When visiting any country, the very first interesting to know is their Traditional Food. Living in a different Country requires you a lot of adjustments according to their culture and traditions, rules and regulations, and other things particularly food. Living here for more than a decade, I have learned to embrace and mix with the Country’s entire Standard of living according to their norms.
Tbh, you wouldn’t have a hard time blending in the Country and with the people due to the fact that this Island is inhabited by a lot of ex-pats from around the world and since this place is not that very conservative, mingling with the locals is a common practice. In addition to that, you would learn to love their food which is mostly made of spices but quite tasty.
Bahrain Staple Food
Machboos- One of the most famous Bahraini dishes is machboos, which is made up of meat or fish served with rice.
2. Ghoozi- This is grilled lamb stuffed with rice, boiled eggs, onions, and spices.
3. Sambooza- This is very addictive. This is either cheese or meat or vegetable wrapped to a triangle shape in spring roll wrapper and deep-fried. This is good for a starter.
4. Shawarma- Well, shawarma is a very famous Middle Eastern food. Middle Eastern meat preparation based on the döner kebab of Ottoman Turkey. Originally made of lamb or mutton, today’s shawarma may also be chicken, turkey, beef, or veal, cut in thin slices and stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical rotisserie.
5. Hummus- Hummus is a Levantine dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. It is popular in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, as well as in Middle Eastern cuisine around the globe.
These are only a few of the Bahrain food you must try. There is still a lot to name with that you would only find here; such as grills, tikka, kebab, lamb chops, broasted, a different selection of sweets and desserts like baklava, halwa, kunafa, umm alli and others.
Whenever you are in the country, don’t ever leave without trying any of these. Definitely, you will love all this food.
“Writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all”
– Charles Bukowski, The Last Night of the Earth Poems
Webster’s dictionary defines writer’s block as “a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece.”
It happens to everyone. Writer’s mental block. There were times that I do have a lot of ideas in mind but I couldn’t put it all together and when I began typing, all my words came out to be total nonsense. Often times too, my mood affects my writing.
The reason for this:
My mood. Whenever I’m happy about something, then my mind could create a lot of ideas to write about. The same feeling when I’m sad or exasperated or hurt by anyone or worried/upset about anything, then I could become a great poet.
Timing. It’s not always the right time to write. Sometime, my ideas would come out of nowhere whenever I’m out, or at work, or just walking in the street observing things and people, I would keep the idea on my idle folder head, then will start fabricating the right concept to be able to write it correctly.
Obsessions to perfection. Whenever I started typing on my keyboard and I felt the inability to express my thoughts on a certain topic, then It upset me, I would immediately stop writing.
Distraction- One main factor is disturbance. Whenever I’m hooked about something, then just one single annoyance would immediately distract me from pouring my thoughts.
How do I overcome these?
Go for a simple walk- This always elevates my mood and relax my mind.
Exercise- Like running. All I need is a clear head to write.
Listen to music- Music never fails to change my mood from being sad to happy to being emotional to dramatic to being hyper.
Change of environment- A new place, a new restaurant, a new park, a new activity always gives me flowing ideas to write about.
Free writing- Write anything that comes to your head, without editing, just write.
Eliminate distraction- Have your own personal space away from any interference. If you could go off-line, switch-off your mobile phone and stay away from any interruptions, then it would be better.
Think about progressing and not about perfection-Just write. And believe me, in time you will find yourself improving. From the petty things you write, your ideas will flow spontaneously and you will find yourself writing much more mature stuff.
Spend some time with the people you love- Just like a regular working person, the usual routine of going to work on a daily basis makes us irritable. So break the ice, and enjoy quality time with the people who make you feel happy.
I’m just a person with a passion for writing but I wouldn’t consider myself a professional writer because I’m not. I write as much as I can whatever pops in my head as a hobby. I just find writing as a form of escape. It’s like I’m traveling somewhere else even without actually leaving.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago made up of 33 islands located in the Arabian Gulf between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Manama is the capital of Bahrain and also its largest city.
Bahrain is a country that prides itself in being a thriving multi-cultural hub which welcomes people from all around the world, thanks to its tolerant attitudes, low cost of living, and abundance of educational and health facilities and services.
