I'm officially a Visaphobic

Thanks to the Swiss Consulate.

Visaphobia: the fear of being denied/refused/rejected visa from any Embassy or Consulate. It's a psychological damage to someone who had a 'traumatic' experience on visa application.  A serious nightmare.

So my sister had planned an amazing Istanbul trip few months back. And I was kinda "uh-huh... okay.." She asked me if I wanna come and I was like NO. I don't wanna go because of the fact that I would need to apply a visa and my passport has this Swiss-consulate-rejection-stamp like I have a "record", a bad record, you know what I mean.

Anyway, last Thursday I found out she and her husband got visa to Turkey just like that and are travelling next month. And I was kinda I wanna try my luck because I wanna go too.

After being refused from Swiss consulate and some not-so-nice-experience at the airport when leaving from Dubai to Doha last Eid.. well, my desire to travel is equal to my paranoia of not getting a visa. For me, getting a visa is like a chance of a lifetime like winning a lottery and being lucky really plays a major role.

So here's the thing, my visa application papers are all ready now but I'm dreading to go to the Consulate tomorrow.

Wish me luck.


PS/First update: Monday. I didn't get to sleep, I've been waking every effing hour or minute IDK. When I was about to leave for Consulate, I started not to feel well. I took a taxi instead of Metro. It was foggy. I  came early, Consulate was still closed but Security "assessed" my documents then gave me Token for queueing.  I was the 2nd earliest bird. While waiting for the Consulate to open, I felt like I was gonna throw up, my stomach was turning upside down. I tried to read the humor book I was reading, "Let's Pretend This Never Happened", to distract myself. But didn't work.. it didn't help at all. I was freaking out. Then the security told me I can go in  but he needs to confiscate my mobile phones. Inside, it took another 5 minutes or less before my number was called, I was still uneasy. The Turkish lady asked my documents then asked for 225 dhs for visa processing fee and told me I can get my passport on Wed. When I was about to leave, while taking my mobile phones from the security. He said, "Very easy, right?". I think he sensed that I was nervous or I was that transparent or I was looking pale, LOL. I smiled and said, "yeah." He wished me goodluck, I thanked him.

PPS/Second Update: Wed afternoon, took a taxi to Consulate. I started to feel unwell. AGAIN. Seriously, I wanna throw up. AGAIN. I was thinking what will I tell if I didn't get the visa and why do I need to explain? I didn't get the visa. Period. World Trade Center, elevator opened at the 8th floor. Got off. Greeted the security, told him passport collection. He asked me the "token". Gave him. He gave me my passport with a white paper slip (my eyes were on that paper asking my brain if that was the explanation why they refused me a visa). Despite the fact that visa denied is already expected, still, in my mind I'm saying.. OH NO, NOT AGAIN! There's a little hope that I would get the visa, I know. I sat down calmly, opened my passport and this is what I saw...

Yaaayyyy!!!! ^_^

Qatar Anecdotes

So here's some real funny stories I've got from Qatar..

Story 1 - A friend received a wrong number call. After hearing my friend's voice...

Caller: How is your name? (probably he was wondering and wanted to ask 'what is your name')
Friend: My name is fine. How IS your name?

LOOOOOL

Story 2 - Same friend had a minor accident.

Friend: talking to Qatar Police while sitting inside the car windows rolled down: Sir, I had a minor accident over there (pointing the scratch in front of the car)
Police: Shu hada! What is this, supermarket?*

LOOOOOL

*Just in case you don't know, normally, most locals here in the UAE and obviously in Qatar (I believe in other Gulf countries too :p), they go to supermarkets/grocery stores/restos, honk their cars, and give orders or point what they want to buy, just like a drive-thru. :D

I said Aloha to Doha!

It was my first time to enjoy Eid holidays outside UAE. I had 3 days off and got a chance to visit Doha, the main capital of Qatar. Left Dubai Wed night (24th Oct) and came back early Sun morning (28th Oct).

