October 2019 | Somewhere between Cairo and Athens

There’s something about long-haul flights that prepares you to expect the worst — limited legroom, lukewarm food, someone kicking the back of your seat, and of course, a crying baby within a five-row radius.

What I didn’t expect on my flight to Greece, though, was a full-blown performance by one very spirited flight attendant from EgyptAir.

I had been traveling a lot that year — early flights, late nights, long layovers. So by the time I boarded the flight to Greece via EgyptAir, I had just one goal: sleep.

No photos, no inflight movies, no small talk. Just a window seat, a blanket, and me pretending the world didn’t exist.

Except… the world did exist. And apparently, it wore a name tag and worked in cabin crew.

About 15 minutes into the flight, a flight attendant — tall, dramatic, and possibly on espresso number five — appeared next to my seat with a tray.

“Something sweet?” he asked, smiling wide, holding out a cookie.

I shook my head politely. “No, thank you.”

He leaned in.

“It’s good. Egyptian. Not too sweet, just a little confused.”

I blinked.

He winked… and vanished.

I assumed that was the end of it.

But I had no idea what was coming.😂

Every 20 minutes, he returned — with something new.

• “Try this juice. It’s magic.”
• “You look like you need chocolate.”
• “Coffee? It’s very average, but the cup is cute.”
• “Okay, now I bring you a hot towel. For emotional support.”

(Sir… are we bonding?)

Mind you, I wasn’t asking for anything. I wasn’t even making eye contact anymore. I had turned into one of those people who pretend to be asleep when the drinks cart rolls by. But he persisted.

It was like being gently stalked by a very well-meaning snack fairy.

At one point, I peeked from under my eye mask… only to find him already standing there, grinning.

“Peek-a-boo,” he whispered.

I nearly choked on my breath.

Eventually, somewhere over the Mediterranean, I surrendered.

I gave up on sleep. I accepted another cookie. I even smiled back.

Because honestly, in an industry where service can be cold and robotic, here was someone who clearly loved his job — or at least loved snacks and dramatic entrances.

I am not joking..

At one point, he even did a small bow while handing me yet another paper cup of juice.

I blinked. Was I… royalty now?

He chuckled and whispered,

“You look tired, but I keep you alive.”

What does one even say to that?

“Thank you… for the hydration and emotional confusion”?

By the end of the flight, I had:

• Slept exactly 18 minutes
• Collected enough snacks to open a mini pantry
• Developed a deep and complicated relationship with a man I spoke to in four-word exchanges
• And questioned every rule I’d known about in-flight etiquette

When we landed in Athens and the cabin crew began their goodbyes, he walked past me with a wink and said:

“See you next time, sleepy girl.”

I nodded slowly, unsure whether to smile… or file a restraining order.

But here’s the thing — while it was absolutely bizarre, it was also strangely endearing.

In a world full of transactional interactions, this one was alive.

A little odd, a little offbeat, but memorable in the best way.

So thank you, mystery cookie-offering EgyptAir flight attendant.

I may never know your name… but I’ll never forget your in-flight comedy show at 30,000 feet. 🤣

Next time, I’ll be ready. With snacks already in hand.