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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Armenia Mania - Barev-Oor eh-Merci

Still on DAY 1: November 29 (2:00 pm) - Barev!!! Vonts es???"

Four most important words that got me through my Armenian adventure:

Barev (Hello)
Vonst es? (How are you...and for my fellow Filipinos, yes they sounds like asking someone if they are pregnant...buntis...buntis...bunttt is???)
Shnorhakal or Merci. (this tounge twisting pronunciation of Thank you demands extreme effort on my muscular hydrostat thus I often use the french equivalent)
Oor eh? (Where is...then add the name of the place you are looking for)

After walking for more than an hour and getting lost in the intricate streets of Yerevan along with a series of barev-oor eh-merci, I finally reached the Kendron/Kentron or simply called, the City Center. Here one can find statues, museums, opera house, parks. My self walking tour proves to be quite an easy feat as it only requires me to follow the hotel provided map and trek along the Moskovyan Street leading to the tourist spots of Yerevan such as the famous Cascade Complex.

William Saroyan Statue and a welcoming bench....

Kochar original works!!!
Do you know who is the founder of the movement Painting in Space??? Clue: He is Armenian.

Ervand Kochar Museum is located at 39/12 Prospekt. A small, quaint museum beside the Cascade Complex curated by Ervand's granddaughter whom I met personally, however my request for a photo op was rejected (perhaps she was camera shy...). For a minimal AMD600 entrance fee and AMD2000 guided tour fee, I was able to see the famous original works of Kochar (too bad I wasn't allowed to video the moving space sculptures, but it was an enlightening work of arts and to think it was invented in the early 20th Century!)



Moving onto the CASCADE Complex or Cafejian Center for the Arts (light rain started to fall around 5pm), the building was originally a concept by Alexander Tamanyan and revived in the 1970's by Yerevan's Chief Architect Jim Torosyan (notice how the Armenian family name ends up with "an" ??? Kardashian, Torosyan, Tamanyan...apparently you can easily recognize if they are Armenian origin by their last names).



CASCADE Quick Facts:


Number of steps - 572
Distance from the bottom to the top of the Cascade: 302 m / 991 feet

Distance from the bottom to the top of the Monument Terrace: 450 m / 1476 feet

Width: 50 m / 164 feet

Height of unfinished section: 78 m / 256 feet

Height of Monument Terrace: 118 m / 387 feet
Incline: 15 degrees

Cascade Complex

statues at Cascade grounds (hey i think im the inspiration of the naked lady sculpture...)

TIP: best view of Yerevan is to climb on top of The Cascade (of course i took the elevator....)

magnificent art works at Cascade
When the pouring rain subsided and turned to a light drizzle, it was already past 7pm and my feet are numb with cold and my stomach is gnawing with hunger. My eyes were watery and my brain reached its quota of information from Armenian Arts and Culture. Checking my Yerevan Brochure, it says that the Caucasus Tavern is the most popular tourist spot serving the best Armenian cuisine. Located at 82 Hanrapetutyan Street and Tumanyan Street, it looks like an easy walking distance from Armenian Opera Theater. Hunger and determination pushed me to ignore my conscience's advice to take a taxi to reach the restaurant. I was still convincing myself that its a lovely chilly night walk  on a strange continent (who was I kidding???) thus my sense of misdirection led me to the North Avenue. 

A chilly rainy evening walk passing by Armenian Opera Theater - Souvenir shops at North Avenue
very helpful Armenian women (Susan, Diane and Bella)
Tourist souvenir shops and shopping arcades made up the long, straight cobblestone walk of the North Avenue leading to Republic Square or Freedom Square. This time, I surrendered myself to the Armenian hospitality. As much as I like to approach the good-looking Armenian guys asking their help to point me out to the correct direction, I contented myself with their ladies who proved to be uber helpful. One very lovely bank clerk named Bella even walked me to a restaurant we thought to be Caucasus (apparently it was the wrong restaurant, the staff are unhelpful and I was even turned away from the place, telling me there is no available place for me even if I see quite a number of empty tables). Luckily, I passed by a pastry shop where I bought a slab of cake and water (with gas...yes, looks like locals prefer sparkling water than distilled...).


The Republic Square (getting lost in Yerevan to find the Caucasus Tavern - where they served the best Armenian food)
passing by a pastry shop while getting lost




Me: one water please...merci?
Storekeeper: With Gas?
Me: Gas??? Ummm... yeah??? ( i was seriously getting suspicious thinking if it was the LPG Cooking gas and wondering how they mixed it with water...I was totally relieved to see that it was sparkling water after all! New addition to my vocabulary... Gas+water=Sparkling Water!!!)