Doha is not bad for a holiday or weekend getaway. I enjoyed it to the fullest till my foot sores and get blisters. A day or two is enough to get around Doha. 

Here are some photos stolen from my friend's camera :p

This is Al Fanar Islamic Cultural Centre, day and night.

This is the beach in Katara Cultural Village

Inside Katara Cultural Village, these cone-like structures are pigeons' crib :p

 At the Aspire Zone/Park

Sunset at the park and the "fountain" tunnel plus the "pregnant" tree :D

 The Torch, day and night

 

And this corn-on-the-cob-like structure is Qatar's Pride. The Burj Qatar, day and night. It's 2012 Best Tower in the World.

Fireworks for Eid at the Corniche (me in yellow)

At the famous Souq Waqif (me in pink striped)

At the Corniche (me in the middle)

On our first day, we jumped at the Museum Islamic of Art Park. (me on the right side)

On our 2nd day, we jumped at the Aspire Zone/Park. LOL. (me in the middle)

And that was Doha :)

It's bad to be nice sometimes..

Yesterday, while I was going back to work after lunchbreak, I've noticed someone left her iPad in a leather case on the bench in Metro Station waiting area.

I looked around to see whether the owner is still there, I saw her when she left because she was sitting near me. I was actually having second thought whether to pick it up or just leave it there, let someone else find and take it but decided to pick it up. I again looked around trying to remember which direction the owner went to but can't recall if she headed out the station or down the subway. I walked slowly to the escalator, was going down to give it to Metro personnel.

When I was already on the escalator, I looked back and saw the owner going back to the bench. Then she looked at my way, saw me and waved to me. I waved back showing her her iPad and started climbing up then stopped when I realized I was on the down escalator LOL.

She followed me to the escalator and when she reached me I immeadiately handed her the iPad back, telling her I was actually going to give it to Metro personnel. She just said "thanks" and never smiled. She doesn't look too pleased. When we reached the floor, she took the up escalator without looking back.

Seriously, my jaw dropped. I felt bad. What was she thinking, I would keep it? Hadn't it occur to her that if I had the intention, I would have had put it inside my bag as fast as I can? But matter of fact, I didn't even bother to take it out from its case.

I am steadily losing my faith in humanity...

Certified Chismosa

I don't know how many times I'll be caught on camera, looking like nothing but a gossiper.

Remember last year, I was also caught red handed in one of my off-guard moments?



some time in April 2011


Well, this year, I have the same classic photo when I attended a children party this month.

geez, look at my eyes! and my facial reaction!!!

Chismosa is a Filipino/Spanish term for a gossipy or meddlesome woman. A quidnunc; a gossipmonger; a shit-talker. Someone who is always absorbed in other people's business. LOL

There's Always a First Time for Everything

Fish Market

Last Fri (not yesterday), it was my first time to set my foot on Deira Fish Market and it was overwhelming to see fresh seafood beaucoup. My roomies and I went there past 8am and it was 42°C, we were there for about an hour and bought a lot - salmon, sherry, squid, lobster, prawns, crabs and other types of fish.

The fish market is, apparently, uncomfy. Aside from the noise (of course LOL), it's so hot there, although it wasn't a closed area but it's the tin roof that causing a lot of heat. Feels like oven there, I've no idea how people can stay there all day. And what I hate most is when we went home, I was smelling like a fish. My clothes and even my underwear were all stinky. I showered like I've never showered before, no exaggeration, I shampooed my hair twice but still it stunk. After showering I immediately washed my smelly clothes and poured downy on them and pondered I don't think I'll be going back there anymore. LOL

The Amazing Spider-Man in 3D

It's been 3.5 years since I've watched a movie in the cinema. Yep, that long.

