Destination- Jordan

It was Friday, my first day was a surprise, because I was in the country’s capital, Amman and everything I saw is old and even in the upscale area, it is not what I expected for a country’s capital  of  typical bustling urban jungle of busy streets, neon lights and high-rise buildings. Yes, it’s old but don’t have the old charm of Europe but more on the biblical portrayal of the old world of stone houses that new buildings look awkward and out-of-place but the city is not lost with the old grandeur of Roman influence with Citadel and Coliseum right in the city itself and they are a sight to behold . So, I feasted my eyes on these and explore the streets for it seems I’m back to a certain era, but it was cut short when I saw a group of men bringing sticks and shouting words I cannot understand and at the distance I could see barricades and full force of anti riot police and a CNN coverage. Later, I learned that it was a rally between the anti and pro-government and kudos to the police who foresee and making the initiative of the two group not to clash to avoid bloodshed. Hence, the rest of the day I stayed in the hotel for I don’t want to be part of the headline in case chaos erupted.

Dead Sea and My Accidental Pilgrimage

With limited Arabic vocabulary and mostly sign language and pointing to pictures, I was able to arrange my transport and it is really cheap or maybe because I’m always the bargain guy(LOL). An Indie adventure of diverting to the Dead Sea is not really the original plan but considering going to the lowest elevation on earth and known to be King David’s place of refuge is worth a try, and a place not to miss.

Thinking of adventure, it is a logical choice of going to the Dead Sea first, since I’m still free from scratches and wounds,and dipping on a hypersaline water is not a good idea if you already have scratches, even the tiniest one. The language barrier seems to work in a nice way or the driver just have the initiative because on my way to the Dead Sea, he asked if it’s okay with me to go in a Christian Church and that made me feel guilty for I’m a Christian but I’m not thinking about it nor include it in my itinerary for I’m too preoccupied with the Petra Adventure but the moment that I said YES  my accidental pilgrimage started.

We stop at the Greek Orthodox Church of St George of Madaba where I was able to marvel the byzantine influence of mosaic art but what is most noteworthy is the church floor, who have the 6th century mosaic map of  Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

With no idea, we go ahead to Mount Nebu, then I remember the Bible and my Theology class,where it is mentioned in the last part of Deuteronomy where Moses was given the view of the Promise Land by God, and it is also the place where he is buried. So it means, I’m seeing what Moses saw before.

After exploring the ruins dating back to 6th Century where a church is built to honor Moses and had a glimpse of the Promise Land, I can’t help but wonder on the hardship they endure to travel from Egypt going to the Promise Land for the way is very arduous and difficult and having the glimpse is indeed liberating from an endless journey and it’s too sad to know that until now peace seems elusive to get in this so-called Promise Land.

My way to the Dead Sea is a different experience, I traverse an almost barren land and saw real Bedouins, where I normally just read on books and amaze that such nomadic lifestyle still exist in this time, only now they have trucks, water tanks and a generator and even an AC unit on their tent.

I found sheer joy when we stop because a flock of sheep crossed the road and for someone born and raise in a tropical country it’s a novel experience because I only saw it on movies and the closest I could see a lamb  is the meat sold at the grocery.

The site of the Dead Sea is  not that inviting, maybe because I was born in a country where one of the world’s finest beaches are found, thus I’m bias about it. But for curiosity sake, I did try to dip, but I didn’t enjoy, for I’m not comfortable swimming with my head not getting wet, and having difficulty with my balance because I float even if I don’t want and the water is somewhat slimy and smelly. And Ohhhh! The silly thing I can’t get off my habit, after some time I forgot and swim with my face down and stung my eyes that made me cry  and walked blindly to the shore to get my bottled water and worst the salt formation make it more difficult to walk. I curse those travel magazines and reviews why they make it seem very enticing as if people enjoyed that much like showing pictures of people floating and reading books and some even copied it, but in reality, you couldn’t stand that long and I guess only non swimmer would enjoy for they will be floating for the first time. 

After the unfortunate incident of my dumb self, I settled for sunbathing and let those other sunbathers envy my perfect tan color which they have difficulty achieving .

My attention caught by a very noisy man trying to speak on different language and offering the mud bath. He speaks to me in Arabic, then in Spanish and some languages I didn’t understand and I laugh for he is trying to greet people on their native language and he wasn’t able to guess mine but the gist of it the mud cost US$3.50. I did try to enjoy myself rubbing the mud and notice the noisy sleazy guy was taking advantage of rubbing mud to a woman and good thing the friend came to follow and the septuagenarian Spaniard woman asked for a help and I know he didn’t enjoy as much as rubbing with the younger one and a bunch of old women followed and silently I was laughing my heart out. It made my day to the point that I didn’t even  bothered to correct him from his claim that it is the saltiest water on Earth where in fact it could be found in Djibouti. But yes the mud has some effect on the skin no wonder Cleopatra built her first spa in the Dead Sea. But remembering that I’m sort of in a pilgrimage, I remember it is the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls are found which has the oldest written books of the Bible that silence most of the skeptics.

After having a very late lunch we went to Bethany and still have no inkling what it is until I’ve read the signboard. Gosh! It is the Bethany mentioned in the Gospel, the place where Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, the place where He sought refuge after threatened by stoning in Jerusalem and the place where he brought back to life the dead Lazarus. It is also worth mentioning that it is also near Elijah’s hill the place where the prophet ascended to heaven.

