Harboring Feelings for Sydney

For most expats abroad, the main reason that drives them to live and work abroad is better opportunity.  Better pay, better work experience or perhaps better quality of life.  Fifteen years ago, working abroad was never on my to do list in life.  I was contented with the things are.  I have a good paying job, I can even do extra activities and I don't have to worry on what to cook or who should do my laundry.  Everything was in order.  Then I got married, not that marriage turned my picture perfect life upside down, let us just say everything changed.

My husband, who is based in Abu Dhabi took me with him after a few months after our wedding.  Though household chores was nothing new to me, it was overwhelming as I will be doing it everyday already.  It took some time to adjust to my new life, but I got the hang of it after a few months.  Before I turned one year in the city I found a job and added a career experience abroad.  After a few years in Abu Dhabi, I have learned to love this city.  It was not difficult to embrace as the city was a haven for different kinds of expats.  The city also continue to blossom and accommodate every aspect of a booming metropolis.

Then, another thing happened, a visa was granted.  My sister and her family have applied for an immigrant visa in Australia.  I was not really keen into following the same route because as I said, I am starting to root her and I am learning to love Abu Dhabi.  However, there are some circumstances that makes me think about our life here.  So half-heartedly started the process of applying the same visa for Australia.  I took IELTS, collate necessary documents, and prepared other required documents.  Next thing I know, we received an email that the visa was granted.  Wait what?! For some reason, I was beginning to lose hope as I made a huge blunder in filling out one of my documents.  So I was already expecting a rejection.  It was a pleasant surprise.  My husband and I panicked for some time before taking the plunge.

We did the initial entry during my birthday.  What a way to celebrate it.  It has been years since I celebrated it with a family member.  So it was a very good change.  We did a lot of tourist-y activities.  Roamed the city and spend a lot of time with my sister and her family.  I still don't feel like its home but close enough.  We stayed in Randwick a suburb a few minutes away from the the buzzling downtown Sydney.  It was an ideal place to a raise a family.  Hospitals, schools, church and groceries are just walking distances.  Plenty of playground to ran around and its quiet.  I hope I'll get used to the sound of nothing when the clock strikes 6 pm.  Abu Dhabi makes a lot of sound even in the wee hours in the morning.  I have grown to love the noise, but some things just have to change.

By the time we left Australia amidst a teary goodbye, my husband and I talked about how we feel about Sydney.  Honestly, it was a mixture of scared and excited.  Scared and excited of moving into another country without any work yet.  Scared and excited of having to adapt again to a new environment.  Most of all totally scared of not knowing anything what lies ahead for us.  But that is how you should live life I guess, you will never know strength if you don't know how to be scared.  Or something like that.

100th Post Giveaway!

I have finally reached my 100th!  And the best way to celebrate it is with a..tadaahh... giveaway!

I can't help but feel giddy about the whole thing.  The planning of this post took more time than it usually does when preparing for a blog post.  I didn't expect that hosting a giveaway will take a lot of my techie knowledge which I believe is just the size of a coffee mug.  The grande size.  Imagine how fast it got drain.  Luckily my sister helped out, like a lot, which made this giveaway possible.

Oh by the way, I specifically had the raffle start on heart's day.  Cheesy way to start off the contest.

The lucky winner will receive 2 cute passport holders and a funky luggage tag.  Perfect travel buddies if you feel like having an adventure whether be it near your community, the neighboring region or outside the country.  Travelling is fun and can sometimes be chaotic so better have all the necessary documents and cards in one place.  This is open to everyone located anywhere in the world as long as the local post can reach you.

May the savvy traveller wins!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

  

Take Me To Your Place..

Take me to your place...please?  As the title goes, it does not actually mean physically - but you can take me there virtually.  I have been to many places and most of them are in my dreams.  And it would take some heavy coaxing to the husband in order to tick off some places in my travel bucket list.  So I have decided to do postcard swap. 

I am currently living in Abu Dhabi.  This culturally rich country entices a lot of foreigners aside from the cames and the endless stretch of sand.  The heat (which I think at this point in time - summertime - is unbearable) is a welcome change for those who experiences snow and rain most of the year.  I'm from the tropics so the heat is something I'd like to escape as much as possible.

And so to make this post as short as possible (i wish!) I would like to invite all you readers to swap postcards with me.  With the age of too much technology, receiving something from snail mail is refreshing.  Truly, the personalized writings, the stamps and the wait is a joy for those who were born before yahoo mail was created.

Anyway, if you are interested to swap postcards with me let me know.  Send me an email (does this defeat the purpose already? I'm promoting snail mail through email? jeessh!) at maruya24@yahoo.com.

Hear from you soon!

How to Spend Christmas in Abu Dhabi

For the neophytes, spending Christmas abroad is the most difficult hurdle to overcome. I am one of those few who spent it with my husband and away from the boisterous party with the rest of my ramily. Honestly, it went well, not a single tear was shed. At least not from my end. Now, how to beat the homesickness feeling, which is heightened by this season? I could list a few things to do, if you are given the day off to celebrate it. Most companies give their Christian employees day off to celebrate christmas. So here are some of the things you could do.

