Out and About

It's been a long time since I have visited my page again. Been so busy with work and personal matters AND has been focusing myself in my spiritual journey. It has been good! I have fasted, read the Bible and prayed sincerely. It's kinda addictive talking and confiding to someone so Great and believing with all your heart that everything will just be alright...really wipes out all the negative vibes for the day and energized you to look forward to the following day. Everyday is great!

As I have said, I have also been out and about. After Ramadan is the Eid. The moon was sighted on a Monday night so Eid Holiday was declared  Tuesday then Wednesday. Went to office on a Thursday then had the weekend again for 2 days. The thing is we went to Dubai Wednesday morning and had fun, fun, fun...then went home almost 2 in the morning (Thursday). I still reported to work though i reeeaaalllly feel so groggy and all. 

I have also been walking and jogging a lot now. Almost every night and that feels great too =) Anyway, I will be posting pictures, pictures...For tonight I am content having visited my blog again =)

God bless all! ♥

Screwed

Living in Abu Dhabi for quite some time now, has taught me to be unmindful of the extravagance I see in the city. The expensive cars parked along the streets, the excessive food, the well-talked about Christmas Tree where it carries real diamonds and precious stones, the 'hotelicopter', the facilities that only a rich country can afford and not to mention the 2030 Abu Dhabi Plan of getting the Louvre' and Guggenheim to name a few. Though I still get surprises like when my hubby and I were riding a cab going to Al Wahda Mall. I just saw this small screen at the back of the seat beside the passenger. I wasn't paying attention because I just thought it's one of those mini-players screwed on a car seat. As usual my husband is curious about it and ask if he can watch from the TV. The driver said it's an Ipad sir and you can take a survey of our services. THAT again made me wonder...

My Iftar night

My wish is granted! Got my first Iftar. We went to Cafe' Arabia yesterday to celebrate Kuya Willie's birthday. I am overwhelmed by the place. It's a 3-storey Villa on the 15th street. When going there be sure to drive slowly so that you will not miss the place. Outside you will see a sign "No picture taking inside" since according to Hassel there are some paintings that are conspicuously on display. And true enough the place is a haven for arts enthusiasts! Paintings are displayed in every wall, photographs, and books while the place is bursting of a modern interior mixed with mid-eastern ornaments. One will be a little dazed at first what with comfortable sofas and tables casually and comfortably arranged everywhere. It's a villa after all turned cafe'.

Our group seated beside the glass window on the second floor overlooking the street. Since 15th street is not a busy one, outside just seems to be a quiet night. Hassel told us that aside from the buffet she has ordered something special on the menu. Since the guys doesn't want the hassle of going down, Hassel and I helped ourselves on the buffet table. The buffet is all Arabic sweets, breads, salads, and some starters. I specifically loved their dried apricots, sweetened figs with walnuts, and small biscuits coated with dark chocolates. We heaped two plates each with some and brought it upstairs for the guys.

Our first serving is a creamy vegetable soup. It's made of squash. I remembered my mom used to make a similar recipe back home and hers tastes richer. Anyway, we weren't yet done with our soups when our orders came. Six big plates more! Our table was overflowing with food.  We had 2 pastas - one is a seafood pasta in tomato based sauce and the other one is a chicken pasta in cream sauce, 2 grilled chicken,1 salmon,1 beef kofta all served with salad and potatoes on the side. Really a feast made for Iftar!

Since it was not only Iftar and we are celebrating a birthday, the staff gave a surprise birthday song with a mini-cake to Kuya Willie. Really made us all smile...

When we had our fill, we ordered coffee and black tea (with mint) while chatting the night away until past 2AM. 

So we called it a night and walked our way to hail a cab. The guys were ahead of us but I saw Mario talking with an Indian guy. He was given a tray full of dates. Ramadan Kareem!

It's a glorious night having shared dinner and stories with friends. It's the essence of Iftar after all =)

P.S. Luv to be back here!

