< Flash back: Living in the world’s RICHIEST CITY!!!
Leaving CEBU is one of the things that would really hurt me…
Yet leaving Cebu also means living out my dreams… ♫♫♫
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Photo from : http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/the_abu_dhabi_brand_rich.php |
It didn’t take long after giving my CV to my cousin in the UAE, that soon, I left GEOS and my family in the Philippines.
September 25th I left Cebu at 6:20PM for an almost 8 hour flight to Doha Qatar… On the plane and while in the airport, everything was first time. On my head I just wanted arrive directly in the UAE and not to go through the process where people have to send me off, for I believe it will just make some dramatic moments, not that I don’t like but… I just felt it that way…
On the plane I did some funny stuff like pretending not to be a first timer, something like , , , I was looking for some connections of the headphone so I could watch a movie… and yes! I was successful~ I watched 2 movies: What Happened in Vegas and a Filipino movie which reminds me of LAI , Toni Gonzaga’s “My Big Love!” kk =)
It was past 12MN when I reached Doha and have to wait for an hour for the connecting flight to Abu Dhabi~ good to have 2 Pinays with me!
When I landed and saw Abu Dhabi at night in a taxi from the airport, the first poster I saw was from McDonalds… Haha it reminds me of the mcfloat days and nights I had with my angels!kk It left me smiling :). All I see were buildings around me, only to know that I live in the heart of Abu Dhabi- in a street called Najda.
On my first day, the first place I visited was St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. I rode a car with Ate Ann and friends namely Weng and Jing ← she owns the car. Huh~! It was hot and all I see is the tree named “dates”… It’s soil is like an orange, yellow, brown (mixed) – which I think it’s the desert soil. Being inside that Filipino Bible study group makes me feel that God is with me. A good introduction of my stay!
Later at night I went for a walk with both of my flat mates, Ate Ann and Tyang Desa. What a place! Both positively and negatively!… All I see are tall and big buildings… but! OMG! The air is humid… really humid, I mean times 3 in Pinas!!!! Though the air blows on my way, my hair and my clothes but still, I couldn’t feel a cool breeze.
Much for that, let’s move on to my working place. It’s called ETSDC- Emirates Technical and Safety Development Centre- under the Mutawa Group of Companies. I am a telemarketer here. I met Mr. Ramiz, the Operations Manager, and the one who interviewed me over the phone. He introduced some people which are mostly Arabs and also my partner in the Marketing Dept. Mr. Mahmoud..hahah I had a hard time memorizing his name and I guess OM noticed it so he gave me a lil paper with his name… obvious!~.. ^^;
I was toured around and there was a little bit of orientation.
The next day I attended a course called Basic Fire Fighting, one lecture and one practical, I was more interested on the practical although I have to admit it was scary. Later on, it made me ponder… Fire is such a devastating accident, which people needs to be aware on it. I had this training way back in college but the one that I have attended is more effective… Later in the afternoon I also attended First Aid Course. It was cool, and it makes me think that it’s presentation and content is easy, for me to be able to handle it if ever I get the chance to be an instructor, but then again~ I wanna experience a new job here…
Then, I was assigned to be in front desk trained by Tin2 to take calls… haha I had hard time getting Arabic names and so whenever I transfer calls to Kuya Munir, he’d ask me to repeat and laugh on the way I pronounce their name… The first few days in the front desk left me unesy, I guess because of the calls and with the people I am talking to, because of the new sound of English. And to be honest, Indian English sound is really challenging for me.
Ramadan is finished and as soon as I get familiar to ETSDC and its people I have to leave for Kish Island for my exit… Will keep you posted.
Share you thoughts :)
26 Comments
Sid
Most of the peope don’t know the meaning of leaving your loved ones home in order to find a job!
