...the many goodbye's and a time for an adventure!

The long wait was finally over. I was informed that my scheduled flight was September 10, 2011 at 10:45 am. I was told to report at the agency the day before that to have my pregnancy test and for me to sign the employment contract. There I was acquainted with Angel, Sharon, and She who were also leaving two days after me. 

After we signed the said contract I met with Leomel and Apple at Edsa Central in Ortigas. We ate at Mang Inasal and chatted for a little while. After eating, I told them that I have to be home since one of my aunt was still waiting for me. 

When I got home, my aunt was still there, waiting! (hahaha). We talked for a little while and after a moment she said she had to be home early since no one would look after her sari-sari store. She kissed and told me that I had to take care of myself since I'll be away from home for quite a long time. 

And right there and then, I realized, I just said my very first goodbye. And I knew that a lot of it will be said after that very moment.

When it was time to pack my things, I suddenly felt a little bit sad for at a few hours I'll be riding on a plane that would take me to my temporary home.

I woke up the next morning at exactly 3:00 am. When I was dressed up, I kissed Miles and Tutoy while they were sleeping for the last time (and I'll surely miss them). I also said my goodbye to Manay Juanit, my aunt. Tita Jiji and I arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at exactly 4:45 am. We waited for Ma'am Riza, who had my passport and some important documents to be presented at the immigration. 

At exactly 5:00 am, we entered the OFW lounge where we had our POEA validation. After it, we then waited for the check-in counter for Qatar Airlines to officially open. My companion, Kuya Ronnie then asked me if it's ok that we wait inside. I said yes, and right then I kissed Tita Ji and said thank you for taking me to the airport today. She said goodbye and I said my goodbye as well. 

We entered the airport and immediately searched for our seat. While waiting I can't help but be amazed that for the first time I was literally inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport. I had a few questions about the flight and thank God Kuya Ronnie willingly answers every questions that I had in my mind. While sitting on an airport bench, I thought of documenting my ever first international flight.

When the checked-in counter for Qatar Airlines opened, I and Kuya Ronnie got up of our seats and went to counter 26. I then filled-up the embarkation card needed at the immigration and I had my visa checked by the assigned visa reader and next to me was Kuya Ronnie. I was then surprised when the visa reader did not let him passed because she said that Kuya Ronnie's documents are not consistent. I went to counter 26 and had my baggage checked in. The lady then handed me 2 boarding passes, one for Manila - Doha and Doha - Riyadh. I looked for Kuya Ronnie and I saw him standing at one corner of the airport. I approached and asked him what was the problem. He said there was an inconsistency with his papers. He told me to get going and assured me that I will be fine and that he will just follow after. I then entered the immigration department and waited for my turn to face the so-called immigration officer (hahaha). When it was my turn, I handed her my passport and my OEC from POEA. I then heard her stamped my passport. I felt relieved and I then went inside. 

I looked at my watch and it was only 8:30 am. I searched for Gate 15 - the assigned gate where we will wait for our scheduled flight and for the plane that will take us to Doha, Qatar. I went downstairs and I saw few people already seated and patiently waiting. I then took a seat and prayed that Kuya Ronnie would appear behind me. 

Without nothing to do, I got my phone and and it was time to call and say goodbye to a bunch of people who are very close to my heart. I first dialed my Nanay's cellphone number. I patiently waited for her to answer the phone and when I heard her voice, I immediately hold back the tears that was about to fall my eyes. We had a short conversation since my niece, Kara also wanted to talk to me. I said my goodbye to my 5 year old niece and she did say it back in a way that I was only going to Iloilo and that I'll be back whenever I want. Oh well how in the world a 5 year old could understand that? I asked my nanay if my brother Vincent was around. She said yes and I told her I also wanted to talk to him. When he got the phone from Nanay he told me that I would take care of myself and that may God blessed me always. I was really touched by his words. I could not imagine those words coming from him. I then felt the tears fell down my cheeks. My father talked to me next and I did not control myself to cry. Only now I realized how funny it was that I was crying with all those people around me. Oh well I think a lot of them did the same thing when it was their first time to go abroad. After almost 2 hours of waiting, I then saw the plane getting near gate 15. I called Tita Ji again  and I told her we were about to board the plane. She was already home with Miles and Tutoy and for the last time, I talked to them along with Ate Tin-tin. Kuya Ronnie was firsrt to board the plane since his seat was almost at the end. I boarded next, and when I entered on the plane I was greeted by a beautiful stewardess and pointed me to my seat. After all the passengers was seated, we were asked to turn off our cellphone and all electronic devices. I then heard the pilot's instruction that we should already fasten our seat belt and be ready for take off. 

It's time to rest and relax. I was really enjoying the food and the entertainment that Qatar Airlines offered. I watched the movie Mulan and after I decided to take a sleep. It was then time for lunch and the stewardess offered us our meal. Take note, it tastes really good. After having lunch, I slept again and when I woke up the pilot said that we will be arriving at Doha after an hour. I was really am excited to see what Doha looks like. 

We landed at Doha, Qatar at exactly 2:35 pm. We rode in a bus that brought us to the other part of the airport where we will wait for our connecting flight to Riyadh. Upon entering the Doha International Airport, I passed through security inspection and was then told to go immediately at gate 7 for my flight to Riyadh.