Searching for the Caucasus Tavern was such a challenge. My map indicates that the restaurant was a mere few blocks from the Freedom Square...and I was totally lost. I got scared a bit when Hanrapetutyan Street presented itself as a dark, semi-deserted place by 9pm, but needless to say I braved it out (remember I have no choice... either I die of hunger or regret) and after 30 minutes of limping, I finally reached my destination. Lesson for myself, no more shortcuts on the map and quit pretending to be Dora the Explorer!
old architecture buildings at deserted Hanrapetutyan Street...i'm looking for Block no. 82


Feeling cramp and cold, I was grateful for the welcoming heat inside the restaurant. The waiter at Caucasus Tavern seems very surprised to see me. But they were courteous and asked me what they can do for me. "Food please, merci...." I croaked at the curious looking waiter who seems to be wondering which planet I came from (apparently... this part of the world is yet to be explored by Asian tourists) . Seeing that the restaurant was fully packed, my request for a window seat was turned down. However, I was seated at lonely looking table near the kitchen (I'm overwhelmingly and practically dying of hunger, therefore any seat will do as long as there is FOOD!).
Caucasus Tavern (where I ordered dinner after 2 hours of walking in the rain!!!)
The waiter in Georgian uniform took pity on me as he offered me a small glass of Armenian brandy as a starter to regain warmth in my body (it worked!!!). I ordered quite a feast and was unable to finish it (note to myself: order one dish and finish it first before re-checking the menu). 

Travel Tip No.3: Avoid having leftover food when dining out in Armenia. 

I think it is considered a rude gesture for a person to have leftovers in Armenia (I'm so sorry...I really ate my fill on that first dinner...but the food was really good!). Even though I left a hefty tip, my server looks unhappy when he saw how much food I wasted. 

Going back to Hrazdan Hotel via taxi takes about 9 minutes from the city center (the driver thought that I was drunk because he demanded AMD6000!!!! Normal fare is only AMD1000 but I was too tired to argue...). As I took one last look of the Yerevan's night scene from my hotel room's humongous window,  I can't help but be excited to greet tomorrow's sunshine while gazing lovingly at the shadow of Mount Ararat in front of me. 


To be honest, I deserve a pat in the back for making it through the day alone in a foreign city of Euro Asia without any fiasco, (sans the greedy cab driver)...







Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Armenia Mania - Bari Galust Yerevan!!!!

DAY 1: November 29 (10:15am) - The Pink Capital of Armenia 

There is no time difference between UAE and Armenia, which is a very good thing as I am not fond of jet lags. I was amazed with the Zvarnots Airport upon my arrival because there was no queue and a handful of people can be seen at the arrival lounge so maybe I'm just really THAT lucky to get through the documentation easily? Or perhaps it was the 4 degree freezing weather and off-peak season? I wasn't sure if I can take pictures at the airport so I approached the lady guard (who looks like a General by her well-decorated uniform) and asked for permission to use my camera. Well, I did get it... thus my first Armenian selfie!



Bari Galust Armenia!!!!
Travel Tip No.1: As soon as you passed by the immigration, you need to convert your US Dollars to Armenian Dram (roughly US$1=AMD408) in order to pay for the visa which cost only AMD3000 or US$7 for Single entry up to 21 days. It would be helpful if you printed all your flight details & hotel bookings (carry some supporting documents like bank statements and Company Issued Travel NOC). But if you have enough time to plan the trip, you can easily check out the Armenian E-visa website.

Armenian visa sticker

I finally get to see some "kabayans" while falling into the queue to get my visa-on-arrival sticker. There was two groups actually... three ladies and a couple. Excitement flowed through my veins as I waited for the Immigration to stamp my passport. The group of Filipina girls were so sweet to worry about my safety and even tried to convince their guide to include me in their airport transfer. However, we exchanged numbers because they wanted to ensure I was safe and will be able to get out of Armenia in one piece. 

"Ang tapang mo ate, biro mo mag-isa ka lang! ( you are so brave! imagine you traveled alone!)" the youngest "kabayan" praised my so-called bravery. But honestly, deep inside I am trying to boost my own morale and tell myself that I can really do this. After all, everyone knows where am I at the moment. (thank you to FB check-in, my few close friends had their SOP just in case I stopped posting for the next three days to call the police and Philippine Embassy immediately!). Sadly, the girls' tour guide seems to be in a sour mood to take hitch hikers like me so I assured the girls that I can take care of myself and hailed a taxi on my own.

