First of all. I don't want my blog to be blocked because I will be very detailed with my struggles here in UAE. I will also tackle sensitive issues. Just read behind the lines. Haha!
1. I used to have a very short hair, I looked very tomboy when I arrived here way back 2012. Me staying here was unexpected and I was lucky enough to be sponsored by my mother - which would mean I am holding a residence visa under her name and there's no struggle for me to look for a job to be a legal alien in this country(uae) and have an employees visa. Looking for a job was one of the hardest thing I ever did. Being Gay or Lesbian is not really tolerable here. In my opinion you have to set aside the real you in the corporate world. So, PLM(People like me ) should try to practice wearing pearls and make up(just apply make up a little). Try to also practice wearing skirts and dresses.
*I see some lgbts here but they try to keep it discreet, no loud gay barks, I suppose.
2. Bathroom confusion - it happened a lot of times even in my own country. I try not to look at peoples eyes coming inside the ladies toilet. I feel uncomfortable being looked at. I hate being asked to go on the male bathroom.
3. Train cabin confusion - in RTA trains it is strictly prohibited for men to stay on he 2nd and 3rd cabin, these cabins are for ladies only cabin. I was once asked to move away to the 3rd cabin. But I was wearing a hoodie. Jeez. So I removed my hoody and nod. *babae pa rin ako! #lol
3. I came here with a limited amount of money - it is good to have my mother around but as an adult you feel shy and disappointed asking for money and seeing your old friends in FB get to have their dream jobs, their dream shoes. You see them getting engaged and married. In short I was very insecure. My dear, do not look at other's blessings instead count your blessings and be grateful. Everyone has their own struggles. Never ever ever compare.
4. Where to broken hearts go? in DUBAI! Indeed. I went here to move on from an ex, it is true that time heals. In Dubai, I learned that this city aint for the weak. It is a city of challenges and survival. Competition, experience and pride. Love yourself and invest on yourself, take gym lessons, classes to improve your skills, join a dance club. BTW, I joined into a ballroom dance org, do not ask. It was fun. #facepalm
5.You feel very sad seeing old friends get together in FB. Bwiset. It makes me sad to see my college friends get together, you wish to see a space in their photos, oh I could've been there or they could've called me in skype at least I get a spot there. *sobs
6. When you go out on short walks to buy groceries - at walang TRICYCLE! Demmet it is so hot in here - especially in Ramadhan. On the other hand it is too cold in Ber months. My goodness gracious. Plus for example you need only one band-aid, you buy the whole box! *walang tinge or small box - jeez. Filipino foods are often found in groceries, but the taste is quite different. Then you'll feel home sick. *sobs
7. SAND STORMS - I am always allergic to dust. Prepare your antihistamine, goggles and hanky. Dubai has a tropical desert climate - summers are extremely hot and humid. Whenever there's a climate change from summer to winter or vice versa I get really - really sick.
8. When you get sick - you need a medical certificate for work and it cost 60Aed(I usually ask the doctor to give me 3 days rest to maximize the fee of 20Aed per day). Here in Dubai - they have their own system generated medical certificate. Unlike in the Philippines - the doctors just write the medical certificates in a paper. Plus if you are on a budget and you get sick - consultation would cost around 100aed. With a total of 160AED, no medicines yet. So if you are looking for a job here in Dubai, please aim for a company that provides a health card.
9. When you are ill and bedridden you wish someone would take care of you. Mother is of course at work. But you just wish that one significant other would look after you. But no. I have also been in a phase where I had to pull myself and buy food and panadol. *self pity *sobs
10. You feel really scared with police presence - even if they are just standing in one corner of a metro station.
11. Your birthday feels like an ordinary day. Everyone greets you in FB on 12MN UAE time just to greet you. After the last greeting, you will go back on your routine in your life abroad as a corporate slave. *tragic
12. There was a time I questioned my faith, and I found myself reading the bible and praying the rosary. Praying is never corny. God knows when to say yes. :) Just wait and he will give your hearts desires.
13. I had no idea when to come home - because there were no reasons to come home before. haha!
13. When I miss my adorable dogs - Sam(RIP) and Pixie
14. When you are so thirsty and you cannot eat or drink outside in RAMADHAN!
15. When somebody borrows money to you - I feel obligated but I never lend money more than 50aed.
16. You miss your partner's Birthday and first anniversary. But I am glad she is till with me, :) :) :)
17. Apparently want something that cannot be bought here in Dubai from Manila. This is such a nightmare.
18. There is no unlit txt and calls from Etisalat and Du. I am an Etisalat user by the way, they friggin deduct your load automatically.
19. Damn, language barrier. I can not understand Indian accent sometimes. They talk to fast, and I just have to look at their lips which gives them the wrong signals. *facepalm
20. People think of me as a fresh graduate. I look young, maybe because I am asian? mehh, I hate it. I demand respect. haha!
Tomorrow is another day in this city, another set of struggles to meet. I know I have yet to fulfill the things that brought me here. If God would gave me a choice where I would wan't to be now, I will still chose to live abroad. I am very lucky I have my mother with me. Unlike the other ofws here who struggle working here to provide money for their families. On the other hand it is no joke being away from my family and friends left in the Philippines.
