Abby in Arabia

Ramadan by Day

2011-08-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

Time again, its the holy month of Ramadan. A season where working hours was reduced from eight hours to six hours to give time for Muslim brothers to pray and fast which normally constituted during daytime.

Normally, the public and private office opens at 10:00 a.m. (at the earliest) and close on or before 4:00 p.m.; except for hospitals, airports and terminals in their usual working hours due to 24/7 public demand.

One morning, as I sip my coffee on my favorite seat nearby the window of our lunch room at the third floor, I stare at the quiet view of the city in broad daylight. It was so quiet. No doubt, the city girl Jeddah is sleeping soundly. The streets and public places are empty, malls, shops and banks are closed and roads are traffic-free during daytime! Nevertheless, there's nothing much you can do at early timing. Unless, you wait for 10:00 a.m. then you can run your errands to the grocery, or remittance centers and some government offices (make sure to catch them up before 12 noon) in a limited time. The rest establishment resumes operation on night time.

Wear it light on summer

2011-08-01T01:38:00.000-07:00

The month of August is the peak of summer in the city of Jeddah. For few days we experience high percentage of humidity and heat temperature. Thus, women who wear abayas may find the hot season of discomfort especially when strolling around downtown. Basically, abayas are regular dress code in which we are required to wear for all seasons.

In couple of years, my abayas had accumulated in variant clothing and design. I had few pieces made from light material, ideal for hot season. I had couple of tailor made abayas that is warm, bit heavy material, but the advantage is "washable and wearable" and most of all, ideal for cold season.

This summer, I advise women to wear a light material of clothes even underneath their abayas. For me, I go for cotton clothing such as shirts, tights, summer dress, sleeveless tops to compliment the abaya couture during summer time. For now, I heart cotton fashion at the moment!

Women to drive or not?

2011-08-01T01:10:00.000-07:00

The petitioning of women to drive had become a major issue in Jeddah. At a stance, the petition is quite compelling if granted by the authorities. I had a positive impression about this before. But after reading an article on women's safety on commuting with taxi, I raise hundred of doubts if Saudi women and expat alike were ready to combat harassment issues.

I stumbled upon this article about an increasing complaints from taxi drivers in the news; as I was extremely annoyed of such reports. I fear [being a foreign woman] of my safety in commuting (in some unavoidable circumstances) around the city. In addition to dismay, taxi drivers and policemen can do nothing to stop those young men from harassing people especially women. The article however, did not clarify whether these young men in which the author refer to, were Saudis or not. Some say, you just dial the emergency hotline. Yet, it doesn't guarantee neither the immediate help you need; doubting if they could even speak with you in English. It is quite alarming on how desperate these young men could get (I'm not referring to all of them of course) just to socialize with opposite sex, by any means. I pity the society is sick due to extreme cultural restriction. Women here, expats or not, should be more cautious and never to go outside ALONE. Or else, walk alone at your own risk.

We had this experience, when our car halted before the traffic light somewhere in King Fahad road. A rugged car filled with teenagers stopped side by side our car, as we are about to took the left lane turn. The young driver lowered his shield and gestured his hand on my husband asking about direction or something. Then I look upon those bunch of teenagers and felt how vulnerable they was on seeing a woman without veil and facial cover. It was such a deprivation on their teenage life. =(

Now, my mind is filled with doubts, for women to have the right to drive a car. I fear women will be chased by young men or gangster in town. I fear that she will be tailed and get abducted in some circumstances. Let alone increasing rape cases are remain unsolved to this day. Yet, I will lay aside those fears, for I know the issue remains a big debate among the legislators and religious advisers up to this day. For now, I believe in good faith the delay on granting the issue is for the sake of women as well.

To read more, just click the above link.

Ramadan 2011

2011-07-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Holy month of Ramadan starts on Monday. Everybody is aware of Do's and Don'ts during Ramadan period. This time, the working hours was reduced into six hours a day. In our office for instance, a memo was released that working hours will be at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. timing. Not too early neither too late. I'm lucky to work for an office who need not to opt for broken schedule where most of commercial establishments operate like clinics, spa, malls, shops, remittance centers, restaurants and so on.

Ramadan kareem, everyone!

Driving in Jeddah

2011-07-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt, my hubby is a defensive driver. But being in another country, [where most of drivers are not well-oriented of driving protocols] one has to be extra careful in driving. Like for instance, one morning, we are accelerating moderately in the right lane before reaching the right curve, a black cruiser ran past ahead of us without using his light signal. My husband was adamant of such reckless driver without fear of getting harmed. Countless times, we experience this off the road and thankful to God that we are often spared from the terrible accident.

Weather today

2011-07-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

Last week, we had a mild sandstorm for four days. Pretty tolerable to walk outside. Time again, signs of changing weather is here. The summer is really on. When sandstorm was over, I feel the humidity has increased and I can't stand to stay outside than usual. It was so dry and hard to breathe outside.

Just the other day, the skies were so clear.