Note: To the respect of the cafe', i have limited my pictures due to their policy and to the artists who's paintings and photos are in display. It would be nice visiting the cafe' in person. ☺

Understanding Ramadan

Sorry folks, but bear with me talking more about Ramadan. My curiosity always gets the better of me and I am always open-minded to different cultures, religion, their ways, their beliefs, and the people all behind it. So, as an alien adobo and a first timer in the Middle East, my eyes are wide in awe and open in sincere appreciation of what to come in this Holy month of Ramadan...Let me share you some Dos and Dont's courtesy of Time Out Abu Dhabi...

Ramadan dos and don’ts

A few tips to help you better understand the holy month Discuss this article

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Don’t 

dance or sing in public at any time. Most major nightclubs will be shut, but bars will generally be open after sunset. There is also no live music (other than oud players and the like) and nothing above quiet background music in bars and pubs.

Don’t

play loud music at any time in your car, on the beach or even at home.

Don’t

wear revealing or tight clothes in public – even when you are going for a night out.

Don’t

smoke, drink, chew gum or eat in public in the hours between sunrise and sunset. It’s not only seen as offensive, but could get you a warning from the police or even a short spell in jail for any flagrant flouting of the rules.

Don’t

swear in public. Blasphemy is frowned upon at the best of times, but during the Holy Month it’s particularly insulting.

Do get into the charitable spirit. You don’t have to spend the earth – small gestures go a long way, from buying a construction worker a bottle of water to fostering a stray kitten or dog.

Do make the most of the community spirit and sumptuous food to be found in the iftar tents at the city’s hotels. It’s a great opportunity to relax, play games and experience some traditional Arabic entertainment.Courtesy of Time Out Abu Dhabi, 26 July 2011

Iftar

I want an Iftar! Been browsing Time Out Abu Dhabi for the best deals in dining and found this.

Must Try Iftar Dishes

I want an authentic Middle Eastern food. I do not want the commercialized Lebanese Arabic food that is so common and popular in Abu Dhabi, I want what the locals eat to celebrate Iftar.

I just hope that I may be totally free from my stomach upsets and dizzy spells so that I can go out at sundown and truly experience Ramadan. Got about 3 weeks to go! ☻              

Under the Heat

That wasn't so bad. It is my first time to walk under the sweltering heat of the Middle East sun. It's the first day of Ramadan and the Government declared only 8 hours of work. It may be in the morning or midday to late afternoon shift. Our office timing is from 8AM to 2PM and the greeting you give to our Muslim brother? It's Ramadan Kareem or Ramadan is generous.

Normally, it is not allowed to eat and drink during this time. However, since most of us in the office are Christians, in our side that is, we are still served water, coffees, and teas. Out of respect to our Muslim brothers, who are into fasting, we do not eat. The downside of having Ramdan? Our big boss goes to our side of the office to have coffee and smoke cigarettes. His side of the office is also where the office of the local owner, a Muslim, is. Sadness.

After work, I walked my way home. Since it's very hot, I made my way to some side and inner streets so that buildings may shield me away from the rays of the sun. I am very conscious not to buy any drink or even candies. Anything to put in your mouth is a no-no. I noticed that almost all restaurants are closed but some groceries are open. I passed by Panaderia and the small bakery is covered with purple and white paper as if it is close. However, one can still smell the freshly baked 'pandesal' and a handwritten sign in Filipino said "Bukas po Kami". =)  I can't wait then till I experience Iftar. One of these days I promise to go out at night and experience Iftar.

I arrived home with plenty of time to rest, browse the net, blogged, and chat with my son. Not so bad doing this the whole month.

Sick

I'm sick for the past 5 days =(.  Acute gastritis. Same old illness back home and appears when I eat too much. I have acid influx too...So now off I went to the doctor at Al Raha Hospital after suffering for 3 days. 

Gave my medical card to the receptionist then headed straight to the doctors office. After asking a few questions, while typing my problem into the computer, he printed out a prescription for me. Thanked him, paid AED50.00 to the cashier and went to the pharmacy. The Pharmacist gave me medicines I needed (free) and some instructions. Then off I went home.

