Abu Dhabi isn’t that bad after all: my first entry to my Facebook account after arriving in the capital. Like all Filipinos leaving our homeland to look for a living abroad, I have become the latest casualty of this trend. I promised myself two years back not to do this again but circumstances were unavoidable and I just have to have the latest “it” bag. And so I made the move (with a bucketful of pride swallowed for a downgrade job I had accepted) not knowing what lies ahead.

Rewind and then fast forward nine months: I lost my job and an interview came my way five days after. Passing the interview, I gathered all my documents and now, here I am.

But it wasn’t smooth sailing. They say trouble comes in threes, and boy I did get them. First, I almost lost my passport, plane ticket and all the necessary documents: I left it all in a mall while shopping for uniforms.

Secondly, the taxi broke down halfway on my way to the airport. Finally, I was rushed to the hospital a day before my licensure exams here. So I thought “this better be a good trip”. Thankfully, the bad luck seemed to end there.

Back home, my thoughts on the UAE were wary and uncertain, but any stereotyping has been firmly wiped from my mind. The place is good, people are nice, salary is better and work is fine. I am enjoying the city and all its magnificent architecture and engineering. My favourite is the Yas Hotel at night when lit with magenta coloured lights. Though I haven’t seen it up close, I’m left teary eyed whenever I pass the building. The Aldar HQ that looks like a full moon, the beautifully lit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the inclined Capital Gate: all these impressive landmarks always bring smile to my face.

I came here with three things in mind: earn, save, and the Maison Martin Margiela boutique in Dubai (which recently closed down). There is no telling how long my stay is as endless questions pop out of nowhere: Isn’t that new pair of shoes cute? When are the sales? Shall I stay for the Guggenheim and Louvre? All I know is that this is only a sojourn. For now, I’m happy and content; I’ve been blessed and thankful enough that at least some of my shallow wishes have been realised.

And as for the “it” bag I so longed for? I have it.

By Lowell Ian Aquino