Today, another sandstorm engulfs the city. The skies appear yellowish. I googled today's temperature and it was 40c with 31% humidity in the air. I just wonder, just as our A/Cs are running, we are not spared from fine dust particles inside our homes. God, tomorrow I hope sandstorm will go away.

Now we're back

2011-07-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

Been long time hibernating! Been there, been here. Last summer, we go home to visit the beloved homeland. That's where my mind was occupied of so many things back home. It's like this page was a kid left home alone in Arabia. =)

When I came back, I promised myself in dedication to more post. But after over 90 days, my mind can't still set back to write. I have to re-gather my thoughts on AIA. After finally setting up another tagalog blog, I decided to pay homage to my old blog (AIA). So now we're back!

No to driving violation

2011-03-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

I chuckled every time husband would receive sms message on his mobile. He would say with paranoia, "I hope it's not from Saher!" I would not be chuckling, if it was really from Saher. I would be rather annoyed because it means a driving violation committed by my husband. Normally, his violations were over speeding and he has to pay 300 SR fine per violation due within a month. Otherwise, the amount would double.

I would often warn my husband to be extra careful on his day to day travel. Avoid Saher violation not to hamper our monthly budget. Fines are consequences of negligence or carelessness that in turn drivers cast their money like bread upon the water.

Weather change

2011-03-15T03:24:00.000-07:00

Sandstorm is two days now in tow. It means the cool season will be over soon. Anticipate the usual humidity in coming months of summer. On April and May, the temperature would remain moderate - not too hot nor too cold. This is one of my likes for Jeddah. The weather is not extreme like Doha and rarely have sandstorm except during weather change. The hottest months sometimes falls in July to August but the temperature normally goes at 35c.

As of now, the weather seems so bad. While the sandstorm remains at large in the city, Mr. Weather man's news forecast predicted rainfall on coming days. For precautionary measures, classes were already suspended this morning. Employees as well were dismissed early this afternoon before rain starts pouring. Indeed, the January 26 flood experience was very remarkable in the minds of Jeddah residents.

New breed of volunteers

2011-02-09T03:33:00.000-08:00

The memory of November 2009 flooding had remain a milestone in the minds of Arabs. A year after, when a trace of calamity were about to vanquished, another heavy rains strike the city once again. Great damage bought by the heavy rains were probed on properties, infrastructures and establishments that cost great loss to its people, not forgetting to mention the loss of lives by many. The cause maybe terrible, but on the other end, it became an eye-opener to the society especially to the young Saudis. It was evident how their efforts were extended to give aid to the flood victims which, I find it very impressive today in an Arab country. Recalling back January 26, I would like to relate to you the untold part which I haven't written in the Flood story. On our way home heading to Al Hamra traffic zone, our car was stocked in between a taxi and a coaster bus on the front. The road was in chaos. Flood is everywhere. Behind the taxi, another SUV car whose driver was shouting in Arabic, his head fulled over the window gesturing someone to move ahead. The honking was spontaneous and his noise was so annoying. Furious enough on being stocked, he threw an empty mineral bottle on my colleague's car who is unaware of the mad man was against him. Gesturing his hand to move on, my colleague in turn became angry and started yelling at him. Reading between their lines, the mad man wants our small car to take the right lane (he does not care if our car might broke down) so he too can move along. Unexpectedly, two by passer Saudis in their teens guided our colleague to drive past the right lane (where water was high) towards the right corner almost near to our place. Thanked God, we made it! Kudos to these kids who don't seem to mind even if their thobes became wet. They extended a help which I find it personally remarkable. You see, common good of man will naturally come out: no borders, no walls, no races that matters in times of crisis. I could vision a breeze of change coming to these new breed who voluntarily displayed a virtue of heroism.

Post #19: Flood Story

2011-02-07T03:27:00.000-08:00

January 26, 2011. The day started out with a hail rain and the skies were dark forecasting a heavy rainfall. As we all set early to leave for work and school, Roni was faltering on the way if her classes will push through. She borrowed my mobile phone to call one of her classmates to check any class advisory. Our way to her school was smooth and there's seems to be no advise of suspension.

By 11:00 a.m. she called to inform me that they were dismissed 3 hours earlier because of the bad weather. Bound by the school bus, I have no worries for Roni going home not anticipating too much traffic will cause great delay of their "door to door" delivery. At 1 p.m I called her on my way home. I checked on her saying, "Mom, don't worry I'm almost near to our location." I trusted the confidence of her voice that she would be probably home ahead of me. At that time, the rain again poured that make me worried of our service car seeing the rising waters from my hazy window. Our colleague diverted from his usual route since it was almost impossible for a small car to cross the streaming streets of Fahad area. To no avail, the reroute ended-up another downtime in our way home. Two hours later, we were able to reach Al Hamra. As I went down the car, the water was already tiding in front of our gate.