A. Hit some Pins:
If most of you at home are single and slightly alone, why not go to the malls and test your skills in bowling. Most of the malls have bowling alleys even for kids. Enjoy making fun of each other, bring some take outs and maybe do some exchange gifts. One game would cost AED 15 per head. Malls that have bowling alleys are Al Wahda Mall, Khalidiya Mall, Marina Mall and Al Mariah Mall.



B. Have a Picnic at the Park:
It's winter and its the perfect weather to stay outside. Set up that grill and prepare the barbeque. Do the "kamayan" party. It more fun when you dig your food using your hands. Don't forget to bring along the ice cold Coca Cola to complete the celebration. However, if you are under medication, be happy with water.

C. Go Malling
If you think Christmas is a foreign event here in the Middle East, think again. When you visit malls and even coffee shops, the halls are bedecked with green garnishes that Christmas is also here in Abu Dhabi. The tallest and biggest tree I've seen here is in Abu Dhabi Mall, right after you set off from the escalator you'd see the gigantic tree with complete christmas cottage and the sleigh.

Many shops are on sale. So malling could take up the entire day.

My first Christmas away from my faily zoomed so fast. I have no time to wallow in sadness. Good thing Skype is available - minus the hugs and kisses. It is still like we are almost together during Christmas.

Nine (9) Evenings of Thanksgiving

I should have started this piece exactly 4 days ago. Unfortunately I am constantly bogged down with life's little coffee breaks. As part of the Filipino tradition, the simbang gabi or the early morning mass is being practiced by most in order for a wish to be granted. It was believed that if you complete these 9 morning mass, your wish will be granted. You can wish for whatever you want - money for more financial freedom, a dream house, a dream car and the most common, a wish for a love life. No wonder more teenagers attend this mass not for the celebration itself but to people watch. *sigh*

As I grow older, I no longer pray for trivial stuff, although I slipped into the selfish mode once in a while, but my perspective is no longer the same when I was 20 (sorry I'm a late bloomer).

This year, instead of asking something for every night that I hear mass, I send God little notes of thanksgiving ( I hope He reads this).

First Night:

For your constant hand in my life, thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to experience love every waking hour. I am blessed to sleep and wake up next to my best friend whom I share the gift of laughter and tolerance with, even during the time when our faith is shaken. I am forever grateful for giving me the most generous husband who always put me in the pedestal - whatever shape I'll be in.

Second Night:

Although I'm not a big fan of technology - still I am grateful because despite the miles that separates me from my family, we are still connected. Thank you Lord for the gift of science and technology. It made it possible for our family to stay in touch. To hear a chorus of hello's and to see a cacophony of waves and flying kisses - it makes staying apart bearable.

Third Night:

Thank you God that chivalry is not yet dead and friendship is still worthy of gold. I guess there are still golds among these sand here in Abu Dhabi. I'm glad that there are still a few people who are still willing to give up their seat for girls. And I am thankful that I stumbled upon a few people whom I consider gemstones in the world of friendship. Friends who are willing to stay up late as long as you have coffee and listen to you babble about nonsense stuff. These people who will tell you straight in your face if you stink. Honesty, sometimes may be brutal, but it is always refreshing.

Fourth Night:

We have been so blessed as the year opened. Thank you Lord for giving us the opportunity to work and live comfortably here in Abu Dhabi. As what the priest said in his homily last night, You always provide for our needs. You continue to help us attain financial stability that we are also able to help our family who are in need of such support. Thank you for your generous heart.

Fifth Night:

It has been a year since our journey in trying to have a family started. Although each month was a constant challenge for me and my husband emotionally, still we are thankful. After one major surgery and bucketful of medicine we are still thankful for little signs of hope. There is still a promise that it is still possible. It is just a matter of timing - God's timing. Thank you Lord for keeping our faith strong.

Sixth Night:

Thank you that the art of giving never runs out of style. A lot of people still practice it. I am a recipeint of generous hearts. I am thankful that you You have taught me to widen my generosity. As Fr. Troy said, the more you give the more you receive. Just keep in mind that when you give don't expect something in return. The fact that you shared with open heart is enough.

Seventh Night:

Thank you Lord that we have freedom. Freedom to do whatever we want while living here in Abu Dhabi. Being an OFW, this freedom is luxury. Freedom to go wherever we want, freedom to eat whatever we want and freedom to enjoy whatever there is. We pray for those who have stumbled on the wrong side of the law here in Abu Dhabi, we pray for that they may have the strength for this challenge they are facing. God has mercy.

Eight Night:

Thank you Lord for the gift of time, chance and opportunities. Time that we are able to do the things we need to do. Extended time for everything rushed. Slowed time for those moments we can't rewind. Chance to grow as better person. Chance to be a good daughter, sister and wife. Opportunity to improve our lives. Opportunity to be a good advicer, friend and believer.

Ninth Night:

For the last nine (9) nights, it only boils down to one big thank you for the gift of prayer. I'm thankful that a lot of people still believes in the power of prayer. Prayer heals. Prayer gives hope. Prayer gives light. Prayer shares love.

