the events surrounding MH17 and were excited to be flying home.

“Miss…?”
“Yes, sweetheart,” I replied.
“I’m in the Calvé peanut butter commercial!”
“Wow, I thought I recognised you. May I get a snapshot with you just now?”
Full of pride, he answered “Yes” and that’s how it happened. With the super large Minion of course…

I exchanged email addresses with Quinn’s mother. On my return, I wrote to her: “It was great that you were in my zone. After all the sad news about MH17, it was a pleasure to welcome a child like Quinn on board. It gave me the strength and energy to bring my flight to a satisfactory conclusion. Here are the photos as promised!” I also had a look at the commercial again from the comfort of my living room and was thoroughly impressed by Quinn’s performance! The spitting image of a junior Van Persie :).

Mini Celebrity

“Fantastic photos! Quinn is really proud of them. We really weren’t looking forward to the return flight because of the terrible events surrounding the Malaysian Airlines flight. But, because of you and your colleagues, it turned out to be a calm and relaxed journey. Thanks for that and for your kind words!!” Her response confirmed the fact that despite my reservations about flying, we did our job properly as the flight crew.

Two short stories – from a series of many. Not only experienced by me, but familiar to numerous (ground crew) colleagues as well. Some even find true love on board, others make friends… Either way, flying makes me a better person.

Ps. For more travel photo’s follow me @dareshegoes on Instagram.

The post “Some People I Will Never Forget” appeared first on KLM Blog.

Peter Stigter is the best-known catwalk photographer from the Netherlands. He travels the world, shooting fashion shows thrown by the big names in fashion. A dream come true! I had the pleasure of travelling with him to Fashion Week New York! I pampered him on board his KLM flight; he showed me life backstage in New York.

Photography: Team Peter Stigter

New York Fashion Week is one of the highlights in Peter’s schedule for the year. This is when he gets to shoot shows thrown by the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria Beckham and the Spanish brand DelPozo, for whom he serves as house photographer as well.

I have an affinity for fashion because I’ve been involved in the Amsterdam Fashion Week for years. That’s where Peter and I met. “It’s amazing that I’ve never run into you on a flight with KLM,” he said. I thought to myself: we’re going to arrange just that and voilà: off to New York. Me in my KLM uniform, of course, and Peter as himself, the frequent flyer ;-)

New York Fashion Week 2016

Wearing an outfit designed by the Dutch Spijkers en Spijkers duo I hopped into a big Yellow Cab. “Chelsea Piers, Pier 59 please,” I said to the taxi driver and all I could think was: OMG this is amazing!!

Chelsea Piers is a great location close to High Line Park. I took a few photos and video recordings. Then I connected with Peter and his team who handed me my NYFW backstage pass so that I could tag along with Peter without a hitch. Wow! This is really unbelievable.

We stroll into a bright white hall. This is where the DelPozo show will be held in half an hour. Peter’s spot has been marked “house photographer”. The atmosphere is electric. All of the other photographers take their places around Peter.

Photography: Team Peter Stigter

DelPozo Backstage

Ten minutes before the start of the show we take a look backstage. I can’t believe my eyes. The models are all ready to go and chief designer Josep Font makes the final adjustments. DelPozo is a favourite in the New York fashion industry. The hall is jam-packed. I look on over Peter Stigter’s shoulder and get a really good impression of what he does. He enjoys a front row view every show!

Alongside Amsterdam, Paris and London, I can now add New York to the list of fashion weeks I’ve attended. I’m in ecstasy. What a morning!

New York Highlights

Team Peter Stigter consists of 8 men/women.  They hit New York several times a year, so they know the city like the back of their hand.

Photography: Team Peter Stigter

New York Highlights by Team Peter Stigter

Things to do

• At the end of the afternoon head off to Bryant Park for a cup of coffee or glass of wine to see, listen to and feel the city.
• Central Park on a Saturday morning – “taking a stroll with a breakfast bun passed the basketball games, yoga classes and baseball games”.
• Check out Manhattan from a distance; from the ferry (e.g. the East River Ferry) or a water taxi.
• People watching on 9^th Avenue.
• The Museum of National History on a rainy day.
• Visit Roosevelt Island on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Your MetroCard will get you in. Transfer in Manhattan at Tram Plaza 60^th Street/2^nd Avenue.
• After a brilliant view across the city? Visit Rockefeller Center. It’s less busy, cheaper and offers a better view than the Empire State Building There’s a fantastic cocktail bar on the 65^th floor.

