Hubby and I, with another friend couple went to this one weekend getaway that I thought was just going to be like the rest. But I was wrong! Our trip to Fujairah was one trip that will be part of my list of memorables in UAE.
I packed so quickly for this trip the night before. There was less thinking, as hubby has been brushing off his spontaneity to me so strongly! I do not know what's gonna happen. All I know was that we'd stay overnight somewhere in Fujaira, and that hubby and friend will be playing tennis, while me and friend's wife will play... you guess it right, ball girls. Hehe. We did for a couple of minutes only, because we realized that we are distracting them more than helping them.
What was so nice about it? The destination? Not only, coz it starts with the journey itself. You will know that you are leaving dubai when you already see on the road these orange sand, and some camels ;) And a few kilometers more, you will get into this place where lots of carpets are sold. A pit stop. After that, we continued with the long drive (actually, just 2 hours total) and we're now amazed by the rocky mountains that replaced the sandy views!
When we got to this really nice Rotana hotel, we checked-in into a room where the balcony faces the... beach! I can hear the sound of the waves as it splashes to the shore! YOu will also know you're not in dubai anymore when there are no cranes nor construction in sight, which is really really relieving.
We had buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant and boy, was I so full at the end of the day! Selections were good and obviously this is the start of the peak season as reflected by the number of guests that evening.
The morning sun kissed my cheeks as we went down and headed to the beach as hubby did a second tennis match. He does not love tennis that much, really. I did snorkelling at the seashore and man was I impressed that I saw schools of fish at that shallow water! Later, we headed to the real snorkelling as part of the hotel perks! Great! This is my second time. We went to Snoopy Island and there, with snorkelling masks on and my flippers, I jumped onto the water and was transported into the magical world of "under the sea". I just loved looking at how these fish and other sea creatures swim around in packs or alone. I saw this rock-like fish, this beautiful blue-green huge fish, and others. I should say snorkelling is definitely one of my newest fave activities. The first time I did this at Maldives, I was just awed by the wonderful world down under.
On our way home to dubai, we did a side trip to the wadi wurayah. The trip to the destination was awesome, as we were driving thru this stony, rocky road, making my heart thump strongly at times as hubby drives across these huge rocks! However, the destination was not at all amazing. Maybe we went there when the pools are still dry. There were so many graffiti and trash. Hope guests will help in keeping it clean. The government has proclamed it as a protected area, and I hope that it will be restored soon.
Then we headed to the carpet place where lots of carpets stores line up the road. After haggling, we bought this nice long carpet for a cheap price that is now happily placed in our room ;)
After a seemingly longer trip back to dubai, as soon as we hit Dubai Bypass road, my heart sank...the adventure is over, and we are back to reality.
Showing posts with label UAE Chronicles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UAE Chronicles. Show all posts
11.06.2009
12.16.2008
Ecstatic! Excited! Frentic! Panic!
that's how i feel as i look at my planner for tomorrow until before i leave on the 26th...
tonight, we will have our bibles study at greens...
tomorrow, dec 17, dinner at chalet, one of david's fave rest along jumeirah...
thursday night, dec 18, 180 christmas party back-to-back with CnC shoebox stuffing night at kitty's...
friday, dec 19, morning at church, then labor camp distribution of shoebox, and then desert camping until sat morning!
saturday night, dec 20, room inspection of our boys and ladies' accommodation for the 'best room' awards!
sunday night, dec 21, bibles study with CnC, back-to-back with adventureland's annual staff party!
monday night, dec 22, special date night...
tuesday night, dec 23, christmas get-together with church mates...
wednesday night, dec 24, evening worship service...
thursday afternoon, dec 25, bonfire at jebel ali beach and send off david to the airport...
friday morning, dec 26, off to airport... YAHOO!!!
tonight, we will have our bibles study at greens...
tomorrow, dec 17, dinner at chalet, one of david's fave rest along jumeirah...
thursday night, dec 18, 180 christmas party back-to-back with CnC shoebox stuffing night at kitty's...
friday, dec 19, morning at church, then labor camp distribution of shoebox, and then desert camping until sat morning!
saturday night, dec 20, room inspection of our boys and ladies' accommodation for the 'best room' awards!
sunday night, dec 21, bibles study with CnC, back-to-back with adventureland's annual staff party!
monday night, dec 22, special date night...
tuesday night, dec 23, christmas get-together with church mates...
wednesday night, dec 24, evening worship service...
thursday afternoon, dec 25, bonfire at jebel ali beach and send off david to the airport...
friday morning, dec 26, off to airport... YAHOO!!!
Gift Wrapping
if you are like me, then as of now, you must have done your christmas shopping, or at least you already have a list of presents to buy...i do not like to rush, and i do not like to fall prey to last-minute shopping, so as early as first week of december, i am already on the lookout for potential gifts ;)
i've always loved the gift-hunting process. it makes me think about my friends more than usual. i try to know what the person wants or needs thru house visits, casual conversation or direct questioning! oh yeah, i do that, right mano?
gift giving is so tricky. we always say, "it's the thought that counts", but does it? there are times when we receive gifts, and we'd think that he/she shouldn't have. literally. and many times, when we give, we assess it based on how the person will react. not everyone will appreciate gifts. others are openly blunt about their thoughts (balloons thoughts would be more preferred at these times...). but there are others who are realy good recipients-- they have the ability of making you feel right about your choice of gift. many times, you need that assurance as a giver.
i believe, whatever gift we receive, the mere fact that we received one, we should be thankful. the mere fact that the other person picked it up, wrapped it up and gave it to me meant that i was thought of, even if it is the same gift as the rest.