They say UAE has one of the best health care in the world. They can even cover for cancer if necessary including all medications.

I am not surprised why many expats stay here. Tax free, good medical insurance, Government subsidized electric and water, and of course cheap gas! =)

Discovering the uncovered

When my departure to Manila for Abu Dhabi has been confirmed, the first thing I asked my husband is what clothes to bring. When I first arrived, what's foremost in my mind is what are the "what should" and the "should not be's."

For many of us Filipinos or probably even for other nationalities, we do not have any idea at all what to expect living in UAE. I know for a fact that UAE is a very strict and conservative Muslim country. But coming here and after a month stay has taught me otherwise. In fact, UAE is tolerant to what the resident or visitors can wear or do. I have seen people wearing shorts, tank tops, dresses below the knees, etc. It really got me confused for awhile. However, one thing I learned is that, normal clothing may be good but it is better to wear something more decent and a little covered owing to the fact that UAE's population is very multi-cultural and diverse. People thinks and see differently especially at women's clothing.

I want to share this: gulfnews : Public decency in the UAE

Eventually, it is really not so bad being a little covered for a time. A real fashionista need not to reveal skin ;-)

Hugz, hugz!

Moonsighting

When we were doing groceries at mini Coop near our place, the security guard gave me this...

It's a Ramadan Planner. First notepad is specified for Prayer Timings (8x a day!), second notepad is for the Grocery List and third notepad is for Menu List. Every Ramadan, they have 6-8 hours of fasting time everyday for 1 month from sunrise to sunset. After which, they have Iftar or breaking the fast. So during night time when the sun is out they have a feast, hence, the menu and grocery list.


For us non-Muslims, we are not aware that Ramadan starts with moonsighting.


"The traditional method, mentioned in the Qur'an and followed by the Prophet Muhammad, is to look to the sky and visibly sight the slight crescent moon (hilal) that marks the beginning of the month. If one sees the hilal at night, the next day is the first day of Ramadan and thus the first day of fasting.  At the end of the month, when the community sights the hilal again, the Festival of Fast-Breaking ('Eid al-Fitr) begins.    
Source: islam.about.com"


By chance, while walking going home from one of our latte' nights, I looked up the dark sky and saw the moon. I was amazed that it's really starting to look like this...

And when Ramadan comes, the moon will exactly look like the Islamic crescent and star. They say this is very visible in Saudi Arabia where Mecca is located.

I am amazed seeing the moon like this for the first time. They say you will only see it when in the Middle East and during Ramadan. Though it feels more of like an omen, I am also beginning to appreciate UAE's culture, religion, the people, and the land that I feel has been tested and blessed by faith, prayers and time. 

Missin' Home

Been here in Abu Dhabi for more than 8 months now.  Time seems to fly so fast and yet I am still in the stage of adjusting in my new environment. I still feel the "what the heck am I doing here?!" moments. I am homesick. It seems that when you feel this homesickness in your adult life it is felt more deeply and at times undefinable. 


Everything is more bearable because I am with Mar. He is my all around buddy. It has been years since we have been really together only by ourselves. Like any couple who differs like Night and Day, we have our 'in each other's throats' moments, or 'You, martian and Me, Venus' moments. But we never get into serious arguments and we always stick it out because we know we only have each other as family in this Shawarma country. Ours is like an old shoe that you keep coming back for because it's comfortable. Somehow, this eases my loneliness because I have him. We have each other.


So I do wonder, what about those people who came here and has no one? Who sacrificed so much just to earn a decent living for their loved-ones? Who, for other reasons, just need to escape from their pasts? How deep is their longing of Home? I do not know. I cannot comprehend. For each faces I see, has each story to tell.  

