DMG Instagram Diary

 

 

I know it's been long overdue, but it's finally here! Our Dubai Miracle Garden Adventure (in squares).

Some photos have actually been uploaded to my Instagram Account, and some mmmmnnn may not!

Enjoy :)

One Year

March is a significant month in my young life. I still recall my first entry coming here to Dubai, and I'd have to repeat myself: How time flies! It's been a year (A YEAR!!?) since I moved in this glitz and glam of a city, soaking myself in all it's rich and vast deserts, embracing it's Islamic cultures and diverse peoples with the hopes of establishing myself in a professional career while pursuing my many dreams... I can't even look back as the whirlwind of events feel as fresh as only yesterday. Coming to the Arab World wasn't all a magic carpet ride, you know?

 

I've met different people, some Kabayans, making their way in this foreign deserted land. A place far away to leave their homes, for their homes. There were days (weeks!) I'd spent in front of the computer updating my CV, applying online as a Millenial on the hunt for a job; walking long stretches of walk along Sheikh Zayed Road, taking the Metro, going aimlessly into various office buildings to drop our CVs and felt lucky enough to be called for an interview. If there were interviews, I'd consult the trusty Google maps for my location and upon reaching - I'd scramble from the train or taxi or look for the nearest washroom to slip into my heels! I'd present myself in a PAL Professional way backed up with my small victories and young experiences.

There were also days when there was nothing. No calls. No interviews. It felt devastating! (I wouldn't wish it on anyone) I was ready to go home. Many times I thought of going back instead but never really considered it. All I held on was God, constant prayers, and the support and soothing words from family. That made it, at least, bearable. I felt rejected many times but still stubborn and hard-headed to following my dreams... I realized, that's all I have.

 

A year down the road, after surpassing all those challenges and tough times make me proud of where and what I am now. Proud how far my cousin and I have come. A year later, here we are living our lives independently - paying our own rent, doing our own groceries and knowing we can now better stand on our own two feet. I learned (and am still learning) things the hard way. It's what I'm made of. Those rejections have brought me to unknown horizons. Don't despise them. Many times I've been shrouded with self-doubt, but that doubt made me assess myself and learn who I am and what I want. Because only through doubt will you have a stronghold on faith. Well, that itching travel bug and Miss Wanderlust is always in me as I chase life and adventure! And I'm still that stubborn and hard-headed pursuer of dreams ;) (Don't lose sight of 'em, they're there for a reason and a guiding light somehow.)

 

Eighteen... Not

 

As seen in my consecutive instagram posts, I've been posting pictures of my dear cousin Maha's 18th Birthday Party! It's hard to even stop and convince myself it's enough, thinking that my followers might get fed up seeing posts from the same event. But I couldn't be more happier with my cousin's concept and theme of her Debut - pastel and bright solid colours, hundreds of balloons, big bold flowers, a quirky photo booth and a tower of cupcakes - some things I really love (and so do most girls) creating our very own Alice in Wonderland! The outcome of the balloons we pumped, the crepe paper flowers we meticulously handcrafted, and the venue's set-up on the photos was exciting! Unashamedly, we're goofy teenagers and I still refuse to believe I'm in my 20's! I thought these memorable photos needed a dedicated post. You just might want us to plan your next. big. party.
 

We're all about that bass, no treble ;)

 

 

 

 



Downtown

 

Hey there, Mr. Khalifa!
Mmmmn... This isn't meant to be an "Outfit" or "Travel Post" like most blogs do. It's just because, I have so much time for the most unimportant things that I'm able to create something like this! The spontaneity of how a simple day's off from work can turn into cherished moments. Katy Perry even sang it, this is how we do! A rare adventure day spent with my cousin, Ate Julie, just us being girls, stopping for some snaps, wandering (or perhaps, loitering) around Downtown Dubai and getting a surprise shower from the fountains in the roundabout near Burj Khalifa, which I've always wanted to go to and finally did - all for that one special person.

 

#DubaiHigh

 

 

 

Keep Calm and Briton

Finding a shot of inspiration is something I'd want to keep, and amazingly ironic, share! We've always had that dream house, or thought of living in a palace or the Windsor Castle. (But mine has always been living in a beachfront, InshAllah!) At this stage of my life, I already do want to have a pad or space of my own. Not just exclusively, but something that's me! I opt for the minimal muebles, natural bright lighting, functional and colorful (probably pastel) fun pieces, my photographs and cats & dogs inside the house! A quick overnight in this British Family's home gave me (and our fam) a wonderful weekend and a concrete idea of how I'd want my dream space to look like. (See how cosy I was?) You would know a Breton is housed there because of the "Keep Calm" posters and frames found in each and every corner. I loved their quirky pieces and oh-so-beautiful portraits (which were  literally the first things I saw there) of iconic stars, or should I say women - like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. I too made new furry friends with their pets - Rambo, Eddie and Paci (I just love animals!) and slept with the cat on the bed. I'm glad I wore my pink "Barbie Wants To Be Me" t-shirt, it really worked it! (Haha) The highlight of the house, was the lap pool right out the patio. And in the morning, I like when we pulled-open the curtains, the sun beamed the girls' bedroom.

I wish I have taken more pictures!

Festival of Lights

The family were on the move again attending the first ever Dubai Festival of Lights. The event (or exhibition) was stationed at the promenade of Dubai Mall where you stroll the area to see the light shows and displays. It was more like "Feast for the Eyes", we had our "oooh" and "ahhhh" moments. I suddenly remember some local boys who yelled "This is Dubai, live your lives!" (chuckles here) We cousins also had the time to bond, share good laughs and jumps! You have no idea how jumping is a big part of our bonding! (There are a whole lot of hilarious jumps, I just put the blog-worthy ones here haha!) But what struck me the most (and never fails to amaze me) is the gorgeous fountain show that night. Feast your eyes!

 

     

Just when we're about to leave, the background music started to play and the fountains were coming to life. I was tearing up while watching and listening to what seemed like African beats. The song which the waters were dancing to is "Baba Yetu" by Christopher Tin, finding out it meant the "Our Father" prayer in Swahili. No wonder I felt like crying, I was blessed and really moved to witness that show. Couldn't help but share this with you all.