same goes that whatever gift we give, as long as we do not expect anything in return, and it is from the bottom of the heart, it will be well received.
do you recycle gifts? tricky topic eh? sometimes i do... but that is after years of not finding use for it.
so, here i am, for one week now, thinking, and wrapping and thinking and wrapping... and enjoying it!!! and it is a challenge how to compromise budget, quality and meaning into that package!
i've always loved the gift-hunting process. it makes me think about my friends more than usual. i try to know what the person wants or needs thru house visits, casual conversation or direct questioning! oh yeah, i do that, right mano?
gift giving is so tricky. we always say, "it's the thought that counts", but does it? there are times when we receive gifts, and we'd think that he/she shouldn't have. literally. and many times, when we give, we assess it based on how the person will react. not everyone will appreciate gifts. others are openly blunt about their thoughts (balloons thoughts would be more preferred at these times...). but there are others who are realy good recipients-- they have the ability of making you feel right about your choice of gift. many times, you need that assurance as a giver.
i believe, whatever gift we receive, the mere fact that we received one, we should be thankful. the mere fact that the other person picked it up, wrapped it up and gave it to me meant that i was thought of, even if it is the same gift as the rest.
same goes that whatever gift we give, as long as we do not expect anything in return, and it is from the bottom of the heart, it will be well received.
do you recycle gifts? tricky topic eh? sometimes i do... but that is after years of not finding use for it.
so, here i am, for one week now, thinking, and wrapping and thinking and wrapping... and enjoying it!!! and it is a challenge how to compromise budget, quality and meaning into that package!
12.11.2008
It's Hazy Again
oh, glad i got a glimpse of the clear skies the past days... because today, it's back to hazy skies!
just like many things... back to normal!
just like many things... back to normal!
12.09.2008
It Had to Rain
it has been raining in dubai and sharjah the past days... many would really loathe the idea. what with flooding, and traffic everywhere! the thunder and lighting were not as exciting too.. it actually made me nervous as i was not used to it anymore..
but then, it had to rain...
after the rain... for the first time, i can see Burj dubai (the tallest tower in dubai) from a road in sharjah! for the first time, i am seeing the dubai skyline! for the first time, i am seeing lots of very nice cottony clouds. for the first time, i am seeing blue skies!!!! for the first time, it does not feel so heavy outside...
yes, it had to rain... for us to see the beauty of many things that is covred by the grey thick clouds...
it may not be fun when it rains... but now, it's ok... it had to rain...
but then, it had to rain...
after the rain... for the first time, i can see Burj dubai (the tallest tower in dubai) from a road in sharjah! for the first time, i am seeing the dubai skyline! for the first time, i am seeing lots of very nice cottony clouds. for the first time, i am seeing blue skies!!!! for the first time, it does not feel so heavy outside...
yes, it had to rain... for us to see the beauty of many things that is covred by the grey thick clouds...
it may not be fun when it rains... but now, it's ok... it had to rain...
9.16.2008
Crazy Rent! Crazy Construction! Crazy Traffic!
that's the three things i dislike about dubai (and sharjah)... let me tell you why...
can you imagine bedspacing for AED 600/ month or $163 or P 7,500???? that is bedspace in a room with six to eight other girls, double deck. or can you imagine renting a modest 2BR flat for AED 10,000/ month or $ 2,700 or P 125,000??? and if this isn't bad enough, yearly they can increase their rent to as high as 100%! landlords can pull off the biggest surprise of your life when they offer you your lease renewal. and since many cannot afford living in a flat of their own, they would do sharing between 2-3 families, each family occupying one room. and when we thought again that that was the end of the misery, there comes the municipality driving people out saying that sharing is not legal, cutting electricity and water services if they do not comply. and man, if you only know the hassle of transferring here and there, it'd really drive you crazy!
as to construction, maybe this is one thing we'd have to embrace as long as dubai is in its teenage state of progress. it used to be nice when the world all over was hailing dubai for its construction wonders and having almost 90% of the world's cranes. but it comes to a point that it is not so cute anymore, especially if week after week, you'd go thru your normal route just to be blocked by a sign that says "constuction. detour ahead". it's like a daily puzzle to me as a driver. i like the adventure, but it is just too much to handle for now.
and yes, as a consequence of the constructions, detouring, more people owning cars and avoiding Salik toll gates--> traffic congestion! i admire the patience of people coming from sharjah going to dubai who brave thru the 1 to 2 hours traffic of what used to be just a 15-min drive! and yes, the patience too of all others living in this place who have to face this toil everyday, sometimes even to the tune of a 48-degrees-centigrade weather! good thing, gas is cheap (AED 6.25/gal or $ 1.70/gal or P 20/liter).
but then again, no amount of complaining nor whining can achieve reversal of all of these. so everyday, i just ask God for enough grace to sustain me the whole day thru ;)
can you imagine bedspacing for AED 600/ month or $163 or P 7,500???? that is bedspace in a room with six to eight other girls, double deck. or can you imagine renting a modest 2BR flat for AED 10,000/ month or $ 2,700 or P 125,000??? and if this isn't bad enough, yearly they can increase their rent to as high as 100%! landlords can pull off the biggest surprise of your life when they offer you your lease renewal. and since many cannot afford living in a flat of their own, they would do sharing between 2-3 families, each family occupying one room. and when we thought again that that was the end of the misery, there comes the municipality driving people out saying that sharing is not legal, cutting electricity and water services if they do not comply. and man, if you only know the hassle of transferring here and there, it'd really drive you crazy!