Merry Christmas everyone. For those who are spending their Christmas with their family - enjoy it. Laugh in every opporuntiy, share a hug in every opportunity and give a kiss on every misteltoe you see. You are lucky you get to be with your loved ones on this special occasion. Cherish it. For those who are celebrating away from their family - that's ok. we will always have another chance next year. To my family, we'll just move Christmas on another time - I will miss tearing gifts while shrieking with delight after seeing the content of the box. I will be missing gobbling up pastries and calorific goodies with my brother and sister (tatay is not invited in this activity). I will be missing cleaning up the mess after all the gifts are opened and all the plates are licked. For now, Skype will do, I may not be able to kiss all of you on Christmas day, but know this, I will be doing that a thousand times in my head by the time the clock strikes 12.

Simbang Gabi in Abu Dhabi

The nine (9) days before Christmas has officially started last Thursday, 15 December 2011.

Traditionally, simbang gabi is celebrated during the early morning nine (9) days before christmas eve. The mass starts around 4 or 4:30 in the morning. But since we are here in Abu Dhabi, Simbang Gabi is celebrated on the evenings. The mass starts at 8:00 pm but if you want to grab a good seat you have to be at the church at 7:00 pm. The open ground of the church is full packed and stampede is likely to happen if anything bad happens. The cold weather is perfect with the venue.

More vendors are selling food goodies outside and a lot of kids ran and shout while the mass is going on. But this is what a Filipino community is all about.

I miss simbang Gabi in the Philippines, but I won't trade this opportunity of attending my first Simbang Gabi here either. My first Abu Dhabi simbang gabi is also my first simbang gabi with my husband and first away from my family. A mix of happiness and sadness, I guess we have just have to add another chapter on our life journey - this is how we grow.

Christmas Bazaar 2011

December is one of the most awaited month of the year for the Christian community. For one, it is the birth month of Jesus and Christmas is celebrated. When you say Christmas everything red, green and shiny can be seen everywhere.

To start off the Advent season, St. Joseph Church of Abu Dhabi had their annual Christmas Bazaar. All nationalities who congregate in this community will have their own booths/stalls selling any goodies and games for a good cause and good price.

The bazaar opened at 10 a.m. on December 9, 2011 at the Church open ground. An entrance fee of AED 10 per head can be bought at the stall outside the gated area. Once inside you can have your money change into coupons with the equivalent value. You will be using this coupon to pay for the goodies you'd like to take from each booth.

First stop - the bookvendor. If I remember it correctly the booth's name is Santa's little helpers. Wide array of books lined up on their table. A mixture of used and new books. So you really need to have a good eye and be the first pick up the good ones. I was lucky enough to get two books. One is brand new and the other one used. Both only cost AED 5 each. Good buys? Definitely.

Next stop - food trip. We went straight to the Filipino stalls where the mouth-watering smell of pork bbq brings tears of joy. This grilled goody costs AED 5 a stick. Haven't eaten this stuff for almost a year already. Then we went booth hopping.

The french booth displayed delicate goodies that I can't honestly prounounce without sounding silly. So I did the most basic thing to do in an unfamilair market trading - point to a thing - "how much?" - if the price is good enoug - sign with my fingers for how much I would be buying. The thing I bought was delectable. A soft biscuit similar as that with cream puff but with a hollow middle. But its pretty good. smack! smack!

Then my favorite - Italian booth. What makes this booth really interesting is the people tending the stall they were wearing this vine like head dress. It looks like a vine twined to look like a crown. Plus the other lady has this fiery red hair with a matching piercing green eyes. She looks like a goddess. I bought this bread that looks like calzone. Using the same dough as that of the pizza and folded with mozarella and basil filling. One serving is enough to give my tummy a heavy thud.

We didn't stay long at the bazaar but it was fun romaing around the area. I hope next year this bazaar would be a 3-day event so we could enjoy the food, the games and the moment 3x more.

Happy 40th UAE!!!

December here in UAE started with a bang. As in an actual bang. At exactly 8:00 pm of November 30, 2011 fireworks lighted up the Abu Dhabi night. Watching the fireworks at corniche is the way to start off the holiday.

First is to celebrate the new Hijri and to celebrate the 40th National day of UAE. Everywhere you go the city is alive even at 11 pm. The city is still buzzing with excitement.

On the first day, 01 December 2011. All malls in the city is doing fabulous discounts on their merchandises. Sad to say, most of the working class (expats particularly) don't have enough moolah to splurge on this amazing sales. Most salaries were not released before the holiday starts. So we make do with window shopping.

As per schedule for December 2, 2011 another fireworks display is to be held at corniche again. We went there to witness the show. And honestly, it was packed. Literally packed wtth so many spectators who also would want to watch the show. The show was supposed to start at 8:40 pm - 8:50 pm. The 10-minute show would be highly anticipated since it was posted on the monthly scheudle of Abu Dhabi.
A good lesson to remember on this day, being it the official national day of celebration for UAE, it is not recommended to roam around the city when 4 pm starts. Every street corner is clogged. Cars beautifully decorated are everywhere. The color of the UAE flag is pasted, painted and decorated into every sizes of car flock the streets.

It was riot in a good way. It was like a street party. Kids running around spraying snow sprays and confetti's to passers by. My husband and I were one of the hundred victims. But we jsut shrugged it off in the spirit of the celebration.

