Red Sand

Yesterday I had headache, more of a migraine. I can't seem to stand the bright light. This is because we went to the Red Sand and it was so hot, as expected.

We woke up at around 4am to prepare the food that we're going to have for a picnic lunch.

5am Kuya Buboy, tatay's cousin came to our place to pick us up.

Road to Red Sand, at a little past 6am, said to be where Moses opened the sea.


The desert.


The Red Sand, after an hour drive. A lot of Filipinos spent the day off here.


It's a challenge to go up.


I look sosyal here!


Here, sexy!


We continued to our adventure and left the Red Sand after about 30minutes. I saw these camels near where the car is parked.
First time to see camels!



We had our lunch at the "Hidden Valley". They said that this place used to be beautiful and with cave where you can find a shade to enjoy the place and picnic. Since there was no other better spot we had our lunch under this leaves-less bush.


We left the place at about 9am and dropped by to this place where 4-wheeled AT motors are rented 25SR for 1 hour.

Ate Ghema giving me some instructions.


Ala Angelina Jolie raw!


I think we were just able to use the motor for about 30minutes. It was so hot that you'll not be able to stand the heat especially if you're not wearing any sunblock.

Arrived home at 11am and after some few minutes I hit the sack to get some nap and when I woke up, headache. Aspirin did not help so I slept earlier than usual last night and when I woke up this morning I feel good. I'm going to miss Riyadh despite the heat, really.

The Globe, Again

The Globe, yet, again, in the late afternoon. This is around 630pm.



This time it's a different experience. We were laughing through out the time because it was sooo windy!





We are literally being blown away.



Kapiiitt!!!



I'm floating!



Thank you, Nay, Tay!

At The Kingdom

I am only able to go out in my parents flat when I'm with my parents because women here are not aloud to go out alone. Although, there are some women who are bold enough to do so because Saudi have gone a long way to leniency. There are times also, when women are able to walk around without tarha.

But, one time when we were having dinner in a mall, an Indian maintenance kept calling me to cover my hair. I was glad that I was able to hear it and able to cover my hair fast enough before the mutawa walked through our table. Huh! That was close!

Last night, we went to the Kingdom Mall to go to the Sky Bridge. Since it was still Sala, prayer time, the store and all establishmnents are closed. To pass some time, I asked for a jump shot. This is the only shot that is worth calling a jump shot aftet countless of tries. This is mu cousin, Craig. A cute and smart boy.


He loves his uncle and aunt.


We had our dinner at Chili's.


The tables have heavy curtains which looks like a big photo booth. LOL.


The serving is big. I had Grilled Salmon with Herbs. The salmon was grilled tenderly but it's a bit salty especially the veggies. Looks like it was sprinkled with some pinch of salt.


This is where we are headed. Gwapo ng tatay ko, no?


The view from the sky bridge.


The entrance fee is quite expensive. 25SR for just a view of the Riyadh! Not worth it.


But, the experience and company of my parents and tatay's cousin and his family is what made the night worth doing again, minus the Sky Bridge.

My Escape To Riyadh

I really don't have to be here because I have to take care of my father who had his triple bypass. He is actually already reporting to office when I came here. But, I pursued the idea of going to this Kingdom for some blurry reasons.

Of course I want to be with my parents but that won't be strong enough to take me to this very hot, scary and boring place.I wanted to escape. My life took a different turn. I thought things will come out the way I planned it to be. I can't even get a job to keep myself busy because Singapore have made a more strict policy of prioritizing locals over foreign talents.Now, I'm reassessing my life. I'm beginning to be comfortable in staying at home - a homemaker. I want to put up a business so I can also help K in our finances. I want to join an NGO with a mission to provide education to poor children. I want to take up the cisco certification and PMP. So many things... I am torn between what I want, which is outside of my comfort zone and, what society dictates, to be an employee because it's the norm.

Finally Here In Riyadh

The Saudi Arabian Airline left SG and arrived in Riyadh on time so we arrived in RUh at exactly 8pm local time, same as the ETA.

A lot of things happened the night before I left until I left the airport. But, what is bothering me right now and disturbing me is when I witnessed two nationals, they look either Indian or Bangladeshi, at the airport. Their passport were taken by the locals and seemed being harassed. After seemed to be 5 minutes or so of discussions they were taken to the car and to a place only God knows where.

My parents said that first timers are the victims of a scam where the passports are taken by the Arabs and then forced to tend their sheep or work in the farm without salary and adequate food. That happened to one of his Indian officemates. Lucky for that person he was traced by the company and was rescued in that depressing situation.I hope and pray that those two men who were just trying to earn money for their families will be able to get out to be where they should be.P.s. Are you wondering what happened to the offenders of my father's officemate? Nothing. There are a lot of horrible things that have happened here and have been happening and nothing is being done.