Photography: Team Peter Stigter

Dining out in New York

• Chelsea Food Market (75 9^th Avenue).
• Great food and a wonderful place: Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station (reservations a must).
• The best steak and Martinis: Smith & Wollensky (book for the Bar/Grill section if you don’t want to be crammed). 797 3^rd Avenue.
• Cocktail Bar: 169 Bar. 169 East Broadway.
• Street food – like hot dogs and breakfast buns – always makes a tasty and super local snack.
• And if you’ve just arrived at your hotel after an intercontinental flight and don’t much feel like heading out, you can always order Sushi online from Ageha and have it delivered to your hotel room.

Hotels in New York

Team Peter Stigter swears by the Holiday Inn Midtown on 57^th Street. Good service, nice beds, down to earth and the only hotel with a swimming pool on its roof at the heart of the city. This rooftop regularly serves as a backdrop for fashion shoots.

About frequent flyer Peter Stigter

Peter Stigter makes around 10 to 15 intercontinental flights a year. Given the choice, Toronto is his favourite KLM destination. “If New York could be described as fifth gear, then Toronto is second,” is the way he describes his favourite city. Peter is crazy about Canada because he has family and friends living there.

I asked Peter why he likes flying with KLM: “I love the down-to-earth Dutch attitude and genuine service. It makes traveling relaxed for me. I only have to see the blue-and-white plane, and I feel like back home again.”

Photography: Team Peter Stigter

Thank you! Team Peter Stigter, Crew KL644, Maison PR, Spijkers en Spijkers, Martijn & Tom! PS: Follow @dareshegoes and @teampeterstigter on Instagram as well!

The post Off to New York With Catwalk Photographer Peter Stigter appeared first on KLM Blog.

What would you like to know about the flying life? I put this question to my @dareshegoes Instagram followers a month ago. I receive delightful responses to my Instagram posts from people all over the world and try to answer as many as I can. Are you curious to hear what they ask?

1. Did you start as a cabin attendant for KLM, or did you work for another airline first? (@jorenzo_m)

I started with the Dutch charter airline Martinair. I had a summer contract, but after the events of 9/11, 2001, it was not turned into a permanent contract. I still cherish the good times of my first flying experience. In 2002, I applied to KLM for the second time and was hired. I am still very pleased about this.

2. What is your favourite destination and why? (@mypicsofpeople)

Rio de Janeiro! Especially when the sun shines. It’s less paradisal when it rains. Every time I go there I almost feel at home and, strangely, people often address me in Portuguese. To my mind, it offers the perfect combination of sand, sea and culture. I could quite happily live there. There’s so much diversity in one city and every visit I discover something new.

3. I always wonder how you and the rest of the crew cope with jet lag? (@eugene_photos)

Speaking for myself, I try to find a balance between local time and Dutch time. I listen to my body and just sleep if I feel tired. I try to eat as healthily as possible and drink a lot of water. Yoga and sport also help me. I don’t believe in a singe jet-lag formula, because every person, every body, responds differently.

4. I wonder, what is the most important qualification for KLM Cabin Crew?  (@sunhan_shanna_lee)

Passing your flight-safety exams.:) Safety is always our top priority. I also think it’s helpful if you enjoy working in a team, don’t have a nine-to-five mentality, and if you are able to identify with the situations passengers are in and preempt their needs. I always try to think about how I like to travel and to be treated.

5. What are the best and least pleasant aspects of your job? (@14a92)

The best is discovering the world. It calms you down and makes you realise how lucky you are. In my last blog I wrote about the things I like most. Now for the least pleasant… Collecting the empty meal trays (especially when the containers are not put back in the right places and I have to reorganise them to be able to clear them away. I end up covered in yoghurt or chocolate mouse, or whatever;-). Drunk or extremely rude passengers are not much fun either. And it isn’t always great being away from my family, for instance, at Christmas.