We stayed at the corniche until 10 pm but no fireworks display. Must have been mixed up information on what is the schedule for the holidays.

If you didn't see the air show and firework display. Or if you haven't enjoyed the discounted rates on the store. There will always be next year. It would help if we prepare for it and enjoy it with a bang.

Angst of an OFW

A lot of articles were already written, printed, reprinted, told, and retold about stories of the life of being an OFW. These stories rarely end up in happily ever after. Even the beginning didn't start off as exciting as a fairy tale does. But this is the life, this is the reality of being an Overseas Filipino Worker.

Working abroad, as I bitterfly discovered is not for the faint hearted. Placing a thousand miles of distance between you and your loved ones is one herculean sacrifice in the hope of providing a better future for yourself, for your family and for your relatives.

Movies are filmed and stories are written about the life of every Filipino all over the world. Their life, their work and how they deal with the realities of actually being on their own.

I admit there are horror stories everywhere. Every country where Filipinos worked their butt off for a good amount of money has feed the media stream, but sometimes, it doesn't deliver the exact message.

I can only say my piece on the countries I have lived and worked at. I had a short stint in Singapore, but life there for the Filipinos is acceptable. They can earn even a low salary of SGD 1200 and still be able to send some money to their family and save enough for themselves.

In Abu Dhabi, I am lucky I am living a reasonable life. My husband and I can afford to rent a room on our own. Privacy in Abu Dhabi is quite expensive. And some people would rather not have any of those just to be able to save enough and fill that Balikbayan box before they get home. What's in a balikbayan box? It's basically ordinary grocery goods we find in every grocery store in the world. Every payday, this box is filled with whatever is on sale at the grocery store. Thinking not only of the immediate family who will be benefitting from it but also the neighbors who are undoubtedly be doing housecalls by the second day of your vacation.

Most Filipinos think that working abroad makes any OFW rich. And that they can afford any luxury and indulgences in the Philippines. LIttle do they know that, some would just skip eating meals to have enough savings. Or resort to bank loans to have enough money to feed the entire barangay when they get home. Some even go with taking boyfriends so somebody could sponsor their groceries. OFWs would do all sorts of unspeakable things just to provide for the family.

I hope the people back at home knows the horror that OFW's have to resort to in order to stay longer in a country of sand and sun.

Coffee Break!

What is a day without a coffee break? People from all working class would probably end up loopy before the week ends. Most people can't live without their caffeine fix. For most it became the energy drink to start off the day. And some its the morning slap that wakes them up. Its intoxicating. Its addictive. Its coffee.

After a year and few months of living in Abu Dhabi, you would understand the importance of coffee in their culture. Its like every hour they need to sip a cup of caffeine. I used to be a coffee monster. I could finish off 2-3 cups of coffee in a day. Plus this coffee is loaded with creamer and sugar, imagine my horrific reaction when I learned about the total calories I am chugging down with just a cup of coffee. So I stopped. Occasionally I reward myself with lattes but not as often as I want.

Abu Dhabi is home for coffee connoisseur. If Italy have their espresso that shoots up caffeine straight into your brain (well, that's how my father described it) UAE have their Turkish and Arabic coffee. If you prefer to drown yourself with strong coffee while inhaling endless cigarette smoke then Turkish coffee would be the perfect blend for you. For experimental purposes, I asked our office boy to give me the lowdonw on turkish coffee. The coffee is served in small portion. They used small cups that looks like small china tea cups. The coffee is prepared using the cezve. It is a small pot directly placed on top of the electrical stove. First hot water is put inside and let it boil for a few minutes. Then put 2 spoonful of that powdered coffee bean and sugar. After a minute or two it is poured on the glass. No Need to stir. Boil and serve.



In our office we have a lot of cezve, because many of the employees request for Turkish coffee. According to our office boy, they can't prepare another turkish coffee using the left over of the first batch. It is haram as he said it or not allowed in their religion. One batch is only good for one drink also.



I tried tasting this and I must admit it tasted ok. Like bitter and sweet combine in one but the smell is definitely a stinker. It smelled like feet. No offense meant.

The arabic coffee is not for the faint hearted. If Turkish coffee was strong Arabic coffee is way stronger. I didn't dare to sample it. But the taste of the Turkish coffee is enough proof that its probably stronger.

The perfect way of enjoying this cofee is with a hookah/shisha, but that would have to wait for another blogging day.

Night at the Desert

You have never been to Duabi/ Abu Dhabi if you haven't done dune bashing. Seriously. This is the ultimate adventure when you are visiting Middle East.

I have been living in UAE for almost 2 years now, and I just recently bashed the dunes. And I must say it was totally awesome! Is this too much? I actually don't care. I was really fun. Ok, to the business - let me tell you about Desert Safari.

Unlike Africa, the safari here in UAE is not about observing and taking photagraphs of animals in the wild, but instead, you take a ride on a 4 x 4 wheel drive SUV's and drive along the sand dunes.