By chance, I give a perfect gift to myself just by being there. The place itself is quiet and relaxing  despite the fact that it is a military zone and we are not allowed to wander alone. So, we walk by group and too bad I cannot explore at my own leisure the ancient remains which include structures from the 1st century settlement of John the Baptist ,  large pools and the 5th-6th century remains of the Byzantine period settlement depicted on the 6th century Madaba Mosaic Map of the Holy Land which I visited earlier.

We explore the areas where they built churches of different religions and went to Jordan river that looks like a creek for it’s very small and stone throw is the Israel territory, now I know why it is a military zone because that could be a grenade throw for it’s very near.

Some people in the group have weird faith, to think that the dirty brown river have some medicinal properties that they washed on the water and took sample (I just hope that they go straight to laboratory for bacteria identification). Nevertheless, I just ignored them and volunteered to take pictures to two old women who are having difficulty taking pictures of themselves because  they won’t let go of the bottle that contains the river water.

At the end of the day, It made me think of my faith and felt grateful that I was privilege to set foot on some of the places mentioned in the Bible. Though I still cannot answer the question jokingly asked by the guide, if I’m willing to be feed to the lions in the name of faith just what the Romans did before to the Christians.  But I know deep inside my survival nature tells otherwise, and I rather die fighting than give them the viewing pleasure. But one thing that I’m sure, I don’t need any miracle to be convinced of God’s existence because everything that surrounds me is already a miracle.

The Countryside and Petra

Excited for my Indie adventure, I woke up very early and stuffed myself with kuboz (arabic bread) normally dip into humous (chick pea sauce) or yogurt but mine is marmalade which other Arabs find my combination weird and of course my favorite Coke regular.  But to my surprise, the driver came also much earlier for the journey is somewhat very far, but not to my standard and explain to me the two routes going to Petra and I opted to take the two routes the longer one first and the shorter one in going home to explore and enjoy both roads.

We passed various farm, pasture land and wadi but the scene that I enjoyed most are the rocky mountains that look like the Grand Canyon of Arizona. Traversing the winding road during sunrise gives a picturesque view and shows its rustic beauty amidst the barren scenery and that long journey are made more longer because of my occasional request to stop, blame it to the perfect climate and my wish to have a thorough glimpse because I’m not certain if I could see it again in my lifetime.

We stop at Dana for a coffee. Since I’m not a fan of coffee and hot drinks, I just savor the fresh air, marvel the green view and old stone houses in the middle of rocky mountains and select a stone for souvenir (Yeah! That’s how cheap I am.) and according to the driver- cum -tour guide, it snows in this area when it rains in Amman. Shucks! It’s spring season and I’m wondering why he tell it to someone born in the tropics, did he know that I wanted to see real snow but I just can’t, because I cannot stand on a negative temperature which I tried in vain on  artificial ice park and it’s a miracle if I could last an hour.  Though I still manage to ask if I could find snow-capped in the area but it seems he don’t know the meaning of it, so I just said “khalas” (forget it) to make life easier for both of us and this where I find language barrier very  amusing.

Along the way, he point Kerak Castle though I’m not really sure if it  is a real one for I only knew and saw Disney’s castle. So we went and I’m impressed with his driving skills because the road going up is very small, steep and very dangerous and just by looking at it, you know it is specifically made for horses and small carriages.

Now, I know what real castle looks like because the sight of it reminds me of the Crusade War and not the Fairy Tale  Stories of Disney. The buildings fortification is designed to be unassailable with good vantage point for defense, as I walk on the tunnel, I felt like seeing how they’ll defend the castle, where the archers place themselves, as well as the artillery. I also found the waterloo, once the invader occupied the uppermost this could also be a dungeon to the inhabitants. But hey wait! it’s a grim reminder I’m on my Indie adventure I should think treasures of great historical importance.  But truth speaks that it has a fair share of the gory Crusade history and the architecture itself shows the Crusader and Muslim influence.

I roam and explore but when I reached the top of the castle, it has a magnificent view of the surrounding valleys and I can’t help but marvel how beautiful it is during its grandest time, considering also that is the second biggest castle in the Middle East.

But I remember that I’m still a long way to my destination and the reason why I’m in Jordan, so I cut it short and scuttle to look for the driver. When I reached Petra, I was wondering why I’m in a hurry to get a ticket when there’s no queue at all, I didn’t even bothered to concentrate on  my lunch.

I was overly excited seeing all those very tired people coming out,  thinking that it is really worth an adventure, then I realized that the site of the Treasury shown in Indiana Jones is still very far from the entrance and good thing I regularly jog, I guess this time it will paid off.

At the gate, a bunch of men in Jack Sparrow inspired style  are offering a  ride to the point of almost irritating , because they won’t listen and very insistent. I want to explore every bit of it and not just in passing that’s why I opted to walk, even if they’re offering it for free because it is already paid in my ticket and besides being a constant traveler I know they’re up for something like a tip not at your wish but by compulsion. So, I turn a deaf ear in order not to ruin my day.

With anticipation of a child, I marvel every bit of my walk… then BOOOM! A few hundred meters, a curse to my small nose — I’m overly sensitive to smell. I realized my Indie fascination captures only my vision and I wasn’t ready on this. Yes, the long way is a mixture of horse, donkey, camel and goat dung littered everywhere, so I change from indie to wild west, now I look like a gangster cowboy with scarf covering my nose. I don’t want this little misadventure affects me.