6. How do you manage to make such fabulous selfies? (@studio.silver.lining)

A lot of practice;-) And I never use a selfie stick. I get a real kick out of taking a picture that captures the right atmosphere. My friends call me the Selfie Queen, haha.

7. Is it acceptable for passengers to take photos of themselves with members of the Cabin Crew? (@fightxthedarkx)

You can always ask the crew if they would mind being in a picture with you. Some won’t mind, others will. There’s no harm in asking.

8. Is it easy or hard to maintain a social life at home, or abroad, when you’re travelling so much?  (@onboarded)

Good question! To a certain extent I can set my own roster, so if I want to be free for a particular social event, I can usually arrange it. But I need to know well in advance. Internet and social media make it easier too. I also regularly FaceTime with my parents when I’m away.

9. Do you always fly KLM when you go on holiday? If not, what is your favourite airline? (@amyvanderwell)

My favourite airline is, KLM, of course! But I usually try to avoid flying when I go on holiday, because I fly so much. I might go by car to France, or train to Zeeland (NL). There are plenty of great holiday destinations here in the Netherlands.

10. Have you got a collection of KLM Houses? (@elsvoogt)

Nice question. I have a few from flights I’ve been sent on to relieve colleagues who have become ill at destinations. On these occasions we travel as passengers to take over that colleague’s schedule.

11. You now have more than 300 photos of places around the world and you’ve seen a lot of the world too. Which photo holds the most unusual or special memory for you? And why? (@remcofugers)

When I look back through my Instagram photos, there’s one picture that was taken at the Van Gogh Museum last year, which is very special. To be given the opportunity to walk around an empty Van Gogh Museum in my blue uniform with photographer Ben Kortman was truly unique. It perfectly complimented the blog about the Van Gogh route in France.

12. Thanks for sharing some wonderful pictures. What is it that motivates and inspires you to share your life, trips and stories with us? (@bram_snel)

The world is so beautiful! You just have to share it. As far as flying is concerned, many people dream of doing this job, or would at least like to travel more. I never thought I would fly for 14 years, but the cliche is true: time flies when you’re having fun. My tip: try to make every moment a celebration.

13. What do you like to do most when you are at a destination? (@bonnieparren)

I love to stroll through different neighbourhoods in a city, visit museums, lie on the beach, or have drink while gazing at a beautiful view, perhaps from a sky bar. I think the Dutch are fairly adventurous, so there are usually colleagues who want to come along. That doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes enjoy going off on my own (with my camera).

14. I am wondering, have you ever encountered any picky passengers when on duty? How do you deal with them? (@howard1020321)

I always try to find out where the shoe pinches, as the saying goes. Why is the passenger angry, grumpy, or sad? Travelling, and particularly flying, can be pretty stressful for some people. If you are able to find the reason behind the behaviour, show understanding and preempt their needs, you can often break the ice. If passengers disembark with a smile, a handshake, or even a hug, then I feel my “mission” has been more than accomplished!

15. What training have you had and did you always want to be a flight attendant?  (@marjon.Bergsma)

I went to art school and wanted to do something creative in fashion when I left. I never thought I would become a flight attendant. But when I got to 26, I decided to apply; I wanted to see more of the world. I have been writing for the KLM blog for almost five years now, which gives me room to be creative. I love the combination of writing and flying.

The post 15 Instagram Questions for Flight Attendant Valerie appeared first on KLM Blog.

Maastricht is the oldest city in the Netherlands. It has the allure of a city like Paris. And it has its very own language that sings sweetly in your ears. It gives me pleasure to take you along to my birthplace, Maastricht. You can get there from Amsterdam, by car or train, in just two and-a-half hours.

1. Enjoying life at an outdoor café

The people of Maastricht know just how to put themselves on display. They don their most fashionable clothes – complete with properly shined shoes and a good hat – and you can see it all perfectly from your spot at the sidewalk café. All you need do is find a place at one of the numerous squares around town, such as Vrijthof Square, Onze Lieve Vrouwe (“Our Lady”) Square, Amorsplein Square, or the Markt (“Market Square”). Standing in the shadow of these grand locations, you can also find what is officially known to be the smallest café in the Netherlands – Petit Café Moriaan (Stokstraat 12).I can really recommend it.

