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

• 
• Picture 1 of 2
• 

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! =)