Amina, Amina Kadala

I've been Googling and searching for memories of my childhood days in Africa. Our family lived there for almost 4 years. My formative years was spent there. Been reading so many blogs about it and I totally agree that life is so simple then and we, as children, just enjoyed being so carefree. Just thinking about it makes me put a smile on my lips. Here are some memories that are still with me:


1. Dancing chicocos.
2. I remember living in a big house with a kalacuchi tree in front and how it provides shades for us while we are lying on the floor just drawing and coloring.
3. I remember how we have Peaches, Avocado, Mango, Lemon and some other fruit-bearing trees in our backyard and just ready for our picking.
4. I remember our very first ever loyal pet dog, Bonnie, an old English sheepdog (may his good soul forever rest in peace)
5. I remember how we climb fences of our neighbors' houses so we can pick up wild berries and eat them on our way home without washing them and not being afraid of getting sick.


I finally found a lyrics of the song we used to sing in Africa when we were children. 


Amina, amina kadala, small weya, amina dushe pa kaliba eloyi eloyi bamulya mulunsonga PO Box Chapatwa telephone mulembwe maleleka maleleka umpempe umpempe amina dushi!


I found this picture in FB. This is the ground from my old school, Nchanga Lower Trust School. One of the children in the picture is our family friend  and who is now living in the US with his own family.





=) So many memories to be continued...

Zambia

I just remembered my childhood days and decided to go to my FB page to check if there's anything that will connect me to my old Alma mater and found the group Nchanga Trust School. I read the posts, saw the picture, and laugh with fond memories =) We stayed in South Africa for almost 4 years and memories of it are still ingrained in my heart. Here's the Zambia National Anthem. I still know the song!


ZAMBIA


Stand and sing of Zambia, proud and free, 
Land of work and joy in unity, 
Victors in the struggle for the right, 
We have won freedom's fight. 
All one, strong and free. 


Africa is our own motherland, 
Fashion'd with and blessed by God's good hand, 
Let us all her people join as one, 
Brothers under the sun. 
All one, strong and free. 

One land and one nation is our cry, 
Dignity and peace 'neath Zambia's sky, 
Like our noble eagle in its flight, 
Zambia, praise to thee. 
All one, strong and free. 

CHORUS 
(Sung After Third Verse Only) 

Praise be to God. 
Praise be, praise be, praise be, 
Bless our great nation, 
Zambia, Zambia, Zambia. 
Free men we stand 
Under the flag of our land. 
Zambia, praise to thee! 
All one, strong and free. 

Tid Bits

I am so right! Just started my diet yesterday and I started to feel the difference already. I really feel more active. I feel more attuned to losing weight now that my office mates are on the same boat. Yippee! No bad influences. 


I will be experiencing Ramadan for the first time. It will start on August 1 and will be running the whole month. I have already been asking around what to do and what not to do as well as things to do during my spare time - too many spare time. Office timings normally is half day for the whole month. So, I am thinking of taking up an art lesson? photography? dance?....mmmm I might be checking some sites and see what's in store. =)


Well I am really curious about Ramadan and will let you know my insights. Though I am pretty sure picture-taking is a no-no unless during iftar, which means, breaking the fast or beginning to eat after sunset especially during Ramadan.


Though one thing is sure, I will be losing weight! 

Tama na, Khalas!

I thought it's the extreme temperature that is making me feel like I am adding weight. Goodness! No exercise, bad food choices and bad eating habit is finally showing on me =(

I just don't know why, but coming to Abu Dhabi, I started eating food that I do not normally and usually eat back home. Fried chicken, french fries, burgers, cakes, pastries, and anything that is 'forbidden' for a health nut like me. I have always been slim and a little bulge is always being noticed by peering eyes back home. Abu Dhabi seems like freedom - freedom to do and freedom to be. Ironic isn't it? Anyway, this time I need to lose weight for better reasons. The added weight is weighing me down and sapping my energy. It is not doing me good.

So starting today, I will stop the bad eating habits and get back in shape. Khalas (or Stop in Arabic)!!!

Khalas for this...

 And this...

 And this...

 And this...

 And this...

Today is a new day!

ZaatarWZeit - PART2

I promised that I will be posting pictures of Zaatar w Zeit or ZwZ when I come back. Well it did not take long 'coz Friday night, Hassel wanted to go out and have coffee with us. So since Zaatar is again the most ideal and convenient place to go (even with our pambahays), off we went. 