2. Wyck, Centre Céramique and the Bonnefantenmuseum

Maastricht is divided into two major sections, divided by the Meuse River. When you exit Maastricht Central Station, you’ll find yourself in the Wyck section, which offers a variety of antique stores, designer clothing, and interior design stores. It is also the hotspot for some fantastic restaurants – for instance, on Rechtstraat. And the Centre Céramique (a library and arts centre) and the Bonnefanten Museum aren’t far off.

Interesting factoid: On the fourth floor of the Centre Céramique, you can find a beautiful model of the city, a copy of the original created in 1748.

3. Vlaai from Limburg

Your visit to Maastricht is really only complete once you have a piece of the local pie – called vlaai. You can find it in any number of places. However, at the Bisschopsmolen (“the Bishop’s Mill”) at Stenenbrug 3, you can go inside the bakery and they’ll show you just how this speciality is made. That makes it extra delicious. My favourites are rice and cherry vlaai.

4. Carnaval!

Celebrating Carnaval (Mardi Gras as it’s known in the southern Netherlands) is in the heart and soul of anyone born and bred in Maastricht. Very often, they’ll work all year on their costume to celebrate the straatcarnaval (“Street Carnival”). You won’t believe your eyes when you see the parade for the first time, complete with floats, drum corps, and people dressed in some pretty whacky costumes.

Personally, I always try to take out at least one day of the Carnaval season to celebrate with friends and family. Carnaval in Maastricht always starts on a Sunday and ends at midnight on Tuesday. So set aside some time between 26 and 28 February 2017 in your datebook. ;-)

5. Light a candle in the OLV Basilica

Whether you’re a believer or not, lighting a candle in the Sterre der Zee (Star of the Sea) Cathedral offers you a moment of peace. It offers a tiny spot where many local inhabitants come to spend a moment, to think about a loved one or to utter a wish. And, even if your wish doesn’t come true, you’ll come away knowing that having been surrounded by all those candles was an impressive experience.

6. Eat Zoervleis in the jazzy Jeker Quarter

Personally, I think the Jeker Quarter is the most beautiful part of Maastricht. It’s easier to slow down in this city’s own “Latin Quarter”. Here, you’ll find many of many of the town’s oldest traditions in art, music, food, and drink. I always order Zoervleis (literally “sour meat”) at my favorite restaurant Café Sjiek (Sint Pieterstraat 13).You can also go for a walk through the city park and on top of the old city walls. On a personal note, the first home I could call my own was in this neighbourhood.

7. Waltzing on the Vrijthof

If I tell passengers on board that I come from Maastricht, they often mention André Rieu. The world renown of this particular Maastricht native and his Johan Strauss Orchestra became very clear to me this month when I went with my mother to one of his summer concerts on the Vrijthof. They’re always sold out. There, I saw people from China, England, Brazil, Argentina and New Zealand, all of whom had come to Maastricht especially to experience his musical spectacle. Would you like to take part? These open-air concerts are usually held during the first two weekends in July.

8. Shopping and coffee

Here’s a list of my favourite shops and cafés.

• Have a delicious lunch followed by homemade cupcakes at Piece of Cake (Bredestraat 28). When the weather is nice, you can eat in their back garden.
• You can find gifts created by Dutch designers at the Conflict Designmarket (Minckelersstraat 14).
• For everything vintage from earrings to boots, I like to go to Giensch (Achter Het Vleeshuis 19).
• One more good fashion place to shop is Kiki’s Stocksale (Stokstraat 33).
• For coffee to cocktails, it’s Take Five (Bredestraat 14).

9. What a view!

You can get a good view of the city from the Sint-Pietersberg (“Mount Saint Peter”). Here you can find Chalet Bergrust (Luikerweg 71), a good starting point for lovely walks into the countryside and to the marlstone caves. Or just sit and enjoy the view. By the way, I was born in the neighbourhood of Sint Pieter.

