Australia Travel Blog: The Great Ocean Road Adventure with AAT Kings

While it is currently raining and cold here in Wiesbaden Germany, I can't help to think about the last summer trip I had in Australia. I truly had a great time (and tan) exploring the 'Land Down Under'.

During my trip, I went around the East Coast and one of my stops is Melbourne. Melbourne is a beautiful city. I can actually say that this is one of my favorite cities to date (I can live there). If you are on a holiday though, you don't want to explore just the city, specially if you have enough time to go on an adventure around the state. Victoria is such a huge state and you can actually do a day trip to one of its famous tourist attractions.  Driving around The Great Ocean Road.

The Great Ocean Road is considered as one of Australia's famous scenic route (if not the most). Aside from its beautiful sceneries (coastlines, villages and rainforests), the Great Ocean Road is also known for its history and cultural significance.

Know more about The Great Ocean Road history by clicking this link

Before flying to Melbourne from the Gold Coast, a lot of the people I met (even my Aunt, whom I stayed with) told me the I should do the Great Ocean Road and visit The Twelve Apostles in particular. ---- and I took their notes with me.

I got so excited that for this trip, I was in touched with AAT Kings and partnered with them to experience this amazing day tour. With my lack of research (hahaha), I thought that the Great Ocean Road is just a road that will head down to the famous Twelve Apostles. Only when I was browsing the brochure from AAT Kings did I know that, the Twelve Apostles is just one stop in this whole adventure day. Knowing this, I got really excited and can't hardly wait till we hit the road.

Because I was not staying in hotel/hostel, I was scheduled to be picked up at Federation Square (Corner of Flinders & Russell Streets) around 7:45 in the morning. But if you are staying in a hotel, the bus can pick you up so you don't need to travel to Fed Square.

My train arrived a little bit early at the Flinder Station (Melbourne CBD) so I decided to do a little walk and get a coffee and something to eat while I waited for my pick-up. During my first day in Melbourne, I stayed at the United Backpackers Hostel, so I kinda know the area. There is a cute little street where you can find specialty cafes (yheap Melbourne is famous for that---if you still don't have any idea). So I thought of trying one of its cafes.

[caption id="attachment_4119" align="alignnone" width="800"] Issus at Degraves St. Trying out their local brew[/caption]

I headed on to Degraves St and went to  this cafe called Issus and tried breakfast takeaway offer. I had their egg and bacon muffin + coffee for only 5 aud. It is not actually the best looking muffin, but it did fill my belly before we start the tour. The coffee was amazing though (as expected).

When I arrived at Fed Square, our bus was already waiting for people to board. I was the first one to hop in and I was able to get a seat near the driver. Although, you really don't need to be near him to hear what he will say (mics and speaker--duh). The only thing that I haven't really thought about was which side to seat on. I learned my mistake when we started moving. You see, I sat down at the right side of the bus (if you are facing the driver). The ideal side should be at the left side. If you are seating on this side, you'll get a good view of the Great Ocean Road's coastlines, and it isn't called the 'Ocean Road' for nothing. Oh well, I just settled on always turning my neck whenever a beautiful coastline pops in.

[caption id="attachment_4096" align="alignnone" width="800"] The AAT Kings Bus!!! Once you see it, you know![/caption]

The first part of the tour is actually a quick tour around Melbourne's CBD. For someone who haven't really toured around the city, the view from the bus (including some commentary from the driver guide) can be very interesting. I have been in Melbourne for a few days already before I took this tour and amazingly, there are still a lot of places that I haven't been to.

Once we left Melbourne's CBD and the cityscape slowly transformed into beautiful landscapes, you can feel that the excitement started to build up.

We had our first stop at Airey's Pub to do an early stretch and also try some of their pastries (also a good time to talk with other people who are part of the group). I already had food but I thought of getting a donut and a coffee just to get the whole day trip experience (for this review). It cost me a total of 7.50 aud for the whole snack. After 15min. break we headed on the road and traverse the zigzaggy coastline.

[caption id="attachment_4097" align="alignnone" width="800"] Airey's Pub. Coffee + Donut and my Surat Journal[/caption]

Our driver guide's name is Steve and he is AMAZING! He knows everything about this road and gave us useful (and fun) information which made the long journey entertaining.

We had a quick stop and a  photo op at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch which is a tribute to the World War 1 servicemen who built the Great Ocean Road. It also served as a sign that you are now driving on the Great Ocean Road.

