when the Choc Nut and Christmas islander blogs within the breeze of the Gulf

If you have to choose between buying something or spending the money on a memorable experience, go with the experience.

According to a study conducted at San Francisco State University, the things you own can’t make you as happy as the things you do. One reason is adaptation: we adapt to all things material in our lives in a matter of weeks, no matter how infatuated we were with the coveted possession the day we got it. Another reason is that experience, unlike possession, generally involves other people, and fosters or strengthens relationships that are more edifying over time than owning something.

This supports my preference for travelling next to basic necessities and other things. What about you?

As much as I try to be cool and do things graciously, I also have my ‘moments’ when I feel (even if I ignore) that there’s too much in my hands. I’ve re-read one particular chapter in The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari last night. To keep me sane for the moment.

John: Hit me with the quick fixes. I’m excited about what you are telling me. But I’m an impatient guy.
Julian: Ironically, the less you focus on the end result, the quicker it will come.
John: How so?
Julian: (tells a story)

There was a young boy who traveled far from his home to study under a great teacher. When he met the wise old man, his first question was “how long will it take me before I am as wise as you?”

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Persuasion may probably depict the story of any grown up.  I think that at some point in our lives, we’ve been persuaded long enough. Socially, spiritually, and significantly and usually – emotionally.

Persuasion mainly revolved about the intertwined lives in relation to Anne Elliot.  It is interesting to note that in one chapter, she was described as “She was just Anne”.  Yes, she is.  A sensible woman, have been persuaded to break an engagement, and holds an old flame in her heart.

Anne Elliot was persuaded by an elder family friend, Lady Russel to break off her engagement with Frederick Wenthworth because he is deemed not acceptable per family’s standards.  After 8 years, they met again.  And the rest followed.  The story may seem simple.  But Jane Austen really has her way of telling it in a classic and engaging way.

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One of the things that I definitely miss being in the Philippines is the long weekend.  I think majority likes it.  I didn’t say everyone because there are some  who prefer going to work instead because (a) they are workaholics (b) workplace is their home (!) (c) per day laborer (d) etc.

As you probably know, long weekend here is not as frequent just like in the Philippines. Holiday economics is not observed in UAE.  And of course, there’s no typhoon here (to rain is miraculous).  So when laziness attacks, my usual odd wish of “sana bumagyo bukas” won’t persuade Mother Earth a suspension of classes/work.

Back home, when there’s a long weekend I would usually be spending two of the three days at my favorite malls, go to province/go out of town, or spend all three days at home working, worst, spend the long weekend as if there’s no weekend (meaning I’m at the office).  For those who don’t know me personally, you might think I’m an office slave. Heehee.  No.  It’s normal for us to almost live in the office and sleep for only 2 hours especially during busy season.

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Photos source.  Clockwise: one of first few buses, new cab, old cab.

In this capital city of UAE, there are no jeepneys, (months ago) no buses, no train. It’s either you’re travelling with your own vehicle or through the cabs. The best deal of all, there’s no traffic (that’s per a Filipino’s standards).

Photo source.  One of the new buses

With the influx of new residents coming from different countries (80% of Abu Dhabi’s population comprised of expats), the government has devised a new transportation system. In the middle of this year, buses were introduced with designated routes. With fare estimably 75% cheaper than riding a cab. The great thing in this country is that when a new service line is being introduced, it’s gratis. So the buses would be servicing the commuters for free in until the end of this year.

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