Of Candles and Soaps

Years ago, I've had beautiful memories of candles and soaps.

Remember the time that there was a major brownout and I was in a hurry to get a candle coz I don't want to disappoint a guest. And I was caught in a fantastic moment... nobody dared to move. it's just the light of the candle that separates us... and there was magic...



Soaps. Please be careful to use soap as you don't know which part of the body the soap has been used. I found it the hard way. I found out that the soap I used on my face was used on another else's face...butt!!! Geezzz... But that was a classic moment!!!

Since then, candles and soaps represent a moment in time where everything spells HAPPINESS.

These things you don't forget even you have so much white hairs or how many presidents have led your nation. Time pass but these memories don't.

Just utterly LUCKY

I came across an article about Malcolm Gladwell and his new book, Outliers: The Story of Success. It says there that TIMING and LUCK are part of the secrets of success.

Gladwell said that in order to understand successful people, we should stop focusing on what they are like- their IQs, character, daily habits but instead look at where they are from. "You've got to go back and do an archaeological dig." He cited the likes of Bill Gates who is undeniably brilliant but says that Bill Gates had a series of lucky breaks as well. It only goes to show that intelligence is NOT THE ONLY GROUND for success.

The path to success is coupled with timing and pure luck, background and experiences and not just the basis of educational attainment nor how high is one person's IQs.

I totally can relate to this. I've had some classmates back in high school and college who are not really doing well academically. Some of them are just too lazy to study; Others would rather party than do their assignments and some are not just gifted in a specific field. But lo and behold! After a few years, those who were once lazy are running their own companies. Others who'd rather go partying are all over the broadsheets and those who are not that talented or academically good have masters/doctors degrees in prestigious schools.

While timing and pure luck are some of the factors, I also think that your color, the given resources you have and the people around you are also deciding factors.

Sad to say, at work, there are people who are more talented than the others but because we belong to a 3rd world country, most of the time we are underpaid and left unnoticed. I can also cite that like me, I took my masters degree in the Philippines, but since I came from the Philippines, my degree is 'not at par' with those who are western-educated. Employers seek those who have UK degrees or those who have studied in the US more than those who graduated in the Philippines. Even if you know that you are far better than the "lucky" ones who had the privilege to study in good schools abroad. This is what I meant by the given resources. I can only afford to fend myself in one of the good schools in the Philippines.

Another example. I have a neighbor who does not do well in school but because she knows how to play her cards well and loves to socialize ended up working with the A-listers and is now a well-known figure in the elite circle.

Success is such a big word and the meaning of it is relative. And I do agree that timing, pure luck, background, resources and your clout would really have a big impact in your status and can make a big difference in your road to success.

A Sick World

It was an alarming news- Albinos in Tanzania are being hunted because according to some witchcraft or voodoos, the body parts of albinos make their magic potion more effective. Mothers who have albino kids are scared. So are all the albinos living in that country. Read:

Another astonishing news for me, quite shocking too, is the 8-year old kid who was convicted of killing his parent and another elder with a gun. Read:
But really, I don't think that the 8-year old boy is capable of doing this... The investigation is still on process.

Stories like these are alarming. Are we living in a crazy, demented world? It surely is unsafe for anyone. Who knows what the next surprising news will be? Will it get worse each day? Are these incidents are works of too much violence and chaos of our surroundings?

I still believe that we, mankind, have a pure, 'white' heart (like what my Egyptian friend Nora tells me). In our hearts lie the purity of our conscience, kindness and love.

Let us just pray and hope for the best!

What on earth was she thinkin'?

I am not an American. Not at all. But for this particular election, I actually followed the candidates, particularly Barack Obama and Sarah Palin.

I always have high regard for Barack Obama. I once watched his speech when he won the candidacy for Democrats... and I was moved. He was very inspiring.

Anyway, I'm not here to talk about Barack because he is one subject altogether. But I was just astonished by how VP Candidate (then) Ms Sarah Palin responded to the questions of Katie Couric when she was interviewed.

Yeah, I know she might be very stressed out and pressured by all the campaigns that were going on but I don't think that's an excuse since the role that she was campaigning for has far greater pressure and stress. She can't even finish her sentences. Her thoughts were not coherent, unclear and not straight to the point. The big issue of BAILOUT. She should have at least a ready response for that.

I just thought that that she was good. But she did crack under pressure. And it was a major turned off when Katie asked her what's her favorite newspaper...

