Bo Sanchez’s latest blog entry talks about how to get rich during a recession. In particular, Bo says: “You don’t have to join the recession. Auntie Eunice reminds me that success is not about external circumstances, but about three important components: (1) a powerful mindset, (2) practical wisdom, and (3) inner character. Develop these three things, and you will succeed no matter what chaos is happening around you.”
As I understand, this may also mean that the recession should not stop you in doing what you wanted. It should also not hinder you in focusing at your plans. And it should not prevent you in changing or leaving your current job. Why delay when the right time and opportunity is already at your doorstep. Hmmm…something to think about.
By the way, I am now back in PH. Sorry to my friends in Dubai for not having much time to catch on you before I left. I hope to see you someday, somewhere. To my friends in PH, see you when I see you.
Goodbye Dubai! (At least, for now).
One of my favorite song is “Return to Pooh Corner” by Kenny Loggins. I love listening to the melody especially its acoustic version. But until now, I still cannot decipher the message behind the lyrics. And I know that there is something in it that haunts and mesmerizes me. I have captured part of the lyrics below. Can you share your interpretation to help me understand this song?
Winnie the Pooh doesn’t know what to do
Got a honey jar stuck on his nose
He came to me asking help and advice
And from here no one knows where he goes
So I sent him to ask of the Owl if he’s there
How to loosen a jar from the nose of a bearSo help me if you can
I’ve got to get back
To the House at Pooh Corner by one
You’d be surprised
There’s so much to be done
Count all the bees in the hive
Chase all the clouds from the sky
Back to the days of Christopher Robin and PoohIt’s hard to explain how a few precious things
Seem to follow throughout all our lives
After all’s said and done I was watching my son
Sleeping there with my bear by his side
So I tucked him in, I kissed him and as I was going
I swear that the old bear whispered “Boy welcome home”
“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning.” ~ Ivy Baker Priest
I was adamant to share this piece of news but some concerned friends had been sending feelers about this. I know that some would raise their eyebrows on this decision. YES, this is to confirm that I am leaving this place soon. NO, I am not a victim of the worldwide financial crisis. My decision of leaving one of the top organisation in the world has nothing to do with that crisis. I had been thinking about this decision since day-one. I admit that my plan of going back home could be a preparation for a long-term decision that may happen some months or a year from now. Nevertheless, my only focus at this time is just to be with my family and to work closer from home. Well, no matter where my feet lead me, the planet jongoloids will remain in its orbit. Cheers!
I bought this camel stuff toy for our little miss Coleen. When I informed her about it, she said “Thank you Dad Jong… ingat.” How sweet for a child to say that.
By the way, I heared this from Bo Sanchez today: “To have fun you need to go out of your comfort zone. You know, we like a chair; we like a bed because it doesn’t move. We like to be in one place to rest and ahhh… Are you having fun? If not, maybe you’ve been too long in your comfort zone. Let’s go to the courage zone. Because the courage zone is where you begin to have fun and excitement in life. Let’s go!”
“Courage is shown in acts, not in words; it is not bluffing, arrogance, or madness. A courageous man is the one who dares to do what he finds is right, and bears the consequences of his acts – whether they are political, social or individual. A man can obey others for two reasons: for fear of being punished, or for love. Obedience that comes from love of others is a thousand times stronger than fear of punishment.” (Mahatma Ghandi, 1869–1948)
Dhow Cruise offers an experience of a dinner aboard a traditional Arabic Dhow (wooden vessel) that glides along the Dubai creek. It gives a fascinating view of traditional and modern Dubai at night.
Two weeks ago, I joined Arnel and Charrie (refer to my previous blog) on a dhow cruise dinner which we have booked through Lama Tours. Tonight, I went on another dhow cruise again to join my visiting colleagues from our Poland team. We were booked through Arabian Tours.
I have seen some slight difference on how the two vessels were decorated along with the type of food and services the respective tour company provides. I don’t want to sound bias so there is no point for me to list the differences. What is more important is that I enjoyed the experience in both occasions. A must-try activity for those who are planning to visit this place.
A rare opportunity and a sweet way to wrap up my journey in this part of the world. “A cloud does not know why it moves in just such a direction and at such speed. It feels an impulsion … this is the place to go now. But the sky knows the reasons and the patterns behind all clouds, and you will know, too, when you lift yourself high enough to see beyond the horizons.” (The Alchemist) 
Aside from dune bashing, camel rides, belly dancing, henna painting, shisha and barbeque dinner; another activity in a desert safari tour is the chance to put on the traditional costumes.
Everytime I chance upon a mascot, I always wonder how it feels to be inside that lovely figure. I always believe that behind the cute appearance and funny antics, there is a person inside that is placed in a very uncomfortable condition. Just imagine placing yourself under a thick layers of blanket. How suffocating it might be.
Some rude kids even make fun of the figure to the point of hitting them like torturing a stuff toy. That’s why after taking this recent pix with them at the Ibn Batuta Mall, I warmly gave my “thanks” to those souls inside. I wish kids and kids-at-heart would do the same.
I had the opportunity to visit the Atlantis. A resort located at The Palm Jumeirah. Together with Arnelio and Charrie, we booked for the Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers. The main attraction of Aquaventure is the Ziggurat which offers the Leap of Faith; a daring 27.5 metre near-vertical drop down its face. We had no courage to give it a shot so we just go for the Shark Attack and the Rapids. Shark attack is a shoot and spin through a mysterious dark tunnel then emerging to a clear end tunnel giving a closer view of the sharks. The Rapids is a ride to over two kilometer path of tidal river with one metre waves in a lush tropical landscape.
The second part of our tour is a visit to The Lost Chambers. The journey provides insights into how the citizens of Atlantis may have lived and worked.
The walk brings you to a maze of underwater halls and tunnels under the Ambassador Lagoon. This pic was taken at the Seven Sages Chamber overlooking the lagoon. As I understand, the lagoon is ten meters deep filled with several large manta rays, sun fish, groupers and a variety of smaller sea creatures all found within the local waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Eous (my cam) was so busy today. Several shots were taken. Now, I’m thinking of opening my multiply account for posting some of my masterpieces (daw).
Arnelio is in town! He is a friend and colleague who is now based in Canada. He is here in Dubai for a 1-week visit.
For his first night, we went to Wafi City. This is a complex styled after ancient Egypt which includes a mall, hotel, restaurants, residences and nightclub. The design is a collection of columns reminiscent of pyramids and pharaohs. The main attraction of Wafi City is the pyramid-shaped Wafi Mall.
Another Dubai-based friend, Charrie also joined us. Both of them are my old buddies from the sunny company. We never thought that one day, we will reunite in this part of the world. Pardon me for not posting their close-up pix here as I need to get their approval.
For the dinner, we went to Seville’s; a Spanish inspired restaurant. We had chorizo, gambas and garlic-tomatoe bread for appetizer. For the main course, we had the house-special seafood paella and lamb stew. Surprisingly, this resto doesn’t serve steamed plain rice. But fortunately, the Pinoy waiter offered to buy the plain rice from the nearby restaurants as per our request. Of course, we left him an ample tip for his kind gesture.
