Ramadan 2018 Reminders

Expat Life

Whether you’re fresh off the boat or have been living here in the UAE (or any Muslim country) for a long time, it always helps to be reminded of the several dos and don’ts during the holy month of Ramadan.

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The Don’ts:

  • Do not eat or drink in public during the hours of fasting. Smoking is also prohibited. You are excused however if you’re pregnant, an elderly or suffering from an illness as fasting might pose health problems.
  • Do not wear revealing or tight clothes. This is already observed throughout the year but is strictly imposed during Ramadan.
  • Do not be loud. No shouting, swearing, singing, playing of loud music and definitely no dancing in public.
  • Public display of affection is considered as offensive so avoid kissing, hugging or cuddling your husband, wife, partner or friend/s especially of the opposite sex.
  • If you are working in a front office or reception, refrain from offering guests with refreshments even if you’re not sure if they’re fasting or not.

The Dos:

  • Embrace the spirit of peace and contemplation. This is the best time to reflect on and be thankful of the countless blessings and opportunities that this country has given you.
  • Be extra understanding towards those who fast. They do it from sunrise to sundown so imagine how challenging that might be. Others might be a bit irritable but just be more patient and considerate.
  • Experience the culture – for one, partake in the many Iftar offers. Take your family or friends with you and feel the lively energy of the community after they have broken their fast for the day. I tell you, the city becomes so vibrant at night during this season.
  • Greet the people you encounter Ramadan Mubarak (have a blessed Ramadan) or Ramadan Kareem (have a generous Ramadan).

Remember that Ramadan is a sacred month for the Muslim community so it is important to respect these rules even if you’re non-Muslim.

May you all have a happy and blessed Ramadan!

Why You Should Check Out Alserkal Avenue

Expat Life, Wanderings

I came across this hip and artsy location while I was on my daily morning routine, scanning my emails which are generally boring. I mostly receive spam aside from the occasional interesting ones from several sites I have subscribed to. So when I saw a feature about this ‘culture and arts hub’ I did not hesitate to badger Mat that we should go and check it out. 😛

Disclaimer: We are in no way an artist or something of that sort. I’d describe us as ‘lurkers’. Hehe! But we have always been interested in these kind of things. 

So, after all of our Friday chores, off we went to Alserkal Avenue. The place is a collection of warehouses converted into creative spaces located in Al Quoz.

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Enclosed by concrete walls, the facade seemed uninviting. But as they say, do not judge a book by its cover. What is inside will often surprise you, and surprised we were!

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Exploring Old Dubai: Abra Ride, Gold & Spice Souks and Museum Visit

Expat Life, Wanderings

Dubai as a metropolitan city that it is, is famous for skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, lavish resorts, massive malls and other ‘superb’ attractions. But what lies in the city’s heart is its true charm – the Old Dubai.

We started off at Al Shindagha area as it was the nearest from where we live. We got off at Al Ghubaiba bus station and walked several meters to reach the Bur Dubai Abra Station. Our sole plan on that day was just to experience riding the abra but since there were cultural spots in proximity, we decided to explore some.

House of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Saeed Al Maktoum

On our way to the abra station, we passed by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s house turned museum also known as Juthoor Art Center. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum is the grandfather of Dubai’s current ruler and this was his official residence during his reign as monarch until 1958. It houses artworks and several vintage items depicting Emirati lifestyle.

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The view upon entering the premises.

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Artworks and historical items on display.

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Nose-rubbing is the Emiratis’ custom way of greeting one another.  This is also practiced in other cultures (i.e. Maori people of New Zealand).

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Blogging 101: How I Created My Blog Logo and Brand Board

Blogging, Projects

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I just recently changed the name of this blog to Mundanely Yours to represent my new mantra – finding the extra in the ordinary and celebrating the mundane. (more about this from my last post)

So I thought it would be a good idea to have a logo and somehow an identity for this blog. Hence, I created my very first BRAND BOARD. I drew inspiration from a lot of amazing stuff on Pinterest (always a good place to spark your creativity).

First, I had to create my main logo, something classic and not restricting. I have always loved the blush and gold combination, it evokes a light and happy feeling for me.

Content with how it turned out

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Just Dropping By To Say Hi <3

Random Musings

I’ve been quiet for a while but no cause for worry. I am perfectly fine, taking life one day at a time. I did not intend for this intro to rhyme but why not it has a nice chime. Haha! Please forgive my poetic skills or the lack thereof. 

I have meant to change the name of this blog but every time I come up with something it has already been taken by someone else. Sigh. This process reinforced a life lesson that you can’t always have what you want. Instead of wasting energy on being frustrated and forcing things that are not meant to be, just accept the situation and find alternative ways to make it work.

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Flying Cathay Pacific at 34 Weeks Pregnant

Expat Life, Random Musings

I can imagine how anxious and worried my husband and our families were while I was flying home. I was travelling alone after all at 34 weeks pregnant on a long-haul flight. I was pretty scared too but thankfully, I was in good hands (or should I say airlines).

I’m certainly not the first one to do this and I would like to give props to the amazing mommies who hurdled the long hours of flight, lay-overs and security checks without the comfort of their partners and only had themselves and the kind people they encountered along the way.

I booked an economy class airfare from Cathay Pacific for my Dubai-Manila-Dubai journey last year. As it is Hong Kong’s flag carrier, there was a short layover at Hong Kong International Airport.

I was already content because the airline has one of the most generous legrooms at 32 inches for long-haul economy flights.

But, sometimes, pleasant surprises come along.

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Throwback Series: Dubai Museum

Expat Life, Wanderings

Learning the history of your adoptive city, I say, is a must. Do not be a stranger, acquaint yourself with your new home albeit temporary. If you happen to be here in the desert city, one good place to start at is the Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Port.

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Throwback Series: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Expat Life, Wanderings

If you’re living in the UAE and haven’t yet visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you are greatly missing out on a rich cultural experience. The Grand Mosque is a symbol of the diverse Islamic community not only of this country but of the whole world. The architectural design is impeccable. The grandeur and solemnity elates you yet also calms your senses. Seeing it in pictures and being there in person are two different worlds.

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Located in the capital city of Abu Dhabi, the Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the world and can hold about 40,000 worshipers at one time. The ceiling is adorned with gold-plated chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals while the floor with hand-knotted carpet. It is a magnificent sight to behold.

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