It's almost past 2p.m. I called again for my daughter wondering of her delay to reach home. I was devastated upon knowing later that the school bus driver decided to return back to school. According to my child the water had started to accumulate inside their bus which increased the panic and fear of the bus driver having 10 children left under his responsibility. There were countless calls made by parents between the bus driver checking their kids stranded in the bus. Along the way, the back up van is coming up to the rescue tin order to transport the kids back to school. The bus rerouted to Rawdah streets when one of the kids suddenly ask, "Moji, hamam, hamam!" which means comfort room. It was a relief, the bus easily pull over nearby a residential villa for an urgent stopover. The hesitant driver stepped down and rang the bell. In few minutes, the gate was opened by a Pinay Nanny who warmly welcomed the ten shivering kids. My daughter related late about their grand stopover in "the mansion". The bathroom (was huge as our bedroom) which was situated in the basement area contains a mini-arcade feature with some recreational facilities adjacent to the garage area parked with Ferrari car. Relieved from their necessity, they walked across the wide basement where they met the young Jeddawi kid (whose age same as my daughter) clasping a psp gadget on his hand. The boy was delighted to see his transient guests being the only child in a big lonely mansion. The children extended for half an hour and was given water and bread before setting back their trip to school. It was a memorable experience for my 10 year old daughter on their way back to school.

I was perplexed neither of my husband and daughter were present at home. Not in times of bad weather. While waiting for further call (because STC service was already down), I went to our roof top and took many pictures as much as I can bought by heavy rains. As helicopters were flying to and fro to rescue casualties. The whole night I anticipated the return of my daughter. Husband checked several times if the water had gone down. But it was only 6:00 a.m. Rone was able to fetch our daughter from school. Never, ever in my thoughts, to experience two hours rain causing Jeddah city a catastrophic flooding.

Resolution 20/11

2011-01-23T01:22:00.000-08:00

I love new beginnings! Thank God, each day is another chance.

Image courtesy of diabetesmine.com

Literally, it goes with new year's day when most people make a list of habit or goal for themselves to do better or to avoid things that hinders them to be a better person in the past. It maybe on different aspects, I guess the common denominator is to improve oneself. N.Y.R's (new year's resolution) becomes a hot topic on t.v. and even a hit on social networking tread. But personally, I am not the type of person who take down notes every year. But, again don't get me wrong. Writing a new year's resolution note is okay and in fact, I admire those who accomplish them 99%. As long as they are eager for better improvement.

Seriously, this is what I would like to blog here for the first time. Below are the things I would like to welcome in Abby's new room of importance: resolution 20/11.

1. Improve my cooking habit.
2. Build a recipe chart for a healthier family diet
3. Less coffee, more milk for a strong teeth and bones.
(I'm not a milk buff)
4. Abolish MSG from my seasoning list.
5. Exercise.
(Gosh, so hard when you only have 1 day-off to sleep more)
6. Reinvent my wardrobe pieces.
7. Buy new books on vacation to PH.
(Sounds like itinerary, lolz!) So I could read more.
8. Spend special devotion with Princess.
9. Pray a lot.
10. Read my bible often.
11. And make my blog a consistent habit.

There you go. My top eleven n.y.r's.

Not my usual day

2011-01-10T03:20:00.000-08:00

If there's anything a hard working expat in Arabia or any part of the globe could ever anticipate is a long day off. With my present employer, I am blessed to have a generous management who granted their personnel to enjoy Hajj in ten days. Wherein some regular private offices they allowed only five days hajj break.

A week before the hajj, I forewarned my husband on our hajj itineraries to prioritize first an orderly house before committing to go somewhere else. Granted, the first two days was spent on cleaning, re-arranging the room, changing sheets and curtains while the spinner takes care of the laundry. At the end of the day, i called my friend to confirm my long and overdue dental appointment with her.

Next day, i woke up early to proceed with my friend's clinic tagging along my daughter. She was a bit sleepy then but she's on to go somewhere taking the chance to bond with me in a rare holiday like Hajj. I was immediately cued in for my dental cleaning slot for at least an hour.

At the end of the cleaning task, I got the following recommendation from my friend that, I need more calcium vitamins for my teeth; I need to use oral flax more frequently as I was on metal braces treatment and a further appointment with the Orthodontist. The rest of the day was all about health - a further vaccination and follow-up schedule for myself that needs to boost my immune system. My friend said it's a must when someone is working in Arabia. Lastly, I am so thankful to be surrounded by godly friends who give beneficial advise which made me felt good in spending a rare attention to health order for at least for 2 days from the hajj holiday. I mused that holiday is not just looking around but also looking within. At this point, this day-off really makes sense.

Faafetai mo le alofa

2010-12-09T02:42:00.000-08:00

When time is killing so slowly during work hours, I boost my work stamina by tuning in to christian music from time to time. Currently tuned in with Katinas, a group of Samoan band tuning on "Faafetai" song mesmerized me of how God had been so good and faithful to my family over years. Saturated with the lyrics, I began to contemplate how God works amazingly for us over a year of staying in Arabia. Here's the summarized items counting a God-given blessings:

1. Reunion. After three years of persistent prayer and petition, God finally granted us (me and princess) a smooth exit from Doha to reunite with my husband in Jeddah.