Travel Tip No.2: Airport Transfer to Yerevan is easy as per the Virtual Tourist website. Few men in leather jackets are waiting around the airport lounge who were actually carlifts drivers. Perhaps I look like a 12-year old kid who just lost her way that's why they approached me as soon as they saw I was alone. An English speaking old man made a beeline to me when the "kabayan" car left the airport gate. There was a bit of bargaining from AMD5000 to AMD2500. After agreeing to AMD2500 the old man led me to my driver (all along I thought it will be him who will take me to Hrazdan Hotel. The younger man however was a strictly non-English speaking person, and was either talking to me in Russian or Armenian (by this time, I discovered that I can be a champ in Charade Games!). Armed with a few basic Armenian words I learned on the plane ride, the driver led me to his rickety old sedan parked outside the airport. It was my first freezing walk in my whole entire life...(that was just for starters anyway!) 


statue scenery on the way to Yerevan
Yerevan houses
I was in my full winter clothes (bonnet, thermal jeggings, waterproof boots, layered furry socks, long blouse, leather jacket, scarf, leather gloves and a very cold nose). And the driver? A shirt, jeans and a leather jacket, no socks too! (okay, I'm from the tropical country and its my first time to be a frozen delight!). Despite the shabby appearance and lack of English proficiency, the driver was a master of finger pointing techniques which enabled me to understand the passing sceneries which mostly are grey or brown. 

Hrazdan Hotel is a 3-star landmark building overlooking a deep gorge located at Dzorapi Street, a few kilometers away from the city center with a budget friendly accommodation price for a cheapskate traveler like me. I was housed in a very spacious room on the 9th floor where I have the best view of the Caucasus Mountain. Although the bed linens has a certain stale smell (the room was reeking of cigarette smell which is I assume was quite normal since almost everyone seems to be avid smoker due to the cold weather). The food was okay and the elevator was ancient (well, I came here for history anyway...), staff were friendly in Armenian terms and cleaning the room according to my liking was not a problem as long as you leave a few drams on the table (not a requirement...but I just appreciate personalized services). Pool was dry and empty care for a few fallen leaves (explainable as there is a nearby on-going construction and weather is 2 degrees...so unless you fancy hypothermia...you are welcome to request the staff to fill up the pool). Overall impact of the hotel was that the old grandeur is fading but the view from my room was excellent (not to mention the pocket friendly price).
lobby entrance - restaurant - pool (no water...unless you fancy dipping in 2deg weather) - my lunch/snack
Hrazdan Hotel overlooking St. Hovhannes Church - my room which is in reality a suite (i have my own majlis...very nice....) 
 After hitting up a quick snack/lunch of their Armenian version of  "turón de banana", I was happily sugar-pumped to do my solo city tour via happy feet. It's all about texture and nature... old 1940's wall along the old houses depicts a post-war era. A very helpful Armenian police guided me (imagine like a kindergarten being led across the street...or that's probably how I look at that moment) making all the cars stop as we cross the street. So, I therefore conclude that my first Armenian encounter proved to me that they are somewhat hospitable and ready to help a helpless Filipina who look like a lost puppy in the middle of an unknown city.
exploring Yerevan (a 2-hour walk to the City Center....i got lost for a bit..)


The Writer's Union Bldg - National Assembly of Armenia (i'm not allowed to take pictures of the good-looking soldiers...)

The hotel provided me with a few maps for Yerevan so with no GPS or Google Map to help me out, I basically wandered around the streets, gaining some surprised look from the locals. (I have a feeling that I'll be famous in this country!!!) I passed by dark clothed locals (imagine yourself in the Soviet times where colored clothing was not encouraged to be worn in public) in long coats, leather jackets, knee high boots and made me feel like I'm in some kind of a Fashion TV... if you think the Kardashians are good looking, wait till you see the people of Armenia... they are truly blessed with model runway looks.


Things you need to know about Armenia (or rather historical facts that makes Armenia interesting to me...):


1. Armenia became the first Christian Nation in 301 A.D.

2. Im fascinated with the Ark of Noah and it landed on Mt. Ararat which was part of Armenia.
3. Armenian Alphabet has 38 letters!!!!
4. Merci or Thank you in French is also used in these part of the world...
5. Armenian Genocide in 1915 by Ottoman Turk Empire is still a hot subject.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Armenia Mania - Early Surprises!!!

November 29 2013 7:00am: Travel ala Dora the Explorer

Complete with my sturdy black Delsey laptop bag (sans laptop...as I just love the multi-pocket design which is perfect for travelling!), I sat on my small 14kg luggage to be able to zipped in all the newly bought thermal clothes from Columbia store at MOE (did I told you the winter clothes are on sale???) while breaking in my new winter boots. I headed to Terminal 2 past 4am on a foggy morning via hired taxi. All travel documents protected in one plastic envelope, I checked-in the ticket counter and grab my airline ticket. So to say, my fellow travelers are quite bemused as I am the ONLY Filipina who was in-line among them, and yes I do stand out even if I'm a little bit less than 5 feet as they were all towering above me. 

