Beyond the 5 Star Hotels [31/52] by Krysta

I've just returned from an emotional trip to Kolkata, India. Myself and a few other crew members ventured out of our beautiful hotel and wandered around the heart of the slums. It's heartbreaking to see the way that so many people live. It's hard not to feel compelled to help all of them, but sadly I didn't have the time or the funds to do so. We were able to a mother and her 2 young children by buying them powdered milk and a baby bottle. It wasn't much, but it meant so much to them. It was a very eye opening experience, and I'm glad that I had the opportunity to visit.  

It knows no distance [31/52] by Ryan

Dream Big [30/52] by Krysta

After 2 great weeks back home, it was back to Dubai... back to work, and reality. Well, my reality at least. I had one day in the sandy city before I set off on my next journey. First stop... Bangkok! I got my fill of delicious Thai food before heading to Sydney, Australia. Nearly 3 years ago my biggest dream came true when I landed in this city for the first time. I'd spent years trying to get here. I never could have imagined that only a few years later I'd be back.... chasing my next dream, and getting PAID to be in Sydney. It's amazing how life turns out sometimes. Sydney was just what I needed to get my mind off of the inevitable homesickness that came with saying goodbye only a few days earlier. I did a quick trip to Christchurch, New Zealand and then spent a few days wandering the harbour city in the pouring rain. I ate good food, finally bought myself a pair of real Ugg boots, and enjoyed the cool winter air. Time flew by as it always does, and it was time to go back to Bangkok. One last day of fun before I head back to my desert home.  

A new day tomorrow [30/52] by Ryan

Gorgeous sunset while visiting my friend who I've known since grade 3.

Pad Thai! [29/52] by Krysta

(Oops.. I skipped a week!)  I was so excited to be back in Bangkok for one reason in particular.... the food! Thai food is among my favorite type of cuisine and I couldn't wait to indulge in the spicy goodness. Within an hour of arriving at my hotel I'd ordered Pad Thai... it was just as amazing as I'd remembered it. Sure, you can get it at restaurants around the world, but it tastes so much better when it's authentic!

Goodbye my lover [29/52] by Ryan

Another goodbye that came too soon.

Riding Off Into the Sunset [28/52] by Krysta

After an amazing 2 weeks, I'm headed back to Dubai. I'm sad to leave, but happy that I had the opportunity to go back... even if my visit was far too short. I kept busy camping, singing karaoke, catching up with friends and family, cuddling with Titan, and of course spending every possible minute with Ryan. He dropped me off at the airport this morning and I was quite an emotional wreck. Unfortunately, goodbyes are one of those things that seem to get harder each time. I'm going to miss the people that I love and the beauty of my home country. Off I go, back to Dubai.  

Road Trip! [28/52] by Ryan

Heading out for another weekend in the big pointy things out west.

Home [27/52] by Krysta

I've lived in Dubai for 7 months and finally had a chance to go back home. After 18 hours of flying, I finally landed in Calgary, Alberta. Home sweet home. I reunited with Ryan at the airport... he even brought me flowers! It was like a movie scene, at least in my head. I couldn't have been happier. We drove back to Red Deer where I reunited with my mom and brothers, who I hadn't seen since December. The next day, Ryan and I packed up the car and headed to the mountains to do what we love best... camping! The past few months I've lived in fancy hotels and nothing felt better than roughing it in a tent. It's great to be home, but I can only imagine how impossibly difficult it will be to leave again next week.

Oh Canada! [27/52] by Ryan

Krysta stopped by my neck of the woods to enjoy some quality Canadian sights. It was great to have her here for 2 weeks and it all went by way too fast! mom and dad on the right too!

Capetown [26/52] by Krysta

I was lucky enough to score a flight to Capetown, South Africa this week! It's not easy to get such a desirable layover, in particular amidst the madness that is the FIFA World Cup. Fans occupied every seat in our aircraft, eagerly awaiting the games that they were fortunate enough to have tickets for. Football fever has overcome the entire city and it's an incredible atmosphere. I'm not a soccer fan, but I fell in love with Capetown for the landscapes. The beautiful mountains and coastlines blew me away. I can't wait to go back.  In even more exciting news... I'll be at home by this time next week. It feels like it's been forever.

Hungry Chicks [26/52] by Ryan

Found a birds nest in the grasses.

Healthy Eating is Overrated. [25/52] by Krysta

What a great week!! I was sent on my dream layover... Zurich, Switzerland!! I wandered the  streets, walked through fields and forests, and took in the amazing fresh, cool air. Most importantly, I indulged in some of the best chocolate in the world. I fell in love with Switzerland and I can't wait to return some day! On Wednesday, I officially graduated from Aviation College. Despite the fact that I've been flying for nearly 5 months to 21 different countries, I can only now call myself an official flight attendant. It feels good to be able to say it. The next day was my birthday. I don't know how the past year has gone by so fast. All of a sudden, I'm 24! I had a low key celebration, relaxing by the pool sipping pina coladas with a good friend. It's been a great week! I'm hoping that next week goes by just as fast... only 12 days until I go home!

MOO-tiful [25/52] by Ryan

If you look closely you'll see the little buggers that were revolting and not wanting their portait taken.  I've realllllllllllllllllllllllly been enjoying this new camera, the detail is unbelievable, the noise performance, the FULL FRAME that makes my 17mm WIDE omg. haha.  I'm in love, twice.

Once Upon a Time In China [24/52] by Krysta

"The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness." - Dalai Lama  It was a relaxing, lazy week for me. I spent most of it lounging around my apartment or at the pool with friends. After nearly a week without a single flight, I was given a flight to Beijing, China! I've been crossing my fingers for more Asian destinations, so I was quite excited. Sadly, I didn't make it to the Great Wall of China, but I'll be back again soon! I spent my time sampling local cuisine (cautiously) and bargaining for good deals in the massive markets. I ended off a great layover by stopping to visit the beautiful Lama Temple. In the heart of a bustling city of 22 million people, it's amazing to find such a peaceful place. My first trip to China was a lot of fun, and I've stocked up on more tea than I'll ever be able to drink! Despite all of the excitement over such an interesting trip, the main thing on my mind right now is home. I'm only 19 days away from going back for the first time in 7 months, and I couldn't be more excited!

Never Too Old For Fun [24/52] by Ryan

Full Frame 17mm tire swing. :)

Sri Lanka! [23/52] by Krysta

This week has had it's share of ups and downs. Ryan went home, so naturally I was a bit sad to say goodbye once again. June is reserve month for me. In non-flight attendant terms, I have no set schedule. I spent my days on standby and get sent on flights when they are short of a crew member. After a week of no flights, I was sent to Colombo, Sri Lanka! To be honest,I didn't know anything about the destination until I arrived. I discovered that it is a beautiful country with friendly people... and elephants! I ventured out with some of the crew to visit an elephant orphanage... such a cool experience! They are amazing animals. Now I wait for my next adventure, who knows where it might be!  

Together Again [23/52] by Ryan

Finishing up an amazing night at the Burj Al Arab with my beautiful girlfriend. It was a great vacation, a great year of dating and most ridiculous hotel in the world.

A Few of My Favorite Things [22/52] by Krysta

The past week has been amazing. Ryan flew to Dubai and we spent 6 awesome days together. We lazed around the beach, ate delicious food, went on romantic dates, and even sipped fancy drinks at the Burj Al Arab, the world's only 7 star hotel. While he was here, we celebrated our one year anniversary. It's gone by so fast, and I'm so blessed to have such an incredible person to love, who loves me in return. As sad as I was to say goodbye, I'm thankful for the time that we were able to spend together. He showered me with gifts, including a beautiful Blurb book that he'd had made for me... all of my Project 365 photos from last year!! It was really special and an awesome way to look back on what was one of the most eventful years of my life so far. I love you Ryan, and I'll miss you until the next time we are together again!!

L.U.C.K.Y. [22/52] by Ryan

If she were any easier on the eyes, there would be zero pressure (like space) and they'd pop right out. Good thing she's the perfect amount of easy-on-the-eyes.  It's like.........(insert your sappy-lame comparison here).....!!

Shopping With The Locals [21/52] by Krysta

This is the only shot that I was able to get of the busy market in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. I would have loved to have taken more, but I wasn't sure if the locals would appreciate it. I quickly snapped this photo as I was exiting the taxi and then put my camera away to do some serious shopping. We sampled local snacks and left with bags full of fresh fruit for ridiculously little money. It was great to leave the hotel and get to experience a bit of the culture, rather than heading to the tourist hot spots. It was amazing to see the differences in the way of life.... and the locals were just as amazed to see myself and an Australian girl... they stared as we walked from stall to stall, as they rarely see people of a different skin color. The few that spoke English greeted us warmly with "Sister!"... such friendly people, and such an amazing opportunity to catch a tiny glimpse of their life.

SNOW DAY! [21/52] by Ryan

I built a 7 foot snow man to protest the cold snowy weather. I did enjoy sledding and other winter activities today though! :)  Here's to June and 40C in Dubai!

Close to Home [20/52] by Krysta

I saw this leaf lying on the street on a rainy day and thought that perhaps I'd magically been transported back to Canada. The truth was, I was in Germany and I'm not even sure if it was in fact a maple leaf. For the past few weeks I've felt extremely homesick. Even when visiting the most beautiful destinations, I couldn't seem to get my mind off of home and how much I miss my friends, family, and boyfriend. It seemed that nothing could shake my sad mood, but something did! This week Ryan booked flights to Dubai. Once again, he's lifted my spirits and I can't wait to see him in only 2 weeks and celebrate an amazing year of dating. Things kept getting better. I checked my work email to find that my vacation time had been confirmed. I'm headed back home for 2 weeks in July. I still love my job, but it's true that home is where the heart is. I think I need a good visit with the people that I love to recharge my positive attitude! I'm currently in Frankfurt, Germany... it's pouring rain and freezing cold, but nothing can get me down this week.

Wake-up Call [20/52] by Ryan

I woke up this morning and rolled over to look at my alarm clock only to see 5:02am.  I turned on my phone and checked eBuddy to see if Krysta was online. Sure enough she was! :) I was super happy and got to talk to her for about 15 minutes before she had to depart her hotel in Frankfurt, Germany. I noticed something red outside and the sky was a brilliant shade of red and orange. I set my phone (Krysta) down and ran for my camera and poked my nose out my door and walked just far enough to get a shot of the sky. So amazing. SO EARLY. I was ready for another couple hours of sleep before officially getting up. Seeing the vibrant sky did inspire me a bit to get out and shoot more. I want to wake up early more often and go shooting as the sun rises.  Two weeks from now I'll hopefully be watching the sunset on the other side of the world. Lets hope the volcanic ash keeps to itself over in Iceland. :)  Have a great week everyone!