2. A Job. Even before, I was aware that Arabia has a lesser job opportunities for expat women. However, I remain persistent by faith, in due time He will provide me a perfect job. After eight months, an engineering company responded my application.

3. An Investment. In my second month at work, we started to purchase a lot back home. We always know that we are not permanent in any foreign land. Thus, a dream house in-the-making will be few years away from now(?).

4. A Car. The month after we bought a lot, we got our first car. A KIA Sportage 2010 won the list. It may not be the likes of BMW, Volvo, Benz or Lexus; but I like our car a lot! Because it was an answered prayer for me even when I learned my hubby had paid a down payment for a chevrolet car; yet my silent choice had prevailed. I simply live the principle that "when God blesses, it is surely delightful and worth the wait".

The best of all to thank for, is the goal within reach to achieve a debt-free life. Having get rid of credit cards, affording things we need at a time without resolving it from borrowing gives us a sense of gratitude to the One who truly gives blessing. Therefore, I define debt-free living a blissful life.

Finally, "Faafetai mo le alofa" (thank you for the love), Lord. We remember what we are reaping only comes from Your abundant grace. Truly, there's a price in everything we do. But what counts most to God is the price of obedience then prosperity will come.

An Added Year

2010-11-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

"Another year means an added age. There's certainly no one can add another life but GOD. Lord, today I am more thankful for years that You have been so good, faithful and true. You are more than words I could ever thank for. May You be magnified in me until my last breath." FB Stats Nov. 24 , 2010.

Miss the Blog

2010-11-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

Every time i write, i felt a sense of fulfillment. It's just like I've been to spa for a relaxation.

Since I'm a working mother, I find it hard to find extended time to write. The limitation at work and the lesser chance at home declines the active attendance of blogging I use to have before. I guess I could be setting up this assignment on vacation holiday where I am looking forward to day off with all the daily routine I hardly do abroad. That's more four months to go.

Post #13: The life of my young expat (part 2)

2010-10-11T13:29:00.001-07:00

Roni is quite relieved for the school season. Like an ordinary expat kid, she anticipates the social exposure at school where she can play, walk around the campus and deal with her classmates and teachers.

As more parents would like to raise kids on their side while working abroad, the agony of expat kids whose childhood spent in a conservative culture impacting their social life in formative years. On some occasion I met a fellow kababayan who raise a toddler born in Arabia would remarkably say, "Hindi sanay sa ibang tao". These kids grow up in their homes mingling only with the immediate member of the family.

Luckily, Roni's formative years was raised back home. Once she had a lavish time to run around the park, to play patintero, to ride a bike during afternoon, to be carefree playing with water or dirt, pick flowers and even fun walking in the rain! I'm thankful somehow she experienced such exploration in her early years.

Roni's migration to Arabia suddenly changed her childhood life. My daughter who never missed to see the afternoon sun and play with her neighbor friends is now stucked up in the four corners of the room welcoming her new multi-media world. As a working mom, I can't imagine how she would survive idle hours without the help of these technologies while waiting for Dad and Mom from work.

On weekends, we regularly cooked her day food, stock in the fridge and reheat the meal by herself via microwave when hungry; since Ronie and I usually pack our lunch. There was a time when she had enough of her techies: PC, game boy, cable and phone that could not pacify her boredom. She insisted us to go somewhere else. But since random commuting is not guaranteed safe for women here, I prevailed explaining why we can’t just go out anytime by ourselves; unless her daddy is around. Freedom like we use to have back home scarcely happens. There are times we invite her friend Jazz to spend overnight so they could play. On Thursdays, we usually eat out or visit a game arcade. It would be a double treat for Roni who prefers an outdoor activity like swimming, bowling and lately, camping in the desert. Normally, she would anticipate walk itineraries for weekends. This is how she looks upon the weekends and hey, she’s counting months now for the most awaited vacation to our home country.

Why I rarely commute

2010-10-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I had wanted to go to the mall by ourselves to buy her Daddy a gift for his birthday. The plan was long overdue because it was often postponed for some reasons. Back home, it was so easy for us to commute without second thought or fear.

But here was quite different. If I will be commuting, I must arrange a taxi cab (usually referred by a friend) a day before to take me to my destination back and forth. I rarely do a random commuting in Jeddah. I swear for my one year, I could count in my fingers how many times I rode a taxi; not unless with one or two companion. Here’s several reason why: first, taxis here are being operated by private companies. It could be better if it is being regulated by the government because of these assuring advantages for the commuting public; such as the safety of the passenger, not being overcharged, or taken advantage or ripped off aside from the taxis being insured, that drivers had passed a qualification to drive the car. Second, most of the drivers do not speak English. And you might have problem on communicating the direction and negotiating fare charge. Third, they do not use a metered scheme so you have to deal first with the fare charge before riding off. Only by arranged transportation, this is how expat women can be assured of their safety commuting around the city.