No wonder SNL got the highest viewership when Tina Fey imitated her.

And that she was pranked. Though it was a bit overboard what these duo from a famous radio station, still she didn't even wonder why President Nicolas Sarkozy will call her. And she really fell for it... flat on her face. This is how it went:



Oh well! I thought only in the Philippines we have the likes of Erap. The Great AMerican Nation do have their very own - George W. Bush and Sarah Palin.

I hardly comment on these kinds but I really can't help it. Why? Because, we are affected with whatever's happening in the US. Imagine if she won, together with Sen. McCain, I believe that the Great Depression will be strongly felt (again). And the value of our money back home will be worthless. Good thing that the US still care for their future.

A Wet and Wild Adventure

We always have this urge to have a sense of belongingness (and togetherness) especially when you live far from your home country. Every year we make it a point that we have this small gathering. Actually, we would like to hold it yearly so at least there's something to look forward. Distance is no hindrance for someone who ought to have fun on the beach/pool/water themepark. Some of our colleagues are from Dubai but everytime we call on them (not work-related), they will be in the location in a heartbeat.

Being in the land of camels and deserts (and dates), I thought (ignorant as I am) that the beaches in UAE are all man-made. Thus refrain me from actually swimming in a beach (even if I'm beach-lover) coz big body of water (sea) + man-made don't sit well with me. But I was proven wrong. The Middle East has compensated these with various water theme parks- and not just ordinary theme-parks and a place of haven in some of their nice beaches as well. They are something worth going to...

FIRST STOP

WILD WADI (Dubai,UAE)

http://www.wildwadi.com/

Location: Along Jumeirah Beach Road, just next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab hotel

Fee: AED160 for adults and AED 125 for children (should be under 1.1 meters tall to get the child rate). A group discount can also be availed with at least 10 members.

Timings: 11:00 am to between 6:00 and 9:00 PM (depending on the season esp during Ramadan which normally falls between September and October)

Contacts: Tel: +971-4-348 4444 Email: info@wildwadi.com

Everybody is excited to take a look at Wild Wadi. Upon reaching Wild Wadi, we cannot help but notice the statuesque Burj Al Arab hotel. So all we did was snap pics and more pics of the 7-star hotel. Aladdin characters welcomed all of us and an excited bunch was in for a surprise.

Wild Wadi covers 12 acres of promised fun-filled land that comprises of approximately 30 different rides and slides. This water park has been designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis) and the rides and attractions are interconnected.

Once you enter the park, you will be strapped with a bracelet pass. You can access all the water rides. You can also use rubber rings, lifejackets and body boards (free of charge).

Wild Wadi caters to all ages and is safe. There are almost a 100 lifeguards on duty to keep everyone safe.

MUST HAVEs:

1. Swimsuit (Do not wear cotton shirts/shorts as they will not allow you to go on the 33m high slide)


2. Sunblock (Apply if you do not want to be fried by the unfriendly sun in UAE)
   


3. Money (for snacks and drinks. They do not allow food to be brought inside. You have to buy from Wild Wadi shops)


4. Wild Wadi Map


5. DigiCamera (never leave home without it)

MUST TRY RIDES:

1. 33 metre high Jumeirah Sceirah

This is not for the faint of heart, I tell you. While on my way up, I have to psyche myself that I can do it. If you have the guts and (a few tequila shots)... GO GO GO!!!

2. Summit Surge and Rushdown Ravine
Good for a group ride (of 5). This is a fun experience too. From various slopes, up and downhills, this ride is thrilling too with dark tunnels and a big splash at the end of the ride.

3. Juha's Journey
If you want to relax after the fun-thrilling rides, go for this lazy river ride

4. Breakers Bay
The largest wave pool in the Middle East. FUN FUN FUN!!!

Other attractions are the Flowriders (surfin') , Wadi Wash, one thing you shouldn't miss and Flood River.








SECOND STOP
Lulu Island

The most desired location in Abu Dhabi especially during summertime. It won't cost you an arm and a leg!