To my dismay, I haven't seen Kuya Ronnie and I don't know what to do since this was my very first international flight. I don't know exactly what to do next. I searched where was gate 7 located and luckily I was able to find it. I showed my boarding pass to the assigned personnel and the same time looking behind me if Kuya Ronnie was there. And he was not. I then told myself I already have to do this alone and I know I can. I again rode on a bus that will bring us to our plane. I was seated almost at the end of the plane. I was informed that it will take almost an hour and a half to Riyadh. After take off, I was offered food and drinks. I almost loss my appetite since I am already full with all the food served at our first flight. I urged myself to take a sleep but I couldn't and I don't know why. After an hour, the pilot said that we were almost on the destination. We landed safely and was told to remain seated until the plane finally stops. We got off the plane and I was in awe when I saw how huge King Fahd International Airport was. 

I then waited in line for my turn to pass by the immigration department. When I looked behind me, I saw Kuya Ronnie approaching me and I felt relieved again. I asked him if I would transfer with him. He told me to stay where I am and just wait for my turn. When I faced the immigration officer, I handed him my passport and I heard him stamped it. He showed me something like a white paper and asked me in Arabic. Since I can't understand him but I knew what he meant. I answered I haven't filled that up and I admit I didn't knew what it was. He gave me my passport back and I then went to the next security inspection. He asked me my boarding pass and I then gave it to him. I then went to wait for my baggage and for Kuya Ronnie. After a few minutes, I already retrieved my baggage but I haven't seen Kuya Ronnie yet. I decided to wait for him. I waited for 20 minutes and still no Kuya Ronnie. I then went to the next security inspection or the custom department. I loaded my baggage and my backpack and an X-ray machine checked it. I take my things back and I went outside. Exiting the airport, a smile lit my face when I saw a man holding a sign that says: 


VIBELYN MAY LUZANTA
Faisal and Parteners for Medical Services


I approached him and he showed me the way. I was introduced to Kuya Nelson, a kabayan working at Faisal too. I was very happy to meet him since he was the first Pinoy apart from Kuya Ronnie that I was acquainted with in this very strange land. And he asked me a question that really bothered me while waiting for the car.


Kuya Nelson: Nag fingerprinting ka ba sa loob?
Me: Huh? Ano po yun?
Kuya Nelson: Yung form na puti. Para sa mga new entry dito.


(I then remembered the form the immigration officer showed me)


Me: Hala! Wala po ako nun. Para po saan yun?
Kuya Nelson: Para yun sa ikama mo. Pero di bale nakalabas ka na eh.
Me: Eh paano na yun kuya?
Kuya Nelson: Office na bahala nun. First time mo kasi eh.
Me: Cge po.Hindi ko po kasi alam.


There's always a first time for everything. First mistake in Saudi Arabia. hahaha. 


Sitting in the car, I couldn't help but take pictures of my very first TEMPORARY HOME.

I thought my adventure was over. But I was wrong. Kuya Nelson told me that I still have to take another plane ride going to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. I was really bothered because I had to do it all alone again. huhuhuhu. He then told me that I'll be staying at a Hotel and the next morning they will pick me up and take me to the airport. I was brought to the main office first and introduced to our boss. He instructed Kuya Nelson to take me to his house and spend the night there since it's not safe for me to stay at a hotel alone. They take me to his house and I met Ate Joy, a kabayan who works as a maid. Seeing her, I felt really overwhelmed because I was able to experience the joy seeing your kababayan away from home. I can't help but remember what they used to say in movies that, "Sino pa ba magtutulungan sa malayong lugar kundi tayong mga Pilipino din". I was treated like a guest.   My stay there was forever be in my memory for once in my life I met Ate Joy, she didn't know me but did not hesitate to welcome me and treat me with such joy and happiness.


I was picked up by Kuya Nelson at 6:30 am. We arrived at King Fahd terminal 3 and he instructed me that someone will pick me up in Tabuk. He handed me the plane ticket and my passport. I then went inside and waited for my flight. I was all alone. I had no one to talked to. I was just sitting on one corner of the airport staring at the blue sky. When I decided to explore the place I heard someone called me "KABAYAN". I looked at him for a while and I smiled. We chatted for a while and he offered me something to eat and drink. Since I had my breakfast I politely refused the offer. He said it was already his off and he gave something. When I opened the bag, I saw 2 pieces of cookies and a bottle of water. He said goodbye and reminded me to take care of myself. I said goodbye too and I don't even had the chance to ask him his name. Wherever and whoever he is - Thank you!


On my flight to Tabuk, I had also the chance to meet Nurpa and Norma - both kabayan from Mindanao who works us a maid. We talked a lot during the 1 1/2 hour plane ride. We exchanged numbers and promised to contact each other. We landed safely at Tabuk Domestic Airport at 12:30 pm. Norma and I got off the plane first. We then went to retrieve our baggage. After I got my things, I then said my goodbye to Norma and thank her for being with me. I was picked up by Mr. Akmad and his wife. 

It took us 30 minutes to reach the place which will serve as my home for 2 years. I was introduced to Cheng and Czhel both Filipino nurses who works at the clinic. 


I unpacked my things and arranged it neatly on my room. 


Mr. Akmad then asked me to go on duty immediately. I obeyed and dressed up. 

I also had a chance to see Tabuk at night when we went out to go to the grocery store.

Everytime I stare the four corners of my room I can't help but think about my family and friends back home. I missed them so much that I wanted to cry. But I can't. I have to put on a brave face everyday and always think that I do this for myself and for my family. 


When homesickness strikes in, I'll just remember to:


be strong


have faith


enjoy every moment and consider Tabuk as my second home


and most importantly, time flies really fast


Two years is not a long time!






xoxo from Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia