Black Friday in Canada

My sister kept bugging me about the Black Friday. She wanted me to shop during my layover at Toronto, Canada on the 25th of November. I did not want to for I promised myself that I will start saving money after my vacation leave last September. But known to be a cash burner, I ate my words.

My original plan was to see Niagara Falls ONLY. Yes, luckily, it took place. Our arrival to Hilton Hotel was around 1:30 in the afternoon. My colleagues and I immediately dressed and groomed, then off we went to Ontario via Uber. We were hoping to see the falls before sunset. But the sun sets early in winter, so it did not work out. Nonetheless, I did not feel any disappointment upon laying my eyes on the multi-colored waterfalls. I was freezing that I could not feel my hands anymore. But like Elsa of Frozen feels, the cold never bothered me anyway. Haha! The falls is like a light masterpiece. It was so surreal! It's big, bold, and beautiful!

After savouring the moment, we took a meander round Ontario. Niagara Falls is just next to commercial area lined with several restaurants, hotels and casinos. It actually gave me a Las Vegas feels, minus the crowd.

A few more walks, we found a cab that dropped us to the Outlet Center along the express way.

Black Friday is not as big in Canada as it is in the US. There's not much of a traffic jam, no long queue of shoppers... Or perhaps, the BF madness was over as we did the shopping at night? Hmmm?! Anyhow, we reveled in this shopping holiday, especially I, who had no plan to spend moolah but splashed out. Oh dear!

My conclusion: It is better to see the Niagara Falls and better to go gaga over Black Friday on the Canadian side. Don't get me wrong. I love US, too.

Platform 9 ¾

I always lack the courage to go for a leisurely walk in foreign cities. For someone who has no sense of direction, like me, I am afraid to get lost in a place crowded by different nationalities.  Additionally, my parents always remind me not to go out of the hotel alone. I should always roam around with a colleague, they say. But since I've been trying to be adventurous, to conquer my fears, and to try something new the past months, forgive me for going out all by myself. Haha!

I got the guts to do this in a place where I am somehow familiar with, it's London. I always fly here every month that made me feel I am a Londoner already. Haha!

We got one whole day to spend and we would leave the next day in the afternoon. So, some of my colleagues went to the Big Ben which I saw thrice last year. Some went for shopping at Oxford. My original plan was to go to Platform 9 ¾ then proceed to Abbey Road zebra, where The Beatles did their famous walk, you know. But I realized, no one would take a good photo of me walking across the pedestrian crossing. Boy, it's not easy because you have to let some of the traffic go by. Yes, it is just a normal busy road where a lot of vehicles pass by. Thus, I opted for Platform 9 ¾ only.

At first, I had a hard time figuring out the way because the information I got from the man at the hotel concierge contradicts the information on the map itself. I disembarked at the wrong station. A local even told me that the platform is at a different place when I was already at the right one. Oh dear! Anyhow, I arrived at the platform after 2 hours of travelling and asking for a direction.

Platform Nine and Three Quarters is located at King's Cross Station. In the Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and his friends get onto the platform by walking through a brick wall between platforms 9 and 10. I am not a fan of Harry Potter, but I just felt like getting a cute photo with it. Haha! So, I joined the queue of people wanting to do the same. There is a luggage trolley embedded in the wall, and you can pretend you are off to Hogwarts express. There you find a professional photographer and an assistant. You can take a photo using your own phone or camera for free. You can also purchase the professional pictures inside the Harry Potter shop next to it.

It was a fun solo trip. I want to do it again, but of course, with extra alertness.

How can I let you go?

How many times do I have to reminisce about our memories before it dawns on me that it will never take place again? Memories of you and me that can never be replaced by anyone or anything.

How many times do I have to reread your handwritten letters before I can keep them in a box and finally keep them out of sight? Letters made out of your words that were carefully thought out.

How many times do I have to weep over those pictures before I let them get brittle and decay? Those pictures that did not just capture the moment, but our souls.

How many times do I have to search you before I can finally block you; be it online or in my real life? Searching to get a peek into your actual life; new photos, what have you done this weekend, future plans, or if you still miss me.

How many times do I have to utter the word goodbye before I can really let you go? Goodbye, a two-syllable word that would mean living this life without you.

Tell me... How can I let you go?

I Want to Write You A Letter

I want to write you a letter... A 5-page letter or even 10 pages; that contains all my resentment towards you; that tells you about living a part of my life in gall; and that informs you how often I ruminate of those months and years that have elapsed.