10. Magical Maastricht

Maastricht is a great place to visit year-round. Personally, I prefer the summer. But there’s a lot to say for visiting in December. From 2 December to 1 January the city is adorned in a Christmas atmosphere. Be sure to go for a spin on the giant Ferris Wheel on Vrijthof Square. The city is never more beautiful.

11. KLM bus service

Twice a day, a KLM bus shuttles between Maastricht and Schiphol for travellers with a KLM ticket. You can find everything you need to know here.

Bon voyage and see you in Mestreech!

Maastricht – also known for:

• In 1992, the Maastricht Treaty (formally, the Treaty on European Union) was signed here. It paved the way for the European Economic Union and led to the creation of the single European currency, the euro.
• Maastricht is the standard starting point for the classic Amstel Gold Bike Race.
• Maastricht native André Rieu is world famous and has put his city on the musical map.
• The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) ranks among the world’s best. Each year it welcomes about 70,000 visitors.

The post Stewardess Valerie’s Top Tips About Her Hometown Maastricht appeared first on KLM Blog.

During every flight, at least one crew member serves as a boarding attendant. She or he stands at the aircraft door and welcomes the passengers. The great thing about this particular role is that you get the chance to make contact with practically all the passengers – to look them in the eye. Are they happy? Are they nervous, tired, or wound up? Very often, these feelings lead to special conversations later on.

1. Madly in love

I recognize them immediately – sparkling rings, a continuous stream of kisses, and hands tightly held – newlyweds. Even with both pairs of feet firmly on the ground, they’re already in seventh heaven. Recently, during a flight, I got to see photos of a beautiful wedding including an equally beautiful wedding gown. At moments like that I feel honored that, just for a moment, not only am I part of their honeymoon but also part of their most special day.

2. Scared to death

During a flight to Bangkok, I received a couple who appeared quite happy at first glance. There was very little of that happiness left at the time of departure. The woman’s breathing was fast and shallow. She was in a state of panic. Her partner had to explain that she was deathly afraid of turbulence. It was a fear that I understand because I have experienced it myself. I’ve learned a great deal about controlling panic in the event of turbulence. By using that information, I was able to reassure her. I was able to explain to her what causes turbulence and just how much turbulence an aircraft can actually withstand. It helped and she was able to relax. At the end of the flight, I gave her a small present from KLM – a protective arm band – in the hope that she would feel better during her next trip.

3. Sad

Some time ago, I met an elderly couple on a flight to Kuala Lumpur. Not very long ago, the woman had been operated on her hip. Halfway through the flight, I met her in the galley and I asked her how the flight was going. She burst into tears. She and her husband were on their way to Indonesia to spread the ashes of their son. He had been killed in a traffic accident. I hugged her and listened to her story. She showed me a photo of a piece of art that she had made – a statue of a head, rendered in clay, of her son. When we arrived at our destination, she gave me her address in case I happened to be in the neighbourhood. In the time that followed, we remained in contact by postcard until I received a different postcard – with the announcement of her death. I believe that she is now together with her son in a beautiful place.

4. Baby’s first flight

Family ties are special. People fly around the world just to see one another. Different people, different opportunities. Weddings, birthdays, surprise parties, funerals. So, for instance, we regularly have tiny passengers taking their first trip to see grandma and grandpa. To make the flight of someone so young a little bit more special, I sometimes write on our sweet little Bluey bibs, “My first flight,” including the date and the final destination. For parents who have just adopted a child, I’ll write, “Welcome Home!”’

5. Not entirely OK

Every year, we receive training to help people with illnesses. That can come in extremely handy on board. And, very often, we are confronted with the same things, whether directly or indirectly. It helps us to understand why some people react in a less friendly way. Or ask out of the blue what time they will be eating. For instance, my father has diabetes. I know that he can get a bit grumpy if his insulin level fluctuates. If you travel with us and you have diabetes, please let us know. We can take that into account and make your flight that little bit more pleasant.