Three hours ago I went to watch The Amazing Spider-Man, my first time to see a movie in 3D. Well, I was surprised that it has Arabic and French subtitles (my sister said I was obviously havent gone to cinema for so looong). If you are wondering how was the movie and my experience, well, movie was okay, not very good, not bad either. In short, I was not that amazed. I think it's not worth watching in 3D. The only scene that I felt like I was in there was when I dodged the falling debris. I was more entertained by the giggles of 2 little Arab boys sitting near me. Their reactions on some scenes like when Parker was starting/discovering his spidery-self were contagious, I couldn't help but giggle too. LOL.


This is all for now, It's almost 3am here, I need to get up in 3.5 hrs to get ready for work. Good night/morning everyone :)

Thoughts on Sophie's World (A Novel About the History of Philosophy)

Mission accomplished! I'm done reading Sophie's World ahead of schedule (target date was July 15). I tell you, the book is NOT a bagatelle.

How I wish I had read it long time ago. If only I did, I would have had religiously read more GOOD books... I'll make a career out of reading because I had never learned something or anything like it at school.

Reading Sophie's World is like having a short course in Philosophy class. You'll have a greater understanding of philosophy and later as you reach half of it, you would able to distinguish philosophers from each other. The terribly exciting thing happens in the mid part of the book (in my case, it makes me in denial), you wouldn't want to put it down.

Anyway, I don't want to spoil it so I'll say no more but here's a synopsis of the book:

Looking in her mailbox one day, a fourteen-year-old Norwegian schoolgirl called Sophie Amundsen finds two surprising pieces of paper. On them are written the questions: Who are you? and Where does the world come from?

The writer is an enigmatic philosopher called Alberto Knox, and his two teasing questions are the beginning of an extraordinary tour through the history of Western Philosophy from the pre-Socratics to Sartre. In a series of brilliantly entertaining letters, and then in person, Alberto Knox opens Sophie's enquiring mind to the fundamental questions that philosophers have been asking since the dawn of civilisation.

If you are busy or lazy or both, you can read it on Sparknotes and commentary on the book can be found here

There was a movie and a tv series based on this book.. I shall see it soon.

Vi sees!

Pinoys

One of the funny traits of  Filipinos is being unable to give precise answers.

Examples:


► have you eaten?
◄ I'M STILL FULL

► is your mother there?
◄ WHY?

► what time are you going to work/school?
◄ LATER.

► where have you been?
◄ THERE ONLY

► how did you do that?
◄ SO EASY.

► what time is it?
◄ STILL EARLY.


but the FAVORITE reply
► where are you now?
◄ ALMOST THERE. YOU WAIT.

I've Been Scammed - Almost!

{This post is about internet/email scam and has NOTHING to do with Arabs or anything of the sort!} 


Don't trust anyone online, suspect everyone. Be paranoid. Hahaha.

You see, I've been sending my CV here and there, signing up on every jobs site I know for the past few months because obviously I want to change job or at least get a high paying job so I can go to places.

So when I received an email from "Grove Technology Inc." last 27 of May, I immediately replied back because of the "attractive Euro salary" - blame it on my European dream, LOL.

Anyway, here's what the email says:

From: Grove Technology Inc

To: *******@yahoo.com

Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 9:57 AM

Subject: Submit application and Cv

Dear Applicant

regarding your CV, we are again opening the new Data Typing job for year 2012,

at Grove E-Books Conversion and Data Technology,

our post offer are open as "Customer Data Typing part time",

To know more about us visit: http://www.grovedata.com/

This offer will be Valid after review of your application form and CV,

(all package details included with application form)

Last date is 27 May 2012 to submit application form and CV,

If interested please submit application form with CV by Email,

(Click to download application form by visit our website and download

directly to Employment Page) All job details are included in Application form,

Or Click here to Download:

http://www.grovedata.com/application_details.doc

(Copy paste above link If click does not work)

Submit CV and Application only to Email: info@grovedata.com

(Note: To avoid Disappointments submit form and CV as soon as possible)

(Add info@grovedata.com in your Address book to get our email safely in your Inbox)

with best regards

Edsel G. Carl

HR Manager

Grove E-Books and Data Conversion Technology

Am Stadtrand 441G, 32417

Hamburg, Germany

http://www.grovedata.com/

info@grovedata.com

Grove Technology Inc Am Stadtrand 441G Hamburg DE Germany 32417

This email was sent to ******@yahoo.com from info@grovedata.com. Read our Privacy Policy

Unsubscribe

----

Of course I DID reply with all the requirements, I know! Haha.