Once inside, you'll probably end up being tossed around during the whole trip. But it was a shake worth taking. After 15-20 minutes of dipping and climbing sand, we are dropped off in the middle of the desert where an enclosed area is set up. Outside the enclosed area is a long queue for tourists to take a ride with the camel. Another queue for those who want to do sand boarding and another for those who would like to try the ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). The ATV is not for free, it will cost you AED 100 for an hour of bashing the sand.



I took a short ride on the camel. I must say it was weird and exciting at the same time. Weird because I was expecting it would feel hard and solid and it won't be that high. When I sat on its rump, I could actually feel it breathing and when it stood up I realized I am 4 meters above the ground. Skittish me, had my eyes shut the entire time.

After the camel ride, we went inside and tables on carpet everywhere. A barbecue was going on the left side of the enclosed area. A queue for the henna was at the right side. Another side of the enclosed area, was a queue for the welcome drinks and welcome snack. We roam for a bit to look for a perfect spot. There were so many people too difficult to grab a table with a good strategic location.



The welcome drinks were all soda and water. You can drink all you want. Beers are sold for AED 30.00 if you want to get wasted before the belly dancing performance.



The snack consisted of a vegetable samosa and some fried eggplant. It was good. The main dinner will start after the belly dancing show, which was around 8:00 pm. The belly dancer was not that interesting. I've seen better dancers and sexier. But it was ok.





The dinner was good. There plenty of briyani rice and some grilled chicken and lamb. It was filling. enough for everybody. During the dinner another dancer performed. A guy wearing this huge skirt. He was twirling and doing a lot of pretty nifty tricks. I loved that show.



After that, we were already summoned by our driver. It was already late, around 10:30 pm when we reached the drop-off point. We even had trouble finding the bus that will take us back to Dubai downtown area.

The trip back to the city proper took almost half an hour. Despite the long trip and sand everywhere. It was fun. I would definitely do it again and again.

Undas Abroad

Among the festive public holidays in the Philippines, I always look forward for undas. Undas in vernacular simply refers to the two public holidays of November - All Saints Day and All Souls Day. People all over the country flock the cemetery to visit departed love ones and spend the entire day and sometimes overnight with the rest of the family.

I never get the chance to do the overnight thing. Strict parental rules. But that's ok. I remember way back during undas at the cemetery the festive air usually start the day before. October 31 is the day when you set up the tents, mark your property line (that is if you don't have your own mausoleum) then the electrical lines, the furniture and other portable appliances that you could squeeze into your tent. Also, the day before the big undas day is the time when wives and girls of different ages will prepare picnic food to take. Whether it would be for a meal or just for pica-pica. Kakanin or the native deliassies are a big hit during this time.

The sort of 'party' start at dusk. When the sun sets and all prayers have been said and candles lit, people with good vantage locations will take their position and start people watching. Or sometimes, will go roam around the area and visit friends and acquantances grave. Booths are set up on some free areas of the cemetery where food are sold even toys are also a big hit specially the ones with the lights.

I miss this. I miss the noise and and I miss the food. But let us not forget the reason for this day. This is the day we particularly celebrate for out departed love ones. Though we visit them and include them in our payers any day and any time of the year, this is their special day.

A thousand miles away from all of this, my husband and I attended the mass and lit candles for our loved ones in celeration of this special day. Minus the usual raucous activity of the cemetery, the church was also packed with church goers, canlde lighters and even kakanins are sold outside.

I guess undas can be anywhere you want it to be. For our dear departed, they will always be in our prayers.

From Abu Dhabi with Love

It's the most wonderful time of the year, with the kids jingle-belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer It's the most wonderful time of the year...probably on the other side of the globe for my case. While Christmas decors bedeck the walls of every establishment and Christmas songs are blaring from every radio station in my home country, I am the complete opposite of the joy this season brings.

If only I could skip December and make it January after November ends. This will be my first Christmas away from my family and it feels like torture. Anyway, most OFW at this point are already saving up to send money and balikbayan boxes to their loved ones in the Philippines just in time for the exchange gift day. The thing about sending balikbayan boxes, you need to check the price, the inclusive charges and most especially the number of days it will be delivered.

My husband and I have one (1) retainer when it comes to sending out packages. Below are the lists of couriers that delivers to the Philippines.

1. Omeir - (highly recommended) We have been sending boxes via Omeir Cargo for three (3) years now. And I must say, they truly deliver right on time. Omeir cargo is via air freight. Luzon destinations particularly the Metro Manila area will only take 4-6 days. If you want to have it shipped farther south like Mindanao, the delivery will take more or less 10-15 days. Costs for Metro Manila area is only AED 150 for the first 30 Kilos plus 20 for the airwaybill thingy. For Mindanao shipment will be 10.75 per kilo.

2. LBC - the good thing about LBC is that it is one of the oldest and trusted courier by almost all Filipinos abroad. When I was in Singapore, we sent out a small balikbayan box too and it went well. However that was sent October not during the Christmas season. Back to LBC Abu Dhabi. You can call their office and have the box delivered at your unit. The box costs around AED 15 - 20. The downside of going with LBC is the number of days it will take to deliver your package. If you want your package to reach the address by Christmas you have to send it by September. The shipment is via sea freight. Imagine how long the waiting period for the package to reach. It is advisable not to include any perishable items in the package.