as to construction, maybe this is one thing we'd have to embrace as long as dubai is in its teenage state of progress. it used to be nice when the world all over was hailing dubai for its construction wonders and having almost 90% of the world's cranes. but it comes to a point that it is not so cute anymore, especially if week after week, you'd go thru your normal route just to be blocked by a sign that says "constuction. detour ahead". it's like a daily puzzle to me as a driver. i like the adventure, but it is just too much to handle for now.
and yes, as a consequence of the constructions, detouring, more people owning cars and avoiding Salik toll gates--> traffic congestion! i admire the patience of people coming from sharjah going to dubai who brave thru the 1 to 2 hours traffic of what used to be just a 15-min drive! and yes, the patience too of all others living in this place who have to face this toil everyday, sometimes even to the tune of a 48-degrees-centigrade weather! good thing, gas is cheap (AED 6.25/gal or $ 1.70/gal or P 20/liter).
but then again, no amount of complaining nor whining can achieve reversal of all of these. so everyday, i just ask God for enough grace to sustain me the whole day thru ;)
9.14.2008
Crossroads
would you have thought that one of the most prevalent problem here in dubai is----- crossroads??? nah, i'm not talking about two intersecting physical roads, but i am talking about the point in one's life when you are in the middle of different paths in your life, and you do not know what to do, what you want and where to go.
when i had mine some months ago, i cherished every moment of it. maybe it's because i really like adventures or simply because i have no choice. but now i understand why. it is because God would use me to help out friends and brethren who are experiencing it now (and i didn't know there would be a handful of them... they just would not talk until you hit the right button!)
crossroads usually happen when we (1) actively look for other options, or (2) when an option is thrown our way, or (3) when we simply want a way out of our daily routine. routine is something our parents did not have to worry about then. you can see more of them doing the same job for 20-30 years! but our generation is so restless! restless with uncertainties! restless with options! restless with routines! restless with controlling the future! i believe what really is so daunting about this period is that we do not know what lies ahead. we hate not knowing what will happend. we hate not knowing the answer. we just hate it when we thought that we are too smart not to see our plans carried out as we want it. it is at this period when i humble down and confer with Him who is all-knowing ;)
so how do i deal with crossroads? firstly, i check what really is the root of it. is it the unquenchable desire for more, more, more? the answer is stop, stop, stop. or is it the desire to shift lanes and go to a more peaceful path? the answer is pray for acceptance of this seemingly simple road. or is it a desire to try other options beyond what i nornally do. the answer is to pray for courage to face this new path.
identifying this will help me solve how i want to deal with it. along the way, i always talk to our Father, pray over it, sometimes just for a couple days, sometimes, months, it depends. i sometimes even struggle with Him. i also ask prayers and opinions from people i am really close with and who can understand my struggles. do not underestimate the wisdom and encouragement of others. and when i reach to the point when i am at peace with my decision, i just let Him surprise me with His masterplan.
As what Proverbs 2:6-10 says
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul."
when i had mine some months ago, i cherished every moment of it. maybe it's because i really like adventures or simply because i have no choice. but now i understand why. it is because God would use me to help out friends and brethren who are experiencing it now (and i didn't know there would be a handful of them... they just would not talk until you hit the right button!)
crossroads usually happen when we (1) actively look for other options, or (2) when an option is thrown our way, or (3) when we simply want a way out of our daily routine. routine is something our parents did not have to worry about then. you can see more of them doing the same job for 20-30 years! but our generation is so restless! restless with uncertainties! restless with options! restless with routines! restless with controlling the future! i believe what really is so daunting about this period is that we do not know what lies ahead. we hate not knowing what will happend. we hate not knowing the answer. we just hate it when we thought that we are too smart not to see our plans carried out as we want it. it is at this period when i humble down and confer with Him who is all-knowing ;)
so how do i deal with crossroads? firstly, i check what really is the root of it. is it the unquenchable desire for more, more, more? the answer is stop, stop, stop. or is it the desire to shift lanes and go to a more peaceful path? the answer is pray for acceptance of this seemingly simple road. or is it a desire to try other options beyond what i nornally do. the answer is to pray for courage to face this new path.
identifying this will help me solve how i want to deal with it. along the way, i always talk to our Father, pray over it, sometimes just for a couple days, sometimes, months, it depends. i sometimes even struggle with Him. i also ask prayers and opinions from people i am really close with and who can understand my struggles. do not underestimate the wisdom and encouragement of others. and when i reach to the point when i am at peace with my decision, i just let Him surprise me with His masterplan.
As what Proverbs 2:6-10 says
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul."
Serenity of Ramadan
wow, it has been two months since my last entry? i can't believe it! just when i said that i'd write more frequently, it's then that i started to lag behind. slacker. haha!
but then, it happened for a valid reason ;) i've been out and about for the past 2 months with so many things happening to me in a blur!
first off, it was the peak season of our business here in Adventureland last july. this is the time when so many guests come in and out of our center, almost everyday! next, was my bday last month. need i say more about that? when it is your bday-- you must be busy ;) and lastly, was my trip to US for 3 weeks! will tell you more about that in a separate blog/s...
and now, coming back here to dubai during ramadan is such a nice transition point from a very eventful vacation time. no hitting the ground running. during ramadan, we have fewer working hours, our center is closed during the day so we at the office experience our once-a-year treat of serenity....no roller coaster noise, no shrieking of kids, no jamming of the log jam, no nothing, except peace and quiet. but then again, it may be peaceful too in the office, because, everyone is working on their............... 2009 Budget, hehe. and more than that, we do our annual thorough preventive maintenance of our rides. and i saw other centers doing that too.