The long walk through rock formation that seems more of a secret passage lead me to the Treasury. Yes! the one featured in Indiana Jones movie. It held me spellbound that took me a few minutes staring in awe. Then I realized I’m only looking at the tip of an iceberg. Petra as I know is different in reality for it is a lost city, so huge that it is impossible to explore every nook in one day.

A city of ruins as I could aptly describe it, with all the features of an ancient city. An engineering wonder with their aqueducts, buildings and structures. It seems I’m back in time for everything I touched , I stepped and I saw dated back more than a thousand years but the ancient wandering cut short when I saw a Crowne restaurant operated by the Crowne chain of hotels inside the City of ruins. Nevertheless, I don’t want to comment about the restaurant for it would be a relief for some tired tourist to pamper themselves after a tedious and tiring walk rather than to prepare their own food the ancient way.

Another destination crossed in my bucket list. My childhood fantasy of indie adventure is somewhat fulfilled and having learned that it is one of the new seven wonders of the world made me think whether to pursue the other six or to stop and start growing up as others have said. Whatever it is only time knows.

My recent discovery is Mansaf (Explosion) a very famous Jordan food.

In a long road trip, I asked the driver to stop for a restaurant because I cannot anymore appreciate the scenery and my tummy is already complaining. Thus he brought me in where the owner is very welcoming and explain their specialty, as to the ingredients and how it is prepare and the only word that registered in my mind is Jameed sounds foreign but I’m not bothered and I don’t even mind what food to serve and  I guess he read it on my face that I want a food serve for he summarize it in a halting English that it’s the famous food in Jordan and never continue explaining the preparation.

I learned that this food is a very old recipe and this is the food mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 18 though the rice part came in the twentieth century brought by Asian influence and thanks goodness I’m born in this era because I could never eat it with gusto without the rice. I did like the soup with the Jameed and slurp it so I could taste it more and nibble the meat to feel the taste and thanks goodness the taste is superb. Alas! I’m full, then I remembered I forgot to ask the price and paid a huge sum for it and later learned that I paid double from the standard price in Amman. My only consolation then, is I’m paying for the ambiance and that it is specially prepare with the choice ingredients.

I got busy looking and moving to a new apartment, almost cancelled my scheduled vacation but for some miracle I still have the energy to push through with it and now I’m back still recuperating from the trauma but more wiser.

I never thought I’ll encounter any legal issue nor resort to it in my life for I’m extra prudent not to mess or be reminded. When I decided I don’t want to be in a law profession simply because I don’t have the character and spine needed for such demanding job, I leave my country to escape the pressure of people pushing me and making me realize that I did a dumb choice for wasting my fancy degree.

It’s been years that I live in this country, I feel comfortable, considered it home and have high hopes of staying until my retirement. But that view change in an instant when I received a letter and it’s not just a letter, it’s a Notice of Interruption of the services of my apartment like use of swimming pool, gym facility and adjacent areas, disconnection of chilled water and air conditioning services, non-attendance to any maintenance issue and stoppage of the building parking services and etc. Wow! I’m doomed! It happens when summer is approaching and all because the owner of the apartment didn’t pay the service charges in spite of countless demands made by the property management.

Being a peace-loving person who don’t want the hassle I informed the agent about the situation and the agent promise that they’ll settle the issue. The agent did call back and informed me that no need to worry, it’s okay and it’s settled. A big fat lie, because one day, I’m supposed to call the maintenance guy but my instinct tells me otherwise so I first called the property management office downstairs to save me from further embarrassment and I was told that my landlord didn’t pay. Oh! Did I hear it right? So, I went to the office and ask the manager to verify it in the main office, hoping that the record is not updated. Yeah! I’m not dreaming .

I called the agent and surprisingly didn’t answer but he called me back, I guess he was already able to formulate a new lie which he did but I’m not anymore buying. I tell my intention of leaving but my crazy side still want to abide our tenancy contract  to stay away from trouble, which I quote that I can leave provided I give a month notice and one month rent as penalty even if my landlord violated our contract first by not paying the service charges. But he don’t want me to leave and give me some silly excuses until he give up for I’m firm with my decision and says that he cannot return the cheque for the remaining three months and even if I file a case it’s useless and the landlord is a very influential man and close to the Sheik (Ugh! Is it a treat?). Then I said, “he pays and I’ll stay if not I’ll leave and why would I allow myself to be tormented with this inconvenience”, and ask for the mobile number of the landlord.(Gosh! He has those fancy numbers which is more expensive than the phone.) But I’m not bothered knowing my options and my right and I’m always been the person who assert it by all means.

Reality sinks in, in a perfect world I have those rights and I forgot I’m in a bubble land where everything could be made in an instant and at their whims like those fake islands and all year round blooming flowers and my series of unfortunate encounter with their rules simply unfurl right in front of me and becoming a nightmare.

I learned that I cannot stop my own cheque and the irony of all, it is drawn in a bank where I work  and all of us are helpless to stop the injustice because there law only allows stop payment when it is either lost or stolen and in both instances they require police report and if lost a letter from the payee. Being optimistic and knowing that there’s always an exception to the rule, I went to the police station hoping I could still get one, for in all civilized country, a breach of contract is a valid ground for stopping a cheque, I even manage to prepare a written affidavit if it’s needed as well as the supporting document, the letter from the Property Management Company. But all efforts are in vain, I was ridiculed and worst they speak in a language I don’t understand and for them I look very dumb and I wasn’t even given the chance to explain my side.

