Some memories:
1. Jump seat out of Dhaka on a 236B. Stately doesn't begin to describe it climbing from the chaos of the city
2. Jump seat out of Mahé (Seychelles) to Nairobi a full 3 months after the incident where an unwell man entered the office and proceeded to accelerate descent by means of throwing himself at the SFO. Flight crew couldn't have been more welcoming to us. Made clear we'd have to take our seats pre descent into Nairobi. As if only it was there that mentally unwell folk could strike... crew only following procedures, of course.
3. The KLM tour around the Cape inbound to CPT. Complete with tour narration from the Captain. "And there's Table Mountain" etc.
4. Skimming through summer CB's around JFK on the inbound. Captain querulous PA as it seemed vectors into some activity "La'z n gemmun plz fasten belts ". Few slight bumps then smooth again...
5. Too many wannabee sim sessions (at own cost for birthdays etc) marvelling at the handling characteristics AND the lambswool seat covers. Were they as comfortable after 9 hours, we wondered?
And many more. She was indeed the Queen and as a failed wannabe I will miss her as pax and a dreamer. Doubt we'll see the like again....