3. Khoory Clearing and Forwarding: - This courier was already tested by an officemate and sea freight will take around 45 days if it is Metro Manila Area and costs AED 225 for super jumbo size box. They also have air freight which is quite expensive. for Metro Manila area AED10 per kilo and for Mindanao area is AED 14.0 per kilo.

The De-stresser

Before I came here in Abu Dhabi I am frequent visitor to massage salons or spa as we call it in the Philippines. I never forget to book an appointment every other work. Or If I just got back from an official business trip, the first thing I do is pamper myself to one of man's greatest invention - massage.

I have tried a few affordable spa/massage salons in Davao and I must say I miss going to those places. It has been more than a year since a warm comforting hand of a masseuse touched my back. I am burden with the thought that I might not get pregnant if I have a massage, plus the massage here in Abu Dhabi cost a fodtune.

Anyway, I received an awesome gift from my awesome sister and that is a voucher for a scrub and a massage. I was so ecstatic that I called for an appointment the soonest possible time.

So, the day came for my scrub and massage session at Wellness LIG Spa in Electra. It was a bit difficult to find because no signages along the side of the building to show that the spa is in that building. Anyhoo, for those who are interested, Wellness LIG Spa is located at Rose Tower in Electra Road. Landmarks are Abu Dhabi Coop, Adnoc, and Mary Brown. Those are the nearest establishments that could identify you. The shop Veet rent a car is on the same building. Right across Elak Saloon. The spa is located at the Penthouse floor.



When I arrived I was immediatley ushered inside by the masseuse, her name is Ms. Nadine. I'm not exactly sure what her nationality is but I think she is French.

The place is jsut small. It only has 3 beds. I was assigned on the corner bed. It was still dirty, plenty of used towels and pillows are on the floor. Ms. Nadine was still tidying up from the last customer so I have to sit and watch her do her routine before I could have my turn.



Next, I was told to go the washroom and do whatever I need to do before the session. She gave me a towel and told me to take off my clothes. Before the scrub I have to take a sauna bath. I was practically clapping when I found out about the sauna. I haven't done that too for a long time. My eagerness was short lived because turned out I'll just be using the portable sauna. I have to sit inside this little tent where steam will be blown inside. It was as good as a sauna could get.

After the sauna bath, I was told to lie down on the bed. I was butt naked by the way. By the time I was asked to take everything off a deja vu ofmy KL adventure came into mind. I sure hope this isn't the same.

The bed was covered in plastic before laid down then the scrubbing began. My body was so tensed because it was my first time to have body scrub, and believe me every nook and cranny of my body was scrubbed. And I mean everything! After the scrub I took a shower. The thing about the shower thing, she asked me to get up and go to the bathroom, I was only covered on the front. I was walking butt naked with just a plastic covering my back. Good thing though nobody else was inside the area.

When the massage started, I was pretty excited. But only for the first 10 minutes. The massage was not I was expecting. I was used to the precise slow patterned strokes of massages I had in the Philippines. What she did was hurried strokes of feeling and kneading my muscles. Not exactly the relaxing type.

The whole session lasted for 1:45 minutes. It was quite an experience, but I don't think I'll be coming back to that spa in the near future. I'm still thankful, a quarter of stress that I was carrying was taken out.

Addicted to Shabu-Shabu

From the Japanese word that means, "swish-swish" - shabu-shabu became a rage for the yuppies who are in search of a new to dining out in style.

I first heard of shabu-shabu when I was in Singapore. We went to this Seoul Garden in Bugis. I thought it was Korean sans the name. But after a few tinkering with Google i have found out that its actually Japanese. Anyhoo, they are all the same to me because of their common denominator - noodles.

One hot Thursday afternoon, we have decided to eat out to this shabu-shabu for lunch. Though its not really a good thing slurping hot soup on a 38 degrees temperature, we decided to check the place.

Hiding among the buildings along Airport Road. This restaurant could definitely bring out the noodle monster in me. The name of the restaurant is something you would defintely forget after 30 seconds of reading it. The name above the entrance door is Inner Mongolia Xiao Wei Yang Catering China. How's that for a mouthful?





But the plate says Little Lamb. quite confusing, I'll stick to the little lamb name thing. It's more recognizable and easy to remember. So we ordered a big hot pot with the shape of yin yang symbol. The other half is for the ordinary soup and the other red one is the spicy one. Thin slices of beef and chicken were next to be delivered on our table. Then the noodles, the seafoods and the vegetables. We dunked everything into the hot pot and wait for it to boil.



After a few stirring, it was boiling and everyone can't wait to dig in. We sample the spicy first, and yes it was as good as I imagine it to be. Tangy and spicy. Just the way I like it. The noodles were also good but too slippery.



We also ordered grilled chicken wings. Definitely the best chicken wings I have tasted. This I think this is one of their best sellers. No wonder people are queueing just to dine in this restaurant. We were 11 sharing that huge hot pot and we only paid AED 252.00 Not bad.

But apart from this restaurant, I was also informed that another shabu-shabu is also offering the same but with better tasting food. That remains to be a quest I have to conquer. Till next weekend I guess.

For now, I will settle for a good meal at this LIttle Lamb.