I called the landlord directly and thinking I could still negotiate by pointing that I am allowed in our contract to terminate before the expiry and I’m willing to pay the penalty charge. To my surprise, he don’t speak English, so I ask the assistance of my colleague to speak to him in Arabic but still the same, he is very  hard to negotiate even if he already did breach our contract  and all he say is to pay him the three months remaining rent. (OMG! I’m dealing with an uneducated rich greedy booger.)

My mindset is always in a real world scenario having work in a bank for some time and rules are basically alike I forgot that I’m in a different world, I thought by simply not funding my cheque and just pay for the charges could save me from further loss. Yes! I’m wrong again, here it’s a criminal offense and you could be put behind bars by simply not funding your cheque and I don’t know if you could invoke your rights under Miranda Doctrine for the police simply picks you up and I doubt if there’s even an arrest warrant. Now it dawns on me what happened during the  2008 recession why people who have mortgages are scared and opt to abscond when they lost their job untimely and some are unfortunate to be put in prison.  Another weird thing, if police in other part of the world are busy chasing thugs, hoodlums and real criminals.Here  they are busy chasing people who can’t fund their cheque, a very pathetic scene for their profession simply because the law is somewhat absurd. So I fund the cheque and let the injustice pass on my very nose and all I could do is curse and wish for a slowly and painful death of that rich booger who just milked me AED10,000 (US$2,722.53) not to count the harassment I had where in a real world I could have collect the actual, nominal, exemplary and moral damages. The moment he cashed it, I went to Louis Vuitton shop tried the bag my friend highly recommended as carry on luggage for he bought one but I opted not to buy nor be tempted for my conscience couldn’t take it when a lot of people who could barely eat one decent meal in a day and good thing my shopaholic days are over. After 5 minutes of trying and checking the bag I returned it to the sales staff and went out and curse. Shit! he could just waste the money like that. I rather prefer being rob by a hungry poor or sick man at least that would help me feel better.

I told to myself, in your dreams you could claim for damages for truth says otherwise and it’s even impossible to claim my money back because when I try to seek for the proper recourse I was referred by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority to the Rent Committee unfortunately they require me a letter from the landlord that he agrees that I terminate the contract and leave the premises and  I think he’s not that totally dumb to make one so that I could file a case against him. I just don’t know where’s the logic of the framer of this law because a conflict arises when one party does not abide and like my case he don’t want me to leave and yet he’s not willing to pay his obligation  with the property management and the problem I’ll be the one affected by the sanctions. In a nutshell, it’s a win-win situation on the landlord, he could encashed the cheque for I don’t have the option to stop or not to fund because it’s a criminal offense and I couldn’t file a claim for I don’t have the elusive letter that he conceded for the termination of our contract. And one more thing, in most civil courts payment for bonds ( I don’t know if it’s the term used here) are base on the claims you prayed in your Complaint but here it is base on the original amount of the contract which is 3.5% I guess it’s difficult for them to compute the partial one and you are required to pay Dhs500(US$136.13) for each cheque.

Now, I’m weighing my option to pursue or not. But I don’t have high hopes, knowing my friend whose father is a victim of hit and run in a pedestrian lane cannot locate the perpetrator in spite of the car plate number given to the police but funny they could find the people who can’t fund cheque just by a mere mobile number. Hence, I concede to my defeat and write about it hoping a lawmaker or a child who’ll become a lawmaker someday will find this in the web and could shed light and get some logic and nerve to amend or repeal it, for after all laws are not made permanent and they need to keep with the time to meet the end of justice.

As to my silly thoughts when I first came here, why the Courts seal colored half of it red giving the illusion that the scale of justice is not balance is somewhat answered and I know which side I belong but my optimistic side is still hopeful that the course will change through time.

It was a last-minute decision and did the last-minute cancellation to the supposed White Christmas and good decision though otherwise I could have been among the thousands stranded and celebrated Christmas in the airport, never mind if I paid a bit higher for my airfare and accommodation for deciding and confirming late and not to mention going to two different countries before reaching my destination which also means transferring to three planes just to reach Maldives on time before Christmas which is also the peak season there.

After flying three different time zones, I arrived at  Male International Airport – sick, tired, drained and stripped of all excitement and wondered If I did the right choice for it’s an impulse decision when my friend pop up the idea and I was just curious then in going to a country who have more water area as compared to land. It doubles my disappointment that there are no good restaurant at the airport and going to Male to find one means a speed boat ride. Yes, it’s a big surprise that the airport is an island used exclusively as an airport or shall I say an islet and I’m pretty sure a considerable part of the land is reclaimed. God knows while in a plane how I mindset my self to eat a hearty hot noodle soup after puking and everything will be back to normal and now it would never be.

I almost forgot I still need to ride the pricey sea plane going to the resort and the weird thing you are check in many times for the flight schedule are always canceled and move, have I known that I have to wait for more than three hours I have opted to ride a boat I could have save more money. The tiring three hours prolong the agony as proof to the long wait someone had a stroke  bang her head in the floor and the gory sight didn’t even push my adrenalin. Tired, sleepy and hungry my patience wears out and I used my last energy to go to the counter and complain for the delay with my joining brows and angry voice I face the staff whose English I barely understand and simply said I’m on next flight and input my name in the system. No wonder flight schedule are always canceled or shall I say it pays to be mean, I should have done it earlier.