ZwZ is fronting the ongoing construction of Salam Street.

Inside ZwZ

The vertical view of the restaurant

 That's Mar, Hassel and my empty chair =)

Really had a great night chatting while having coffee and Jebneh (Arabic simple cheese in Wraps). We stayed there until past 12MN and still Hassel and I continued our chat in the flat until the wee hours of the morning while my hubby snored away. =)

Cold Stone Creamery

Yesterday, we went to Abu Dhabi mall to watch the much-awaited Harry Potter finale. Kuya Long, Mario & I went earlier before lunch since this for sure will be another blockbuster and we do not want to wait in line just buying tickets. We bought 7 tickets, watching with us are the Galolong couple,Kashif (their Pakistani friend) and Bunso. We got a 2:30 showtime.


So while waiting, we had merienda at Cold Stone Creamery just across Grand Cinemas. One of my favorite ice-cream!

Coldstone Creamery was founded by Donald and Susan Sutherland in 1988 when, driven by their passion to serve the world's best ice cream, they opened the first Cold Stone Creamery in Tempe, Arizona. And now, more than 1,400 stores later, people have really warmed up to their cool idea.

Cold Stone's innovation: "If it has anything to do with ice cream, it has everything to do with Cold Stone Creamery. From unique ice cream creations to smoothies, cakes and shakes – nobody serves up the ultimate indulgence like Cold Stone.  It starts with using the highest quality ingredients and ends with our signature process for preparing your custom creation on a frozen granite stone."


Yep that is right. Ice creams are created on a granite stone...So I am waiting while my 'creation' is being prepared.

 Viola! My Apple Pie a la Coldstone =)

Mario, enjoying his Mocha Latte', and Kuya Long, enjoying his Coffee Lovers' only =)

Excuse me!

Word of the day: Excuse me                      Pronounced as: Se-cuse me


From a lady merchandiser at Abu Dhabi Mall, Coop groceries calling a young man to get his empty tin can from her waste basket...

My footpath

Today I am photo blogging. This is for my family and close friends. I finally had the time to take some pictures of my footpaths everyday from office to the flat...

This is my work area. Looks busy =)

This street is across my office and where I walk everyday. The building with a green sign has a Starbucks on the ground floor and where we usually hang around for our latte' nights.

The left side of this pavement are all stores and restaurants famous in Abu Dhabi like the Lebanese Mill, Al Farooj, Al Sultan Bakeries, the famous Lebanese roasters, etc...

A mini mosque common and scattered around UAE..Mostly I passed by the time the trumpet is blown as a signal for prayer time.

My unmanicured feet in a 3-inch bootie..

Almost near home...This side are mostly Indian restaurants ala 'carinderia' where Mario and I sometimes buy Chapatti with egg sandwich.

 closer...

This is the famous PANADERIA. The first time I came here I was surprised to find this and very near to where we live. Breads are all Filipino style. You can find cheese bread, spanish bread (which Arabic loves), cheese pandesal, etc And of course the famous pandesal that is always newly baked. You can buy pandesal for AED1.00 (less than Php12.00) for 3 pieces and it's big in size like the pandesal we buy in Pugon de Manila.

This is only a few step from our flat =). By the way, have you noticed that all my pictures are with cars? Well, that is because Abu Dhabi has no parking areas. Their buildings are not equipped with parking spaces and it is only recently that the new buildings are required to have parking spaces. Hence, cars, cars everywhere! A Lamborghini there, a Mercedes here, Lexus, Hyundai, Toyota, Volkswagen, even a Mini is just all in the streets waiting for dusts to settle in. Back in Manila these cars are  put in the privacy of our homes inside the garage with lock and keys and a cover to boot afraid that it might get scratches or be stolen. So just to think of it, it's scary to know that these streets are a haven for car thieves. Mags, side mirrors, wheels and perhaps the whole car itself. Good thing about UAE, every crime is of course punishable by law and every expat citizen wouldn't dare do anything against it. I am beginning to see that life here is simple but rich. But then again, I still miss home where all the action and drama is...