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| Yellow Cab, Malate, Manila |
On April 16, my
friends and I dined at Yellow Cab and consumed about 4 huge pizzas and a
Charlie Chan. We wanted more though, but then we had to save space in our
tummies for dessert (which we had at McDo). It was just a few days after our
Finals Exam and 2 days before my flight to Dubai. I wasn’t expecting any grand
celebration of some kind. Just spending time with my friends before the school
term officially ends was more than enough. But then, that day turned out to be
VERY, VERY special for me. I received gifts – a bookmark, a travel stress ball,
Lauren Oliver’s Panic, a white teddy bear wearing a pink hoodie/jumpsuit, a
Chanel lip balm, and a box of Sophie’s mom cupcakes – greeting cards, and a treat
at Army Navy the day after. I have a huge thing for surprises and I admit I am
flattered (until now, yes). After all the savory treats we ended my
pre-birthday celebration at Providence, singing our lungs out.
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| Thai Chi Restaurant, Dubai |
My post-birthday
celebration on the other hand, which my family and I celebrated, took place at
Dubai during my summer vacation. It was an entire 3 weeks filled with food,
road trips, adventure and relaxation. Following the night of my arrival, we
were invited at Thai Chi Restaurant, where a very close friend of my mom works,
not knowing what they have planned for me. My friend, Fatma, and I walked
around for a bit before settling down on our seat. I was asked what I have in
mind for dinner. Laughing at my food choices (mostly seafood and very authentic
Thai), my mom made a quick add to the list. She ordered the largest and the
fattest crab I have ever seen! I was on the verge of licking my fingers from
all the delicious food when people started singing and walking towards - oh, I don’t
actually know - I was still busy with my Padthai. What caught my eye was the
cake! Oh the glorious cake! It is my favorite chocolate flavor plus the
thickness! Gosh it was so thick and maybe heavenly too? I don’t know. Who was
this cake for anyway? HAHAHA. Turned out it was for me! All eyes were on me as
the staff from Thai Chi walked towards me singing a Happy Birthday song, while
holding the glorious cake. I was so
speechless. This was so sweet, very sweet indeed (not the cake, the cake tasted
with just a tad of sweetness, I meant everyone I was with this night). Everyone
really did an awfully amazing job because I was so moved. I am so blessed to
have all of you!
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| Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Dubai |
For the first
time, I was able to try out my strength in Archery. My arms were shaking and my
shots were, well, they were pretty obvious that I was a beginner. After a few
minutes, a slight bruise was starting to form on my right arm. This however,
didn’t stop me. I was given an ice cube for my bruise and after a while, I was
back on track. Legs slightly apart, shoulders relaxed, eyes focused on the
target; I aimed and released. I can’t really put into words how I felt when I
was able to hit the target, but I swear I just started dancing (well, almost).
Aiming again, I released. Target! For a couple more minutes, I was aiming and releasing
the arrow like a pro.
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| Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Dubai |
Even the instructors were pretty amazed by my quick
learning, considering that I have never done this sport before. I was amazed.
My arms were sore and heavy after Archery, but I have never been this happy.
So, all good!
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| Palm Jumeirah, Dubai |
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| Sunrise at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai |
3 weeks of fun
and that’s all I did? Of course not! My elementary friend, Jean, my family and
I, stayed at The Palm Jumeirah for a night. I helped my dad prepare dinner.
Yes, I successfully barbecued a couple of our favorites and served everyone
with their drinks. The night was so gorgeous that Jean and I could not just let
it pass without having a swim, and so we did. Adding to the breezy wind, once
we dipped ourselves in to the pool, we were so stunned by how cold the water
was that we couldn’t move. Jean and I stayed frozen to our spots until we felt
ourselves warming up and adjusting to the temperature. It was a good thing we
didn’t get sick afterwards. My mom woke us up at 5 or 6 in the morning to watch
the sunrise. Walking towards the beach, my head was running around in circles
and I couldn’t think properly. I think it was because we slept around 3 AM.
However, once the sun was out, I can’t help but feel its warmth on my face and
admire the beautiful landscape in front of me. Before we headed home, one last
dip on the pool won’t hurt right? My mom, Jean and I quickly changed into our
swimsuits and braved the thoughts of getting sunburned. After all, it’s summer.
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| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi |
To wrap up my
birthday celebration, let’s get right to my most anticipated, most thrilling
and definitely my double (no, make that a triple) favourite: Yas Waterworld,
Abu Dhabi. Stopping by at McDo to have our breakfast, we were pretty much
pumped up and ready for an hour and more drive to Abu Dhabi from Dubai. On our
way to Yas Waterworld, we checked out the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Slipping
on our abaya, we walked around the astounding mosque in Abu Dhabi, under the
scorching heat.
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| Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi |
Once I saw the
signage “Yas Waterworld”, I can’t help myself from grinning like mad. We’re
here!!! Ahhhh. I can still feel everything as if it was just yesterday.
Sunblock on, I changed into my waterpark attire. We took a couple of pictures
before splashing ourselves in the water. Knowing just how adrenaline pumped I
am, there was no stopping me. Even if it means that I have to try every ride,
including the highest of them all.
(For more of my
Yas Waterworld adventure, stay tuned for my upcoming blog!)
Sadly, after
weeks of heaven, it is time to say goodbye and head back home where another
year of school and org works awaits me. But hey! I’m grateful though and excited too. This birthday was by far the greatest and the longest.
I am
blessed, thankful and more than happy for everything that I have received, for
all the adventures and for everyone who celebrated these special days with me.
