Flying to the Middle East

[Annie_o]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if there are any flight attendants out there who are flying to the Middle East at the moment, especially Kuwait.
I've just been told that I will be flying to Kuwait soon and coming from Australia and never having been to the middle east before, I am very worried about what to expect:eek: ....and how I will be treated as a Flight Attendant over there.

Thanks guys

Annie XX

[eagle01]

Hi
Did u get a job with Strategic Aviation?

[bcf&gloves]

Hi Annie O

The airline I work for fly out to the middle east and my last two trips have been to Amman in Jordan and Tehran in Iran. Both trips have been fab, and there is no sign of what's going in other parts of the middle east.

So I am sure you will be fine! But if I can be of anymore assistance just let me know!

BCF

[Annie_o]

thanks so much for your replys!!


HOw are you treated as a western woman over there?? Are you expected to cover up??

Thanks so much guys

Annie XX

[woolyalan]

Take a look on lonelyplanet.co.uk (http://www.lonelyplanet.co.uk)tells you some brief info about the country and what you should avoid doing or not doing, you'd be suprised, apparently Iran is one of the most friendly places around :eek: even tells you what lekky plugs they use

[Annie_o]

Hey thankyou so much for your replies. I' am just very curious to find out how CC are treated over in countires such as Jordan and Kuwait. Do you guys as western women feel safe walking around the streets? Sorry if I sound really vague, its just that ive never been to the Middle East, and will be going very soon!!

Thanks guys XX

[cavortingcheetah]

:hmm:

One of the most important things to remember about the Middle East is that there are camels and then there are dromedaries. It does not do to confuse the two. The very important difference can best be described as being in the hump.
Camels have two humps each.
The poor old dromedary has one hump each.
It is, in fact, the dromedary that is native to Arabia whilst the camel is native mainly to Bactria, which, for the benefit of the masses, corresponds roughly today with what is northern Afghanistan; although of course, today there are many camels in Arabia.
I have no idea as to whether one can cross a camel with a dromedary but this link might help you determine that. I wouldn't visit the site unless you were feeling somewhat strong of stomach::=

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9265856&dopt=Abstract

The camel is stronger than the dromedary and can hump heavier weights; the dromedary is faster than the camel and is rather better as a cavalry camel type animal than is the camel; 'dromas' in ancient Greek, meaning 'swift runner'.
So, if you dress respectfully, know your camels and only eat dromedary eyeballs; I feel sure that, even though you're from Australia, all will be well.

Oh yes, here's something that might interest you:

http://www.austcamel.com.au/acn_home.htm


Toodle Pip.;)

[Chris21]

Annie O.. pm me for more info.. I think we are part of the same operation.. no need to worry.. Kuwait is perfectly fine.. exactly like Dubai only no drinking.. of course you have to be careful and no minni skirts but you will be treated like Paris Hilton..

Happy to answer any questions before you start.

[flybywire]

Hey thankyou so much for your replies. I' am just very curious to find out how CC are treated over in countires such as Jordan and Kuwait. Do you guys as western women feel safe walking around the streets? Sorry if I sound really vague, its just that ive never been to the Middle East, and will be going very soon!!

Thanks guys XX

Annie I cannot speak for Kwait but I lived in Jordan for about 2 years, and I absolutely LOVED it. Amman is a very clean and relaxed city, you'll see a mix of conservative women (especially in certain areas of the city) but then you'll see, at the same time, girls dressed in mini-skirts, especially if you take a walk (or go for a yummy dinner) in the "posh" areas like Shmeisani or Abdoun. I used to walk on my own around the University area even after midnight and never had a problem.

Do not worry about covering up, it's not required, unless you decide you want to visit one of their mosques (the new king Abdullah mosque in Abdali and the old king Hussein mosque downtown, near the roman theatre, are really worth a visit!!)

As for food hygiene bottled water is always better than tap water, although tap water is safe in some areas. As as for food, it's gorgeous but some places exaggerate a bit with spices that could upset your tummy! so it's better not to have shish kebab every single day!

If you want to move around you can use the yellow taxies, they are very, very cheap and they take you anywhere you want and are safe and more comfortable than those old diesel VW mini-buses! White taxies only work on specific routes (like buses) but are cheaper and you can usually get them from Abdali.