So here's the 2nd email...

From: Grove Data Tech Inc

To: ****** ****** <*******@yahoo.com>

Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2012 3:31 PM

Subject: Re: Home based Data Entry job

Hello applicant,

your application with Grove Data Technology Inc was approved and

we are sending you Employment Contract of Online Part Time data entry work

ome Based with this email,

kindly read and fill up the "Employment Contract" (attached with this email on Word file)

and after signing this contract send us back by Scan email in maximum 2 working days,

After receiving this contract we will take start to send you the work on Weekly basis,

you will be Grove Inc's Part Time Permanent Employee for 6 months and after this period

you can extend agreement for more 6months,

all you have to type our data and Clients data on sheets,

(Note: complete work tutorial you will get with your first paid project after submission

of contract)

also you will get your salary every after 6days,

hope to hear from you soon,

regards

Edsel G. Carl

Grove Data Conversion Inc

Am Stadtrand 441G, 32417,

Hamburg, Germany

info@grovedata.com

http://www.grovedata.com/

-----

Honestly I googled the company name (I think I was having a hunch that time but kept on ignoring it) but can't find it except for the url he povided but then again for the 3rd time, I replied with the duly filled in and signed "employment contract". Seriously!

So here's his 3rd mail.

From: Grove Data Tech Inc

To: ******* ****** 

Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 1:52 PM

Subject: Re: Home based Data Entry job (Employment Contract)

Hello,

we have received your contract, now you can start work with us,

we have send you One Day of work But its your first project so you can submit

in 3days and after that you have to submit in 24 hours,

attached are the image files of Data Sheets,

Guideline of work is attached with this Email on MS word format, kindly read carefully,

Also Guideline Tutorial is included as a Picture format

after entering the Data in Lisda Inventory Software Save the files and Saved

files you have to send us back by Email and we will immediately transfer you

your first week salary in advance, (get software to http://www.lisdasoft.com/)

with this email following files are attached in .ZIP folder,

1: Data Sheets to Complete (Project Pack)

2: Step by Step Guideline and Tutorial (Guideline)

3: Your Salary invoice (Salary)

kindly Click link below to Download Project zip folder and Extract after download:

(copy n paste link in your browser if click does not work)

http://www.grovedata.com/project.zip

Note: its One day of work but you can complete this project in 3 days

and contact us back,

regards

Edsel Carl

Grove E-Books and Data Technology Inc

-----

Because I have to buy the "lisdasoft" which costs 58 euros and there's no trial version whatsoever and need to pay through Western Union (what the!)... my brain started to function properly.. LOL. I was like.. hmmm so that's the catch, it's a scam. Although I got tempted to pay (glad I've no credit card or not a fan of purchasing stuff online), my fingers start typing "Edsel Carl" and there he is... his name with different different company name, he's nothing but a FRAUDSTER!

------

So anyway, I replied him with:

"That's actually very scheming.

Why not transfer my first week salary in advance first so I can buy that software :) "

------

I don't consider myself as a gullible person, I'm more a paranoid. I always doubt people. So what happened here because I want to earn big time (being greedy and stuff) because I'm not getting any younger and I have dreams to fulfill.. so I almost got scammed.

Lesson learned:  Greediness is next to foolishness.

I'm still glad that though I'm not contented, apparently, with what I already have, I didn't lose anything in the process.

Spot the Nationality/Race by Clothes

Can a zebra change its stripes or the leopard its spots?

In my previous entry, I wrote about figuring out where someone is from (particularly our own kind like they stick out like a sore thumb LOL) at a distance by their facial features, skin hues, accent and the way they behave. 