Airborne I started to feel better, I guess I’m overwhelmed by the sight of the sparsely scattered tiny islands amidst the blue Indian Ocean that immaculately blend the clear azure summer sky of Maldives and every ill feeling I had just turned to oblivion. Enthralled of nature’s beauty I almost failed to capture the moment nor notice the unshod pilot maneuvering towards touchdown which is another surprise- the deep blue sea and we disembark on a little floating wooden plank. While waiting for our boat to fetch us and hoping that the sharks are overfed, I witnessed again another bewitching nature’s spectacle the gradual setting of the sun and the skies changing hue from blue to crimson, truly it is a soothing sight.

Our boat dock a few meters from Sun Island Resorts reception hall it’s safer to use meter than kilometer in order not to deter the countless couch potato I know but think of it as a little sacrifice for the reward of a clean beach besides nobody wants to swim on a stinky oily water. However, the walk on the foot bridge during twilight is a wonderful experience you just need to open your senses and appreciate the zephyr caress, the pleasing sound of the sea, the rustic smell, the soft glow of light, the hypnotic sight of various species of fish swimming in the sparkling clear water and wait I almost forgot the scantily clad chic that frolic like a nymph.

Upon seeing the Reception Hall, I woke up from a trance, hasten my walk and back to my senses, though I appreciate the hot towel and fresh coconut juice given at the reception the long wait to process the paper work that lasted for more than an hour is too much to handle for those who traveled half the world where the only relief they could think is a decent hot shower and a fresh clothes. But still I’m grateful to the friendly staff who have a contagious smile and who could resist they are offering me a room upgrade with no extra cost, discount coupons to the spa, various shops and restaurants for a simple reason that I’ll keep to myself.

After I freshen myself I took a nap and get ready for the Christmas Dinner. Oh my! I’m frustrated!Plead guilty to gluttony and wish I have more stomach to taste all the food. That’s it! I only did the tasting for there are many varieties of food I could imagine except for pork which is understandable being a Muslim country, crabs and lobsters which I thought I just missed to see in a very huge banquet that just by looking you’ll get tired. I like some of the food and some I don’t like and many I missed to taste which is a big frustration for an eat all you can aficionado. I just concede on my limitation and took pictures instead but I ended the night happy as a clam and good thing that the cottage is very far so I could walk and felt less guilty for eating a week worth of calories for just one dinner.

The resort is a humble temporary abode for those who long for a real R and R yet the amenities are complete to indulge on some stuff you enjoy in a big city. For a foodie,  they offer a  variety of restaurants that captures the different international taste to suit your palate and they even have a pizza delivery. For sport enthusiast, aside from the obvious different water sports they pride on various venue they have, like a mini golf course, soccer field, basketball, volleyball and tennis court and they also have for indoor sports like badminton, squash and table tennis not to mention a very nice gym for weight and cardio exercise which I didn’t bother to use for the island has a nice jogging and bike path around it. For gamers, they have a nice video machines with decent games on it or if you want you could just bring your gadgets and enjoy the free wi-fi to download your games. For clubbers, they have pool tables, a wide choice of drinks and a dance floor, though the sounds are off to my taste not unless you are from the disco era and like to hear a Brother Louie song. For water lover, you could do scuba, snorkel or simply dip or chill on a huge infinity pool but who cares for it when you are on the middle of a very clean, crystal blue water where swimming with the fish is a better option than settling on a man-made pool.

The cottage is okay with all its basic amenities with a little extra on a roomy washroom, a coffee maker, dryer and plenty of intercom but too bad the toiletries are on an attached dispenser and not on those branded bottles which I love to keep as souvenir or perhaps they were able to read the looters’ mind. They have a good channel options on cable television. A soft mattress for a comfortable sleep. Aside from the regular towel they also give a fresh beach towel twice a day and no need to ask for they regularly deliver it early morning and late afternoon. You are also provided your own sun decked to work on your perfect tan. It couldn’t have been a perfect getaway but not with those insects that either crawl or fly inside your cottage, though it’s expected because it’s a tropical country and insects attract to light but at least they could have done something to solve it, so I can’t recommend it to people suffering from entomophobia for I’m sure they will be traumatized though they are tolerable and you could always call the staff to exterminate it.

Four days are over and now I’m packing my things towards another destination for the New Year and now I’m back to the airport I don’t like and discover another funny thing, they don’t allow you to get inside two hours from your flight departure because it’s too small that the number of people inside are controlled. That  means I have the option to endure the summer heat outside or go to Male Island to explore but I never risk it to chance for I’m on a very tight schedule and the frequency of the boats are unreliable. Good thing I found the US$5 baggage storage fee expensive for I was force to look for alternative and discover the air-conditioned Ice Cream Parlor who have an ice cream of the same price but with a wi-fi and a comfortable lounge chair. While eating my ice cream and did the recap of the past days I realized that I should have bought wine at the duty-free for they are far cheaper as compared to the resort but that if I know that they don’t collect corkage fee but it’s okay because I made the right choice by not converting my US Dollar to Maldivian Rupee for the currency used in the resort is USD plus I was able to bought souvenir items at the resort whose price are cheaper as compared at the airport.

My Christmas vacation ended and my doubts are cleared. I made the right choice and had a great laid back Christmas in Maldives. A paradise for those who seek privacy. A refuge for those weary soul who wants to be rejuvenated. A place to slow down from the fast pace lifestyle. A haven for people who loves the sun, the beach and nature. As the plane takeoff, I took the last glimpse and wish that I could go back again for a different reason.

