An evening wake-up call: scheduled takeoff in 2.5 hours from now, Captain! Where are you?

Yeah yeah I'm on my way. I'm still driving on the A2 highway towards the airport, speeding more out of habit and routine than necessity.

Arrival at the airport: the tedious but understandable routine of security and immigration, on to the crew room. That word suggests a sophisticated and professional area where pilots can do whatever they are best at, but it can best be summarized as a leftover room with a discarded IKEA table, one worn-out sofa that probably witnessed and endured more in its life than any sofa should, and four dubious seats that represent a game of roulette whenever one dares a chance sitting on them.

My colleagues are sitting here already, suitcases and flight bags stacked next to them.
Have you guys seen the flight plan yet? Both of them have: some heavy weather reported over Azerbaijan, average tailwinds, some buildups expected around Romania, but that's about it.
It confirms my own ideas about the flight plan and we agree to take flight plan fuel. Let's get this flying circus on the road: we've got another eleven hours to go.

A ramshackle cab with a billion miles beyond its last technical check drives us around the airfield to the cargo apron, where our machine is waiting for us. The sun is setting and the ground crew are rounding off the loading process of the Boeing 747 that's looming up in front of us as a giant shadow against the artistic palette of an almost surreal sky beyond.

And no matter how many times I've seen this view, no matter how tired I am… approaching 'my' Boeing 747 like this, knowing I'm lucky enough to fly this magnificent machine across the world's skies tonight is really something different.
I never forget to tell my colleagues what a special prerogative it is, because one day, sooner than later, this sight will be gone forever.

The 747 is on her way to retirement.
So we better enjoy the absolute privilege of flying her while it lasts.
And with the setting sun in the west, another night begins.

Let's kick the tires, light the fires…
and wake the Queen.