Being an OFW in UAE for almost 6 years, it's normal to have a basic routine of work-home-part time or party every other weekend (for the younger ones) with serious bouts of homesickness in between. Like me, for example, I never had an issue with being alone. I'm an expert in entertaining myself with books, random coffee hangouts, etc. but there are times that you can't help but long for the familiarity of home, missing your fights with parentals and the never-ending social activities you set up for yourself with your friends.
During my first year I was totally in my element as a loner. Honestly, I don't make friends easy - it usually takes me 6 months to a year to warm up to somebody, but I was totally fine with it. Quality vs quantity anytime anyway ~ which paid off in the end because who I made friends with in 2013 were still my close friends up to this day. It's inevitable eventually, that you get to create a makeshift family and support system that you make weekend & holiday plans with ~ which could totally save you during times of personal crisis. They may be nosy, they may have totally different (or agreeable) opinions on politics or religion but in the end, they can be your emergency contact, on-call mover, potential job network and sounding board so be thankful (ok ok #sepanx dahil I just moved out T_T miss you friends!!!)
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STAY BUSY?
Currently, I'm based in Abu Dhabi but for my first 2 years, I was originally based in Dubai. It's a big adjustment though, because Dubai feels more like a city even if Abu Dhabi is actually UAE's capital (it's the skyscrapers). Abu Dhabi is more laidback however people here tend to sleep earlier ~ or you just see less people in the streets by 9PM on a weekday. In Dubai, you can still find people eating a shawarma, taking walks by the creek or doing last minute shopping till wee hours in the morning.
Comparisons aside, you will definitely find a lot of things to keep you sane and busy in both cities if you just know where to look. In Abu Dhabi, you just have to pick up a random free issue of Abu Dhabi World to get updated on what's happening or any free activities the city has in store. Previously I wrote about scoring access to a one-man play in NYU AD - and just last week we were able to participate in the Yas Movies in the Park (Day 2) for the Mamma Mia Immersive Experience! Both events are free entry btw, you only have to register ahead of time. Such a fun fun night ~ great music + excellent company + freebies = YEYYYY!!!
The month before, we registered for the ADSC (Abu Dhabi Sports Council) Indoor Run which was held at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (Yas Mall). However, this event was not free (2.5K, 5K and 10K were all for 50 AED/person only) but you'll have free entry to Ferrari World and medals! Plus, the atmosphere was so positive, we just had to sign up for the next event and we were able to complete the 5K within the allotted time! #BUCKETLIST!!
If you're into more activities within the city, you can take a stroll in the newly-opened A'l Bahar in Corniche. The theme is La Mer slash Delma Park but with video arcades. You can also join a meetup group, attend classes at The Filipino Institute to upgrade your skills (or learn new ones) or go skating along the corniche. The possibilities are endless!
There are definitely too many things or activities you can do here to while away the time, or just to enjoy yourself and your family / friends. Being away from your loved ones sa pinas can take a toll on you, and work is stressful enough - to beat yourself up by staying holed up in your room/ partition/bed, letting life pass you by. We work hard here for the sake of providing a good life for our families back home - that we owe it to ourselves to actually live our own lives as well, to keep ourselves fit and healthy, to expand and enrich our minds, culturally and spiritually.
Yun lang, have fun - stay humble and till the next post!
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