Red is my favorite color...fate once again???
Marhaba Lounge - As soon as I got my immigration exit stamp, I went to the Customer Service Desk who happened to have a Filipino guy. I hurriedly asked him for the direction of the loo as my bladder is screaming expletives at me. Oh well, I was too excited to even relieve myself before going to the airport, so basically it was entirely my fault. Well, I was in for another surprise! The guy was kind enough to ask if I have a credit card (although I was totally confused, wondering if he heard my queries correctly or he was deaf as he kept saying "ha? again? sorry?" simultaneously in one span of breath... come on, I was asking for the loo...not a Duty Free!) But despite my growing impatience and bladder, I said "yes, I do have my credit card with me" with a highly noticeable increase of my soprano voice. Then he told me to check out the Marhaba lounge, in which he added politely "they have a nice comfort room there and you can get free snacks/wifi/reading materials as you wait for your flight. The Marhaba reception will announce your flight on the public address system. Thank you." Then, it was my turn to say "ha? sorry? did I heard it alright? Free? Something is free???" and one nod of affirmation from him, my face cracked into the biggest, sweetest smile I can muster and hurriedly checked the Marhaba Lounge.


a morning dawn flight...lovely!
Apparently, my credit card was acceptable (I have yet to thank my company for putting me in that category) and I was able to relieve myself in a no-queue toilets. Munching some midnight snacks and catching up on some dailys, I almost forgot to listen to the PA announcing my flight which was ready for boarding in about thirty minutes. Well, you can't blame me as I spent the whole Thursday in a whirlwind of activities to get prepared for this impromptu holiday. As I fall in the queue of fur-coated Armenian-Russian travellers (yes, this time people are obviously gawking at me as I'm the only non-European looking person among them!), we were instructed to wait for the bus at the boarding gate to take us to the plane. 



Economy ala Business Class - who would have thought that there is a business class in an economy row???? Well, that only happens if you are lucky enough not to have seatmates throughout the entire flight... that my dear, automatically translates that the three rows of seat is all mine to stretch and behold! An instant business class upgrade! Who can ask for more? Did I also mentioned that the flight was a bit jam-packed and it was only my row that was totally empty from the two other travelers, who according to the flight attendant had cancelled at the last minute? Is this fate showing off at me and taunting me that all I have to do is to believe? Alrighty, it happened and I accept it gratefully, if not excitedly....this flight is really meant for me!



1 + 0 + 0 = happy passenger
Horizontal stretching?
(nah! im just showing off my new jeggings
and Timberland waterproof boots!)
Travel Fact: Distance from Dubai to Yerevan, Armenia
1205 miles / 1939.26 km / 1047.12 nautical miles
somewhere over Tabriz or Tehran (wherever that place is...)
oooohhhh...my first "snow sighting"
aerial view of the Caucasus Mountain Range


Armenia Mania - The Journey Begins....

Never in my wildest dream have I thought that I would be brave enough to travel solo to Armenia, an ex-USSR country.

It  was a typical 27th of November 2013, in an almost-winter-but-we-are-wearing-our-winter-boots-and-scarf Wednesday when my great Armenian journey began. My ex-colleague Tat and her hubby Erwin (who happens to be my University schoolmates, ummm...they are younger than me by tiny-weeny-bit-of-three-years? or maybe four?) and their big-time friend Christian were having our late night drinking session at TECOM's Belgium Cafe. (If you are my friend and you really know me, you might recall that I'm the lucky low-alcohol-tolerant social drinker...I socialize and they drink..) 

For some drunken reason, our conversation have turned into a more exciting topic, which is "holiday". UAE National Holiday to be exact! If my memory serves me right, it was Christian who informed us that Philippines Passport holders are visa-on-arrival in Armenia and the country was full of history (and since we are Architects, we are supposed to be history bunnies). Maybe I was just out of touch of the US Showbiz news that I was not even aware of the Kardashian connection with the country called Armenia. At first, he talks like a travel agent doing an impromptu presentation of the pros of holidaying in the ex-USSR country. Then, Tat added that there is an on-going Cebu Pacific cheap flights to Philippines. For a mere forty minutes and a few more beers, a great discussion of flying to Armenia versus Philippines was debated in detail. I was just an observer who occassionally smile here and there waiting for them to finish the debate of which country we are going to fly into. A few calculations of how much money will be spent and in the end, Philippines won as our country of destination!!! (its reallllly more fun in the Philippines...plus you get to see your beloved families who will be in for a big surprise as we will just show up in our own houses. -Christian). The lovely couple are working their Iphones to the max, with a hint of impatience on the edge when the Cebu Pacific mobile app stopped working during the process of booking our flights (after another 40 minutes of typing and re-typing our personal information!). At the end, we parted ways agreeing that as soon as we get home, we will open our respective laptops and book ourselves the Manila flight.