Crew are treated very well, tourists in general are treated well, you'll see what a nice population Jordanians are. It's not unusual to see people opening their houses for you and offer you TONS of food......and that cardamom coffee which is as strong as a quadruple espresso!!!

I am sure you'll have a great time, I deeply miss Jordan and I go back at least once a year. If you need any advice on things to see/what to do I can help you, I know Amman very well!

[flybywire]

:hmm:

Camels have two humps each.
The poor old dromedary has one hump each.

Oh, and while we talk about camels, the Arabic word for Camel is "JAMAL" , with the accent on the first "a", not to be confused with "JAMAAL" which means "beauty" and most likely will be your hotel receptionist/waiter's name!!:E

[Annie_o]

Thanks so much Flybywire....you have eased my stresses alot!!! Seems like a lovely place and I'am now eager to go!!

Thankyou so much again!

Annie XX

[cavortingcheetah]

:hmm:

In all seriousness, for one brief moment of time; Arabia is a wonderful part of the world. I would learn a few words of Arabic; such a courtesy is much appreciated. There are many variants of Arabic but the generic will suffice. I have used Rosetta Stone to good effect. You will probably not easily be able to attain the fluency to distinguish between the niceties of camels and waiters, which is a very funny and useful piece of information. Actually, I think you will find that Arabic has some 500 words for camel, which goes some way to explain the importance of that creature in their culture.
If you go to Cairo, the camel market is held every Friday in the suburb of Bilesh, in the north of the city. I am sure that there is one in Kuwait, worth a visit no doubt, but perhaps an idea to go with a man lest you be caught up in the auction?:E
Have fun. I am sure that you will.:D

[flybywire]

:hmm:
In all seriousness, for one brief moment of time; Arabia is a wonderful part of the world. I would learn a few words of Arabic; such a courtesy is much appreciated. There are many variants of Arabic but the generic will suffice. I have used Rosetta Stone to good effect. You will probably not easily be able to attain the fluency to distinguish between the niceties of camels and waiters, which is a very funny and useful piece of information. Actually, I think you will find that Arabic has some 500 words for camel, which goes some way to explain the importance of that creature in their culture.
If you go to Cairo, the camel market is held every Friday in the suburb of Bilesh, in the north of the city. I am sure that there is one in Kuwait, worth a visit no doubt, but perhaps an idea to go with a man lest you be caught up in the auction?:E
Have fun. I am sure that you will.:D

Well said :D

Annie if you'd like to learn some useful words in Arabic, pm me and I'll be more than happy to help you. You'll see that the Arabic they speak in The Gulf is different from the one spoken in Jordan, which is different from the one spoken in Lebanon or indeed Egypt. However, some words are incredibly similar and you'll certainly give them a very good impression if you attempt (even if it's not entirely correct) to say a few words in their language. You'll definitely make some good friends and (I speak for Jordanians) you'll see that most of them will go out of their way to help you in whatever you need!!!

Arabia is a truly magical region, you'll love it, it'll be a fantastic experience for you and if you're anything like me, you'll make sure you go back many times!!! :ok:

FBW:)

PS: one thing that will impress you is that Jordan never sleeps....most shops are open at night...and people are more alive than ever and seem not to suffer from the lack of sleep!! (mind you, some of them sleep during the day!:} )
As the late Oum Kalthoum (very loved Egyptian singer) said in many of her songs, no point in sleeping, The Night is made for Love!!!!!! :E

[bear11]

Hi,

generally speaking, you'll be fine - people there are very nice. You will meet huge amounts of expats working there also which dilutes the local population, everything from the highly paid EU/US/etc to the many Indians, Pakistanis, Afghanis, Philippinos, etc that do the real hard work and drive taxis, clean rooms in hotels, etc., for a small amount of money by our standards. Treat them with respect and they're very helpful and a great source of information.

As far as the locals are concerned, most are fine - but some, especially the well-off ones, can have a twisted view of women - their own should be covered up and chained to the kitchen table, but foreigners are seen as "loose" and viewed more like porn stars. Actually, in Kuwait, women are more liberated there than in many other countries in the Gulf. In any case, if a local hits on you, just given them a very firm (don't beat around the bush, it doesn't work), but polite "no" and they'll leave you alone.

