Cancer and Airplane Food

Hey Readers,

For the 3.5 hours fight from Seoul, Korea to Manila, Philippines, I sat next to a lady, who appeared nonchalant and apathetic to traveling ( or it can just be fatigue ). Slumped shoulders, and an uninviting facial expression, she brushed her colored hair away from her face before settling down into her seat.

I felt that her jaded mien may be infectious so I focused on writing. Minutes later, she noticed how serious I was with writing: “You can turn on the light, so you can see better.” She said this without being sassy or smart-ass ( maybe showing concern? ). I turned on the light and thanked her. Then a conversation began.

Out of the darkness, part of her life’s story unfolded. She started out as a waitress, and then she became a bartender, who created a mix drink that was featured in a bartending magazine; her cocktail drink had Blue Skyye Vodka and cloudy whipped cream, and others. She was asked to move to management but declined for monetary purposes ( more $ in tips ); she declined an offer to work in a European cruise ship. She persevered ( had chaga ), while turning down an employment in a rich Middle Eastern country in order to raise her kids; She accepted the long hours her American co-workers declined; She’s 2x divorced; thanks to her mammogram, she's at level 0 after her recent cancer treatment.

The lady didn’t like the Airplane Food from the 1st flight ( that’s because she chose the rice and pasta options instead of beef and chicken ). Her recent meal was agreeable. The Alfredo-esque white sauce on the chicken was okay, and the wine was so-so.

We discussed nutrition and moderation and its relation to diabetes. She’s originally from the Mindanao region of the Philippines. She was excited to get off the plane so she could see her family, especially her 2 years old granddaughter, who has never seen her before, and who refers to her as Lola Ganda: Grandma Beautiful, Grandma Beauty, or Beautiful Grandma.


Left: Beef option, mountain ranges from airplane, green tea.