Another Holiday

2010-09-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

I regularly check Roni's green book as soon as I came from work. That day, we received a notice from school affairs saying that 23rd is a Saudi National Day; which means HOLIDAY for the school and working sector, public and private alike.

Since this is my first year in this country, I could'nt help to recall back the holidays I had in Doha. I find it quite impressive how the State spend for preparation of a holiday. The banner ads [which mostly digitalized] and beautification of the city is very much evident especially at the long stretch of Corniche reaching the diplomatic and business district zone. Normally, I could see local media and its counterpart civic organizers actively campaigning for the holiday's event. The State also launch some events that is also open for the public. Sometimes, there's a motorcade along the corniche which facilitated by the authorities orderly. Even myself is not a newspaper reader, I could easily get some clues on what's up in town. That's why I say impressive because I witness it constantly in three years.

While Jeddah is quite contrast. There's no sign of holiday event that pays homage of their country because of its cultural restrictions. The day is ordinary, very calm, quiet and several cars visible roaming around the city during daytime. People will probably paint their tribe red when the sun sets on a private compound which normally local people do to celebrate. So far, that's what I observed on how the local city make holiday happens.

I would appreciate any additional holiday insight from expats in the Middle East alike.

Post #10: Encompass on EID

2010-09-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

Vacation is great because you take things slowly at a time. That's what happened on 11th of September, when all of us are wide awake at midnight taking time to watch night movies and mingle around with our guests. At past 1 a.m. my husband burst into our room saying, "Honey, go and pack up our things tomorrow we are leaving for TAIF." I said, "You must be kidding! It's already a.m. husband dear! Why so abrupt?"

To cut the story short, the flash trip plan prevailed. By morning, we go early without sufficient sleep, anxious if I amply pack our luggage for the travel. Basically, its a mom's job to look into every detail of needs in each member of the family especially when traveling. But honestly, I dislike Rone's countless impromptu trip plans. It's very wasting because you hurry to prepare everything in few minutes. Normally, there are often possible loops of missing important things.

By the way, let me share you a short insight of TAIF. Ta’if in arabic means Encompass (الطائف aṭ-Ṭā’if). It is a city in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia at an elevation of 1,879 m (6,165 ft) on the slopes of the Sarawat Mountains (Al-Sarawat Mountains). It has a population of 521,273 (2004 census). Each summer the Saudi Government moves from the heat of Riyadh to Ta'if. The city is the centre of an agricultural area known for its grapes and honey (source Wikipedia).

Back to the main road, the trip was a company of three convoys, travel time is max 2.5 hours which gives 126.80 km (or 78.79 miles) bearing southeast direction. Since there are less coordination among the troops, we lost the sight of Kuya Emer's Duranggo tripper after taking the route of non-muslim obligatory road. It consume us another wasted hour to track their trail who accidentally passed the main highway to Makkah. After four hours of tracking each other's sign on the road, we finally met at Panda Mall at the City proper. By noon, we are all consumed and hungry. We ate our lunch at KFC nearby. While eating, we laugh at the tales of "lost and found" that happened along the way. After we recharged our batteries, we head of the peakest place of Taif called Ash Shafa. Takes 10 to 15 minutes to drive from the city. The peak is mesmerizing of its foggy and rocky mountains and lush greens. Later, we saw a spot where camels are dressed for a ride and picture-taking. What's next is to give a try on the camel for only 10 SR, good photo souvenir only in Arabia. After the ride, we stooped at the slope on the rear end where lots of baboons awaits to be fed. We spent 3 hours taking pictures and tete-a-tete while resting on a nature setting place that refreshed working bums on holidays.

Our first Taif adventure taught us several things at the end of the day. That, planning a trip ahead is wiser. Next time, there will be no wasted hours. Next time, you know where to go, what places to see and what activities to do. Going home, we met a compatriot on a stopover for gas and we learned that there are lots of transient houses which costs 200 SR per night for a maximum of 30 persons. Isn't that irresistible enough to back again with a group outing? Besides, I got the list of places to go next trip.

Little Tweaks

2010-09-20T04:51:00.000-07:00

I missed my blog! After eight days of eid holiday, Im back on the track again which means I'm back to my day job routine, super mom effort and a blogging biz! Yes, blogging is a part of my day routine when time is idle in the office or at home; I spent the time divising a draft for a future post. But it wasn't obvious that I missed my blog alot since after 11 days I revisited again. Unexpectedly, I saw comments from a couple of blogger alerting my dashboard and awaits to be moderated. I felt good when someone really appreciates and can relate to your post. So I make sure to get back to them warmly to reciprocate their appreciation.

Then I stumbled to my homepage and suddenly felt the need of tweaking my page's skin. After few minutes of browsing and following the nitty-gritty steps provided by generous website for blog design, viola! My blog got a new look which makes me excited to write anew again. It's like a fresh attitude of a person who is newly dressed and feels good of himself!