The beauty of Bahrain stems beyond its rich culture and pristine shores. It offers a multitude of entertainment, art, shopping, and historical destinations.
Although the things to do in Bahrain can extend over days and weeks, it is possible to get the best of this island nation in a few days.
When you happen to visit Bahrain, here are the Top things you can do:
1. Bahrain National Museum: Step back in time when you step through the doors of the Bahrain National Museum. Get a glimpse of the nation’s rich cultural and historic legacy as you walk through the main halls that hold ancient artifacts, each with a story to tell. From the traditional handicrafts to the local customs and traditions, a tour of the museum will be an enriching experience that proves why the Bahrain National Museum is still the most popular tourist attraction in Bahrain.
2. Qal’at al-Bahrain: As you walk through the empty hallways of this ancient fort, you are filled with the realization that you are walking among legends. Just a 10-minute drive from the capital city of Manama, the Qal’at al-Bahrain is one of the best-preserved sites of the ancient Dilmun heritage.
3. Al Fateh Mosque: This beautiful testament to Islamic architecture has been built with marbles from Italy, glass from Austria, teak wood from India and finally crafted to perfection by the local Bahraini artisans. Explore Islamic architecture at its finest at the grandiose Al Fateh Mosque, located in Manama.
4. Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve: When the wild calls, you can’t help but answer. Especially when it’s the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve in Bahrain. This expansive reserve is home to the Arabian Leopard, the Ostrich, the Arabian Gazelle, the Oryx and more. Al Areen is the perfect place to experience Arabian wildlife unlike ever before.
5. City Centre Bahrain: No visit to Bahrain is ever complete without spending an evening at the largest shopping, leisure and entertainment destination in Bahrain. Give your children the ride of their lives at Magic Planet, enjoy exciting water rides at Wahooo! Waterpark or watch the latest blockbusters at Cineco20 Cinemas. With over 340 exclusive brands, 60 dining outlets and a million possibilities, you’ll be spoilt for choice at City Centre Bahrain.
6. The Tree of Life: If you are looking for a miracle in Bahrain, you’ll find it under the shade of this 400-year-old majestic mesquite tree. This tree is believed to be from the Garden of Eden and is a popular tourist destination. The tree has miraculously survived the ravages of time and still stands fresh and green among a sea of sand.
7. Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park: Discover a refreshing experience amidst your travels in Bahrain at the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park. Centered on the theme of the Dilmun civilization, this state-of-the-art water park is a fun-packed adventure for adults and kids of all ages.
8. Al-Jasra: Watch women weave mats from palm fronds both plain and bright, learn basket making, pottery and boat building too while you are at it. At Al-Jasra, a popular handcraft center, get a taste of the local Bahraini life as you stroll past historic homes and tree-lined pathways.
9. Suq Al-Qaisariya: Explore this ancient marketplace trading in wares of envy for a charming shopping experience. More than 100 years old, it has been recently renovated and has several shops selling traditional wares.
10. Bahrain International Circuit: Get a taste of the fast life at the Bahrain International Circuit, the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East. The Bahrain International Circuit is open throughout the year and has recently opened a Karting Circuit for the thrill seeker. The Grand Prix week is a yearly event that attracts the who’s who of the racing world and speed enthusiasts from around the world.
The Bahrain National Museum is the largest and one of the oldest public museums in Bahrain. It is constructed near the King Faisal Highway in Manama and opened in December 1988.
It was considered one of the finest museums of its kind in the Gulf region. Today, the Bahrain National Museum is one of the island’s main cultural landmarks.
Metropolitan Manila is the seat of government and one of the three defined metropolitan areas of the Philippines. It is officially known as the National Capital Region, and is commonly known as Metro Manila or simply Manila. It is made up of 16 cities namely: the City of Manila (the Philippine capital), Quezon City (the country’s most populous city and former capital, Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela as well as the City of Pateros.
Although Metro Manila is not considered a province, it is included in the 81 provinces of the Philippines.
Since it is very near to my hometown, I guess I have traveled almost everywhere here since as a child. It is just strange that I couldn’t find a nice photo of mine anywhere else in the area or maybe I couldn’t think of snapping one when I’m around Metro Manila, haha.
