Ticktock. Two more hours and it's a wrap. Logging your name on SBY list or Standby rather, can stir mixed hubbub. It could be a taxing 2-4 leg turnaround or spend a layover somewhere super. Roster called. Flipping the pages of my Manual looking for FCO equals Leonardo Da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy! Packed everything on my Euro list. Arrived in the Crew Briefing Room where infos are being exchanged to check everyone's knowledge. Filipino CSD/Purser or Cabin Services Director rather, noticed that I wasn't wearing my coat! We'll be leaving in a few minutes for Cabin Preparations. I must find someone to borrow with or no go! Other crew members obliged to help, but then I ended up begging for a coat at the Grooming Department! And yes, Rome, here I come!
I guess it was a 5-6 hour flight from Doha. While on board, my fellow crew and I planned what to do once we touch down in Rome. After checking-in, we freshened up and off to scout! Pasta + Gelato = Perfect!

I closed my eyes for a moment. I could only hear footsteps towards me. “Can I ask for some water?”, I immediately opened my eyes and a baby bottle was handed to me by a beautiful African woman around mid-thirties dressed in a very colorful garment or Kanga rather. Headed down to the galley and filled the container with lukewarm water.

I tried to keep my composure a midst of mild aircraft disturbance while holding a tray with a single bottle on it. As I approach the lady sitting in the front row, a man wearing a white button down shirt asked for water. “I’ll get back to you Sir. Would you like to have some coffee or juice instead?”, he replied with, “No”. Just as I hand over the feeding bottle, I offered if she would like to have something, “Water”, she requested. Reason being why I suggest coffee this much is because of this early morning flight. 

I poured in five to six cups of water to make sure I cover whoever wants some. Went back to the galley empty handed. Plane ride sure does get you dehydrated. It’s a fact.

Strapped myself in after cabin duties. Plane is descending. I kept on swallowing to keep my ears from popping. I glanced out the window where thousand acres of coffee beans are cultivated. Welcome to Nairobi!

Twenty-four hour layover just started. It’s a hot, humid Sunday. I only have my Google map as a tracking device. “Nairobi Java House is the best!”, the concierge exclaimed. That’s what I recall. 

Standing adjacent to Mama Ngina Street where I could smell the coffee aroma and heed reggae beats from afar, “It’s here! I just arrived!”, a small voice uttered inside my head. Spotted a vibrant huge menu coffee board wall-mounted inside where different coffee varieties are displayed. My eyes were glued on Iced Mocha concoction. 

I can taste the richness of coffee beans infused with cocoa. Coffee was not so empowering. This blended beverage is just right. I can see through this cup how diverse this country is. Nairobi is a contemporary Sahara. Whereas European and Western urbanity influenced this modish part of Kenya without dismissing its aboriginal African roots.

A couple of minutes passed and my drink just ran out. Spent the last few shillings I had on high-speed internet access for three hours back to the hotel while sipping instant coffee pulled from the aircraft galley!

This will be just a quick Seoul tour preview. I couldn't say much about this but all I can attest is this was a fun and exciting lay overs in my life. It was when during one of my turnaround flights I got to talk to a Korean crew on board. Her face is so perfect! I am not aware about the BB Cream during that time, but she's the one who talked me into using it. I really want to hoard make-up! Anyway, it was in mid-April when I got ICN (Incheon). I packed my winter jacket and brown leather boots! And guess what, I was melting! Bad idea to wear those. Thought there's still post-winter breeze. This was a fun layover! Three of us junior crews wasn't able to get enough sleep because we spent it outside! We went to Myeongdong, City Hall and we literally did take a hike.