i love this period when the world seems to stop for a while. living in the big city, i think we need this pause... for my mental sanity, it is like my preventive maintenance.
but then, it happened for a valid reason ;) i've been out and about for the past 2 months with so many things happening to me in a blur!
first off, it was the peak season of our business here in Adventureland last july. this is the time when so many guests come in and out of our center, almost everyday! next, was my bday last month. need i say more about that? when it is your bday-- you must be busy ;) and lastly, was my trip to US for 3 weeks! will tell you more about that in a separate blog/s...
and now, coming back here to dubai during ramadan is such a nice transition point from a very eventful vacation time. no hitting the ground running. during ramadan, we have fewer working hours, our center is closed during the day so we at the office experience our once-a-year treat of serenity....no roller coaster noise, no shrieking of kids, no jamming of the log jam, no nothing, except peace and quiet. but then again, it may be peaceful too in the office, because, everyone is working on their............... 2009 Budget, hehe. and more than that, we do our annual thorough preventive maintenance of our rides. and i saw other centers doing that too.
i love this period when the world seems to stop for a while. living in the big city, i think we need this pause... for my mental sanity, it is like my preventive maintenance.
4.12.2008
Up Close and Personal
i think i got this inquisitive bone from my dad... i do not normally pass up opportunties to meet with people, either old friends or new alike. i consider every encounter a big opportunity and a privilege. i am always curious to know how God has dealt wonderfully with them, either in good or bad times. i get excited with people the way some get excited with fashion, with cars, with gadgets, with sports, with investments. i ask a lot. i learn a lot. i see precious souls within. sometimes i confuse them a lot too, or they confuse me back. then, at the end of each meeting, it's like i'm living ten new lives...
lately, i've been going to different small get togethers. each one is unique in its own. i've met so many wonderful people who has touched my life in one way or another. some i did not have a good start with, but we ended up well anyways. some were hard nuts to crack. dubai, being a melting pot of cultures, will open your eyes to different point of views and i celebrate the diversity of it all! they have different stories to tell about their lives here, about struggles, about victories, about life-changing moments and the ever-present roadblocks! i am even surprised to know that those who seemed to appear having a problem-free life, are actually a testimony of "peace in the midst of storm"!
and what struck me also are the stories of seemingly "random acts of kindess" which we often hold back because of past pains and mere laziness. it's really true that God works thru us in answering prayers of others. so do not hold back that thought of sending sms to comfort someone, or stopping and entertaining a directionally-challenged person, or simply popping up "hey how are you?" to a friend, or thinking of giving food to someone, or even saying the long-delayed "pls forgive me" to a hurt person...
i realized it's really equally blessing to go out of your comfort zones and try to start a conversation, which in the end may turn to something up close and personal...
lately, i've been going to different small get togethers. each one is unique in its own. i've met so many wonderful people who has touched my life in one way or another. some i did not have a good start with, but we ended up well anyways. some were hard nuts to crack. dubai, being a melting pot of cultures, will open your eyes to different point of views and i celebrate the diversity of it all! they have different stories to tell about their lives here, about struggles, about victories, about life-changing moments and the ever-present roadblocks! i am even surprised to know that those who seemed to appear having a problem-free life, are actually a testimony of "peace in the midst of storm"!
and what struck me also are the stories of seemingly "random acts of kindess" which we often hold back because of past pains and mere laziness. it's really true that God works thru us in answering prayers of others. so do not hold back that thought of sending sms to comfort someone, or stopping and entertaining a directionally-challenged person, or simply popping up "hey how are you?" to a friend, or thinking of giving food to someone, or even saying the long-delayed "pls forgive me" to a hurt person...
i realized it's really equally blessing to go out of your comfort zones and try to start a conversation, which in the end may turn to something up close and personal...
Touch and Go
" Hold on tight'
Cause life is touch and go
It's sink and swim, But never doubt
If you're out on a limb
I'll get the call
To break your fall
I'll never leave you
Even when life
Is touch and go
Or hit and run
We'll never break
If we take it as one
I'm here to stay,
I pray you know
I'll never touch
I'll never touch and go"
so goes a famous 1980's love song... recently, i've had more than my share of encounters of people coming in and going out of my life. that's what so unique about my expatriate life experience here in dubai. the only permanent thing is change. even friends come and go (well, some just physically, coz there are a few gems i've kept until today)... jobs come and go.... opportunities come and go... men come and go...
but if you look at it at half-full glass perspective, it has made me appreciate and treasure each moment more, knowing that "life is touch and go"... and more importantly, it has made me clung to Him more and surrender to Him more, whom i can count on when "life is touch and go"...
Cause life is touch and go
It's sink and swim, But never doubt
If you're out on a limb
I'll get the call
To break your fall
I'll never leave you
Even when life
Is touch and go
Or hit and run
We'll never break
If we take it as one
I'm here to stay,
I pray you know
I'll never touch
I'll never touch and go"
so goes a famous 1980's love song... recently, i've had more than my share of encounters of people coming in and going out of my life. that's what so unique about my expatriate life experience here in dubai. the only permanent thing is change. even friends come and go (well, some just physically, coz there are a few gems i've kept until today)... jobs come and go.... opportunities come and go... men come and go...
but if you look at it at half-full glass perspective, it has made me appreciate and treasure each moment more, knowing that "life is touch and go"... and more importantly, it has made me clung to Him more and surrender to Him more, whom i can count on when "life is touch and go"...
4.06.2008
The Customer is Always Right
i've always worked in a service-oriented industry, so it is common for me to handle customer concerns, or worse, complaints. but did i tell you that customers here in the UAE is a far-cry from what i've been accustomed to in the philippines?