the listeners a.k.a. voters
my favorite couple among my friends
(not to mention good traveling mates!)

the debaters
True to my word, I did actually opened my laptop at past 12 midnight when I reached home. But like a stubborn child, I researched the country of Armenia. Lo and behold! Booking.com offered a very, and I mean super duper veryyyyyy cheap hotel accommodation and Flydubai return flights to Dubai-Yerevan at AED1,284.47 (with 7kg hand baggage with 20kg check-in luggage!!!).

Travel tip: It is always wise to insure yourself during traveling. Travel Guard of Flydubai cost me a mere AED37.  

It was like a dangling gold chain, and all I have to do is pull and a shower of colorful balloons will fall from heaven. But it also happened to be the most difficult, tormenting but heart-stopping decision I ever made. I didn't even bothered to open the Cebu Pacific website as the total of the trip to Armenia will cost me roughly AED 1400++ which is AED400 cheaper than the flight to Manila excluding the pasalubongs, shopping spree and dine outs. But the best part or shall I say, the Armenian "magnet pull" on my persona was the Almost-December weather of 4 to 8 degrees which translates to a word for me... SNOWWWWW!!!!

Yerevan...here I come!!!!
Who can blame a typical Filipina dreaming of a white almost-Christmas in a mountainous country of the South Caucasus region in Euroasia which is only 3.5 hours away from UAE? Plus I get to see the Ark of Noah's final resting place which is visible in the mountains? Also, this solo adventure to an unknown non-English speaking country might also give me a 90% chance of experiencing my first "snowfall' out of my entire 33 years existence on earth??? My life strongest belief was, if something is meant for you regardless of whatever it is, everything will go your way. I mean, it was a real super-budget-friendly-way-cheaper-than-a-Groupon-travel-offer opportunity? So, I booked and called my friends to send my deepest apologies for being unable to travel with them to Manila (which I know in time they will surely understand once they see my adventure photos). I guess, I'm so lucky to have very understanding friends and a company who issued me the documents I needed in just one day...talk about things falling right into place!!!

How did I feel after organizing my first solo adventure??? Excited and ready! For some unfathomable reason, I felt quite alright, I was not even agitated and thinking negatively because I will be alone in a foreign country (web travel advice even includes not talking to strangers!!!). In fact, I was so cool about embarking into this short holiday or perhaps it was the much needed R&R away from the dry desert that kept me nonchalant on the impending journey. 

Monday, August 18, 2014

Sushi Cravings

I remember my first sushi way back in 1999? when I attended WHO Conference in Intercon Manila.
That event also happened to be the launching of my taste buds for Japanese food. Lunch was buffet and since it's an international convention. ..attendees are from all over the world (yes, they actually wore their traditional national dress)...so food was, of course... international by all means, to cater all taste buds equally.

I was the inexperienced hotel diner (better known as the state-university-paper-staff-sent-to-cover-the-occasion-because-nobody-is-available), I have no idea which type of food to eat. There was Spanish, Mediterranean, Chinese, Filipino, Western among other international food lined up on the buffet table which I can't recognize. My roving eyes caught a cute guy (from another school paper) and yes... I did follow him around at the buffet table... (which I am quite sure he was well aware of... as I was blatantly looking at him in awe). He made a beeline for the Japanese food section, of course I followed like a lovesick puppy.  Heaping up sushi, sashimi and maki's on his plate artistically. .. I did the same while pretending to know what I am actually going to eat.

Walking towards the assigned table which I shared with some professors who actually commented "oh you are a Japanese food lover...how cute..." (yes people, I used to be called "cute"...not because I was cute but because I was small and nerdy with thick eyeglasses perched on the bottom of my flat nose...which is preffered as "cute" by the adults).So, back to my sushi and sashimi... not to mention the wasabi... chopsticks ready (yes..thanks to my noodle addiction in grade school...I was adept in using chopsticks) I dig in while stealing glances to the bedimpled cute guy on the other table who was actually looking at my direction.