I know it’s kinda intimidating to apply for the US Visa, especially for the first-timers. When I planned to apply for the US Visa, I started reading forums like what are the requirements I have to provide, what are the usual questions to be asked by the Consul and the best I shall answer and the likes. Reading a lot about these including the long list of the mentioned requirements like bank statements, credit card statements, salary slips, and stories of failed interviews from people unable to establish their ties in their Countries made me wonder, what are my chances to be approved?
But wherever you are, my advise is as simple as- when you come for the interview, just be confident as possible, remain calm and answer the questions straight to the point without elaborating much giving them the chance to ask another question based on your answer.
When I went for the interview, the first thing I noticed is that everyone in the hall could actually hear the Consul’s questions as well as the answers on the microphones. Although it made me a little bit nervous, it helped me think in advance of the best answers when asked the same question.
Ik, Interview may vary depending on which Country you are living, and also from the Individual personal circumstance, so don’t be surprised if you see others pass while some others failed even without the Consul looking at their supporting documents. Sometimes, it also depends on the Consul whims. To be honest, they never asked me to show any supporting documents and if they happen to check my bank statement that time,they will find only BD50 left in my account, (something like PHP6k)- haha! Seriously, so, it really doesn’t matter anyway. I guess they will rely on the consistency of your salary and not the amount of money.
To help you prepare for the interview when you are a Filipino Citizen living overseas, here are the few questions usually asked by the Consul and your best answer.
Note: When your number is called, always greet the Consul with a smile and “Good morning”. Remember to smile always and try to hide your nervousness as much as possible, Otherwise, they might take it against you thinking you are not stating the truth.
1. How long have you been here?
Give them the exact figure.
2. What do you do for a living here?
Just answer your Job Description and the name of the Company you are working with only. Do not mention your salary if not asked.
More often, the Consul won’t ask you to provide hard copies of your documents and they will mainly base to what you have stated in your DS-160 form but then you must have to make them ready in case.
a. Employment Certificate and Contract
b. Salary Certificate/ Salary slip for the last three months
c. Bank statement
3. Have you been to the US before?
If not, answer truthfully. They will know it anyways.
4. Have you traveled outside the Country?
Say yes if you did and if they asked you where, enumerate all the Countries you’ve been to. Again, answer truthfully and do not lie.
5. Why do you want to go to the US?
Since you applied for a tourist visa, just say “for tourism purpose”– and that’s it, simple as that. Be specific and do not answer what is not asked.
6. Where are you going to the US?
If you are going to visit a friend or a family, tell them the exact address of your contact in the US. Remember to memorize their names, your relationship with them, their exact address and mobile numbers and their occupation in case they asked you.
7. Are you traveling alone?
Say yes if you’re alone and if traveling with anyone, say with a Company.
These are the actual questions asked to me when I went for the interview, (along with some other side comments, like you don’t look like your age, how old are you and etc.) But overall, these are the most important questions you must prepare to answer. It didn’t even take me 5 minutes to stand there on the booth and he smiled to me and gave me the stab with the date when to collect my passport with Visa on it.
Please note, I don’t have a huge amount in the bank at the time of my interview and I never bother to put any amount just to show that I have money, I guess the Consul knows the bank scheme and all. More so, although I have Relatives in the US which I mentioned in my application form, I don’t have an invitation letter from them.
But I did it and so are you hopefully!
I got 10 years multiple entries to the United States of America!
Here are some other possible questions from the Consul and try to prepare for the best answer.
WHICH PLACES ARE YOU PLANNING TO VISIT?– Not bad to start searching online for the places to go to the state you are visiting.
HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO STAY IN THE USA?– You can depend on your answer to your itinerary.
HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK WILL IT COST YOU TO STAY IN THE USA?– You have to prepare your answer accordingly. Better have a proof of your Salary Certificate, Salary Slips, Bank Statements, Credit Card statement and the likes. If you are going to stay with a relative, better say: I will not spend much as I would be staying with my relative during my vacation and I would only go on short solo day trips within the area if they are not available.
DO YOU HAVE PLANS OF WORKING IN THE USA– Definitely a NO-NO! Never ever give them the idea even if they asked you confusing questions like “What if anyone offers you a job in the USA or what if anyone offers you marriage in the USA or what if you win a jackpot in the casino or anything like that to intimidate you or expect your VISA rejected.