The ItAlian SmoOthie Blog
This is the real life of expat people. I lived 1 year in london and 6 in Milan. Not far like you but not with my family and friends anyway. Is not nice. Sometimes this like is sick but in the other way you learn a job and discover another place and style of life. Hope everything gonna be better in your job. Be strong! Kiss from Italy
One and Half backpacks
Why did you choose to work in UAE? Was there any particular reason? :) Ye, but as Sid said, just few people know how hard it is to leave, you do the good thing for you and your future but sometimes it is paintfull :/ we did that with my boyfriend, we did not see our family for almost three years unti we came back :) so good luck, hope you have the best time of your life :)
Shasha
I’ve always wanted to visit the UAE. That eight hour flight sounds intense! Was it difficult to occupy your time? I can only imagine how difficult it must be to leave your friends and family. However, I’m sure you’ll have some incredible experiences and it sounds exciting!
Megan B
That was a difficult decision you made but I’m so happy to hear that you followed your dreams! Often it’s the hardest decisions that have the biggest reward and I hope that you find fun and happiness on your journey and that you surround yourself with those that make you feel at home. All the best to you!
lanaluu
Congrats dear, enjoy your time in the UAE and your new work. Of course it is a little sad to be far away from home, but at the same you can find a new perspectives and opportunities
Candy
Starting a whole new chapter of your life can be both exciting and challenging. I know how you feel about answering phones! When I first moved from Japan to the United States, I worked at a front desk answering calls and was so nervous at first :)
JM Kayne
Thanks Candy! xoxo
Jennifer M
It sounds like even thougb you made a hard decision you are confident about it. And that is the most important thing. Good luck
JM Kayne
Thank you Jen!
Candace
I am actually leaving my family to move to a larger city in a few short weeks, so I definitely understand where you’re coming from. However, there’s more money and opportunity, so a visit or vacation to visit them is always around the corner, haha! I wish you the best :)
JM Kayne
Hahaha, thanks Candance! this post is actually a throwback – that’s 8 years ago. God bless!
Sheree
I came to the states when I was 11 and don’t quite share the same amount of emotions as you did but you are so brave and courageous to leave your friends and family and follow your dreams. Wishing you all the best girl.
xo Sheree
Posh Classy Mom
JM Kayne
Probably bcoz I have made solid friendship over the 22 years and so it was that emotional. But I’m alright now… it was a good year to look back. :)
marieanne
Leaving your friends and dear ones behind in never easy. I’ve moved many times, all over Europe. Moving away is such a great way to discover yourself and also to appreciate your loved ones more. Good luck in your new adventure!
JM Kayne
Thanks Marieanne, it’s actually a throwback post… :) and yes I’ve learned a lot about myself indeed.
Chrissy
Ever since I was young, I’ve been on the road, plane, and train for as long as I could remember. I do agree that it’s hard to leave your loved ones behind, but I’m always looking forward to creating new memories, meeting new people, and exploring as much as I can. :)
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kumamonjeng
Glad you have show your first timer experience in UAE. You have included so many details from the airport to your destination. I have enjoyed a good read, about UAE and your life :)
DrAmrita BasuMisra (@misra_amrita)
Its always tough to live and work in a foreign country away from loved ones.Plus new language on top.Challenging I ma sure.
tachira wiltshire
This looks like quite an adventure . It is scary to leave the familiar behind but I think the new experiences will be so worth it .
Evelyn Lo Foreman
Congrats on this maiden experience, even if it’s years later!! Thanks for taking us with you on this pioneering journey. Your willingness to leave everything you know in exploration of life says tons about you. May you always find the awe and wonder in it all ❤️ Xo, Evelyn, PathofPresence
Devendra
I still remember my first flight. I was moving to other city for work. It was just 2 hours flight. Luckily I got a window seat and I was just staring out of the window watching clouds around me. It was wonderful.
Susan Peck/Call To Excellence
How neat to read about your experience of your first trip abroad, and your thoughts at the time, now that you are a seasoned traveler. I really admire the courage it takes to leave your home and travel to another country to work – you are very brave, but what an incredible opportunity to stretch and grow at the same time. And so cool to see the camels with the skyscrapers in the background :-)
Katz Voyage
omg so cool you saw camels!! this trip looks awesome:)
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