Next thing I know, I almost choked due to more-than-a-dollop of wasabi and the alieness of my virgin tongue grasping the  taste of the fresh, uncooked fish. (Did I mention that I forgot to grab some drinks as I was totally preoccupied in googling the guy and food vice-versa???) Adults alarmed, they came to my rescue and almost got drenched gulping large quantity of mineral water that could probably fill a 5-gallon fish tank. I didn't took another bite after that sashimi fiasco.  Yes folks, that was my first sushi experience and I swore off raw fish from my food list while the cute guy (who suddenly grew devil horns right before my eyes) laugh hysterically seeing the uncomfortable gobbling I put myself into.
Hey my post says.. sushi cravings right?

Nope, you are not confused... I was just giving a bit of a history of the love hate relationship of sushi. But here's the real thing.

I got converted. .. totally if I may say so.

Thank you to Tokyo Tokyo in SM Manila and North and my mom's undying love for California maki's. .. I turned a new leaf...  in fact, Japanese leaf to be exact. Drinking red ice tea and gobbling up beef misono and super extra rice was my typical lunch in Makati... my mouth drools automatically at the sight of the Tokyo Tokyo signage just down my office building.

And then I moved in UAE... Japanese food were just beginning to open up the Middle East market at that time.  My very good friend January brought me to the new Japanese restaurant located in Satwa to load up on some maki's supplied on the endless conveyor belt (I was still hesitant on the sashimi and sushi at that time...let's say I prefer my food warmed up or at least cooked even a bit...). Since then, it was a total quest to find good maki's when I moved to Abu Dhabi.

So here's the thing... I strongly believe in the saying that "if it's meant for you... it will come back to you" (word of the wise...). I was passing by the info corner at my residential lobby when my eyes happened to see a black brochure ( I love black... I even like wearing abayas encrusted in swarovski... or maybe because black makes me look thin, I suppose. .. hence the anything-black-I-adore-kind-of-feeling???).

It says... SUSHI ART.

going gaga over seaweed salad sprinkled with sesame seeds....
Boom!!! I love art... and food. Mixed it together and oh boy... I'm in love! I browsed the pages and yes... they are truly an art to behold. .. and eat!

I trooped to the place in The Beach at JBR and it was astounding... perfect-to-die-for seaweed salad (last time I tasted fresh seaweeds was when I went to Davao and they actually took some seaweed fresh from the sea into my plate). And here's the best thing... it might be a bit heavier on the purse (every nibble is worth the cent, I assure you!)... but they actually offer lunch deals where you can get 18 pieces for AED59 and that's what you call a real deal! You can even have Miso soup (normally AED9) for free as a side dish.
Hence... I can proudly say that my best friend list grew from maki to sashimi... sushi... and the list of "mi mi" is endless and topping it off with their rice vinegar. (I am drooling at the moment just the thought of the colorful artsy sushi. ..)

I don't care what other people might say... but if you crave for the best sushi place in UAE... SUSHI ART is my game!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

The Vain in Me

totally feels like home!
I have been exploring the JLT area for a salon worthy of my purse for almost a year now. I had experienced the good and the bad, but one thing for sure...they are all expensive (probably due to the premises). 

It was like high and low tide... sometimes I do get lucky finding a good one but burns a deep hole in my pocket. I have been burned badly (thank you to the inexperienced staff of a salon somewhere in Cluster U) and had a haircut by someone who belongs to the 70's (imagine long tail on an apple cut!!!

accidentally found iSpa last Thursday when I was looking for an exit to the basement to have a pre-dinner tea at Cafe Julie in JLT.

My reaction?

It was like love at first sight (or maybe my eyes caught the glossy highlights of the receptionist and the inviting music spilling over the corridor of One Lake Plaza). As the saying goes, first impression lasts.

Boasting an all-white and silver grey themed furniture and gauzy white curtain, it was a simple version of heaven on earth. Fresh colorful flowers tastefully encased in artsy vases sparsely scattered across some side table and entryway, it has "class" and "homey" written all over the place.

The Filipina staff were friendly and to top it all... they do home service!!! I had my hair color with a slight twist this time, I added highlights too and the outcome was very enchanting (yes...I am totally enchanted with my dear old self). They use L'oreal  products so my heart was not pumping nervously during the entire process. Did I mention that they also offer drinks? Tea... I must have!!!!

Friday...I went back for mani/pedi (no polish please...) and I love the way they buffed my nails. I almost sang the nursery song:

I have two hands the left and the right...Hold them up high so clean and bright!  Clap them softly ...One, two, three! Clean little hands are good to see!!!

This coming Tuesday... I'm totally up for a keratin treatment... did I mention that the price is very friendly to an ample-salaried employee??? Plus, bring 3 friends and you are in for a AED200 worth of services? 