But sometimes it is none of the above but rather the way they dress and carry themselves. They have their own special fashion style. Generally, it is so easy to tell if you live in a melting pot and all that for years...

If you're a regular Dubai Metro commuter, you will notice that this image from RTA is 80-90% true. LOL.

And the last two images from Brownbook illustrate the difference between the Middle Eastern women's clothing, and also the difference between the Gulf men's clothing.

  



Obviously, we've got a heap load of every race/nationality here and still it is easier to spot anyone even if they dress like the locals or whoever.

I also do know that sometimes it's difficult to single someone out especially if they're of a blend of this and that race.

But do you think the above clothings are accurate? Like do Emiratis' khandoura looks like that, same goes with Saudis' thobe and Omanis' dishdasha? I mean I'm an Asian (more Oriental at that) but I don't think I wear something like the one in the above. Or well... Maybe.. Yeah I'm having second thought. LOL.

Can you tell where a person is from?

If you're in the UAE for more than 5 years, you will acquire a skill of identifying nationalities. You can't be in Dubai for 5 years and won't be able to tell nationality, seriously.

The only confusion you will have is the difference between Indian and Pakistani but they can tell. I mean, Indian will be able to tell if someone is Pakistani, or Bengali or Sri Lankan. 

Europeans will be able to tell each country because it's their own region, they know their own and that they look different. 

Just like how I can tell if someone is Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai, etc and not my own.

So, if an Arab see an Arab somewhere else they can tell -- Egyptian, Lebanese, Syrian, Kuwaiti, Bahraini, Saudi, etc even if they are not in their sheilas and abayas or wearing anything Arabs on them. It's their makeup, the features, the accessories, the colors, etc. 

They said...

• Kuwaiti girls are more on their skin. If a Kuwaiti wears (or not) an abaya in Kuwait, she'll do the same outside her country because they have their freedom there so she'll be natural outside. They also love to accessorize and put colors, bright colors. Kuwaiti men love bling-bling.
• While Saudi girls are the opposite. Most likely they remove their abayas when they're outside their country. Also they put really nice and extra dark kohl over their eyes to bring it out because normally those are the only features visible to others in their country.
• Emirati girls have certain ways on putting their make up and more obsessed with blings. You'll find them blinging a lot.

What about you, can you spot the difference?

Random Facts about UAE

I was bored the other day and wasted 135 dirhams ($37) answering Du SMS Mega Win (they should pay me for this free advertising LOL) questions via texto to collect points (I have had 2035 points) which give me chances (and BILLIONS of hopes) to win 5,000 dhs, Audi Aq and Audi Q7.. what the hell! LOL.

So the following facts are taken from the said 'competition': 

• Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE.
• Oman & KSA countries border the UAE.
• The official currency of the UAE is Dirham.
• Before 1971, UAE was known as Trucial States.
• Sharjah is one of the seven Emirates.
• Sharjah is the third largest emirate of the UAE.
• Peregrine Falcon (bird) is the official symbol of the UAE.
• The very popular Falconry season, runs during the Winter.
• The tallest building in the world is Burj Khalifa.
• Adrian Smith designed Burj Khalifa.
• Shasha is a palm reed fishing boat.
• The city of Ras Al Khaimah was historically known as Julfar.
• You can discover UAE heritage in Heritage Village.
• The King is the nickname of the Sharjah Sports Club.
• E11 highway starts in Abu Dhabi and ends in Ras Al Khaimah.
• Dubai Tennis Championship is held at Tennis Stadium.
• Djokovic won the 2011 Dubai Tennis Tournament.
• The Al Quoz Industrial District is divided into 4 areas.
• Louvre Museum is to open a branch on Saadiyat Island.
• Ghaus is how pearl-fishing referred to in the local dialect.
• Ibn Majid was a great poet and seaman.
• The navigator which Ibn Majd associated to was Vasco da Gama.
• Liwa is a traditional music & dance.
• UAE national footbal team played the 1990 World Cup.
• Afghanistan national team plays in Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
• Camel racing is a very popular sports activity in the UAE.
• Harees is a traditional dish consisting of wheat.
• Majboos is a popular dish in the Emirates.
• Coffee served in the UAE is often flavoured with Cardamon.
• Al yoleh is a traditional Emirati folk form of art.
• Ras Al Khaimah is one of the northern Emirates.
• Palm Islands are located in Dubai.
• Palm Islands are man-made islands.
• Al Ittihand was first published UAE newspaper.
• The United Arab Emirates University based is in Al Ain.
• Dubai Shopping Festival takes place every January.
• Al Fahidi Fort was erected 1799.
• Dubai Mall has the largest number of shops.
• There are 22 cinema screens in Dubai Mall.
• Burj Al Arab is the fourth tallest hotel in the world.
• Al Ghurair is the oldest shopping centre in Dubai.
• Dubai Zoo was built by Ottto Bulart.
• Giorgio Armani Hotel is located  in Burj Khalifa.
• Al Mamzar is famous for a public park.

