And just like that.
Six years has gone swiftly as the wind. I remember years ago when my friend and I were talking about leaving the country and thought of going to Dubai was a good idea since we have friends working here. A couple of years later, I pitched the idea to one of my friends who apparently, her cousin works here. And voila, we flew to Singapore together then to Dubai via Sri Lanka Airways. Our first to try Biryani and some air of curries. Together, we savor the joy of unemployment as we stayed in her most humble cousin, took DHA exams and got our first job. Fast forward today, I have less than 72 hours to stay here as I embark another journey. This time, nobody pitched any idea but just following God's plan. I have been observing and walking the streets of UAE for six years though I may not have visited all land and corners of the country but I may have seen enough together with my friends and friends who have become my family. Contrary to my plan, I will not yet be bound home but to start another. Being in UAE made me grow personally and professionally that has become a comfort. And knowing myself better, comfort means to improve, desire and learn. Ever thankful for the people I met here, my Star, Prime and AHD colleagues have been a great help in forming my being as an OFW. I wouldn't say that it is always easy. As what I was telling my sister, I am a different breed. I never want to go out of the Philippines but this time. It is my choice. It is for the better. It is time.
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Being in Dubai for three months didn't only make me see the variety of cultures and races. It also made me realize how Filipinos love their families so much that they stripped away their comfort in our motherland to seek better opportunities.
Middle East. Most might say that this is not the country they imagined me to be. But I weighed everything and decided to be here for a couple of years and go back to my motherland. Dubai is a fantastic place for tourists. Lest, for professional advancements. Now some are interested of going here. Location wise? Being approximately in the middle of Europe and Asia? You can only imagine what countries you can travel. Advises. Some are lucky to be able to go here without any hassle from the immigration. Some have sponsors from their loved ones. And as for some, like me, took the risk without any families. But hey! I know I am the luckiest with my friends here. For the support, I know their friendship is forever. But for those willing to be off-shore to seek more than what our country is offering, the safest and easiest way possible is through legit agencies from our country. For those risk-takers, have your papers ready. And I mean every bit of it. Have it credentialed, authenticated. Experience is best here. Confidence will get you through. Trust, Prayer and Faith will keep you sane. Imagine the endless possibilities of being in here. All the UPS and DOWNS. Yes! ALL CAPS. Brace yourself. Some had it smooth but most of them had rough times. Being in the emirates land makes everything so accessible. I for one just expects to find work in Dubai, nothing more. And being in Al Ain, is a plus.
"Better bring your jacket since it is cold out there", people I know reminds me of this. Northwest of the Middle East hails Al Ain, and the part where we went to is a very secluded land. A very lavish villa in the middle of the mountainous desert. Spent three days and two nights with catered food, entertainment and bliss. But for everything that has happened. Nothing beats the Philippines. December 1, 2017. Went again with friends/flatmates in Al Ain. Al Ain Zoo was overcrowded and so was Jabeel Hafeet. But Waddaheck! Miracle Garden. Was it really a miracle? Maybe. A garden in a desert. Well, all hail to the brains of it. Though it is impressive, I just couldn't help but not being impressed to it. I still lavish that fresh flowers in the Philippines. That moment when I saw that green fields with sun flowers after traversing the caves and hiking waterfalls in Sagada. That breathe of fresh air up in the mountains, yes, similarly to the dry winter felt here. Colors. It was a joy. But nothing beats the beauty of the Philippines. GLOBAL VILLAGEJanuary 12, 2018.
Everything seems accessible with buses and trains here. So what brings you here? Was a burn out felt? Was the familiarity not enough? Were you tired of seeing the same people over and over again? Or was it because you just wanted to get some things done and just wanted to get it done and over it.
Me? It wasn't a burn out. It wasn't the familiarity. It wasn't the people nor the hospital in Bacolod that made me decide of going to this... dash of desert. There are some things that my country couldn't just provide me in a short span of time that other countries can. A decision of a lifetime, it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment one. A well-thought of. The Immigration from Singapore was smooth. Be sure to have your visa and tickets ready. Had a stop over at Colombo,Sri Lanka for an hour with 2 hours late from PST. Thanks to In-Flight meals of Sri Lankan Airlines, hunger never strikes. Dubai's Immigration was more smooth but be prepared in lining up since there are a lot of tourists flocking in, I waited for 20 minutes waiting for my turn for the officer. Had my eye scanned and off I go! Hello Dubai! Time zone changed. Weather changed. With my backpack and luggage on hand, I know I am prepared for this. My first few days in Dubai was more of adjusting to my lagged head. Was it the flights? The multiple country entries? Or maybe the winter feel? Idiopathic adjustment. Dubai Mall/ Burj Khalifa was the first mall I set foot into. IKEA? I didn't even imagine how big it is. The Metro Station. In the Philippines, we call it LRT/MRT. In Hong Kong, the MRT. Singapore, MTR. Woah, I really have traveled well. One thing I like about it is, the shape of the station, like a space ship waiting its prey to board. There are two things needed to survive here except for money. 1. The NOL CARD, a prepaid access card for metro stations. 2. Sim Card, Etisalat/Du. A few weeks later, with offers here and there, meet ups here and there with friends. Dubai is not that different from the Philippines. The offers. I know, I can just try other things out here. The shops? A lot can be seen here. A lot can be bought here. The people? It is an open country. You can just go out wearing shorts on. People might stare but you know what? You can never doubt of being safe here. Drivers even let you cross the road first rather than racing against you. A month has passed. I can just speak of God's greatness. A lot has been done. A lot has happened. And yes, I am still here. First Christmas. First New Year. My Tatay really wanted me to work abroad though I know that I am better off in my country. But here I am, trying to make the most out of it. Everybody knows, I'll be back. not that soon. All I was eyeing for was Dubai. But the wind just changed its path to Abu Dhabi. A leisure trip. I just went with the flow. Well, Yas Island to be precise. And that's nearly two hours north from Dubai. I just arrived from a sleepover with friends when I was told to pack again for an overnight stay in Abu Dhabi. Well, what the heck! Bring it on!
More than an hour of sitting in the car, watching the sands on the side of the road made me think how sad it was, and how brilliant it is for the Rulers of this nation to decide on making the country the center of commerce and health care. Didn't expect that I would see Ferrari World and the Giant Mosque too. Woah! God must really love me. Being at Yas Island is a piece of getaway. Somewhere too far from the hustles and bustles of the city. Checked in at Staybridge Suites where I give a two if not a three thumbs up! The sunset is drawing to a close when we decided resting at a lounge, The Stills. I am really in the Middle East. The dramatic setting of the sun is like a movie from The Mummy. I couldn't help but getting emotional to it, I would usually watch it with my Tatay. It was ladies night at that time so we were given vouchers for free drinks and yes, it was a good ambiance indeed. I preferred latching in the pool's tanning bed when noone was resting since everybody was busy in the bar. Everybody rested smoothly and as morning came, Breakfast Buffet in the Suite! Yes, I was that one happy kid. All praises for Staybridge. The ambiance, the cleanliness, the staff, the suite itself (kitchen, dining area, bedroom, lounge, entertainment area). Muy bien! But everything has come to an end, checked out and went to Yas Mall for a quick look then headed back to Dubai. |
AuthorI go for the name GK since it is short for Gloria Katherine. A nurse by profession but a traveler at heart. I hope you'll find my blog interesting and noteworthy. Archives
March 2023
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