1. "where's the manager?" that's always the question whenever our staff encounters problematic customers. they would not deal with the lowlies, but rather only with the decision-makers. i guess this is a european influence, or maybe, they are born with this assertiveness.
2. "no Filipini, i need arabic" ok, here's when they bluntly tell you i do not like to talk to you, period! that's when our emirati employee comes in handy. and this is the time when i get frustrated with my arabic skills, although really, even if i know how to speak the language, they want someone from their own race.
3. "why before, they always allowed my son to ride here, and now no?" (yes, that broken english) this rational for insisting their kids to go to our rides even if the kid does not meet height restriction has been so infamous that we already learned the antidote: "sir, we are very strict with this safety rule given to us by the manufacturers to avoid accidents. so tell me who's the ride operator who allowed you this, and i will fire him immediately." almost all the time, they cannot point a person. really! but then, i'd give them a plus point for trying soooo hard just to let their kids into our rides :)
4. "i came all the way from oman just to get these free rides!" there's really nothing wrong with this statement, except that they are asking for redemption of free ride vouchers which are two months expired! yes, they have a talent in switching the burden on you. this is when a certain level of judgement call is needed among our managers.
just yesterday, my operations manager called for SOS. we had a very angry customer and insist on talking to his superior. i ushered him to come to my office. i let him vent out his complaints and then i stated my side, which is the same as what my manager said. he became more furious, insisting on allowing his child on a ride, breaking the height restriction rule which is a cardinal sin for us! and since he sensed i will not allow that to happen, he then accused us of inconsistent implementation of rules depending on our mood. he ended up asking for my name, to which i gladly gave my business card, and telling me that he will call the owner to complain about this. i told him "sir, it is perfectly ok as it is your right. once again i apologize for the inconvenience we have caused you. " he said to me to stop apologizing, saying that i ruined his life and his child's enjoyment, and went out of my office and he said "f**k you!"
my operations manager apologized that he had to elevate that seemingly simple concern to me. i told him that any given day i'd take in a hundred of this kind of complaint, rather than one accident just because we've given in to this safety restriction.
well, all in a day's work....
1. "where's the manager?" that's always the question whenever our staff encounters problematic customers. they would not deal with the lowlies, but rather only with the decision-makers. i guess this is a european influence, or maybe, they are born with this assertiveness.
2. "no Filipini, i need arabic" ok, here's when they bluntly tell you i do not like to talk to you, period! that's when our emirati employee comes in handy. and this is the time when i get frustrated with my arabic skills, although really, even if i know how to speak the language, they want someone from their own race.
3. "why before, they always allowed my son to ride here, and now no?" (yes, that broken english) this rational for insisting their kids to go to our rides even if the kid does not meet height restriction has been so infamous that we already learned the antidote: "sir, we are very strict with this safety rule given to us by the manufacturers to avoid accidents. so tell me who's the ride operator who allowed you this, and i will fire him immediately." almost all the time, they cannot point a person. really! but then, i'd give them a plus point for trying soooo hard just to let their kids into our rides :)
4. "i came all the way from oman just to get these free rides!" there's really nothing wrong with this statement, except that they are asking for redemption of free ride vouchers which are two months expired! yes, they have a talent in switching the burden on you. this is when a certain level of judgement call is needed among our managers.
just yesterday, my operations manager called for SOS. we had a very angry customer and insist on talking to his superior. i ushered him to come to my office. i let him vent out his complaints and then i stated my side, which is the same as what my manager said. he became more furious, insisting on allowing his child on a ride, breaking the height restriction rule which is a cardinal sin for us! and since he sensed i will not allow that to happen, he then accused us of inconsistent implementation of rules depending on our mood. he ended up asking for my name, to which i gladly gave my business card, and telling me that he will call the owner to complain about this. i told him "sir, it is perfectly ok as it is your right. once again i apologize for the inconvenience we have caused you. " he said to me to stop apologizing, saying that i ruined his life and his child's enjoyment, and went out of my office and he said "f**k you!"
my operations manager apologized that he had to elevate that seemingly simple concern to me. i told him that any given day i'd take in a hundred of this kind of complaint, rather than one accident just because we've given in to this safety restriction.
well, all in a day's work....
3.29.2008
Pretty Much Mixed Up
Name: Marites Ingente
Nationality: Filipino
Other Nationality: huh?????
Nationality in Passport: huh????
That question used to baffle me. But now that i met numerous who fit into this category, i now fully understand. air travel has made the world smaller. people lived in different countries, and thefore, couples have been more interracial, resulting to a pretty much mixed up upbringing and culture of their offspring.
Nationality: Filipino
Other Nationality: huh?????
Nationality in Passport: huh????
That question used to baffle me. But now that i met numerous who fit into this category, i now fully understand. air travel has made the world smaller. people lived in different countries, and thefore, couples have been more interracial, resulting to a pretty much mixed up upbringing and culture of their offspring.
Case 1:
her father is japanese and mother is venezuelan. she lived in venezuela, and married a scottish guy. they live now here in dubai with their kids. their kids' passport is british, but when asked what their nationality is, it will depend ;)
Case 2:
her mom is filipina, her dad is italian, but she was brought up in saudi, then in london and now she lives in dubai. so when asked about her nationality, it's italian, but she is every inch a filipina.
Case 3:
she is born in malaysia, lived in singapore, but her father's side is german, and she now resides in dubai. so her passport says singaporean, but she can also be a true blue german lass.
