I have to make something productive from my “4 days off – 1 day
duty – 4 days off again” schedule. I am
thankful for having this off duties as a preparation for my sabbatical leave
but I can’t go shopping everyday or else I won’t be having any pocket
money. I have spent my off duties
thinking about things that have been happening recently.
First, UAE just celebrated its 43rd National
Day. I was in awe seeing how people in
UAE pay tribute to their country. I saw all
stores putting up UAE flag, t-shirts, caps and others in their display. Even the hospital I worked at, built a giant
LED screen which flaunted moving images of UAE flag and fireworks. I could see Ferrari sports cars painted with
UAE flag. Too bad, I wasn’t able to take
pictures. But I bought some souvenirs
for my “inaanak” and a pink camel for Mikka.
Secondly, I was in shocked to learn that an American teacher
was brutally stabbed to death in the bathroom of one of the malls here in Abu
Dhabi. When I first came to this place,
I was also hesitant to go out alone because of the experienced I had while
working in Saudi. But UAE is very different. I consider this place as one of the safest. I can walk in the street at night and wear
mini skirt, sleeve less clothes and short pants without worrying. But this news gave me goose bumps because the
suspect killed the American teacher without any clear reason. I just think that this random incident can
happen anywhere not just in UAE. Only
God knows our fate.
Lastly, I am going home soon! And I am so excited! Though it
is a short vacation, I am going to make everyday counts. I already put the activities on my printed
ESS schedule but unfortunately I lost it in NICU. However, my parcel didn’t arrive yet and it will
be delayed because of the storm but I am hoping we will arrive together. Most of my pasalubongs are there. Anyway, I already packed my things but I still
have a lot to stack.
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| The Christmas tree and decors are courtesy of my artistic flatmates :) |
To my family and friends, stay safe. The Christmas gift I am now praying to God is
to spare our country from another calamity.
See you soon Pinas…