6. Love makes the world go round

Very clearly, love is an important reason to fly. I could write an entire blog just about that. Love stories around the globe, happy or sad. One time, I brought a Wannagive – a gift that you can order online or on board and give to a passenger at a later moment – to a beautiful blond woman in flight. She was startled when I said, “Ma’am, I have a gift for you.” I gave her a bottle of champagne with two glasses and a card attached. It read, “My dear future wife, have a good flight to your new home. On arrival we’ll toast our future together.” With tears in her eyes, she told me that she was emigrating from Germany to South Africa to be with the love of her life. Very clearly, it did her good to be able to share that with me. As you can see, even if you travel alone, you don’t have to feel lonesome.

Dare to share

Why am I writing this blog? As a passenger, you might want to have a talk with someone, maybe get a hug, or hear some comforting words. Feel free to share if you feel there is space for it. By unburdening your heart, you can make your travel more pleasant and create a sense of safety.

I look forward to welcoming you on board.

Very best regards,

Valerie

For more on my flying life, follow @dareshegoes on Instagram.

The post What Feeling Do You Bring on Board? appeared first on KLM Blog.

If you’d told me twenty years ago that I’d be flying all over the world, I’d probably have laughed out loud. I made my first flight with KLM when I was 22 years old. To be honest, flying sounded a bit scary to me at the time. And yet here I am celebrating my 10th anniversary at KLM! I’d like to share some of the highlights with you.

PS: For the ultimate sweet memories atmosphere, please listen to my DareSheGoes Playlist on Spotify.

A blue home up in the sky

Every flight I work with a different crew. I think it’s great to see how all these different characters come together as a team. We strive to make the flight as smooth as possible. We work together, laugh together, and sometimes cry together. To me, a KLM aircraft is like a blue home up in the sky. A place to welcome people and comfort them. Where I want to be happy and safe.

I went through all my pictures from all my flights and have compiled a personal photo blog to share some of my most memorable moments with you. Hopefully, you’ll feel inspired to visit some of these destinations yourself someday.

Are you ready for takeoff?

1. Smile! On 5 September 2002, I earned my wings. Michel put us through six weeks of flight safety training. He still works for KLM as a senior purser and we’re still in touch.

2. “Sorry to wake you, Mum, but I just wanted to tell you that I’m walking on the Great Wall of China!” (Beijing, China, 2003)

3. Four days in Delhi. And of course I had to see another Wonder of the Modern World. (Taj Mahal, India, 2003)

4. When I began working as a stewardess, I mainly flew to European destinations. Sometimes we had a 24-hour layover, which gave me a chance to explore places like Venice, which is wonderful.

5. Before and after a flight, I check my KLM mailbox. Not my email, but a real box that contains little notes, postcards and pictures from fellow crew members. I love this.

6. The Boeing 737 took me to places like Syria, Lebanon and, my favorite, Jordan. I’m so grateful that I got a chance to visit these places, that I slept out in de Wadi Rum Desert and saw Petra. (Jordan, 2004)

7. On a trip to Washington, we rented a car and drove out into Amish Country. (2006)

8. As a tea lover, it was fun to check out the beautiful Cameron Highlands. (Malaysia, 2007)

9. Some days you have to work when you’d rather be at home. Here I am celebrating my birthday up in the air! Cake anyone? (Sao Paulo-Amsterdam, 2008)

10. You have to go on a safari at least once in your life. It’s absolutely in my all-time Top 3.

11. 2009-2010 were life-changing years for me. I decided to fly part time, to be more creative, and to be more conscientious and caring. Read more about Dare to Care in my blogs about Johannesburg and Bushcamp.

12. “My happy place” – at the beach, relaxing, wondering. (Tanjong Beach, Singapore)

13. Because I love art and design, my heart skips a beat whenever I’m able to visit inspiring places! For instance, MAC by Oscar Niemeyer. (Rio de Janeiro/Niteroi, 2013)

14. Looking back: New York 2014 & 2002. When I look at myself, it’s great to see that travelling made me a woman of the world. Confident, proud, caring, with both feet firmly on the ground.

15. KLM gives me wings to fly, care & share. Thanks for flying with me. Hope to see you on board sometime!

[tweet text=”When I look at myself, it’s great to see that travelling made me a woman of the world.”]