HOW TO GET THERE:

1. Tell your cab driver to go to the highest flagpole in UAE (near Marina Mall)
2. Walk to the entrance of the boatride going to Lulu.
3. Queue for boatride. Expect a long line (especially if you come in late, say 10AM)
4. After the 10-minute boatride, pay AED15 for your coaster ticket. The coaster will lead you to a private place near the breakwater.
5. Search for a nice place

UPs
1. The coast is just perfect for grilling
2. The water is right (but I think it's too salty for my standards)... not that i drink sea water, I just cannot open my eyes under the sea.
3. Gazebos

DOWNs
1. No working shower rooms (if there is, it's quite far... so I suggest go for a Gazebo near the showers/shower rooms)
2. Showers are very scarce (that's why we just dry up under the heat of the sun and just take a shower afterwards, once we reach the city)
3. Trip to Jerusalem (yup, first come first serve basis especially with the chairs)

NOVEMBER 2007



OCTOBER 2008








REMEMBER
No fishin'
Pick up your litter and throw it to the trashbins which are found in the beach
No alcohols (please, if you do not want to get caught)
No PDA (not public display of annoyance...be sure that you still behave bec there are coastguards roaming around)

Lulu Island is good place to just relax and be one with nature again (which I really really miss). It's not everyday you get to find an area for solitude or somewhere you can relax by the beach.


THIRD STOP
Lost Paradise of Dilmun (Bahrain)
Located at Al Areen, near the Bahrain International Circuit, Kingdom of Bahrain • Tel: +973 17845100
Entry Fee: Over 1.2m BD12 / Under 1.2m BD8
Timings: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (Closed on Tuesday)
According to an article, "What makes the Lost Paradise of Dilmun unique is that it has the largest wave pool in the Middle East, and the only one with a sandy beach, an attraction for visitors of all ages.

Drawing its theme from the ancient Dilmun civilisation - a time of abundant water, springs and shallow wells - the park is divided into six zones and features 14 slides, pools and fountains, in addition to themed food and drink outlets."


The time that we went there, there were only a handful of visitors, which gave us the freedom to ride as many times as we want without standing in long queues. The place was ours! Woohoo!

Though it's really far from the city, around an hour drive, the place was all worth it to go to. A memorable and a sure-fun experience!






Well, not bad for a country who have thrived in the desert for years. Their theme-parks are the world's best and it only goes to show that NOTHING IS POSSIBLE if there is passion and desire to achieve the impossible.

And there are lot more to watch out for.

We will soon head to Atlantis, another theme-park in Dubai. And they said that it is far better than any of these... We'll see.... wait for my next post...

A Night at the Emirates Palace

I was excited for my friend. It is his first time to step into the infamous landmark in Abu Dhabi, the 7-star hotel, Emirates Palace.

One word that best describes it
MAJESTIC!

We're still inside the car but how we already marvel the scenery that awaits us.

A manicured lawn, a spectacular landscape, and standing might proud is the palace itself, stirring your curiosity.

Why is it 7-star? Read on...

By the entrance, you are already greeted by a doorman,. smiling and enthusiastically lead you to the lobby. Passed by another 4 attendants, all happy to see you.

Upon stepping into the lobby, you cannot help but notice how beautiful the dome-shaped ceiling they have and an elegant, sophisticated lobby that go with it.

Couldn't help but to drool over the interior of the lobby....


As we walk till we reach our food destination, we tried to snap some more pics...

With its high-priced room rate, you won't mistaken this to fall under the category of a 7-star hotel. But don't worry. The moment you check-in, I'm pretty sure that you will be treated as Kings and Queens. It is no joke to spend AED42,000 a night for a Palace Grand Suite. You may want to checkout the different rooms: http://www.emiratespalace.com/en/rooms/index.htm

Off we go to Mezzaluna, the Italian resto, located inside the Palace. Read more: http://www.emiratespalace.com/en/bars/index.htm

We were welcomed by the warm smiles of the attendants (mostly 'kabayans' - a term for fellow Filipinos). They attended to our every need.

For starters, we were served with a selection of bread.

We ordered a glass of red wine to go perfectly with our lambchops, a house favorite. We also had a angel hair with white sauce and ravioli. It was a fantastic dinner though our bill was AED650++ (courtesy of my good good friend). Ain't bad for mouthwatering dishes and superb ambiance. You may want to go out and try it yourself: Emirates Palace (02 690 7999). Open 12.30pm-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm daily. All major credit cards accepted

This is us after that sumptuous treat.

Here are more pics of Emirates Palace while our stomachs were digesting the abundant dishes we've tried:

It was truly a memorable place to visit. Great food. Nice company.