[caption id="attachment_4108" align="alignnone" width="800"] The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4098" align="alignnone" width="800"] Steve our Driver Tour Guide telling us some juicy information[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4110" align="alignnone" width="800"] Cape Patton loo[/caption]

We did another stop at Cape Patton, which serves as a lookout point. The view is spectacular. Thinking that we are at the edge of Australia is surreal.

We drove pass a little seaside town called Lorne which according to Steve, a popular holiday spot to a lot of people in Victoria. I cant really imagine why not. You got an awesome beach and that is quite enough.

[caption id="attachment_4099" align="alignnone" width="800"] Apollo Bay[/caption]

Alas, after hours of driving, we arrived at the Apollo Bay where we can grab our lunch. Lunch was not included in the tour but we are provided an ample time to get some proper lunch. Also, Apollo Bay is surrounded with different restaurants that offers several kinds of fish and chips (haha). Well, I have been craving some good fish and chips even before I left for Dubai, something that will remind me of my visit in Northern Ireland, so the idea of having one for lunch isn't bad at all. My only concern was how much will it be. Looking at the place, it surely caters mainly to tourist so I was expecting it to be very pricey. Surprisingly a plate of fish and chips only cost 10 aud at George's Foodcourt. It was not the best fish and chips though, but it did satisfy a craving.

[caption id="attachment_4100" align="alignnone" width="800"] Fish and Chips at George's Foodcourt[/caption]

After lunch we went straight to what is considered as the main event, THE TWELVE APOSTLES. Before reaching the lookout points, we did a little bit of walking so be sure to have your sunblock lotion ready if you are visiting during summer time (I did). The whole walk to the lookout made the view more dramatic. The Twelve Apostles (limestone stacks) is so beautiful. Just the site alone is worth the long drive.

[caption id="attachment_4102" align="alignnone" width="800"] One of the several look out points ----- those tiny tiny dots there are people![/caption]

To simply put it, The Twelve Apostles are eight stacks of limestone (initially 9 stacks before 1 collapsed last 2005) formed through erosion.  Although they are not really 12, it was named as such for tourism purposes

Here's how they got formed: 

• Limestone got eroded and formed caves in the cliff


• Caves formed arches


• Arches collapsed and left rock stacks


• TADA....you have your Twelve Apostles!

[caption id="attachment_4101" align="alignnone" width="800"] Majestic View[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4103" align="alignnone" width="800"] ooh here's 2 more![/caption]

The only thing that I didn't enjoy at the Twelve Apostles lookout are the amount of tourists who were there. It was so hard to move and to really get a good solo shot. But like most famous tourist destinations, this has been an on going struggle (and I am also a tourist, so who am I to complain?) Also, because we were on a bus tour, we have to abide with the time. We were given 45 minutes and somehow I felt as if it was not enough ----- yeah, I was left by the bus hahaha!  But, Steve came back  after dropping other people from the group to the next stop (which is not too far from where I was). Note: After this, I was never late in any tour groups that I was in.

Our next stop was the Loch Ard Gorge. During our stop we have an option to walk down the beach or go to the lookout on the eastern side of the gorge. I opted to go down and experience the beach. I love that I chose this, the view is impeccable. Crystal blue water and limestone cliffs. PERFECT. Aside from its amazing views, the Loch Ard Gorge is the location of Victorias most famous shipwreck. (know the Loch Ard Gorge history here)

[caption id="attachment_4104" align="alignnone" width="800"] Just taking it all in[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4095" align="alignnone" width="800"] SELFIE!!!![/caption]

After several site stops, our next destination was Port Campbell. A colorful lively village where we had an option to grab a snack (ICECREAM!!), toilet breaks or just enjoy the coastal view. I sat under the shade and as cliche as it may sound, I took my time to appreciate the surroundings. The day was full packed and this stop for me felt necessary just to take everything in and relax.

[caption id="attachment_4106" align="alignnone" width="800"] My Traveling Journal. #TheTravelingJournalProject[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4105" align="alignnone" width="800"] Port Campbell[/caption]

Now time for our last stop. We had a short stop at the London Bridge. Just like the Twelve Apostles, this is a land formed by limestone erosion. I think it is on its way to become part of the Twelve Apostles. It had actually a bridge that was connected to the main land but last 1990 the bridge collapsed.