I know... you can say it now,  my dear....It's TOTALLY AWESOMEEEEEE !!!!

(Disclaimer: I am not friends with the owner neither am I paid to advertise iSpa and customer's feedback might differ from mine...however, I am just gleefully sharing my total satisfaction with them whether you like it or not!)



Saturday, August 16, 2014

Let the posting begins!!!!

Yes, I am that one hell-of-a-lazy butt who took almost a year to start posting my promised travel adventures (or better yet fun misadventures?)...well i do have some serious reasons to go along with it though (more excuses...excuses)...

2013-2014 was really a busy year for me, with all the changes that came into my life. From single, zombieness that resembles my everyday life, whining my heartbreaks (thanks God Multiply.com closed last year, which meant that all my endless sadness were actually finite...) to being alive physically, spiritually and mentally and all they lilies that goes along with it. Life kick starts around May 2013 when I moved back to Dubai (the New York of Middle East...the city that never sleeps) from my humdrum peaceful life in Abu Dhabi (dont get me wrong, im not complaining...i was really enjoying being a hermit and baking cakes during my AD tenure from 2009 to early 2013).

Anyhow, soon enough I will probably get around to posting all stuff of my wonderful and exciting life in UAE. Yes, I love...adore UAE and all the pros and cons in it....it is my home for almost 8 years now and if only they give dual citizenship to the likes of me...ill probably the one first in line. UAE just grows on you, even the scorching heat in summer, which is always compensated with the lovely cold winters (sans snow). Most of the adult Emiratis are very kind and respectful toward the expats (even if you hit their Ferraris, they will still give u a smile...seriously!!!)...

i hope you love me too....



Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Angel of Death

A near miss. Yes that's it! It was just my luck to cheat death or probably it was the same angel that babysits me all through my life that handled the driving wheel to safety.

What goes on inside my head at that moment??? My life suddenly did a quick rewind and of the things that I must still do. Heart palpitates like a big drum roll and thinking back of the people I met and the people I have yet to say goodbye to. The words left unsaid to those I love formed into a hundred thousand sentences. And then it all stopped. 

Yes... I'm still breathing. ..not even a single scratch...thanks God! Apparently my reflexes are really quick during dangerous moments.  Suddenly I want to shout with joy! I was granted another tomorrow. Another new day to appreciate life and to feel blessed and lucky.

And for a moment... I stopped by the side road to release my mind from that crucial event. I am renewed somehow... looking at life with a new perspective. I would gladly embrace those that are dear to me and tell them how much I love them... and to thank the Super God above for this new lease of life.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Grooving for Vacay

Eid is almost at my doorstep... it will be splendid as I have an old BAA schoolmate coming over...and I'll be showing her the beauty of UAE. I always dream to be a tourist guide when I was younger... hmmm  and I can feel September slowly creeping by for my annual leave to see my cousin and meet nephews who grew up with the Aussie twang... (nosebleed ahead!😖)
Yes I love these short vacations as it refreshes my outlook in life. Many have wondered if I hit jackpot as I limit myself to 2 countries per year. (To be honest, it's resource comes from all my hard earned savings specifically allocated for my personal "travel education").
Maybe my most adventurous travel was in Armenia (UAE National Day 2013) as I went on a lone trip in a foreign country where English is quite hard to come by... think of charade games throughout the trip. It was followed by another trip to the beautiful country of Georgia (a well - deserved Christmas present for myself) with the Otani couple who are just wonderful to travel with... so yes, every vacation is filled with precious memories encapsulated in the memory drives. 
So... I welcome EID 2014 with wide open arms...  can't wait to wake up on a wonderful sunny morning... without running off to the job site...ahhh the beauty of life.
wishing this is me on the hammock....

Monday, July 7, 2014

In a Limbo

In law, statelessness is the lack of any nationality, or the absence of a recognized link between an individual and any state.
A de jure stateless person is someone who is "not considered as a national by any state under the operation of its law".[1]
A de facto stateless person is someone who is outside the country of his or her nationality and is unable or, for valid reasons, unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country.[2] This can be a result of persecution or a consequence of lack of diplomatic relations between the state of nationality and the state of residence.
Some de jure stateless persons are also refugees, although not all asylum seekers are de jure stateless and not all de jure stateless persons are refugees. Many stateless persons have never crossed an international border. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statelessness)

Today, I have witnessed the frustrations of a stateless person for the first time.
It broke my heart being an observer, the feeling of being helpless to help them.

I am just a normal person who is neither rich nor poor, but with a country that I am proud of. They might say I come from a third-world country afflicted by greediness and corruption, but still its a home where I am still secured. For how long, nobody knows and I hope I will not worry about it that much since its a country wherein the "cocktail of cultures" is our genetic make up and somehow we are peace-loving type of people.