Summer and my Wednesday night free pass at Wild Wadi is also over and swimming after work in a wintry weather is a challenge, though the silly side of me still tried. I concede that I have to take a break and settle for being a couch potato and do either read a book or tinker the remote. But fate is always kind to me after my friend canceled our plan meeting on Eid holiday another one offered to go to Iceland Water Park and who am I to say…NO? (wink). So the adventure begun.

After traversing the Emirates Road and lost to another water park , we finally found the place, and what’ s the fuss that make them different from the rest of mushrooming water park in the desert land?  They just hold the record of the world’s largest man-made waterfall, the world’s largest assortment of 27 water slides and plus of course the ice concept everybody in the desert fancy about it. Very cool indeed and with anticipation of a child I definitely want to try everything though to my disappointment some slides are close. I presume they didn’t pass the safety standard though the morbid side of me says someone fall out of the slide. But after seeing a standby ambulance I felt secured and started my journey to Iceland.

First Stop, the Tundra Baths.

It’s near our gazebo, so it’s the logical choice and besides a picture of good life always includes a jacuzzi which a working cow on a break needs sort of little treat. But wait! Why is it cold? Very cold…I change the settings but still…ask for assistance but still… Yes, I’m in Iceland but I don’t need freezing cold water even arctic people want a warm refreshing jacuzzi.( I tried it again later before leaving the park but still the same, they stand firm with their name.)

Second, Mount Iceberg.

I like the Aqua Shute, the one in the left, where you slide too fast and in a matter of seconds it’s over, but wait… I can’t recall the sensation maybe it is that fast and tried only once. It looks scary with the machine and the helmet but once you tried you can’t remember that you slide and if you shout… it’s useless you can’t prolong  because you already reached the bottom before you figure it out. Hence, don’t be fool with its look and you should try this out to get your money’s worth.

On the right side is the Iceberg Rally where you can race with your friends and this I enjoyed and tried four times a definitely must try also.

Third, Mount Attack.

Not a crowd pleaser on top but plenty at the end of the slide. I wonder why? (wink)This is good for those who don’t like the long queue and you should try because you’ll get a nice view at the top before taking the plunge where at your right is the whole park, in front is the Arabian sea and at the back is the Hajar mountain while on your left is the construction site(hehehe). So I tried all, except for the middle one because it’s close and did it for three times. But I notice the lifeguard is lax in reminding what to do, good thing I’m a veteran of this kind of slide and know exactly what to do. By the way, It’s a good stress reliever because you could shout at the top of your lungs involuntarily.Word of advice, it’s better to reserve this for last slide because you won’t find the thrill of other slides once you tried it first (like my case) or you’ll fear trying the other slides, both ways you’ll be missing the fun and excitement.

Fourth, Arctic Wave.

For those who rarely see waves in their life this is cute you’ll enjoy the current but on my case who saw a surf higher than a one floor building in Siargao Island, this is a child thing.

Fifth,Penguin Bay.

We had fun playing with the water like kids.But Hey! it’s slippery and cunningly dangerous with paints that wear out and I think they should do something about it.

Sixth, Snow River.

A very lazy river to relax and to pass the time but the downside, there are stations where they don’t have water tube available so you’ll have to try your luck waiting for abandoned water tubes.

Seventh, Mount Tempest.

Eight, Mount Cyclone.

These are the slides, including those of Mount Fury that I didn’t enjoy which I might enjoy if I didn’t tried Mount Attack first.

The ninth is the Great Tornado. I tried twice where I’m flushed like a poo and I don’t like the end part where you fall at your middle back and maybe worst for those huge people they could be stocked and I don’t want to think what to do with them…heheheh… I guess same thing you do at your loo.

Tenth is my favorite the Mount Boomerango where you slide like a boomerang and escape to the river . I did it four times, I guess no explanation needed.

Eleventh, Food Village.

A big disappointment for a foodie like me and nothing catch my attention. Just by looking,  they taste like cafeteria standard with a fancy price and I guess all cafeteria keep the same recipe.  I settled for a burger to fuel my lost energy and think it’s the one from Johnny Rockets for they almost have the same price, after all I was able to sneak inside M&Ms, snickers and green Pringle, I guess that would be enough to survive me the whole day.

Final Stop, Pengu Pool.

I savor it for last, thinking I could still swim the whole stretch of the Olympic size swimming pool. Then, I realized it’s only in the mind, I have a good start but swim side-wise after truth sinks in that I cannot anymore reached the other side. Besides I’m crazy to entertain such thought for the last time I did was three years ago in my work assignment at Zamboanga City, if I could do five laps on average then,  it’s because I swim regularly.

The park is still big and haven’t tried the other attractions like the Soccer Field with artificial rain shower and who would dare when it’s already occupied, Eddy Pond with the spiral underwater current, the Penguin falls because I’ve already been to the real falls and they’re far better and of course the Kid’s Cove . While others are still undergoing construction like the Snow Castle which houses the gourmet restaurant and the Coral Isle for snorkeling experience of fake corals though if open still I will not be interested for I’ve tried snorkeling  and nothing beats the real one .