[caption id="attachment_4107" align="alignnone" width="800"] London Arch[/caption]

We arrived back in Melbourne's CBD around 8:30 pm and I got out of the bus at 9pm as we have to drop off everyone else and the Federation Square was the last stop. I must admit I felt tired after a full day of touring around. I can say that I think the trip is too much to be compacted in a day but I can't think of any parts that should also be removed (maybe just old age talking). So I guess one tip I can give you is to have a good rest first if you have this trip booked for the next day.

To those of you who are visiting the state of Victoria I would highly suggest doing this trip. AAT Kings also have several trips that cover the Great Ocean Road with other tourist sites (normally 2 -3 days trip). They were so helpful and accommodating when I was booking for this trip. AAT Kings know their Australia and will surely help you find the best trip based on what you are looking for.

I also partnered with AAT Kings during my stay in Sydney. Will keep you posted once I have this on the blog.

If you don't fancy going on a tour, you can also drive around the coast to visit the Great Ocean Road. Being prepared when doing a big road trip is very important so If you’re looking for some quality 4x4 accessories for your four-wheel drive,  why not check out Lifestyle 4x4.

To book this trip check out these information 

WEBSITE

www.aatkings.com.au

EMAIL

melbourne.daytours@aatkings.com.au

reservations@aatkings.com.au

TELEPHONE

w/in Australia: 1300 228 546

Outside: +61 2 9028 5182

Things That Will Make You Feel Small In Iceland

Iceland has been a dream destination of mine ever since I watched the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and the internet did its job in pushing me to take a leap and hop on a plane to this island nation.

I was discussing this dream to a friend who went to Iceland last summer of 2014 and until now she can’t help herself from talking about Iceland whenever the topic of EPIC TRAVEL comes. (she lives and breathe Iceland since then)

Check out my previous blog post: Walk The Earth Iceland

Dreams do come true! I am seating here in the lounge of my hostel (Bus Hostel) remembering our recently concluded road trip around Iceland’s Ring Road which consistently put a big smile (sometimes with a little boastful smirk) on my face. I am definitely going to do a detailed blog about our big road trip but right now I just feel overwhelmed and scared that I will forget this feeling so I thought of immediately writing and sharing this special moment with you guys. Basically I am writing based on emotions right now. hahaha

I arrived in Iceland with the hopes of seeing all those epic photos that I’ve been seeing in the net (Matador Network, Buzzfeed) but unfortunately I was restricted by my ability or inability to drive. You see, you’ll get the best of Iceland when you rent a car and drive around the ‘Ring Road’ (which is literally circling around the whole island. I do have some tailored trip planned for me in partnership with Guide To Iceland via www.NiceTravels.is and booked a tour with www.sternatravel.com, but nothing really compares to driving at your own pace and go wherever you want to go.

I was a bit on a verge of frustration when a sudden turn of events happened. I was forced to move to a hostel and it opened doors of opportunities for me to finally see the best of ICELAND. The slogan of Bus Hostel in Reykjavik is true indeed: "Might be the beginning of a beautiful journey"

On a gloomy evening, while I was eating my supermarket loot for the night, I met this guy (and now my good friend), Maks, who was planning to do a road trip by himself. We were discussing this trip and realized that our schedules fit perfectly and he was happy to tag me along (yes, no one wants to do a road trip of a lifetime alone right?). From that moment on, we became road trip buddies. Again, I will tell the whole story in another blog, for the mean time I will share some snippets/ snapshots of our epic road trip.

Iceland is truly breathtaking. All you can hear inside (and outside) our car was WOW, WOW, WOW and WOW!!! Compared to other countries, Iceland is relatively a small country yet its landscape will make you feel just a little spec in this world (a tiny tiny little creature). The land is so vast and almost remote that you feel transported to a place out of this world. Often times you will find yourself driving alone in the middle of the main road heading towards a massive glacier mountain (such an overwhelming feeling).

Check out these shots I took that will validate what I am blabbing about here.

 

FINDING YOURSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD (THINKING WHAAAAT?!) 

[caption id="attachment_4034" align="alignnone" width="800"] Road trip at the South of Iceland (N1)[/caption]

 

REALIZING WHY IT IS CALLED ICE-LAND

[caption id="attachment_4031" align="alignnone" width="800"] Myrdalsjokull[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_4032" align="alignnone" width="800"] Myrdalsjokull[/caption]

...even with melted and floating Ice at Jokulsarson

[caption id="attachment_4035" align="alignnone" width="800"] Jokulsarlon[/caption]

THINKING THAT YOU ARE IN ALASKA

[caption id="attachment_4028" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dettifoss path trail[/caption]

STANDING ON THE EDGE OF THE ISLAND

[caption id="attachment_4053" align="alignnone" width="800"] Snæfellsnes Peninsula[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4033" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dyrhólaey[/caption]

....or hanging?

