where is this sun you speak of?

  So far, life has been good to me. Five months in and I have a fair share of highs and lows. It's interesting to look back to the past months: from New Year's Day to now and watch the blur become clear and vivid. It's nice to see things unfold themselves. Last night, I had a talk with my co-worker, who was having a good glass of Heineken, (and me having a Dr. Feel Good (!!) Mocktail) about her life here in Dubai. It was nice to know she has been independent here in Dubai for 8 years starting at the age of 22. Life's good for her -- she had her highs and lows, too. Like all of us. I am inspired by how life unfolded to her now as she is a happy woman. As for me, at the age of 24, from the moment I received my first salary (away from home!), I knew it was going to be different in a sense that I will be the one to manage my money. I will be the one who will pay my own bills (fixed expenses), needs/wants (variable expenses), and make funds for the future (savin...

I did not know the meaning of all the things that life had to offer me until I lay still on my single bed, looked back through the years, and realized that: every little thing that happened before -- including the strange things -- makes sense now. Everything happens for a reason.

What I like about having a free time wandering around the internet is that I get some chances to stumble upon interesting things such as a photo (or a series of photos) that evokes something familiar, uploaded videos on my subscription box in YouTube from my favorite channels (mostly about weird facts such as: Vsauce!), new music from my favorite bands, to name a few. Yesterday, I read a short story entitled: The Magic Thread , which is just an excerpt from a children's book called The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennet. I haven't read a book since January (a.k.a. I'm on a book coma! help!), so I figured that a short story should be an easy one!  "Peter, what are you dreaming about this time?" his teacher would say to him. "I'm thinking about what I'll be when I grow up," Peter replied. "Be patient. There's plenty of time for that. Being grown up isn't all fun, you know," his teacher said. The first dialogues caugh...

Among the group, I was the only one who haven't experienced the life in the Middle East. So it was nice to have a sneak peak of the UAE via road tripping. Seeing all the Emirates (except Fujeirah which I am going to take a sneak peak soon I hope!), I could say that each of them is distinct from one another. Though I have to figure out more  to have a clearer view of their distinctiveness. Anyway, so we passed by Ajman. And we took a lot of photos in front of the Palace. Portraits, jump shots, group shots were taken until a guy passed by us. He looked at us while we were cam-whoring (in a nice way! Hehe). I don't know exactly how it happened but he just became a part of our crew~ Let's just say we're friendly! Hehe. We learned that he was also a tourist from Nigeria. And he's a CEO of a company somewhere in his country. Cool! It was just a short stop and drive along the city since it is the smallest among other seven Emirates. Next stop: Ras Al Kaim...

Next stop: Umm Al Quwain. What really made me very excited about this trip is to see a desert because I have never seen one before! I see photos and videos from all sorts of media but it's so much exciting to feel the authentic desert feel (what? haha!). So there we were devouring the Arabian desert and taking photos of all angles of hills shaped by air! So cool! Unfortunately, the museum was closed. We saw some kids playing around the area so we made friends with them! This kid wearing a red clothing is Usman. He isn't talkative but he's not shy to smile for the camera! The other kids didn't wanna say their names but they said they came from different places such is Iraq. When I looked at them playing around, I reflected on my childhood days. These guys are lucky to be playing around with real friends under the afternoon sunlight. Made me smile a lot and reminisce my early years so I decided to teach them hompyang ! Hahaha It took them a while...

My first road trip in the United Arab Emirates are with these people: Kuya Ariel, Kuya Richie, Kuya Mel, and Ate Rachel. First stop is in Sharjah. I don't know if this beach has its particular name though but it looked nice to spend a weekend with family and friends with some food on the side.It's a nice beach! Someone left this can of soda for me to take a photo of. Heh. A panoramic view of the beach.   It's so great to have roamed around the city of Sharjah. I would love to see more of Sharjah including different museums and some parks.Soon! Next stop is: Umm Al Quwain.

Here are some photos I took during my first weeks in Dubai, UAE. I arrived a day after Christmas Day with my sister. We spent days around the city. It's a very diverse place! I am excited on what's ahead. :)   I finally saw the tallest skyscraper: Burj Khalifa. Also, we witnessed the dancing fountain!   The sun is bigger here! Awesome.   Inside the Dubai Mall is an aquarium. I would love to visit it soon.   Then there's the Burj Al Arab.  I have been to Atlantis, malls, other places. I am looking forward to seeing more of Dubai and the other Emirates. I have been to all emirates (via road tripping) except Fujeirah. So I am looking forward to visit it soon as well. I am very excited on what's ahead. :)