It's funny how some of our Arabic clients know how to speak tagalog. This morning, I almost burst into laughter when one man came in front of me while I was sitting in the front desk and asked several Tagalog words...
Aynakuw? Ayos? Talagang talaga? Marunong Tagalog? Marami? Marunong Arabic? Magandang babae? Bahraini gwapo? May pera? Walang pera? Kumusta? Oki lang?
He was talking to me like a daddy to a baby in the crib, with his facial expressions encouraging me to laugh and speak up. I felt stupid at that moment but believe me, it was hilarious.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
All Saints' Day
Saying a little prayer for my departed loved ones. Even if I wasn't able to offer them flowers, my prayers will surely reach them in heaven.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Yes, this is worth it.
Just before the plane landed, I felt a sudden rush of sadness. Seeing everything in pale colors of white, beige, and brown made me realize that this is not home...
So, this is Bahrain.
I welcomed the warm breeze on my skin as I rode the shuttle that would take us to the airport. The air smelled like that of a summer breeze with the hint of spices. No, I think it smelled of the sea breeze...or maybe it was the smell of the dessert. But I was too excited to think. I was about to see my love. I missed him so much.
That's when I realized that almost everyone in the shuttle were Filipinos. I smiled to myself and felt glad. Somehow, I felt that I was not afterall away from home.
When I saw the long line of people in the immigration lane, I almost wanted to cry. I couldn't wait to see him. That's when an arabic guy wearing an American suit gestured for me to go in the front line. At first I was confused because as much as I wanted to be served the first, it would be unfair for the rest of the people who came earlier than I am. But a Filipina working in the airport said, "Dito ka na sa una." Feeling embarrassed, I just looked down and did what she told me. Later on, I found out that here in Bahrain, women should always be the first in line.
It took me several minutes to get my 37 kilo-luggage. I had a really hard time getting off my luggage in the luggage carousel, but thanks to Kuya who helped me. Filipinos are genuinely helpful, I thought to myself. I walked as fast as I could to be in the waiting area. Walking in the narrow pathway, with glasses on sides, my eyes roamed around the whole place scanning every faces inside the small airport. A rush of fear creeped in me without seeing his face in the crowd. But when I looked in the doorway in front, my heart leaped with joy. There he was, standing, and wearing his familiar joyous smile.
I would never forget that very moment when we embraced. Every fear, every hesitations of being in a foreign land somehow eased away.
I know I am home.
So, this is Bahrain.
I welcomed the warm breeze on my skin as I rode the shuttle that would take us to the airport. The air smelled like that of a summer breeze with the hint of spices. No, I think it smelled of the sea breeze...or maybe it was the smell of the dessert. But I was too excited to think. I was about to see my love. I missed him so much.
That's when I realized that almost everyone in the shuttle were Filipinos. I smiled to myself and felt glad. Somehow, I felt that I was not afterall away from home.
When I saw the long line of people in the immigration lane, I almost wanted to cry. I couldn't wait to see him. That's when an arabic guy wearing an American suit gestured for me to go in the front line. At first I was confused because as much as I wanted to be served the first, it would be unfair for the rest of the people who came earlier than I am. But a Filipina working in the airport said, "Dito ka na sa una." Feeling embarrassed, I just looked down and did what she told me. Later on, I found out that here in Bahrain, women should always be the first in line.
It took me several minutes to get my 37 kilo-luggage. I had a really hard time getting off my luggage in the luggage carousel, but thanks to Kuya who helped me. Filipinos are genuinely helpful, I thought to myself. I walked as fast as I could to be in the waiting area. Walking in the narrow pathway, with glasses on sides, my eyes roamed around the whole place scanning every faces inside the small airport. A rush of fear creeped in me without seeing his face in the crowd. But when I looked in the doorway in front, my heart leaped with joy. There he was, standing, and wearing his familiar joyous smile.
I would never forget that very moment when we embraced. Every fear, every hesitations of being in a foreign land somehow eased away.
I know I am home.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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