To those who rediscover the beauty of life
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It was another trip to São Paulo. Ten hours each way, and I did it every month.
As bad as that was, I also flew to Paris and Tokyo six times a year each. Strap a plane to my butt and live the dream.
I shouldn't complain. I was always in first class and I didn't have to use my personal upgrades for it. The company booked me in that class.
I was the COO (chief operating officer) of a large multinational corporation with multiple business lines. We were headquartered in Texas, but had other major centers in--surprise--São Paulo, Paris and Tokyo.
In a lot of companies, the COO would hide behind a desk and make the hired help travel. I insisted on seeing with my own eyes and asking the right questions. Early on I got terribly frustrated when a low-level employee would report on a key meeting. I always wanted to know the things they never thought to ask.
Almost all my travel was on Delta, for two reasons. First, I was a million miler with Delta before I took that job, and I later crossed two million. I also preferred Delta.
When one flies internationally this much and usually on the same flight, one often encounters the same crews. Some more than others.
On recent flights to São Paulo, I had the same flight attendant in first class. Gabriela. I always looked forward to seeing her. She was obviously Brazilian, with a gorgeous complexion that made me want to stare.
The only reason she was on my recent flights was I waited to schedule my trip until she texted me her flight assignments for the upcoming month.
That special arrangement began three months earlier, but this trip was different from all the others.
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Three months ago
Back then, I was on a Delta flight to São Paulo and recognized Gabriela as a flight attendant I had seen a couple of times. I didn't know her name then, but as soon as we boarded she came and offered me something to drink while we waited for the main cabin to board.
I glanced at her name.
"Thank you Gabriela. I'd like a sparkling water."
When she brought me the drink, I spoke to her again. "I think you were on my flight last month to São Paulo. I fly there every month."
"That's my regular route, because of my language skills."
"I'm impressed."
Then she was off, to talk to another passenger.
Eventually she worked her way back to me.
"So Gabriela, tell me about those language skills."
"I was born in Brazil, but my father was an American. Mom wanted to speak English better, so I was raised speaking English."
"Nice. Almost no accent."
One has to be patient. Taking a flight attendant out to dinner takes several conversations spread out over the flight. I hadn't tried in years, but that's another story.
Eventually, I asked whether she knew São Paulo well.
"No one knows São Paulo well. It's too big. But I know some nice places, nice restaurants. Would you like a tip?"
"Sure."
Another wait. Patience is not my greatest strength.
After a few minutes she came back. "I wrote a couple on this napkin. Of course I don't know where you're staying."
"I'm at the Tivoli Mofarrej."
"That's nice. I'm not sure what's good in that area."
"Would you like to join me for dinner and help me find a nice place to eat."
"I'll be back in a minute."
About a half hour later, she stopped by again.
"May I get you anything else, Mr. Oscarson?"
As she asked, she put a napkin down in front of me. It had writing on it.
"How about a ginger ale?"
"Perfect, I'll be right back."
I looked at the napkin.
Call me later (her number, a USA number)
I'd love to have dinner with you.
Have to be careful while on duty!
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I checked into my hotel. I stayed there every month and usually had the same room, a deluxe plus room with a king bed and a city view. My assistant takes care of the booking, of course, but she knows what I want.
I waited another half hour and called Gabriela.
"Hi, Gabriela. This is Bill Oscarson."
"I'm so glad you called! I'm sure you understand airlines have policies. Well, perhaps not firm policies, just a clear understanding of preferences. Plus, the crews tend to gossip a lot."
"I understand completely. I thought it would be fun to have dinner with a local. Did you grow up here in Brazil?"
"Yeah, here in São Paulo."
"Do your parents still live here?"
"My father died, but ironically, my mother lives in Florida, now."
"I'm sure we'll have a lot to talk about. My hotel has a wonderful restaurant, called Seen. Would you like to join me for dinner there?
"That would be nice. By the way, I've noticed you on two or three flights before. It's nice to see a familiar face, isn't it?"
"Agreed. Especially someone with a great smile."
"What time should I arrive there and where?"
"Would 7:30 in the hotel lobby work for you?"
"That's perfect."
"I know your selection of clothes is limited when you fly, but this place is kind of a business casual or even business dress restaurant."
"I come prepared. I'll see you then, Bill."
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That was how we met. Gabriela arrived wearing a short black skirt and an ivory blouse. Silk, possibly. She was far prettier than in her uniform, and she was wearing her hair down.
We had a wonderful dinner together. I love dining in Brazil. Not only is the food good, but it's inexpensive. I ordered a beef tenderloin that was fabulous and it cost $27 USD.
Gabriela and I had fun talking and got to know each other. Afterwards, she thought she knew of a place nearby where we could dance, and she walked over to ask the concierge to be sure.
I wasn't certain about the idea of dancing, and told Gabriela of my hesitation.
"Oh, this isn't Brazilian dancing, I wouldn't do that to you. This is an elegant place where we can dance slow, with you holding me in your arms."
"I can do that."
We had a great time, and I held her close.
"Why are you single, Bill?"
"Up until five years ago, I was happily married. Then my oldest daughter walked in on her mother, who was on her hands and knees getting drilled by her yoga instructor."