I want to write you a letter... To transcribe what my heart shouts every time you become extant then extinct; every time you permit other girls to flirt with you; every day that I drive to our common place and don't get to find you. I wanted to shout... Shout at the top of my lungs the day I saw you with other girl on Tuesday the 13th.

I want to write you a letter... To let you know how tired I am of hearing about your squad asking you to run away from me but you always choose not to. It doesn't give me the feeling of being one in a million. Not at all. You know how I feel? I feel worthless. Your confidante says that forever will I be a no good for you but you just do mum's the word. They don't know how I wept, begged, and chased. Yes, I have gone astray, but please don't make me feel that I am no longer capable of being loved. If they do not like me, just don't mention my name, as they have nothing good to say.  It kills me. They kill me.

I want to write you a letter... To admonish you for being extremely mindful of your ego. Also, I can call you my Mr. Right, with "always" in the middle. It hits you, yeah? Sure you are at odds with what I say, as I said, you just mind your own ego. I repeat, accept this fact.

I want to write you a letter... To list all the questions ramping and raging in mind. Questions that are increasing as we get farther and farther away from each other.

I want to write you a letter... To bid farewell. Farewell that has been bidden numerously. I have been going through the mill for years. 1st was hard. This 2nd has been afflictive. No more 3rd, please?

I want to write you a letter... Hoping everything will be solved as I am left unresolved.

A Greek Experience at Thunderbird Resorts and Casino

Many Santorini-inspired beach resorts can be seen in our beautiful country, like in Ilocos and Batangas. But we chose to see the nearest one which is located in La Union, the Thunderbird Resorts and Casino.

It is not a membership club. Anyone can be a guest in here. I am just not sure if they accept walk-in. But I suggest that you book online ahead of time. You can book either through their website itself or through third parties like Agoda, Booking, and Hotel. It frees you from all the hassle.

After 2 months of not holding a stick shift, I definitely missed driving, so a 4 to 5-hour drive is no biggie at all. It is even easier to travel northbound now via TPLEX. I shall give thanks to Google Map for saving someone who has no sense of direction like me. Haha! We had this weekend getaway on September 3-4.

My family and I had a pullover along McArthur Highway for some rest and coffee. We saw a vendor of corncob and of roasted suman. Wow! They are very, very tasty.

It was such a beautiful weather not until we arrived at the resort. We were checking in when rain suddenly dropped. I was very disappointed, but of course, it did not stop me from adorning myself with bright yellow long dress and a floral crown. Haha!

I was not able to see the beach and pool on our first day whereas my family did. Some parts of the resort are still under construction. However, the main building itself gives you a glimpse of Santorini. It's just wow! Everything is blue and white. The lighthouse is located behind the casino. We visited but unluckily did not get in to climb up as it is only open on weekdays. There is a band playing at the open lounge in the evening. We just had chitchats over a cup of coffee and a glass of mango juice.

Sky was grey and raindrops were falling the next morning that made me sad. We had our breakfast at the buffet. The food was delish. I apologize for not uploading photo of it as I really am not into food photography.

If you cannot let the rain go away, then just go with it. We put on our swimmies and rushed to the pool. Thunderbird has 2 pools; the regular one and the infinity pool near the beach. The water is warm and with less chlorine which gave me a chance to capture an underwater video. Yay! But my father did not dip due to fever. So, he was just sitting there, watching us, and taking photos of us. Haha! We stayed there for an hour, I guess.

It was just a short stay yet we felt relaxed. The warm and comfy ambiance is just amazing in spite of bad weather.

We toured the Ma Cho Temple that is also within the vicinity afterwards.

Geneva - City of Peace

With all the hustle and bustle of every city I have been to, my mind and soul would want to escape. I would like to mooch around where my arms don't collide with the crowd. I would like to sip my frappe and would just hear the sound of a running lake. Or perhaps lay down on the grass at the park and hear the birds tweet. I found this serenity in Geneva. No wonder, it is known as "City of Peace".

I have been to Geneva, Switzerland twice. My first flight to the city was on December 3, 2015. It was the season where the leaves change color and fall off trees. It was autumn, yet it felt like winter already. It was freezing cold that I was shivering with discomfort in my back muscles and joint. Nonetheless, it was good to be here during this kind of season, rather than going there during terrible snowy winter that may lead to flight cancellation. But oh boy! The aerial view of Swiss Alps from the aircraft was astonishing. Paradoxically, the coating of snow across the mountains melted my heart.