Case 4:
his father is irish, mom is nepalese. they settled in india for many years, and now he's living in dubai. so his nationality is indian, though he does not look any inch an indian.
there are more mixed up cultural stories like that here. so the simple question "from where are you from?" would usually be difficult to answer in one word ;) and this one question begets another question.... really an interesting conversation starter.
2.23.2008
Construction Wonders in Dubai
this is the architect's perspective of the Burj Dubai, the current tallest building in the world.
here's the vertical comparison of the skycrapers in the world
this is burj under construction, towering among all the other construction projects in dubai.
here's another construction wonder--- Al Nakheel's The Palm-- not one, but three! Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira (biggest).
here's a closer look at one of the branches of the The Palm.
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and if Burj Dubai and The Palm are not enough, here's one more amazing project -- The World .
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Dubailand was conceptualized to be 'the' leisure and entertainment destination in the region. composed of numerous projects (some under construction, some under negotiation, some still on conceptual plans, while some are still in someone's imagination )
here's the vertical comparison of the skycrapers in the world
this is burj under construction, towering among all the other construction projects in dubai.
**************************************************************************
here's another construction wonder--- Al Nakheel's The Palm-- not one, but three! Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira (biggest).
here's a closer look at one of the branches of the The Palm.
**********************************************************************
and if Burj Dubai and The Palm are not enough, here's one more amazing project -- The World .
Dubailand was conceptualized to be 'the' leisure and entertainment destination in the region. composed of numerous projects (some under construction, some under negotiation, some still on conceptual plans, while some are still in someone's imagination )
whew! and then there's the Metro Rail, and the underwater hotel, and the list goes on and on (just google it!)..... whatever Dubai is aiming for, one thing i admire with them is that they turn their visions into reality, amidst all the skepticisms and impossibilities.
Pure Madness
Posted last Feb 17, Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: Licence plate No 1 broke the world record as the most expensive, fetching a whopping Dh52.2 million in fierce bidding in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Saeed Al Khouri, 25, a businessman in Abu Dhabi, won the number plate after a furious contest in the final stages of the auction conducted at the Emirates Palace hotel.
He broke the record by paying more than double the previous record which went to plate No 5 
that sold for Dh25.2 million and is owned by his cousin Talal Ali Mohammad Khouri, also a prominent businessman.
that sold for Dh25.2 million and is owned by his cousin Talal Ali Mohammad Khouri, also a prominent businessman. "The final value of the number plate auction exceeded our wildest hopes and dreams," said Abdullah Matar Al Mannaei, Managing Director of Emirates Auction, the official auctioneer for Code 5 distinguished number plate auctions, supported by the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police.
"Today we set not just one, but two records," said Al Mannaie, adding that the auction - the sixth organised by Emirates Auction - attracted 750 participants and generated a record Dh89 million from the sale of 90 number plates.
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even if they say that the money generated will be used to establish a specialised hospital in Abu Dhabi for accident victims, i still think it is pure madness!
One Windy Day
it happenend last Feb 1. we were preparing to go to church. i saw from our room window that strong winds are gushing, fiercely bending date trees and other trees. we even heard the wind wistling thru the very small space between the window panes. but there was no rain.
still, mano and i braved the winds.
it was a long way from where we live to the church. and all throughout the trip, we witnessed how rainless typhoon can be as dangerous! sandstorm is what we call it here, as sand kept being whished thru the air, everywhere! it made the sky really grey and dim as well!
while on the freeway, i can feel the power of the wind... i recall typhoon days in the Philippines...
mano took some snapshots of this day...
still, mano and i braved the winds.
it was a long way from where we live to the church. and all throughout the trip, we witnessed how rainless typhoon can be as dangerous! sandstorm is what we call it here, as sand kept being whished thru the air, everywhere! it made the sky really grey and dim as well!
while on the freeway, i can feel the power of the wind... i recall typhoon days in the Philippines...
mano took some snapshots of this day...
12.30.2007
My First Real Christmas in Dubai
i love christmas... i love the message it brings. i love the joy it writes on each ones faces. i love its power to bring together warring couples or friends. i love the cool breeze. i love the opportunity it gives to bring the family together. i love the laughters of the kids, the sharing of memories of friends, spreading thanksgiving, and sharing of the blessings. i love feeling His nearness...
and this year, for the first time in my stay in the UAE, i am having a real christmas. it used to just pass me by coz i usually work for it's not an official holiday here.
dec 7, we started with the distribution of the shoeboxes to the brethren, which went on until dec 21..
dec14, the
church had the Christmas Cantata which paved the way to welcoming the season. we were serenaded by the angelic hosts from EBCI ;) 
dec 15, had a sumptuous lunch at Boardwalk with the Edifice people, and our boss, Mr. Shahram Forouhgi...
dec 24, afternoon, we had our office party for the first time too...
dec 24 evening, went to a friend's family to celebrate christmas eve the pinoy-style way...
dec 25 lunch, long-distance calls to my family in the philippines...
dec 25 afternoon, bonfire at jumeirah with the church mates...
dec 25 dinner, with close friends mano, j, constance, kate and brett at mercato....
Hope you had a great christmas too!!! however which way you celebrated it, may we not drown the real meaning of christmas--- our Saviour was born so that He may give up His life and shed His blood for the rdemption of our souls... that is the best gift anyone can have!
and this year, for the first time in my stay in the UAE, i am having a real christmas. it used to just pass me by coz i usually work for it's not an official holiday here.
dec 7, we started with the distribution of the shoeboxes to the brethren, which went on until dec 21..
dec14, the
church had the Christmas Cantata which paved the way to welcoming the season. we were serenaded by the angelic hosts from EBCI ;) 
dec 15, had a sumptuous lunch at Boardwalk with the Edifice people, and our boss, Mr. Shahram Forouhgi...
dec 24, afternoon, we had our office party for the first time too...
dec 24 evening, went to a friend's family to celebrate christmas eve the pinoy-style way...
dec 25 lunch, long-distance calls to my family in the philippines...
dec 25 afternoon, bonfire at jumeirah with the church mates...
dec 25 dinner, with close friends mano, j, constance, kate and brett at mercato....