Despite the fact that my race have been bashed, tortured, been called "capital of domestic helper" and among other gut-wrenching name-calling that befits an idiotic 3rd grader mentality of a bully. However, we still held our heads up high and even has foreign supporters who actually support us by write ups telling us how great it was have us around. It warms our heart and cheers up our perspective to pursue and strive more to be the best person that we could be.

Going back to the earlier scene, the only thing that I can probably be able to do is either be a part of the UN organization, or donate from my meagre income so these selfless people can do their work and reach out more to those who are in need and perhaps add a touch of prayers to the Big Man above to strike down those evil humans with lightning who causes the miseries of millions of people that are afflicted by the civil war in their own countries which will remind them that they are not going to live for a thousand years. Perhaps that way, we can still have peace...a great act of God is what we truly need.

I may have a tiny little voice which will probably go unnoticed, but if all of us will be one, maybe we can still demand peace among all nations and a bright future for the new generation. My plea to all leaders of each nation in this planet Earth, may it be a challenge to them to unite their people toward peace and to avoid hunger, famine, killings created by the human hands in their own countries. Let there be no more orphans, widows and stateless people. Stop the racism, procrastination and aggression. To each great leaders, you were chosen to build a peaceful and secured nation for each and every person in the world and give grave importance to each life and make it meaningful. And to each person, it is our task to support our leaders into making these wonderful dream happens.














Monday, June 30, 2014

Extinction of World Peace

Back in 1990's, my cousins and I were Miss Universe fanatics. We would gladly wait for warm summer vacations in May where the show will be aired, clapping ours hands whenever the contestants usually ends up saying " I would like to promote World Peace" and with a brilliant megawatt smile and queenly wave, the rest of the world will wish the same too.

I am one of them.

I want World Peace. Freedom for all mankind from oppression by the hands of their own species. My mind goes back to the old world wherein the darkest villain are bread thieves. Zooming back to 2014, as soon as I open my eyes and browse the news, its all about raging disturbances and rampant killings for the sake of religious, political and bloodshed beliefs... which had millions, if not billions of innocent bystander civilian sacrificed their lives. Killings, kidnappings, bombings... name any kind of violence, you'll find it posted all over the social media. You can feel the angst of the people vibrate through the internet, people sitting in the park being attacked for no reasons at all. Elderly being raped, punched and pensions being stolen by their own grandchildren.
aftermath of human war
It made me question the quality of humanity compared to the old good days. People nowadays starts asking "Where is God in all of these?" and even some had already denounced the Almighty due to the henious act of human insanity. Yes, I call all kind of violence the "human insanity", wherein logic is not working anymore and everyone see red and hands are twitching to harm another person. I don't want to go further into details as to what types or even groups being formed to fight for this and that cause, to purge the world of sin yet committing inhumane acts of evil. To end a human life is the greatest act of sin, (yes, I know this will also branch out to different sorts of other topics).

Still...the question remains the same.

What is the point of all the killings? This question have been playing over and over my mind everytime I see another orphaned child, a grieving widow, dying parents, and all victims of so-called revenge. What revenge? I am aware people have ambitions which drive every country to rule another, as this had been going on since the beginning of time. But in the end, will they be able to realize that nobody can live beyond 150 or even 500 years nowadays? Would they rather open the minds and rear the new generation to a history of wrath and hatred among each other?

The idea of peace is starting to sink to the bottom of the earth core, burned into oblivion. It seems that the future that lies ahead is what the movies have been egging the humans to make it happen. Humans are trying to be God-like. I can feel the hatred everywhere, racism, rebellion and in the end, war is bound to happen. This time a high-profile earth destroying acts of human, the impending nuclear war. When that time comes, nobody will know what the word "peace" really means.

I am useless. I cannot call people to stop fighting and start healing each other. To begin a new era of understanding, sharing and caring. Evil attitude is ruling the world. I am hopeless. A future of war and more hatred is about to come and yet, nobody will win it. Social media, kids as young at 7 years old committing suicide due to bullying. Life is starting to lose its meaning, and start to become senseless. More suffering will follow and one day, the hand of God will strike the world to make the insanity stop forever.

When this time comes, will you be able to say that you showed your love to your partner, child, friends or relatives? When you are at the edge of your life, flashback of the past will replay in front of your eyes to review what you have done with God given's gift of life. Why cant every human being in this world just make their lives worthy of goodness for the future generation? Why cant people be kind to each other?

I don't want world peace to become extinct... would you?




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