I had another layover on July 8, 2016. This time, sun was shining brightly. My mini floral dress was perfect for the weather!

Saudia provides us a beautiful hotel in Geneva. Grand Hotel Kempinski always gives me a huge room. And what I like about this modern hotel is its location. It is close to the tourist spots and to all modes of transportation, like 10-20 minute walking only. Additionally, it offers free transportation passes, like boats and bicycles. Not to mention, the breakfast buffet is superb. I always dine on the veranda where you can view the tall fountain from afar and small birds are fly around you. Too cutesy!

Usually, my colleagues and I take the free boat which rows you around the lake and give you a dramatic glimpse of the Geneve's prominent landmark, the tall fountain called "Jet d'Eau". I don't get tired visiting L'horloge fleurie located at the edge of Jardin Anglais. It is the famous flower clock that tells you the time in a unique and ravishing way. Walk a bit further, you would see a cafeteria with gazebo where people dance. Not to mention, I joined and danced, without a partner though. Haha! Walk across to the other side of the street, many boutiques and restaurants await. FYI, boutiques closed at 6 pm and most shops are shut on Sunday. Known for its famous chocolates, you may hoard the tastiest ones in this city.

Why Saudia?

Have you noticed the massive hiring of most airlines lately? This is due to their international operation expansion. More aircrafts are arriving and many destinations are added up. This goes to show that airline industry faces intense competition in the market. Every airline aims to be number 1 and to reap large profits.

A lot of people are wondering how come I get to go to the Philippines every month? Some friends of mine even confusedly think it is a layover. Let me cut out your curiosity. Saudia has a base in Manila. Our colleagues/seniors, who transferred there, operate that flight. Thus, Riyadh-based hostesses, including I, do not have MNL in the roster. Well, I was able to operate and have a layover in Sofitel Philippine Plaza once, but that is because I was on reserve. Read this: Crew on Reserve. But to see this destination in our lines is unfeasible. So, when you see me driving around Philippines, I am on days off, not on layover. This is one of the benefits I get, which I am very grateful of.

Why I chose Saudia to be the arena for my dream job? (Technically, Saudia chose me, of course. Haha!) I have "PERSONAL REASONS" as to why. Know them below:

1.) For those who are unaware, I grew up in Saudi Arabia. I have been here since I was 11 years old. Working at its flag carrier allows me to see my family and friends here. I am already familiar with the culture and traditions. Hence, no adjustment has been stressfully done.

2.) They consider me as an Overseas Filipino Worker. But I do not feel that I am because I go to Philippines every month. How is that possible when I am everywhere in the world? Saudia gives us 5 consecutive days off monthly, which can be extended 'til 20 days through flight trades (Aside from one-month vacation leave) And guess what? We go to our homeland FOR FREE. We only have to pay for the tax, which is like 5% of the original ticket price. A normal overseas worker could go home after a year or until the end of contract. Oh how I am thankful to be with my retired parents and little sister 12 times a year!

3.) Do you want the world to be your playground? No problem! If you do not want to use your free ticket to your domicile, you may use it to other Saudia destinations. But what if you prefer to spend days off at other destinations which Saudia does not offer? Like Australia, New Zealand, Brazil?! Again, no worries! You may book your discounted ticket through other airlines, like Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, etc. This is what we call Zonal Employee Discount. Airline staff may get 75-90% discount, my parents are part of it as well.

4.) As mentioned above, we have a base in Manila. Our colleagues there flies back and forth to Saudi Arabia only. All Filipina crew have the chance to be transferred to that base, and I would like to be one of them once I get tired of flying and done eyeing the world. It feels good to stay home, be with your family, and earn a living at the same time.

5.) Another best deal that our management offers is the suspension of contract. We can put our contract on hold after 3 years of flying. This suspension can be for as little as 3 months, up to maximum of 6 months. I may ustilize 6 months for wedding preparation, wedding itself, and honeymoon. Haha! Fly with them for 5 years, you could have a one-year vacation. This is applicable for those who want to have a baby. See? Saudia seems to know the flow of crew life. 

Some ask me why not try other middle eastern airlines. They tell me to apply to prestigious ones, but that does not affect my loyalty to my airline. I mean... Saudia may not be the best airline. It may not be on the top 10 list. We may not be wearing the most glamorous uniform. It may not be a 5-star airline. But with all those benefits/perks I obtain, I can say that Saudia is the best airline.

If you ask me, "Why Saudia?" 

I'd answer, "Why not?"