Hope you had a great christmas too!!! however which way you celebrated it, may we not drown the real meaning of christmas--- our Saviour was born so that He may give up His life and shed His blood for the rdemption of our souls... that is the best gift anyone can have!
9.12.2007
Ramadan Blues
i can already feel ramadan even if it is still 2 days away (or until they have sighted the moon in the right crescent)...
our center is now relatively quieter (which is not good for our business! oh no!). many people are planning on going out of the country again. memorandum on changed office timings are circulated (we usually work just 6 hours during ramadan). we have given orientation to all our staff who has not yet experienced ramadan (no eating, drinking and loud laughing in public until 630pm in respect of the muslims). the nocturnals are rejoicing! mall timings have changed. our center will only be open from 7pm until 1 am. there is liquor ban the whole month, though i heard other bars were already allowed to serve alcohol. the muslims are more serene, more forgiving, less complaining, though there are extreme cases when some are more irritable because of lack of food and drink.
it's like the world is suddenly brought to a halt during the day, and goes crazy and festive during the night until wee hours in the morning.
for us as a company, it is budget-setting time for 2008. it is time of cleansing (of files and stockrooms! haha!)...it is time of reflecting (of past projects)... a time for planning (for 2008 action program)... and time for preparing (for the the Eid celebrations!)
and for our staff, it means sleeping at 6am, sleeping during the day, movie-marathons, chikahan-to-the-max, and eating-to-the-max!it's the time when the office people (morning timings) usually do not see the operations people (evening timings)...
for me personally, i like the serenity of ramadan. i've always bee exposed to the noise and chaos of being in an amusement park, so this is a welcome change for even just a few days of the year. it's like catching up on yourself and on your life, since there is nothing to do outside during the day! you have to be creative to enjoy this month, unless your sense of enjoyment is eating, sleeping, reading, watching movie, strolling at the parks at 2am-- all of which is just perfect for me!
Ramadan Kareem!
our center is now relatively quieter (which is not good for our business! oh no!). many people are planning on going out of the country again. memorandum on changed office timings are circulated (we usually work just 6 hours during ramadan). we have given orientation to all our staff who has not yet experienced ramadan (no eating, drinking and loud laughing in public until 630pm in respect of the muslims). the nocturnals are rejoicing! mall timings have changed. our center will only be open from 7pm until 1 am. there is liquor ban the whole month, though i heard other bars were already allowed to serve alcohol. the muslims are more serene, more forgiving, less complaining, though there are extreme cases when some are more irritable because of lack of food and drink.
it's like the world is suddenly brought to a halt during the day, and goes crazy and festive during the night until wee hours in the morning.
for us as a company, it is budget-setting time for 2008. it is time of cleansing (of files and stockrooms! haha!)...it is time of reflecting (of past projects)... a time for planning (for 2008 action program)... and time for preparing (for the the Eid celebrations!)
and for our staff, it means sleeping at 6am, sleeping during the day, movie-marathons, chikahan-to-the-max, and eating-to-the-max!it's the time when the office people (morning timings) usually do not see the operations people (evening timings)...
for me personally, i like the serenity of ramadan. i've always bee exposed to the noise and chaos of being in an amusement park, so this is a welcome change for even just a few days of the year. it's like catching up on yourself and on your life, since there is nothing to do outside during the day! you have to be creative to enjoy this month, unless your sense of enjoyment is eating, sleeping, reading, watching movie, strolling at the parks at 2am-- all of which is just perfect for me!
Ramadan Kareem!
9.11.2007
Visit Visa Holder dilemna in UAE!!!!
here they go again... this is how fast they can change policies here! and now, where will all the filipino visit visa holders go????
**********************************************************************
No work visa for visitors
By Ahmed Abdul Aziz
4 September 2007
ABU DHABI – The Ministry of Labour (MoL) will not approve work visa applications for workers who have entered the UAE on visit visas, according to Saleh Al Jabri, head of the Firms Department in the MoL. “It is a clear violation of the Labour law as visitors are not allowed to work on visit visas,” he pointed out.
Al Jabri told Khaleej Times that any company desirous of employing an expatriate should obtain a temporary work permit or employment visa, not visit visa.
In case of violation, the employers would risk Dh10,000 fine and suspension of transactions for six months.
Sources at MoL said that the ministry had recently rejected an application that had been initially approved by the Abu Dhabi Naturalisation and Residency Department (ADNRD) because the company had sought to hire employees on visit visas.
link: http://www.khaleejtimes.ae/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile= data/theuae/ 2007/September/ theuae_September 118.xml§ion=theuae&col=
**********************************************************************
No work visa for visitors
By Ahmed Abdul Aziz
4 September 2007
ABU DHABI – The Ministry of Labour (MoL) will not approve work visa applications for workers who have entered the UAE on visit visas, according to Saleh Al Jabri, head of the Firms Department in the MoL. “It is a clear violation of the Labour law as visitors are not allowed to work on visit visas,” he pointed out.
Al Jabri told Khaleej Times that any company desirous of employing an expatriate should obtain a temporary work permit or employment visa, not visit visa.
In case of violation, the employers would risk Dh10,000 fine and suspension of transactions for six months.