[caption id="attachment_4038" align="alignnone" width="800"] Snæfellsnes Peninsula[/caption]

 

CHILLING WITH THE ANIMALS ( LITERALLY CHILLING)

[caption id="attachment_4037" align="alignnone" width="800"] Icelandic Landscape[/caption]

 

THINKING TO STOP CHASING WATERFALLS (BECAUSE THEY ARE PRACTICALLY EVERYWHERE)

[caption id="attachment_4030" align="alignnone" width="800"] Skogafoss[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4036" align="alignnone" width="800"] Godafoss[/caption]

 

VISITING THE HARPA

[caption id="attachment_4039" align="alignnone" width="800"] Harpa - Iceland's Opera House[/caption]

 

GETTING CONFUSED WHETHER YOU ARE SEEING CLOUDS OR LAND FROM THE PLANE WINDOW

[caption id="attachment_4054" align="alignnone" width="800"] Iceland view from the Plane[/caption]

I can't stress how beautiful this place is. Truly even photographs cannot do justice to it. So I challenge you to start planning your trip up north and experience these moments by yourself.

Watch out for more Iceland blogs coming very very soon!

Journal Entry: Du-Bye for Now

As I looked outside the plane window, seeing the tiny pixie city lights I can’t help but reflect how 9 and a half years just flew so fast ( it made a month of farewells and preparations looked like just a blink of an eye).

[caption id="attachment_4015" align="alignnone" width="800"] Farewell gifts received from friends[/caption]

Dubai is HOME, I have no doubt about it. A third of my existence in this world, circled around this magnificent city. It gave me an opportunity to grow career wise, growth in my spiritual relationship and even as a human being (yheap I am talking about maturity here).

Leaving the city was a hard decision, one of the hardest I must say, but I know that eventually it will come, and now I think is the right time for me to bid farewell to my city, #MyDubai (at least for now).

[caption id="attachment_4023" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dubai Marina[/caption]

I am thankful for everything this city has done for who am I now (see my blog about the opportunities in Dubai). Being my 2^nd home, I will surely miss a lot of things now that I am miles away from this beautiful city.

My last few weeks became so emotional as I was torn between leaving my friends and the life I have known, for a dream that I have been praying for. Weighing life options, opportunities and passion were juggling in my head (almost 24/7).

[caption id="attachment_4020" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dubai Fountain[/caption]

I remember the first time I left the Philippines to work as a young architect in Dubai, I had only 5 USD in my wallet. Amazed on how I survived back then and seeing how God’s grace and favor worked, one can only be grateful of all the opportunities that has come my way. It was not easy but everything that happened carried me to where I am now.

As time passed, I can say that it is also the right time to move on (I still have some doubts though-- but sometimes you need to take some risks).

[caption id="attachment_4017" align="alignnone" width="800"] Sydney Opera House. My 4th city stop.[/caption]

As I am finishing this post which I started typing this last 17^th of January on my flight to Brisbane and now finishing this draft here in Reykjavik (yes Iceland), I have made tons of drafts all with a different focus on what I want to share but eventually decided to just make it short (and sweet), a journal entry of what I am feeling right now. It was a very busy past months and I am loving it. So far I’ve been to 10 cities and 8 flights for the past 3 months.

Where I am heading? To be honest I don’t know yet. I am just taking life as it is now ---- LIFE!

Before ending this post, I would love to share a quote from the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which I just read in Facebook that I thought fitting (and sort of an encouragement) to those dreamers out there.

[caption id="attachment_4016" align="alignnone" width="800"] Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia[/caption]

For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.

- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

 



 

#ThankYouUAE: 7 Opportunities You'll Find as an OFW in the UAE

[caption id="attachment_3968" align="alignnone" width="800"] Opportunities as an OFW in the UAE.[/caption]

Dubai has been my home for the past nine years (and 6 months to be exact), although things are not 100 % smooth sailing, as surely there were numerous bumps and blocks along the road. I can’t imagine what my life would have been if I didn’t go to that job interview in Dusit Makati (Philippines) nine year ago.

