A not so manic Monday

First day of the week, and I bet some of you has lazily spent this day, still having that weekend vibe in your system, not for me though, its midweek here in this part of the globe.

A lazy Monday I had, and because I am not fatigued enough to just slump on bed, I pound this post before hitting the sheets. I had a full-packed weekend by the way, my cousins from Abu Dhabi and Ajman came home. United Arab Emirates is composed of seven Emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, and Fujairah.

Abu Dhabi is the capital and has the largest land area, but Dubai has the largest population. Only these two emirates has the veto power for the country’s legislature. Oftentimes, UAE is described as “Dubai,” figures that most fun is from this part of the country. That is why my cousins from Abu Dhabi and Ajman spent the weekend with us here, and we painted the town red.

Thursday night was spent in food and booze, we had so much fun reminiscing escapades we had in the Philippines. Its refreshing but nostalgic at the same time. In Friday morning, despite the hangover and groggy selves, we all got up to go to the beach and embrace the summer sun.

This time, its a different destination we headed to, Al Mamzar Beach Park. A 15-minute ride from our place which was very convenient, however, this place ain’t free. An entrance fee of 5 AED per person, and the place will offer you more than the fee’s worth. It has a park, an ampi-theater, bbq areas, and most of all the beach. This 106 hectare land area has just too much to offer but the beach is good enough.

It was undeniably hot because summer here has finally set in, it could reach a scorching 45-50 degree celsius in this time. Then again, it doesn’t matter because the waves are just too tempting.

When it got exhausting, we went back to our picnic area and laid down under the trees. What’s more relaxing than that? Really, this concept of park by the beach is genius. Two of the most relaxing activities I could think of, in adjacent locations.

In the evening, we went to a cousin-in-law’s party, the food was superb graced by a very fun karaoke afterwards. A party isn’t complete without an after-party, so to end our day, we went to Boracay Bar, Asiana Hotel, which was conveniently within walking distance. We totally enjoyed the purely Pinoy entertainment, and the ambience.

It isn’t very often that I get to spend my weekend like this in the company of my kin. Life here is fast paced and it is important that you go back to your roots once in a while, savor the value of family.

Friday free day

Unlike the Philippines, Thursday is the start of the weekend in the Gulf; so we often say here, T.G.I.T. Being an expat where working takes most of your time, weekends are to savor, weekends are too important and should not be wasted.

Lucky enough if the job you landed on gives you that liberty to have two days off, unfortunately for me though, I only have a day and a half, but I have no room to complain, my 8-5 job is too convenient compared to others in my field.

The week passed in a blur I did not even notice, and before I know it, again my weekend is done. This time I spent it quite refreshingly, and I don’t know how I managed, but I never set foot to anywhere outside the confines of our lovely flat. Straight from work yesterday, I went home then, for dinner, we devoured on Filipino cuisine served in a buffet at Lamesa Restaurant in Asiana Hotel, went back home and stayed there for the rest of the Friday.

Had to put on a buffet friendly outfit for that matter. 🙂

Expat life isn’t always glamour and glory, it has its drawbacks, at the end of the day, we are here to earn for a living; recreation and relaxation are added bonuses. Like any other adult who lives independently and has an 8-5, sometimes 12-hour job in a day, the time at home is mostly spent for rest or chores. I’d give a month’s wage for a night out with my friends back in GenSan at this very moment. Nostalgia is a bummer.

So, how did I spend my 2nd weekend of May? The first Friday was the beach, which can be read here, this time, I spent it at home. I was whole day and a half on my bed beside my laptop – talk about laziness. Then again, I had to give my body some slack, this week has been tough with all the new classes I attended at the gym.

A marathon of Game of Thrones and some magazine skimming took my entire day. We had visitors in the evening, and good food from my sister’s cooking were served – perfect day-ender indeed.

No matter how mundane the weekend, it is still important to anyone who’s life revolves mostly around work. On a day off, I see to it that the hours spent were worthy, besides, all work and no play makes jack a dull boy.