Desert Camels

On our way to Wafra, hoping to see the vegetable farm, we entered the wrong exit. Ended up in Nuwaiseeb and going rounds in the highway which I have no idea where we are going. In one place you feel like you are in the city then the next thing is just plain desert, tons and tons of sand, with no vegetation left. The feeling of being deserted loomed us away. I saw some tents was set up in the middle of the desert and the glorious oasis near the roads. It’s a good thing, there are still water for the camels to drink.

At first, there was the desert.

 

Still, there were more desert.

 

 

Unexpectedly somewhere, the camels crossed over the highway from the other side to feast on the little tree left in the middle of the road. They are bit dark compared to some other camels in the gulf region.

 

Note: We were not able to reach Wafra. We have absolutely no idea where the vegetable farm is. After traveling for more than 45 km, it was like going straight to nowhere so we decided to go back.  How far is it from the entry point?

Diet, yan itsura ng disyerto at camels. Post ko next time na nakasakay na ako. Dami mo namang requests!

What About Now?

October 15th is 

 with the main theme on Poverty. Below depicts the poverty in Philippines.

As a third world country, Philippines, is not an exemption in the poverty list. There are hundred thousands of people not eating when you have completed six meals a day. They shiver at night and heavily sweat at day time as their own skin wither as a result of varying temperatures. You can see their dry, cracked heels strongly stepping on rocky soil and hard pavement. They sleep against each other to maximize the space of what they have for shelter and drink thirstily of the little water allocated for them.

I have witnessed all of these back home. I can read on their faces that they are used to what little they have continuing to strive everyday for their own lives. It is as if this is their meaning of beautiful life. I have visited countless of what they call “home” accompanied by a certain aroma that smells like garbage. Despite the hardships, they still manage to smile widely up to their ears and I would smile back at them. In my eyes, they are like gems with so much power. A certain power that I tend to absorbed everytime I see them, the power of change.

There are so many ways that millions of people can help the unfortunate and the oppressed. It is not enough to give them what they need. I think what they need most is guidance. When donating some money, why not share a few minutes with them, talk them through on how they will use it, where can they buy the cheapest food and clothes, or share some thoughts on the brighter side of life. Another vital information to spread is the importance of education. Most of them do not know that primary or secondary education is free in public schools. If only they can be educated at least up to elementary, their vision to strive more can be a start of something. In return, there are so many things to learn from them and it would take only a few seconds out of the busy life that we have.

There are a lot of wonderful volunteer organizations in the Philippines that one can actively participate during free time. Some of my favorites are Hands on Manila and Gawad Kalinga. It has no pressure on the individual, just yourself ready to share and help the most needy ones. It always start from within. Eventually, with great number of hands, that is where big change can be accomplished. It has always been. So what about starting now?

Sleep Disturbia

For several nights, I have weird dreams mostly about crimes. I dreamt of someone chopping the body of another; the other night it was someone being raped. It gives me the creeps and start asking myself, is it really safe to be alone here?

Not to disuade anyone who are interested to live in Kuwait, but safety measure is one of the utmost concern. Maybe, all these bad dreams are the effect of reading the local news on daily basis. A car accident could be next… I really hope not.

Kuwait in fOcus

After 2 weeks of venturing the country border of Iraq, I have experienced the worst weather of Kuwait this afternoon. If Southeast Asian countries have typhoons, US has hurricanes and tornadoes, Kuwait definitely has sandstorms. I embraced the wind and and the gusty sand up to my nostrils which is not a good idea. Since it was my first experience, I was stupid enough to ”feel” it. If this happen again, I will not got out anymore.

This hot little country may not seem bad after all.  The transition and adjusting period do take time. I still get culture shock now and then. The weather is cooling down and my male fans are growing in numbers. One major concern right now is safety for females especially if you are young and single. I cannot walk on the streets alone without a companion and people here usually do not walk if one has a car. Male teenagers are to be watched out for they tend to be the nasty ones. Moreover, there are a lot of crazy drivers everywhere. They drive aggressively so much so that car accidents are on daily newspapers.

It is easy to gain weight here with easy access to all restaurants and fast food chains. They will deliver right to your doorstep. Many food cuisines from Meditteranean to French are widely available.

Suprisingly, Kuwait is still a third world country. The vast development can be observed in a few months or years. New roads, buildings, towers, pavements, mansions, business establishments are being built all at the same time. Moreover, it is an oil rich country being the second highest in the stock market in the Middle East next to Saudi Arabia.

Enjoy the long holidays everyone! Eid Mubarak!

The desert highway.

 On the way to the The Avenues Mall.

  Somewhere in Kuwait City.

  

Al-Kout Mall

      

 

 

Dates and palm trees at Ahmadi Park.