More on Masdar City

I got a small guide book on our way out of the institution and I'd like to share it here.

- There are more than 35 different panels being tested, including both thin-film and crystalline. The results o the first round of testing helped in the selection of the roof-mounted PV panels used for one of the Masdar Institution buildings. Since this city will be a self-sustaining community, most of the energy to be used will be from the surroundings. One of its sources is the solar. Being in the Middle East where the sun is always smiling, why not use it to produce electricity.

- Another source of highly advance technology of producing clean electricity is the Concentrating Solar Power (CSP). They call this the Beam Down Project. Although still in the R&D stage, initial results show that the 100kW tower could generate 75-85MWh of clean electricity a year, enough to power 10-15 homes.

- For water supply, the deep drilling of underground water is conducted. They are searching for geothermal water which is sufficiently hot. This will be used in thermal cooling and domestic hot water.

- The 10 MW power plant has 87, 777 polycrystalline and thin-film modules that covers an entire 22-hectare of land at the periphery of Masdar City. The farm aims to produce 17,500MHh if clean electricity annually, thereby offsetting 15,000 tons of carbon emissions per year - equivalent to taking 3,300 cars off Abu Dhabi's roads.

- On a 12-hectare site the contractors and builders of this incredible city bring their construction waste for separation and processing in accordance to recycling. Masdar City and its contractors are diverting up to 96% of construction waste from landfill and using it in the build of the city.

- Upon entering the city, you will be welcome a modern design but with minimalistic theme using less waste. Hanging from the ceiling of the PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) station are numerous glass-reinforced concrete panels. Copper pipes carrying chilled water run through the panels, cooling the concrete, which in turn provides highly efficient radiated cooling to the station.

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A City Within a City: Masdar City

It was one of those few occasions that my husband and I decided to explore the city and look for good eats. So we picked Masdar City.

I first heard about Masdar city from an officemate. My curiosity was piqued when she told me about solar panels and driverless cars. That I've got to see. It was not the food and the cost of the food. It was what the city was all about. So I began to learn about this city within the city.



Masdar city was planned and built to be sustainable and energy efficient city. Every aspect of the place is a product of thorough research of maximizing the space, the location of windows and doors, even the shadows that will be cast by the buildings are being considered.



Going there was quite tedious, despite the printed map I got from their website, the going there was simply different from what you read on the directions. So we took Airport Road taking the road heading to Dubai. There were signages that indicates Masdar city and Presidential flight. We took two wrong turns that's why we ended up driving for nearly an hour just to look for the place.

The institution is a working progress. Ongoing construction activities are evident when you enter the area. Only a few streetlights were being used so there are dark areas. Some guards are scattered in the area and they could give you directions going to the main building entrance.

When we got to the parking area. We went through an entrance where a receiving area is decked with the scale size model of the entire city is in the center. A big screen of a world map is showing packets of information about demography and environmental issues of every country in the world. on the other side of the receiving area is individual doors where the driverless cars are parked. They call this the PRT (Personal Rapid Transit).



Excited to try out this technology, we head to the available car and took the ride going to the main commercial area. The 2 minute ride was pretty fun. The interior of the car has two seats facing each other. A screen on the right side shows information about the city. What is amazing about this driverless cars, it doesn't have train tracks where it moves. I was so impressed.



Then we get there, and asked some directions going to Sumo restaurant. We took the stairs and another door and a turn to right, and we saw this huge open courtyard where the restaurant is located and a tall tower is standing tall in the middle of the courtyard.



We were the only customer at Sumo. I ordered Beef BBQ and hubby ordered Chicken Katsu plus gyoza ramen. I was so ecstatic because they have gyoza. We didn't wait too long for our order, and it was all sumptuous. Plus the price was not that high. Total cost for the dinner was AED 125.00



We walked a little around the courtyard, and realized that tower housing a lighted structure inside is one of the energy storage from the solar panels that lights up the city. Fantastic.



Since it was already late, we didn't roam around more. But with everything that has been complicated and are already running, the place has definitely the potential of finally presenting that a sustainable city is possible if we are going to pursue it.

Dubai Outlet Mall Adventure

Because its Eid and no work, the people from Abu Dhabi are hitting the highways going to Dubai and enjoy the holidays. Most would be heading straight to the beach resorts and enjoy the sun and frolic in the water. Or is it the other way around? Who cares, right?

My husband and I decided to do early christmas shopping. Not that malls here will be busy by then, still, its the perfect time to take advantage of the holidays. So we packed our stuff, wore our lightest outfit and headed out to Dubai. This will be the first time that we are driving to Dubai without any guide - well except for google maps.

The trip started around 10:40 am. I know its already late, but who's keeping track of time? So we took Road No. 10 heading to Shahama. It was quite a long trip. So if you are planning to do a road trip, be sure to pack some chips and lots and lots of water. It also helps if you talk non-stop it will keep the driver awake.  For my case the driver was already annoyed, I guess I'm a talker? (big grin)

After Road No. 10 we took exit 11. While cruising road 11 (Sheik Zayed Road), we were looking for the Truck Road to head to Road 311. Unfortunately, we can't find Truck Road and ended up going straight Road 11. We found exit 53 and took it, which luckily connects to Emirates Road or Road 311.