A Wife's Musings

2010-09-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

Life is so easy when someone lifts a hand in doing chores without any complaints either grumbling or working with someone who is enthusiastic spirit. It gives benefit to another by saving time and effort, thus one can advance his time to other routine. This is what my husband and I are doing couple of weeks ago since his schedule was changed because of the Ramadan timing. We can easily face off endless laundry, cooking together and so on. I have been appreciative of him alot lately. By the way, during Ramadan time, working hours are reduced from eight to six hours to give way for Muslims who fast and pray. This last about twenty nine or thirty days.

For non-Muslim expats, this is a time to get more rest and sleep at home. For family expats, a season of extending quality time together. That's why my husband has more time to be with us earlier than usual. Kudos to the tentative timing, working couple can afford to bond domestically. I guess my "wife musings" on a rant paid off very well and kudos to my hubby who secretly reading my stats.

The life of my young expat (Part One)

2010-08-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

I don't go nowhere without being accompanied by prayers. Yes, it's an infinite substance of myself living an expat life in Doha City. This is where my first plight as an overseas worker begun. By the way, I was then a wife and a mother of one daughter left behind my country. After thirty months of ardent prayers, my petition to sponsor Roni was approved! Finally on April 2009, my first vacation took place. Seem days are quite fast, soon we are going back to Doha.

I was more excited to go back to Doha. You know why? I worked so hard to meet a mother's desire to take her daughter wherever she go. Thanked God make it happen for me. Few days before our flight, I have been orienting Roni on her first ride airbound trip abroad. "You are so blessed more than you know", I told her while we are packing her bags.

A week before we leave, I consented her to sleep with her Lola. She'll be missing her Lola's love and care definitely. I could overhear lots of "bilin" and "pangaral" to Roni. I commend Mom is more than a precious stone. I sighed of the thought missing my mama's love and care as well.

April 29, we headed to the airport with mother. Strange, but I could'nt feel any sense of homesickness but peace. I had a strong feeling I will see mom soon. Like the usual routine everytime I accompanied her to a bus terminal going south. After several entrance procedure, Roni and I find a seat in the departure lounge. We took pictures to beat off boredom. I hug my girl who was so lucky to ride a plane for the first time and going abroad! Finally, our call time came. As we approach the plane, my daughter was filled with an awe. She said, "wow, what a big airplane!" Roni was walking quickly, find our seats and comfortably seated next to the window. I was surprised when she quickly befriended the small monitor so easily. Lastly she said, "Emirates is awesome!". Hmn, that's nice about compliments - its free! The moment we took off Roni's expat life had begun.

One Beautiful Thursday

2010-07-26T05:39:00.000-07:00

My family has been busy out in the last two weeks. One was a bowling tryout and another was the outdoor swimming in the white community. Both were wonderful camaraderie for Philadelphians.

Finally last weekend, we decided to stay at home for domestic reason. Though my daughter and husband were always on the go, I prevailed to stay them home to give way to my unfinished and overdue decorating plan since we moved to a new place since May.

As most housewives would say, no matter how hard you worked at home all day, routine still remain endless. I, as a working mom agrees on that definitely. I often plan ahead many things in mind to do at home aside of the regular chores; like decorating, providing a clean fix to our spacious closets, vacuuming the carpet, re-arranging our furniture and doing the nitty-gritty that only a mom will bear patience to spend. But since we are both working, we barely had an extra time for extensive routine on weekends.

I usually went off from work at 1p.m. during Thursdays. And the clock's tik-tak-tik-tak striked as the operation cleaning alert is on. While spinning the laundry, I was able to put on the new curtains I bought from Haradz to the master's bedroom, cleaned the carpet and displayed Rone's newly bought floor lamp. I even went further to re-arrange Roni's stuffs and her room. And viola, everything is so tidy! These had been done long month ago.

At the end of the day, I had a wide smile while enjoying our dinner outside. I felt relieved that I was able to meet my target and totally satisfied of the day's productivity. Enough to say that I had one beautiful Thursday last week.

Post #5: Bowl in the South

2010-07-05T01:18:00.000-07:00

Friday is a constant day of worship and service for JBRIM community. It's the only day off expats to do their own stuffs. Ours is spending a sabbath day.

Since we moved on September, our family started attending the afternoon service. We allocate the whole day anticipating its celebration on pm's.

Fortunately last Friday was not our usual day. Thanked God, it's a morning joint-fellowship! I feel relieved to re-route another way around. Sometimes, diversion of routine is quite good. Yes, doing some things you seldom enjoy is somewhat a therapy.

At the end of the service day, Tulays were able to hang out with the Arcinas. We agreed to go Southmall and we discovered the place is a perfect family hang-out. With the fantastic amusement park, game arcade, ice rink and even indoor kiddy swimming pool - the children were ecstatic! Princess, Jasmine, James and Gab coax our Daddies to bring them again this coming weekend.