Sources at MoL said that the ministry had recently rejected an application that had been initially approved by the Abu Dhabi Naturalisation and Residency Department (ADNRD) because the company had sought to hire employees on visit visas.
link: http://www.khaleejtimes.ae/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile= data/theuae/ 2007/September/ theuae_September 118.xml§ion=theuae&col=
9.02.2007
Religious Freedom in UAE...
the first time i flew here to dubai, i thought the bible was not allowed. i brought it nevertheless. you see, UAE is known as an islamic country. but praise God, worship is not restricted here unlike in other countries such as saudi arabia. my churchmates in the philippines used to think that it was an underground thing. but no, we were blessed to be able to move freely as christians. i even pray in food courts before my meals... UAE (dubai in paticular) has become an open city, and christians are growing in numbers, even though churches are located only on 'church zones'.
but the sad thing is, when we experience this freedom week after week, our enthusiam for it usually goes to a lesser degree. and last friday, i had the rare moment of re-savoring this great privilege when we had a visitor in the church from maldives. maldives is known as the place which comes close to being called the paradise- idyllic island, blue seas, rich corals and marine life, friendly all year-round weather, and untouched nature! but to the christians, it is a terror place! christianity is banned. period.
so we can understand why our visitor was full of the spirit as he shared with us the joy he felt for being with a church for the first time, singing hymns and songs without worrying that somebody out there might hear us! his joy was even contagious! he enjoyed fellowshipping together, reading the bible, listening to the preaching and worshiping Him freely, undistractedly.
we are praying together that in time, they will be able to do the same in maldives... i covet your prayers for this... Matt 19:6 says "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible".
but the sad thing is, when we experience this freedom week after week, our enthusiam for it usually goes to a lesser degree. and last friday, i had the rare moment of re-savoring this great privilege when we had a visitor in the church from maldives. maldives is known as the place which comes close to being called the paradise- idyllic island, blue seas, rich corals and marine life, friendly all year-round weather, and untouched nature! but to the christians, it is a terror place! christianity is banned. period.
so we can understand why our visitor was full of the spirit as he shared with us the joy he felt for being with a church for the first time, singing hymns and songs without worrying that somebody out there might hear us! his joy was even contagious! he enjoyed fellowshipping together, reading the bible, listening to the preaching and worshiping Him freely, undistractedly.
we are praying together that in time, they will be able to do the same in maldives... i covet your prayers for this... Matt 19:6 says "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible".
8.31.2007
A Case of A Dead Filipina in Dubai
such a loss...it's not so safe after all... i hope justice would be served!
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Last Updated : Wednesday 22 Aug, 2007
Dubai - Police have recovered the decomposing body of a missing Filipina in the Jumeirah district of Dubai. Last week 7DAYS reported that 38-year-old housemaid Mary Ann Carbellido, had been missing since an early morning driving lesson on August 12.The victim's younger sister Anariza Tangan, 35, was contacted by Bur Dubai Police at 11am yesterday to identify the body at the morgue.
"Police told me that they found her behind a villa in Jumeirah and they believe that she had died five to six days ago," Anariza said.She said that when she went to view the body, she could not recognise her sister's face, which had turned black.Police showed her Mary Ann's silver watch, jewellery, and the black blazer and black jeans which she was wearing when she went missing.
"I could not go near the body which was wrapped except for her face. I was only able to positively identify her when the police showed me her belongings," Anariza said. Mary Ann has three children and a husband back in the Philippines , who she called at least three times a week. "I haven't informed anyone yet in the Philippines .
Her employer told me today that he will cooperate with the CID to trace the whereabouts of the person who took my sister to the driving school. He said that the person who drove her to her driving lesson has already left the country," Anariza said.The last time she saw Mary Ann was on August 10 when they visited friends in the Satwa area of Dubai .
"We didn't have any problems. We were so happy that day. I can't believe that she's gone forever now," her sister said.A spokesperson for the Philippine embassy told 7DAYS she believed the case was being treated as murder and that they would be monitoring the case closely with police.The family has requested the repatriation of Mary Ann's body back to her homeland.
*****************************************************************************
Last Updated : Wednesday 22 Aug, 2007
Dubai - Police have recovered the decomposing body of a missing Filipina in the Jumeirah district of Dubai. Last week 7DAYS reported that 38-year-old housemaid Mary Ann Carbellido, had been missing since an early morning driving lesson on August 12.The victim's younger sister Anariza Tangan, 35, was contacted by Bur Dubai Police at 11am yesterday to identify the body at the morgue.
"Police told me that they found her behind a villa in Jumeirah and they believe that she had died five to six days ago," Anariza said.She said that when she went to view the body, she could not recognise her sister's face, which had turned black.Police showed her Mary Ann's silver watch, jewellery, and the black blazer and black jeans which she was wearing when she went missing.
"I could not go near the body which was wrapped except for her face. I was only able to positively identify her when the police showed me her belongings," Anariza said. Mary Ann has three children and a husband back in the Philippines , who she called at least three times a week. "I haven't informed anyone yet in the Philippines .
Her employer told me today that he will cooperate with the CID to trace the whereabouts of the person who took my sister to the driving school. He said that the person who drove her to her driving lesson has already left the country," Anariza said.The last time she saw Mary Ann was on August 10 when they visited friends in the Satwa area of Dubai .
"We didn't have any problems. We were so happy that day. I can't believe that she's gone forever now," her sister said.A spokesperson for the Philippine embassy told 7DAYS she believed the case was being treated as murder and that they would be monitoring the case closely with police.The family has requested the repatriation of Mary Ann's body back to her homeland.
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