Along Road 311 we looked for Exit 57 that will lead us to Road 611 which is the main road going to Dubai Outlet Mall.



The road signs were a bit confusing, so we ended up entering the city proper. Road 311 actually leads straight to the city center, watch out for the Burj Khalifa, it will guide you. We took Business Bay road, and eventually found our way back to road 311. We took 311 and looked for Road 66. Luckily Road 66 and Road 311 is almost the same road. While cruising the road, we finally saw the mall's signage. It's a postive sign. Finally we saw the Universal Studios Gate that's when we knew we found the right road.

The trip took almost 3 hours, that is because we got lost. But when we went back to Abu Dhabi, it only took us almost 2 hours. We still took Road 311 but we just followed the signage that heads to Abu Dhabi.



The trip was fun, while I navigate, and check every signage in the street, it was a test of wits. Next holiday, we might check out other emirate city and do another adventure.

Realities of Working Abroad

Living abroad has its perks and downsides. And sometimes, downsides weighed more than the perks. But still people go out of their country in the hope of grazing on the greener side of the fence. Horror stories of the life living abroad attracts attention once in awhile,but most of them were just discarded and forgotten.

I have my own share of nightmares. My recent was just yesterday, 21 August 2011. It was one of those times that we are blamed for being Asian and because we are not Arabs. One Wednesday on the month of Ramadan, August 04, 2011, around 1:30 pm we were asked to assist the engineers to prepare a BOQ. For those who are not into the construction and engineering field, BOQ is Bill of Quantities which is usually submitted to tender for any project being bid. To make the story short, the BOQ preparation was hurriedly done, we were given the day before the deadline to complete a 4 inches thick BOQ. Being Ramadan and all, we were ordered to stay in the office and finish the job until 11:30 pm without lunch. Good thing, one of the office mate lives nearby cooked instant food, we hid in one room to grab a bite and that was already 4:30 pm. Anyway, we ended up not getting the job because of huge discrepancies. And ho and behold, we are being blamed for it. We only wrote the numbers and we didn't calculated the value. One of the Managers threatened to deduct from our salary for not getting the project. WTF. Sorry, but that really sounded unfair. The good side though, it was not implemented.

My Singapore experience was a different story but still connected with the filling up of BOQ documents. Unfortunately, I'm the only QS doing the BOQ that time. So the manager, told me to work beyond working hours and even on Sundays. There was one Sunday that they made me work and didn't let me go home. My husband, my fiance then who was vacationing in Singapore that time, decided to push me to resign. The way they treat employee is simply unacceptable.

I guess, there really is no such thing as the perfect work - where you will be working with the perfect boss and perfect salary. But I always believe, there are still some humane managers out there who will treat you like a human being and not a slave or a robot. I pray, that once of these days, I'd bump into one of them and change my stars.

Abu Dhabi Iftar 2011

One of the most fascinating happening during Ramadan here in the Middle East is the way they carry out the whole routine for a solid month. For Catholics like me, is quite a feat already because I only get to fast from any indulgences for 3 days during the Holy Week. And sometimes, forgive me, I do it begrudgingly.

As we all know, Ramadan is the time when our Muslim brothers and sisters fast from sun-up until sun down. Until then, they break their fast for the day through Iftar meals. Iftar dinner is done after sunset and often began by eating dates and water. Since Ramadan is also a time to be charitable, many organizations, groups, families and companies, give iftar dinners. Our company recently just had one on 15 August 2011. As per our colleague who already had 3 Iftars with this company, this dinner gathering is basically the main celebration for the entire company for the year.

The dinner, per the invitation, starts at 7:00 pm. When we got there it was 7:15 pm and everybody was already eating! No tables available anymore. I say poor coordination or it whatever reason. But since we were assigned at the table near the big bosses, we were not able to eat immediately. Most of the attendees, after eating went out already or went home. Not much fuss over dinners like this one. Since the crowd is already thinning we decided to go back to the buffet area to get more food, but unfortunately, the staff were already doing the “buffet out.” It was exactly 8:00 pm and they are clearing out already. It was a sad dinner. I was not able to eat enough and enjoy their food.

Ramadan is almost over so no more Iftar dinners in almost all restaurants. I still have a long list of restaurants and fast food I would like to try before this month closes. Here’s my list:

Ponderosa – Caravan
Electra Street, Hamed Center
55 per head.    
Good food, nice place and very light I the pocket. Plenty of food to choose from - American/Mexican, Arabian and Italian. Sad part, the plates are too small! We have to go back to replenish. Must try their lemonade.

Beach Rotana Hotel
Tourist Club Area
Very nice place to dine out and have an intimate dinner, but the timing for the clearing is simply disappointing.

Le Meridien
Tourist Club Area
Cost: AED 155 per head

Holiday Inn
Cost: AED 125 per head

Yas Hotel
Yas Island
Cost: AED 145.00 per head

Vision Hotel Apartments
Tourist Club Area
Cost: AED 90.00 per head

Grand Millenium Al Wahda
next to Al Wahda Mall
Cost: AED 160.00 per head