[caption id="attachment_3960" align="alignnone" width="800"] Overlooking Down Town Dubai from the Burj Khalifa[/caption]

I arrived in Dubai just a month after my college graduation. Fresh out of getting a degree in architecture, I never thought that Dubai will be the place were I will start practicing what I’ve learned ( or I thought I learned) from my five-year college training. Uncorrupted and full of dreams, I landed in the sandpit one summer evening and my life changed forever.

Surely there are a lot of things to rant about (aside from the summer heat) but this blog is not about that. More than the tears and sleepless nights are things that I am grateful for. Dubai became my promise land and a stepping stone for greater things in the future. What I am today, I owe it all (well most of it) to this wonderful city.

As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), every country we are into is an opportunity for us to earn money in order to provide a better life for our families back in our mother land. This was my main motivation every time I hop on a plane leaving the Philippines. But apart from that, I know that most of you will agree with me that being in a foreign land presents numerous opportunities that sometimes we are guilty of neglecting.

As I shout THANK YOU to the country that has been my home and welcomed me with open arms, I thought of enumerating other opportunities that we can find as a Filipino living as an expat in the UAE.

Opportunities to Find Your Dream Job

[caption id="attachment_3968" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dubai Media City and Internet City (My work area!)[/caption]

Filipinos are known to be everywhere. Every corner of the world you can see Filipinos as part of a city’s building blocks. Dubai is no exemption to this.

To be honest, nine years back ( 2006), I didn’t know what and where Dubai is. I asked around and during that time, not a lot of people from the Philippines even heard of this city. The only thing I got (from those who knew about Dubai) is that it is a city that is currently being developed to be a modern and central hub of the Middle East (and the location of the only 7-star rated hotel in the world).

As a new member of the labor force, I was very excited to have my first architectural training in a city known for its thriving architecture scene.

Fast forward, today, you can see expats everywhere (yheap a lot of Filipinos). This is a testament that Dubai provides a lot of work opportunities. Part of building this city is also building its labor force. Although the system is not (yet) perfect (there will be a future blog about this ^^), it is still a great blessing to a lot of Filipinos aspiring to do well in their professional careers. I can say that this country gave me opportunities to work for royal families and luxury brands such as Cartier and Carolina Herrera. I also met a lot of Filipinos who excelled and became great leaders in their own field.

If you are new here in Dubai or dreaming of going here and look for a job, start sending your CVs out. Let them know you exist. Dubai is still in need of talented people waiting to be discovered. You might get your dream job soon.

Opportunities to Express One’s Faith

[caption id="attachment_3961" align="alignnone" width="800"] Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi[/caption]

One of the things I packed during my first trip to Dubai was my Bible. I remember my mom packing and wrapping it securely because she was concerned that as a country in the Middle East, being a Christian will not be tolerated.

When I arrived in Dubai, I was shocked that a Christian church exists here. In fact there is a compound devoted to all Christian churches. I can say that being here in Dubai even helped with my spiritual growth.

Aside from Christianity, you can also see other religious practices being welcomed in the UAE. With a diverse set of people in one city, it is given that not everyone will have the same religious beliefs. I love how this nation embraces that and integrated it as part of the country’s culture and heritage.

A few weeks back, the Hindu Festival of Lights was highly celebrated around the city. Buildings were lit with beautiful pixie-lights and fire works were everywhere. Although I am not a Hindu, I celebrated along with my Indian friends….and I loved it! A few weeks from now, we Christians will be celebrating Christmas, and right now, you can already see Christmas trees and ornaments in all public establishments.

I love that aside from Ramadan, we can also experience other religious celebrations without any prejudices. Respect is the key, if you respect other’s beliefs and stop judging people based on their differences, people will end up respecting yours.

Opportunities to Discover Your Passion

[caption id="attachment_3964" align="alignnone" width="800"] My Surat Journal. Check it out at www.suratjournals.com[/caption]

I arrived in Dubai thinking of just working as an architect, sit inside my cubicle and stare at my computer. After nine year, I will be sad if this is still what I am doing.

Dubai is a melting pot, not only for cultures and nationalities but also to a lot of opportunities that will fuel your passion. Dubai opened doors for me to become a blogger, an artist and also an entrepreneur. Of course like everywhere in the world, you’ll have to look for it and grab it by the neck. No one can reach his or her full potentials by sleeping.

Dubai is a new modern city and in need of brilliant minds. Some ideas can be old in your (home) country but in Dubai everything is just starting ---and thriving. My mantra with my craft (www.suratjournals.com) is to create something and make a market for it. I must say, it works!

