...home away from home

I haven't updated my blog lately because of some stuffs that I have to attend to. You see, people change everyday (naks, my pa change change pa na nalalaman). Anyways, I am officially writing this post from a place thousand miles away from my home country.

Everyone, let me introduce you to my temporary home!

WELCOME TO TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA

According to Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia, Tabuk also spelled as Tabouk is the capital city of the Tabuk Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

I don't have any idea that this place ever existed until I got here last September 11, 2011. And for 2 years, this place would be a witness of all new experiences, new learnings, and new friendships that would be a huge part of my story.

I was welcomed in this strange land by people whom I will consider as my family away from home. Cheng and Czhel have been my instant housemate, teacher, tour guide, and sisters that I never had. They never hesitate to share their things and especially their food on my first day. They taught me patiently about the nature of our work and when I ask something, they instantly answers my unending set of questions with a smile on their faces. And most especially for being understanding and patient with me especially with my cooking skills (hahaha). 

Every Wednesday, which is our only gala time, they serve as my tour guide and shopping companion. During this time, we get a chance to really bond and know each other well. They take me to places where would be my gala destination for the coming years. We have started to share our stories, laughs, and differences for almost two weeks of being together. And I know that we still have a lot to share for the coming weeks. And I really hope to share a wonderful friendship with them all these years wherever may destiny takes us.

Enough with the drama (and I know both of you are laughing, but know that it all come from my heart and I truly mean everything I wrote). Let's now discuss about the place (hehehe). I admit I still haven't explore the whole place and I know I still have a lot of places to discover here. But let me share with you what I know about Tabuk for two weeks of being here.

The place may not be exactly like that of most cities, but malls and amusement park also exists in this city. Just like our version of boutiques, I was introduced to a store called khamsa where they sell all items from clothes to perfume for only 5 riyals (55 pesos sa pinas if 1 riyal is equal to 11 pesos). Also, a store called world saving offers you items from clothes to shoes to kitchenware's that only costs 10 - 15 riyals. On my first Wednesday here, we went to Al - Mhadi, a grocery store just like our SM hypermarket where you can find anything you want from food to toiletries. We also went Centerpoint, one of Tabuk's mall where you can shop all kinds of stuffs. And that's it for now, still have to visit some soon!

Women here wear Abaya - a black robe-like dress with matching tarha, a head cover used by Arabian women to cover their faces in public. Since we are here in a country where they strictly impose those traditions, we too have to wear that in public. And seriously, I don't like the idea of covering my whole body with just the eyes left uncovered at first. But do we have a choice? No! I remembered my cousin RJ asked me if I am a black ninja because of what I'm wearing (hehehe). And since we are staying in their country, we have to respect and abide with their rules. And here we are all geared up with our abaya and tarha.

On my first week here, I was then introduced to a saudian food called Mushakel. It is a rolled bread with fries, boiled egg, and eggplant as a filling. I was also introduced to the so called broast, a 4 pieces of fried chicken and a bunch of fries at the side. And I can say, I like the later much better (hehehe). Yummy!

These are just the things I know about my home for now. Give me some more time and you will be surprised with the all the things I'm about to share with you in the future. Things that I still have to discover. I know that there are a lot out there.

Now, for all of you who just like me are away from HOME. I know that it is difficult for us to adjust but we just have to open our minds and hearts to the place that we call our second home. Try to take in and love the things that we have here. Never compare it with other places. Enjoy every moment and try to remember every place you visit. Put it all in your memories and you will soon say this is: 

MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME

xoxo from Tabuk, Saudi Arabia