HOW CAN YOU ASSURE THAT YOU WILL COME BACK HOME?– With this question, you can say that you don’t wanna spoil your travel records as you plan on visiting other countries in the near future.
Nueva Vizcaya is a province of the Philippines located in Cagayan Valley region in Luzon, though it is geographically and culturally part of the Cordilleras. Its capital is Bayombong. It is bordered by Benguet to the west, Ifugao to the north, Isabela to the northeast, Quirino to the east, Aurora to the southeast, Nueva Ecija to the south, and Pangasinan to the southwest. The province is cultural, linguistically, and geographically part of the Cordilleras, but was put in the Cagayan Valley region by American occupiers in the early 20th century. Quirino province, later on, broke away from the province as it was more related to Isabela province in the north.
These breath taking aerial photos were taken in Sta Fe– just as we ended the long Nueva Ecija stretch. We stopped by for a little warm up early in the morning in seems to be like an eco-park. You will see the magnificent mountains in front of us. We went up to the park but unfortunately the zip line was still close and will open at 8am. We just stretched and took photos in this amazing view and went back driving going to the City Proper of NV.
Sorrounded by North Luzon’s three large mountain ranges, NV is generally mountainous varying from steep mountains to rolling hills with some valleys and plains.
Info: Sometimes called by locals as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the Ifugao Rice Terraces begin at the base of the mountain range and extend several thousand feet upwards. Two of the terrace clusters in Banaue, namely Bangaan and Batad, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage inscription.
The Banaue Rice Terraces (Filipino: Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banawe) are terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by the ancestors of the indigenous people. The terraces are occasionally called the “Eighth Wonder of the World“. It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1,500 metres (4,900 feet) above sea level. These are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces. It is said that if the steps were put end to end, it would encircle half of the globe.
It was in 2017 when RJ and I went to Banaue Rice Terraces which is about 3 to 4 hours drive on a steep mountain (in a very nice view along the way) from his place in Nueva Vizcaya.
We left his Town in Bayombong in the morning and reached there before lunch. Along the way, we passed by this beautiful tiny little restaurant to have a brunch, picture uploaded.
These amazing photos were taken from my cam phone only.
Nice view.
And if you are a nature lover, you will definitely love the serenity of the place, the green fields, and the smell of the air.
Cute little restaurant along the way made of bamboo sticks.
Although I have been to Bulacan several times and several places since childhood, since it was our only way to go to the Metro at that time before all the express highways, I have only compiled the recent photos I’ve been in Bulacan, particularly our church visits.
On our trip to the Philippines in 2017, RJ and I went for some errands in Bulacan, and at the same time, he took me to these beautiful Cathedrals within the area.
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in San Jose, Bulacan.
Address: Sta.Maria- Tungkong-Mangga Road, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, Philippines
Phone: +63 923 844 9247
The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is a famous religious and ecological tourist destination and attraction in Graceville, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan. It is a replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France
And at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy located in Marilao, Bulacan.
Address: M. Villarica Rd, Marilao, Bulacan, Philippines
Phone: +63 44 711 5393
The Adoration Chapel was the first structure built in the Divine Mercy National Shrine. It is constructed to immortalize the Last Vision of Fatima.
Update 2019:
We also went again together 2 years later ( August 2019) to Barasoain Church in Malolos Bulacan (Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish) as we passed before our errand, but since I was pregnant at that time and always feeling hot and tired- I didn’t take many photos.
Photo not mine
This Church apart from very beautiful is one of the favorite tourist destinations in the Philippines. Its stunning look has always been the place for special events/celebrations in the Country.
As RJ and I will start ticking off one of our Bucket List starting this year – that is to explore the 81 Province of the Philippines to start with during our Phil vacations at any time with no particular order and no particular duration, then I’ll move forward to other International destination starting in Asia and eventually will move further to other Countries, given the chance.
But my goal as of now is to step my foot on all the 81 provinces of my Country. As I’ve visited some places in the past alone, with family and with RJ, I’ll just continue the journey and document each of the places I’ve been in my blog until we completed them all.
The fun race to complete the 81 provinces of the Philippines is becoming the ultimate travel goal for backpackers. Ik, finishing the list shall be a great achievement for everyone but can only be attained by a few… hopefully, we will!
Chescadventures 