---

P.S.  I just want to let everyone know that this blog is not associated with the Du telecom and I am not connected nor have affiliation whatsoever with them. I endorse no products/promotions etc. I do not speak for anyone else. I am a consumer/subscriber too and just shared my experience.

Speak Like an Emarati with Great Praise

Ana far7aana. 5l9t el class kaif armis emirati. (I'm happy. I completed the how to speak Emarati class) I graduated "magna cum laude" from Level 1, wallah (I swear) because only 2 out of 10 students have attended the exam-graduation Sunday night. LOL

I feel like I know a lot. I guess it's the Shaima-factor. She is good and effective teacher and has a sense of humor (she is a comedienne). I vouch that her teaching method (language + culture + humor) really does work. She also shares techniques that will make learning easier. I really enjoyed the whole thing to the hilt. I finished level 1, being able to compose, speak and understand simple Emirati Arabic sentences and feeling hopeful about being able to speak the accent with confidence soon. Can't wait to take it to the next level..

FRIDAY is my 2nd favorite F word...

...next to FOOD! :p

I love Friday because it's the weekend and my only one day off. Even though I don't have Saturday off like others (UAE's official weekend is Friday-Saturday) I'm still happy because at least I have a week-off. 

Being at home on Friday -lying in bed all day staring at the ceiling- can sometimes be boring. Of course, LOL. And sometimes going to a place where you can enjoy and keep busy can ruin your budget and empty your wallet. The only thing I know to save you from all of this is to do some volunteering..

So where was I last Friday eve? I was feeling really good somewhere at the BurJuman because I was helping/sorting through a collection of books (thousands of them) for the upcoming Pink Book Sale.  

Books in the boxes...

Books on the floor...

Books in the trolley...

The pile of books is a mile high!

Another good thing participating on this kind of activity, you'll find a lot of books -- those you've been looking for all of your life, LOL, in a cheaper price. Imagine, I bought these 2 books for only 20 dhs (US$ 5.50)

Okay guys, I'm off here to give hope to a hurting world! ;-)

A Twinkle in the "Eye of the Emirates"

I've been to Al Qasba, a small tourist spot in Sharjah, last Saturday for a couple of hours. Travelled for an hour going there and another one hour going back to Dubai via the intercity bus. Reached my destination around 6pm and left around 10pm

 

It was my first time in that place so I took a LOT of photos.

  

I roam around the area and here's what I've seen ..

There's a kid zone where they can play and have some rides..

A canal and abra (wooden boat) ride..

A foot bridge to cross the canal and go to the other side..

Some nice restaurants and cafes are spread in the area.

Had my dinner at Sumo Sushi & Bento before heading back home

And the Eye of the Emirates which, according to some people, is the largest Ferris wheel in the Middle East. They also say that the fountain in front of the giant wheel is a musical/dancing fountain. I said say because I didn't hear any music nor see it dancing but I saw some kids "showering" over the fountain, I know right?!

 and this is the twinkle mentioned in the title.. :p