At the end of the day, it’s exhausting but worth it and nevermind  the pain cause by pushing my body to its limit, all in the name of fun, seeking the thrill and adrenalin rush. Upon going out, a staff asked me if I enjoyed and I say, “YES” and If I’m satisfied I could ring the bell, I didn’t ring the bell because I’m hungry. If I’m asked if I gonna go back again, my answer would be, ” I’m bias with water.”(wink)

It’s always been a wasted holiday for I can’t plan any travel itinerary because the exact date will always be uncertain and I guess most of Muslim holidays are that way and even Muslim countries declared different number of days. Anyhow, I’ll be enjoying maybe one or almost a week of no work and fortunate enough to be working under the financial sector for most of the time more number of no work days are given as compared with other industries.

So, what’s this Eid al-Adha? I checked at Wikipedia and got this answer:

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى‎ ‘Īdu l-’Aḍḥā) or “Eid-u’z-Zuha” “Festival of Sacrifice” or “Greater Eid” is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma’il) as an act of obedience to God, but instead was able to sacrifice a ram (by God’s command).^[1] In traditional or agrarian settings, each family would sacrifice a domestic animal, such as a cow, sheep, goat, or camel, by slaughter. The meat would then be divided into three equal parts to be distributed to others. The family retains one-third of the share, another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors, and the other third is given to the poor & needy.

Eid al-Adha is the latter of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from Sura 2 (Al-Baqara) ayah 196 in the Qur’an.^[2] Like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a Wajib prayer of two Raka’ah followed by a sermon (khuṭbah).

The word “Eid” appears in Sura al-Mai’da (“The Table Spread,” Chapter 5) of the Qur’an, meaning ‘solemn festival’ ^[3].

Eid al-Adha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 12th and the last Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah (ذو الحجة) of the lunar Islamic calendar^[4]. Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months & 10 days) after the end of the month of Ramadan, i.e. Eid-ul-Fitr. Ritual observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.^[5]

Now, I know why this is an important holiday for them plus the fact that they are talking of the same Abraham I knew as the Father of Nations.

But what will I do for the long holiday? I guess waiting for some mercy of my friends who have brilliant ideas.

For the mean time, I decided to plan, to do the stuff I always wanted but don’t have the time and to draw my travel schedule.

Until now, I still don’t know when my holiday will start-the downside of working on multi-countries whose holidays vary.

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I just realized later that I should be grateful for that day and indebted for life because until now I could memorize part of the lines and every time I feel weary or frustrated with my work I reflect on it and feel better afterwards.

Thus I would never forget the names, Mrs. Francisco, sophomore high school teacher of Mindanao University of Science and Technology and Khalil Gibran whom his work is introduced by my english teacher in toto:

You work that you may keep pace with the earth and the soul of the earth.

For to be idle is to become a stranger unto the seasons, and to step out of life’s procession that marches in majesty and proud submission towards the infinite.

When you work you are a flute through whose heart the whispering of the hours turns to music.

Which of you would be reed, dumb and silent, when all else sings together in unison?

Always you have been told that work is a curse and labour a misfortune.

But I say to you that when you work you fulfill a part of earth’s furthest dream, assigned to you when that dream was born,

And in keeping yourself with labour you are in truth loving life,

And to love life through labour is to be intimate with life’s inmost secret.

But if you in your pain, call birth and affliction and the support of the flesh a curse written upon your brow, then I answered that naught but the sweat of your brow shall wash away that which is written.

You have been told also that life is darkness, and in your weariness you echo what was said by the weary.

And I say that life is indeed darkness save when there is urge,

And all urge is blind save when there is knowledge.

And all knowledge is vain save when there is work,

And all work is empty save when there is love;

And when you work with love, you bind yourself to yourself, and to one another, and to God.

And what is it to work with love?

It is to weave the cloth with threads drawn from your heart, even as if your beloved were to wear that cloth.

It is to build a house with affection, even as if your beloved were to dwell in that house.

It is to sow seeds with tenderness and reap the harvest with joy, even as if your beloved were to eat the fruit.

It is to charge all things you fashion with a breath of your own spirit,

And to know all the blessed dead are standing about you and watching.

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Now I blamed myself on this smoke-filled noisy bar where my runny nose got worst and my head aches terribly, I dunno if it’s the blinking light or Lady Gaga’s music and why I came here on the first place.

When the pack went for the dance, I felt my protective circle is lost, now my tummy cringed for the dwarf in me who only stood 5’7″ is a bit scared because I felt the vultures are looming around and I’m the helpless prey. I’ve been to rowdiest bar in some countries even witness a rumble but I didn’t feel chicken nor scared but here is a different story. It has to do with those nasty giants who are really scary and I’m the David who don’t have the Divine intervention to topple them down or maybe I just have a bad experience.

So, I safely tucked my self in the nook wearing the grumpy face to shoo away possible threat because I don’t want to be disturb, I don’t feel well and I want to be alone with my Heineken.

I wonder if my effort is really effective or I look pathetic. Whatever it is? I failed. Someone dared to enter my territory, good thing she’s a harmless predator maybe cunning but manageable and I know their kind.

A fellow kabayan, a loud mutant breed of Filipina who lost the timid nature, so to speak.

“Hey! You’re new here it’s pretty obvious in your face.”She said.

Ouch! Now confirmed my effort is in vain, to avoid further questions, I just said, “Yes”.

“Are you Single?”

Again I dreaded that question, ask a number of times but seems nobody care if I answer the truth and often accused of lying.

As expected, she didn’t believe.