The beauty about this city is that people from all over the world gather here and for sure somewhere out there, someone is looking for your talent. What are you passionate about? Create a passion journal (you can buy one from www.suratjournals.com hahaha) I guess your first start-up is now knocking at your door (check it out!).

Opportunities To Travel The World

[caption id="attachment_3963" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dubai International Airport Terminal 3[/caption]

Being at the center of the world (literally) is an opportunity to become the world’s central hub. This was the vision of Dubai’s leaders that is now a reality.

Almost everyone in Dubai got bitten by the travel bug. Today as I am drafting this blog, several friends of mine are in Prague, Moscow, Amman and London. Dubai opened my eyes with the possibilities of traveling the world. As a Filipino, traveling was not instilled in our skin as everything seems so hard. From getting all the documents ready to a very expensive tour packages. Dubai made traveling simple and easy. The main reason why aspiring travel bloggers like me love this city so much.

Because of its strategic location, almost every place in the world is reachable. Dream of a country right now and start planning! You’ll not regret it!

Opportunities to meet friends from all over the world

[caption id="attachment_3958" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dubai Instagrammers!!!! Photo cred: @heraldherrer[/caption]

I arrived in this country without knowing anyone. No family, no friends. I am a complete stranger to a completely new city. Crazy right? It wasn’t easy but meeting new friends helped me a lot.

I found a lot of my so-called covenant friends (yheap, friends for keeps) at my local church. But I can say that it didn’t end there. The beauty of the UAE is that everyday you’ll have the opportunity to meet new friends coming from different countries. Every time I am in a meeting, it feels as if I am in big cultural immersion (I love it).

We just have to open up and welcome people in our lives. I do know someone who doesn’t have that much friends because he is too picky and afraid to get out of his comfort zone. One thing I learned from my short stint in Dubai is that everyone needs someone and you will only know it by reaching out.

Today that I am building myself as an start-up entrepreneur I am happy that I have made a lot of networks with people of the same passion. I love seeing sparkles in everyone’s eyes whenever they tell their stories (and also listening to mine).

Your future friends are out there. Look for a community, I found mine from church, work and believe it or not, through social media (bloggers and instagrammers!!!).

Opportunities to Learn from Great Leaders

[caption id="attachment_3962" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dubai Business Bay Bridge Crossing (yheap go under the bridge!)[/caption]

Election is fast approaching in the Philippines and whenever I watch TFC (The Filipino Channel) I always see debates and propagandas relating who should we vote to be in the seat of power. A lot of promises (that meant to be broken ---hopefully not). With all the things going on in the Philippines it is our right to aspire that someday, someone in power can turn the Philippines in a complete 180 degrees and make it great (again).

To have seen how Dubai developed from almost nothing (literally just sand) to what it is now, you’ll know that there is always hope. The leaders of this nation had a vision and didn’t stop until they make things right.

I love how our leaders welcomed us and let us be part in building this mega city that we now call as our home. Of course, it is not yet perfect, I can enumerate things that I don’t like in the system but whenever I talk to my local friends, 90% of the time, they salute their leaders and regard them in very high honors. Something that I would love to feel whenever I talk about the Philippines. Maybe someday it will come.

Opportunities for Self Growth

UAE contributed a lot to who I am now. All opportunities stated above helped me grow in different aspects of my life. Whether it is financial, spiritual, passion and even in leadership, Dubai was a big part of these growth. For the past nine years, I have been independent and learned a lot about myself.

Being away from our motherland, we are exposed to a lot of new things, whether it is cultural that we learned from our friends or new corporate knowledge discovered from our colleagues. Everything new can be an opportunity for us to learn.

Not all stories out there are good, there are some sad and challenging experiences that I know all of us experienced (or experiencing right now) but saying these, these are still things that we should still be thankful for. Every hardship gives us an opportunity to improve ourselves and stand up strong and victorious.

I am thankful that being an OFW here in the UAE presents a lot of opportunities and I am proud to say that I am not the same person who left the Philippines. I changed for the better (I hope).

[caption id="attachment_3959" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dubai Creek Side! A place that you shouldn't miss when visiting Dubai[/caption]

To just say THANK YOU UAE is not enough to express my gratitude to this country. I have seen a lot of lives that changed in this nation.

Aside from these seven, there are still a lot of opportunities out there waiting for you. Don't box yourself, be open, look for it, work on it and embrace it.

What are the things you are thankful for here in the UAE? Share it with us in the comment box below.