One fine morning here in Doha Site office, I received an email from our office Travel Coordinator asking for a scanned copy of my 2x2 photo. I read the thread of the email and found out that I am going to Abu Dhabi for my visa renewal. I went to Doha last August and I should be back to my hometown Philippines on November. After two months of staying in Doha for a short term secondment, they wanted me to extend my stay until January next year, so ther are two options, either go back to Manila and stay for a few weeks while waiting for another visa or go to Abu Dhabi. I don't have a choice but to go to AD (Abu Dhabi).

October 8, I was forced to wake up at 4:00 in the morning to prepare for my flight to AD. The driver picked us at aroung 5:15am. The flight was just one hour, we left Doha at 8am and arrive in AD at around 10am (9am Doha time). AD is 1 hour ahead of Doha. I was exhausted the whole flight, I was not feeling well and a bit nervous and excited. We proceed to the immigration for our visa and we had an eye scan. AD airport is not that big but it is organised. The company driver was waiting for us in the lobby. AD airport is roughly 20 minutes away from the office. We reached the office at around 11:30. I just put my bags in one corner and started to fix my temporary workstation for 3 days, yes only 3 days because I need to be back in Doha on friday October 12.

At 5pm the driver took us to our apartment which is situated near Cornice, its around 20 minutes away from the office without traffic. I was in awe when I had a glimpse of AD. It was a nice city with greeneries. I was still in the Middle East but I felt I was in Australia, tall buildings, trees, parks, different from Doha. I loved this City. I asked Asok, our driver to go to a nearby groceries to buy some foods, we went to Spinney's. Since in Doha pork is not allowed, in AD, you can buy pork and other by products like bacon, hotdog and many more. I bought a slab of pork belly, bacon, hotdog, sausage, and spam. I cooked the pork belly for dinner. I was so tired that day so I just slept early. I didn't have the strength to roam around.

Second Day in Abu Dhabi was spent in the office. After office hours I went to Marina Mall and ate in Fuddruckers. After my window shopping I went to the Emirates Palace, one of the most expensive hotels in the world. here you can see a golden dome. They also housed a mini museum with the scaled model of the new structures that Abu Dhabi is going to build.

Office again the next, after 5pm I went to Cornice near our apartment. The Corniche Road spreads across an impressive eight kilometres of manicured waterfront that includes children's play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants, and the Corniche Beach - a lifeguarded beach park and its free. You can swim in the sea or go biking. I just walked and took some photos. It was a bit hot that night but I enjoyed watching the children playing together with their parents. Its a nice place to enjoy and relax.

My 3 days in Abu Dhabi was a tiring but enjoyable one. I missed some other places but I hope and pray that I will be back and enjoy Abu Dhabi more.

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." - Jawaharial Nehru