What I'm looking forward for this Thursday is not just the bowling alley at the third floor. But excited that the long plan bonding is finally arranged. This is to strengthen more the blossoming relationship among our couple friends - Bernard, Reina, Robin and Juliet. They are the ones whom we consider our "safety net family" in Arabia.

Truly, no man is an island. Life may be dull and boring abroad without the "safety net" people we can count on. And yes, other perk within this relationship is having fun together in trying a sport!

Since it's my first try to play bowling, I'm not quite sure how far would I go with the 8 lbs. or 12 lbs. pin ball.

All I'm sure is, this will definitely make a fun sporty weekend ahead!

Post #4: Jeddah on Sale!

2010-06-30T02:01:00.000-07:00

Truly, I find Jeddah amazing of its existence of numerous malls and countless boutique shops. Take note, not just your ordinary shop but high end ones. They seasonally offer at least 50% to 70% price markdown. No kidding! Every day, I pass on these shops that stood idle on day time would catch my eyes. Before, I wonder if these stores are profiting on their regular operation. Now, somehow I know their season of harvest.

Normally, red tags are on the month of January to first week of February. The second season of sale falls on the month of July. Kudos to a “Kabayan” Sales Attendant, I met during Debenhams sale for giving me the tip. It’s a calendar watch list because all major shops (Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Bershka, Splash, Moonson, Mango, Espirit, City Max, ALDO, Bally, Guess, Milano, Ninewest, Zara, H&M, Top Tato, Katan and so on) will definitely markdown up to 70%. Bargain people will definitely paint the town red!

I admit, I’m a bargain person. Never will I be ashamed to share that. I’m challenged to get the best finds in town. Regularly, I scrimp on branded items that are beyond my budget. Except for some occasion, I grabbed a rare catch of original Louis Vuitton aqua blue wallet for only 60 SR sold by a friend from her trip to HK. Last month, I walked in to Kipling store and reached one bag; knowing the price (300 to 400 up), I shrug off my shoulders and slowly went off the store. Other period to watch on sale is the Ramadan season – and that would be on mid July to August.

If you are on search of a high quality shoes at a bargain price, go to Al Saha shoe outlet. They offer 30% up to 70% discounts all year round. Kudos to Al Saha, my good bargain of Vanz shoes for only 70 SR succeeded against the regular price of 230 SR. This is delightful, Milano is on sale! We stopped by and look what I got, a wedge orange sandals perfect for my floral sundress at only 90 SR which normally sold at 234 SR. Then we bought some Mark and Spencer shirt(s) for my husband at 20 SR each and so with ZARA boutique sale promo. We splurged a little bit on that day. I suddenly analyze if we really had a wise buy from the sale fever? There are dimes of lesson to be learnt on spending money even on sale.

Definitely, I will write that on the separate post.

Are you also a bargain person? Can you share me a place whom you enjoyed a bargain encounter?

Let’s Pack Up!

2010-06-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

In my previous article, “My Analogy of Moving”, I mentioned that moving and packing things requires physical effort.Here are some handy tips which I gathered as per experience for years on moving. Truly, experience is the best teacher.

Stuff in a Box:
1. Start to work on with the rarely used items such as books, decors, albums, wall frames, CDs, etc. This would lessen the clutter in your mind what will comes first. Besides, these item will not affect your day to day consumption, thus it will reduce the bulk of things for package.

2. Make a checklist of the things packed in each box. It would be a great help in locating things during unpacking season.

3. Lessen the number of use of your day-to-day stuffs such as sheets, linens, pillows; clothing, cosmetics, novelties, kitchen wares and so on. Gradually, you may find yourself moving across the packing process.

4. Determine the quantity of the boxes you will expedite as well as the cost of handling and delivery.

5. Labeling a box is important. But lately, I’m kinda worried about identity theft like having your bold name and address sign in the box. Create a secret marking code that will identify the identity of your own cargo boxes.

On your Suitcase:

I guess 80% of big bulk items will go to the box. While on the other hand, valuable things like cameras, external drives, Laptop, Jewelries, selected clothing, shoes and vanity kits will luckily come in handy at your suitcase along with the important documents. So, there you go. Hope these tips will help you a better jumpstart of packing things up.

The Analogy of Moving

2010-06-24T02:28:00.000-07:00

If I will post a poll of which task is of much a nitty-gritty type cast-off job? A. Moving to a new place B. Re-decorating a house. What would be your vote?

Tallies may differ from reality, but countless times I hear the majority saying that moving is meticulous whether you emigrate or immigrate. True enough, it consists of several points to look upon which I did last year moving from Doha to Jeddah.

1.Mindset. I begin to think ahead of the change. I had these over months of anticipation of a new environment, new people to meet, new stuffs to learn and a new job. Preoccupied on things to do to the new home, like putting things in order, plan on decorating, adding fixtures, fixing cables, current wires, DSL, phone lines, and so on.

