Twelfth

It's been a while since I have updated this blog. I just have to since totomai.net turns 12. Twelve years - that was a long time. I haven't been religiously blogging since I transferred in the Middle East. In the past, I usually blog on a Sunday but here, Sunday is the first day of work. I know, I have to make excuses. And also, I sort of cheated by posting blog titles or photos only just to keep the one-month per post alive. So sorry about that. 

Bahrain

When you have at least eight hours left before your flight back to Abu Dhabi, what would you do? You either go to the airport directly after the meeting with client, or you book a city tour since it is your first time in Bahrain? I booked a 4-hour city tour as recommended by the hotel where I checked-in.

Kuwait

Since moving to Abu Dhabi, UAE in 2017, I have been constantly involved with proposals and projects in the Middle East region. This was my first time to visit Kuwait. Though I should have been working in Kuwait instead of UAE as it was the job location offered when my contract was being finalized.

Superheroes

Our company had recently held its annual Team Building at Warner Brothers World Abu Dhabi. The theme park just opened last July 2018. It was a chance to bring out the inner child in us. For one day, we were told not to think about work. But I received one a work-related phone call that day, well that's a different story.

 

Burning

The temperature started to reach mid-40's and it's giving me a burning sensation every time I go out of my accommodation. It is my first summer here in the Middle East as a resident. My friends and colleagues told me that this is still not the peak of summer season, perhaps in a month, it will hit 50 deg C and higher. 

the hot maize spotlight

exposes sea waves' jewels

continental range

/totomai

Louvre

A few weeks ago, a friend sent me a message asking why I haven't posted travel photos lately.  I was quite busy with work. But one weekend, instead of staying at home, I decided to go to Louvre Abu Dhabi, the latest architecture and tourist attraction in Abu Dhabi, United 

rain in the desert
wipes out footprints of camels
trekking back in time

/totomai

Airshow

Time zooms. Few months ago, I worry a lot being of jobless for almost a year. Soon, I will be two month old in two weeks time in my new company. So far it’s been great. I think I have adjusted well, the relatively cooler temperature helped a lot. Summer will be coming in a few months though and could very well test me and my allergies. I heard the temperature shoots up to 52 deg C and humidity reaches 100%.

the man-made rainbow

vanishes just like my dreams 

with or without rain 

 /totomai

Grand

Taking into consideration that I only had 2.5 days in Abu Dhabi, I made sure that at least I can visit its number one tourist attraction – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This could make my first visit in the Middle East memorable.