“Everybody is single and who cares and I don’t care.” She said with face fully animated.

My nose almost catch a bubble with her response. I laugh hard and realize that I have colds and now it feels worser and difficult to subdue when you’re having a severe case of runny nose.

Then I know, she just want to justify her act to minimize her guilt by assuming that I’m married pretending to be single and that will solve the problem. I just bear with her conjectures, besides I’m not in the mood for conversation. She talks and done all the talking and my contribution is the occasional nod, more of compulsion every time she wants me to affirm on what she’s saying and I don’t want to be rude. I got confused if she is dumb for not able to comprehend that I’m not interested or she just want to vent to a complete stranger her story out of boredom, loneliness or whatever they call it and hoping to get something whatever it is. I saw my friends coming and she asked my number and lied that I still don’t have Dubai number and she gave me her number and said nice talking to you.

On my way home, I was thinking did she really enjoyed that monologue talk with me or she just needed someone to talk?I’m sure she’s married and most relationship that blossom here are somewhat complicated, that I find myself absurd to comprehend. Most started only in a simple talk, a joke or even a cynic remark that lead to something. I can’t even think cuddling while talking on the phone with their spouse and children back home. But it’s common, the no-string-just-for-fun trend. A momentary solution for longing and I was on a brink if I play along or still would be if I bothered to call. But naaaaaah… I’m done with it, better to stay simple rather than try the ways to complicate.

With a close hand

a man was born

to possess, to acquire,

to have and to treasure-

of things to own

and of knowledge to learn.

With a big hand

a man has grown

to be greed, to be envious,

to be hungry and to be voracious-

of things to enrich

and of knowledge to empower.

With an open hand

a man will die

to depart, to leave,

to cease and to abandon-

of things obtained

and of knowledge acquired.

Image via Wikipedia

I laughed my heart out after seeing this video and not on the reasons like most people have but more I can relate because of my first hand experience.

I came in Dubai thinking that my exceptional grades in English proves that I could converse enough. I was wrong.

Few days after I arrived, I got a call and wondering what’s this person on the other line talking, it sounds gibberish and it took time for me to register that he’s actually talking in English. He sounded like singing or partially paralyzed that he couldn’t move his tongue and worst his eating the words or his tongue is stock or rolling. All I could understand – his mentioning sort of a name, a place and a time.  So, I asked him to slow down and spell it to me because all I need are the details – I presumed it’s a job interview since I’m looking for one. While he spells it, I’m taking notes then he mentioned the word (double “m”) which I understand for purposes of understanding though frowned by my English teacher then he mentioned “Zed”. I said: “Pardon?” Which he didn’t get what I mean and I rephrase my question: ” Could you please repeat the last letter?”, he said: “Zed!”. Hence, I heard it right but I don’t know what letter it is and thinking maybe another one because Filipino Alphabet looks like the English Alphabet but it has more letters. For purposes of clarification,I asked:”Is that an English alphabet?”. This time he sounded irritated and replied: “Yes! A to Zed… You speaking English?”.  I smiled silently and now I get it then, for double checking I said: “  Yes, I speak English but you mean, Zed for Zebra and Zed for Zoo?”. He answered and sounded like I’m too dumb not to comprehend: “Yes baba same same kalas!…#%*/^( and the rest I couldn’t understand)!”.

After ending the call, I learned a new letter in the English Alphabet that most of the English-speaking country don’t know yet. That’s a fete I am proud of, I was able to communicate and that’s the essence of communication: to convey, transmit and impart the idea or message which the Call Center Supervisor and the caller failed to do.

I blamed more the call center supervisor because he’s the one more educated and speak of the English language well, he should have thought out of the box and not resigned to the fact that there are only 26 letters and read as it is. Because in reality they are not,  some country have more and some have less and some read it in a different way. Like the Japanese find it difficult to pronounce my name because of the “L” which is non-existent in their alphabet and  “R” is the near replacement, thus, I’m “Arner” to them or simply” the friend of (a person whose name is simpler for them to pronounce)” ; while the Arabs used the “P” and “B” interchangeably so don’t be surprised if they call you ” Beter” if your name is “Peter”  because they are the same but I’m wondering why they called me “Arneld or Arnold” what’s that extra letter in my very simple name.tsk.tsk.tsk. As I say,  some have more and a good example is our Filipino alphabet because there is no equivalent letter of it in English as shown  below :

I endure the halting English of the Chinese that sounds being chopped who thought that everyone who works in my previous employer knows how to speak Chinese , well they’re not to blame for the name itself suggest it. Now I’m getting accustomed to varied English who have distinct flair from where they came from and I felt relieve that I won’t be bothered with grammar and pronunciation because from where I came from they could easily point out your mistake specially in writing memos and letters I have to read it a hundred times otherwise I could see the recipients of that mail scribbling the errors besides I learned english people speak with bad grammar and they don’t give a damn.It may not be the correct English but the most important thing is you were able to convey your message and that matters most.

Whether in the video is a prank call or not – I doubted. Because he sounded like an Indian and the singing sound is just how the way most of them talk that sometimes I also got infected when talking to them as the Chinese did before. Probably on that part of his country they read “K” as “ek” as the same token as “Z” read as “Zed”. We only need to have an open mind,  the important thing is we were able to communicate. Who knows maybe later it could be accepted or added in the English alphabet besides they are the race who discovered the number zero when no one thought it existed and that change the course of history.

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