2.Emotional Angst. Obviously, I’ve been used to my comfort zone that was built for 30 months. I sigh why change is constant. I’ll be leaving a career, friendships behind, and material possessions which gradually acquired. Even the familiarity to the city, I’ll be saying goodbye. Because of sudden change, I was torn between choosing things to give away or to keep with. Like I did a lot of contemplating before whether to move or not. I had trying times either on deciding which pair of shoes or bestseller books to tucked in the box. There are bulky stuffs like my computer table was given away to my best friend’s son for a souvenir, a love-seat that goes to my bro-in-law, etc. Moving cannot be without tentative emotional dilemma.

3.Logistics. Those things labeled “for keeps” equate cargoes at your service. I had several phone inquiries until I find a real deal of cargo services in town. I guess this is handier than packing up.

4.Physical Skill. It takes for someone to get used with the packing routine. I, for instance had this similar scenario when I dispose all our stuffs when Rone and I decided for Qatar last 2007. I haven’t done a garage sale. Just luck, I lived nearby my sister’s place. It wasn’t hard for me to pack up things for her custody. I remember on same occasion I pack up our stuffs in 3 hours without any hand; while my husband is on search for a truck. Well, we are on the minimalist edge, I should say! Last September again, the same scenario. My husband went off ahead to K.S.A for work reasons. Being familiar with the boxes, packing tape, and rope, I’m set doing it again by myself. I carefully sort things after figuring out what will go ahead in the box or deciding what stuffs to go in the luggage during the flight without dealing an excessive baggage. The rest handy tips will be enumerated in my upcoming post.

5.Finance. In anything, money always matters. On logistics, of course the airfare, visas and the rest of incoming expenses to sustain needs upon arrival such as starting times back to square one again. Being financially prepared counts

Yet, where is the analogy here? I learned that, when you clear things away, you tend to organize your thoughts. Your skill of choice and decision is applied. The attitude of giving away or the way of treasuring things for keeps reflects on how to prioritize and value things accordingly. You may realize you had survived to live without so many baggage in life; like for instance, reducing your 30 pair of shoes down to 15 or lesser. Like, giving away numerous trendy purses and yet sticking to your Top 3. It’s a matter of possessing best few things without being deprived of having nothing. Thus, we can live in simplicity and contentment of having the best of less at a given time.

Can you share an instance when you are about to move to a new place?

(IA210610)

The Black Couture

2010-06-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

Troy, my former colleague during peak times in MZ Hilton, one day phoned me to convey his warm gesture knowing my transfer to the kingdom is pretty soon. His cheerful tone from the other line echoed, "Hey, Miss Abby welcome to K.S.A.! We'll be on the same boat soon."

He shared how his wife anticipated a new life in Riyadh after their two year stint in Dubai. He mentioned few do's and don'ts about the dress code of Arab women - which expats women are required to adopt within the kingdom in all ocassions. No kidding! So nice of Troy, I find it significant though somehow that someone is telling me what to do. It would be a fashion drastic change, I thought. He noted few things to abide during my incoming flight.

1. Do. Choose a loose tunic in classic design. Available in different cloth but satin and silk are top bet for modesty and elegance.

2. Don't. When choosing a design, go for a not-so-colorful twist. There are types that goes embroidered, laced, meshed, pleated, plain and other creative variety of design. Don't go for loud tones.

3. Do. On make-up, natural tones are safe. Oh, well can I at least use plumberry pink here? Welcome, to a conservative zone. But you know what? Later on, I find out local women (almost 80%) everywhere put on tons of make up like attending a gala night!

4. Don't. Red lipstick is a no-no. I just chuckled when Troy didn't miss to include that item, hahaha! Kidding aside, this one is serious where arab women go for bronze tones commonly known as "arab glow".

5. Do. Go for "Tarha" to complete the look. It is a must that women should cover their hair. A mesh veil would solve that problem. But geez, I'm relived later to find out I could go around without wearing it.

6. Don't. No chunky accessories please. You are covered and it would be surely hidden. Not unless you attended a private function where you are allowed to take off the tunic.

7. Do. For a fashion statement of Abayat couture, a matching shoes and bag will make a trend.

Having those heard, I said, "That is brilliant Troy! I'll see to it I won't be missing a thing from this list." My friend is a smart consultant indeed, not just in engineering scheme, but has a potential jumpstart of being a fashion consultant.

Two weeks later, I'm heading to the airport carrying enough anticipation of finding out whether black code is beautiful indeed. After checking in, I hustle ahead to WC area. Within 10 minutes I'm done. Viola! Me and the black couture. At instance, I felt a pang of peculiarity. Still, very Asian on my "Abayat" trend strongly dominating.

Finally, the last call of on board flight suddenly snatched the moment of my wonder. Gosh, I have one hour left to flight bound Jeddah. With a sigh, i stepped out from women's room, I'm geared up with the new dress code and set to test the waters of black couture for a longer period, perhaps.

Tell me, is there any experience you can relate such as this?