X Valerie

The post Highlights From a Decade of Sky Life appeared first on KLM Blog.

It’s 2002 and the job that called me to leave home in Maastricht and move to the Randstad has not turned out to be quite what I’d hoped. Why not be a cabin attendant instead? Just for a year, see a bit of the world. Fast forward to 2018 and I’m still a CA flying the globe. It’s still fun and here are my top 10 reasons why.

1. Every working day is different

The composition of the crew changes all the time. Even after 16 years of flying with KLM, I still regularly work with people I’ve never met before. The destinations change all the time too, as do the passengers. No day is ever the same as the day before. Or night, for that matter, because I work nights too.

2. Plan your own schedule

To a large extent, I am able to decide for myself where I fly to and how long I stay away. We have a great system for requesting flights, which enables me to see immediately what my chances are of being assigned to a particular flight and how many slots there are for someone of my rank. In this profession, you very often have to work on public holidays. But if I really, really want to be free on a particular day, then I can use one of my “super jokers”.

3. Never the worry of what to wear?”

Albert Einstein. Steve Jobs. Mark Zuckerberg. Valerie Musson. All people who never have to think about what they should wear to work. Long live uniform!

4. Visiting family and friends abroad

When we’re assigned to intercontinental flights, we get a minimum of 24 hours off at the destination. But I also often have an afternoon or evening free at European destinations too. This means I can join my cousin in Stockholm for dinner, see my best friend in New York, or visit friends and acquaintances in Tokyo, Cape Town, Shanghai, London and Abu Dhabi.

5. Sharing prosperity

When I fly to Johannesburg or Nairobi, I often take lots of clothes and toys to donate to charities and orphanages there. It’s a real privilege to be able to select these worthy causes myself and personally deliver the donations. I also really enjoyed working on the Wings of Support Bushcamp; four days camping with underprivileged children at Lake Naivasha in Kenya. That was great fun!

6. Seeing the world from above

I sometimes, of course, glance out of the windows when I’m serving passengers. The views are spectacular! Rolling cloud cover, sometimes mountain tops, and always sun. More than once I’ve experienced the delight of flying over Central London as the sun was setting. I’ve seen the Great Wall of China from the air, the Mississippi River, The Strip in Las Vegas, Mount Fuji, and the Alps.

7. Freedom and bliss

I can shut my front door behind me in Amsterdam and 15 hours later enter an hotel room on the other side of the world. That never ceases to feel like magic. Once I’ve arrived at the destination, I can do whatever I like. In many places, I have my favourite cafe, or beauty parlour. Sometimes I’ll rent a car with a colleague and, for instance, drive from Los Angeles out to Las Vegas. It’s all possible.

8. Time for a special hobby

To me, tango is the most beautiful dance in the world. But you know what’s even more beautiful? Taking tango lessons in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of this marvellous dance. Every time I go there, I take my tango shoes, which I bought in San Telmo, naturally (connoisseurs know why). and then I take private lessons with tangocoach Adrian Luna. 

9. Getting to know interesting, lovable and lovely people

If I’m on a 12-hour flight, I enjoy getting to know the passengers in my work area. I’m still in touch with 85-year old Vida and other people like Rachael from the UK. Rachael was afraid of flying, but told me that this story had helped ease her mind. When, six months later, she came to Amsterdam for a weekend with her husband, we met for coffee and apple cake in the Vondelpark. Rachael gave me a guardian angel, which I take with me now on every journey.

10. The most beautiful place on earth

I sometimes have to pinch myself when, for instance, I’m lying on a beach drinking out of a fresh coconut, watching the sun sink into the sea. Then I look at my colleague and one of us will say (it’s our running gag): “Just another day at the office.”

If you’d like regular updates about the flying life, follow me dareshegoes on Instagram and Facebook. Or, better still, see you on board!

Got enthusiastic about becoming a cabin attendant? Find out how the selection procedure goes in this blog!

The post 10 Reasons Why Being a Flight Attendant Is The Best Job In The World appeared first on KLM Blog.