As with all countries, just remember where you are - if it doesn't feel like home, that's because it ain't, and you shouldn't treat it or act like such. Learn the local customs and respect them, and a few words of Arabic always help.

[cavortingcheetah]

:hmm:

The way things are going out there you might just want to remember that you will almost certainly be taken for British or American, neither is going to be the flavour of the month for quite a while in the ME. (No further comment on that score!)
If I were you; I'd learn the Arabic for 'I am an Australian here to visit your beautiful country.'
I have had no trouble voyaging those parts as a South African and it helps in the bazaars if you pretend not to speak English. Cutlivate a thick Russian accent and mutter, 'borscht, vodka, da svedanya, nyet, nevsky prospekt' or similar quite quickly in sotto voce tones. Most bazaar stall owners do not speak Russian; if you meet one that does, why; just pretend to be.. Hungarian?!!
Of course it is possible that most stall holders don't understand Australian either.
You might want to consult The Sydney Bulletin of 26 April, 1975, where you will find such gems as:
'Nodding the nut for swy and one', which means 'pleading guilty and being sentenced to a term of two years with remission for one year for good behaviour.'
Strewth cobber!:cool:

[Up n Away]

Hi Annie, I am also Australian and have been living in the middle east for 4 years working for an airline. You have had some great information already. My experience as a western blonde women working for an airline is....it does sometimes feel that you are looked upon a "easy". Within my part of the middle east no local women can work for the airline, as it is completely frowned upon...however local males, no problem.:bored: There is a double standard that you have to get used to. However safety for me has never been an issue at all. Of course if you put yourself in a sticky situation in any country it could be dangerous. I have been to Amman and it is lovely, very happening and lively place with some hip cafes. The people are very nice and lots to see and do. However not spent time in Kuwait but believe the shopping is amazing, ALOT of money there and the women are dripping in jewels.

One of the great things about living in the middle east is you can afford to get waxing, nails and hair done weekly, very cheap compared to home. I would think the Kuwait women would have many salons to choose from as they are very well kept. Get use to the concept of the 'cold store' which is the local 'deli' that delivers whatever you want to your flat in minutes, well thats my experience. Cleaners are very cheap, for once a week it costs me about AUD25 per month. You will need if your flying alot, no time to clean.:D

Dont worry too much about alcohol as you will get your 'fix' when overnighting.

Now for the job, it took me a good year to really understand our passengers :confused: We are in a different part of the world and a different education system, so some passengers may not have even used a flushing toilet before. I used to work for an australian airline which no longer exists (dont get me started on that) :{ , I use to think all passengers checked in their brain with their luggage. But in the middle east the challenge is completely different. Language barriers, pray times, education standards...and thats just the crew :oh: Seriously it is a great experience and a good lesson in learning that we in Australia are very lucky...but also very isolated to the real problems of the world.

Am sure you will love it, if you have any questions big or small I can answer, just ask.

Congratulations and good luck.

[Annie_o]

Wow guys, Thankyou so much! You have all been so helpful!! Cannot thankyou all enough.I feel so much better about the whole situation. You have all had wonderful experiences, and I hope that I will have the same!

Again guys thankyou soo soo so much!!

Annie XXOXOXO

[sweetcherry]

I am so flustrated about Etihad way of conatcting people already recruited... Or they call to say hold..or they just wont call at all...
are they going to tell us even if we are going or not? its more then 2 months from interwiew and nothing nothinhg nothin..I just heard that they have only one group in training in month...that way we will wait till next fall:) Please anyone who has any idea if its worth to wait pls tell me. I thoink i will passs.

[mahmoodnz]

hi annie i am from bahrain i was working in kuwait i didnt like the country because its dangerous a little bit i think i u wanna work the best place is dubai and bahrain why dont u try gulfair which is based in bahrain alot of aussies work there

[bear11]

Sweetcherry, unfortunately you are seeing what is very common in the Middle East - they have a cultural habit of telling you only what they want to, and when they want to tell you it. I've lost count of the number of times I've arranged to meet someone and they don't show and don't apologise for not showing, tried to contact people and they don't come back to you, and I've had conversations with locals where it becomes blindingly obvious that they knew what they are telling you now months ago. Be assured they will contact you to let you know, but only when it suits them. We may consider it impolite and lacking in manners, but that's just the way they are - I don't judge it, and it's what you have to live with when you work down there.