My Eid Holiday @ Al-Khobar

Eid Holiday is the celebration of the end-long of Ramadan. I think if you will compare it to Filipino's tradition it is the celebration of New Year season. Before the Ramadan ended they buy new cloths, new appliances and toys for the kids. It is essential for them to wear new cloths during the festivity and prepare special cuisine.

Everyone working here in the Kingdom is waiting for the celebration of Eid because it is five (5) days of no work and point in time to rest.

Almost all Muslims went to Makkah to go for Umbra as their traditions. They call it the Holy Place.

During the celebration, I went to Al-Khobar, Eastern province of the Kingdom. It is a long and exciting trip. Maybe 6-7 hours ride with bus or a train. But to make it more thrilling I ride on with our trailer driver. It's a long and widen road. The environment is surrounded with desert and some camels. The weather is quite hot and puff with air. When I reached Dammam I feel the big difference. Unlike in Riyadh, humidity is the difficulty in the place.

Eastern province is fairly open-city. You can wear shorts and sleeveless outside. We went to a mall (exclusively for Filipinos) named Ramaniyah Mall. You can also converse with the girls freely (that's very remarkable) and the fare for a taxi is very cheap.

I can't imagine that there is a beautiful place to go in Saudi Arabia. Beyond my expectation, we went to a beach resort (Half Moon Beach Resort). A very nice place to unwind and the ambience were very great. Crystal clear water and smooth white sand. I think it is the same with Boracay in the Philippines. It is open for public and no entrance fee needed. All people in the place are 100% Filipino. They are gazing for halaan like what we did. Just like a simple dance…..shake it….and feel it…..I'd stay in Al-Khobar for five days.

I am very thankful for their warmth welcome and accommodating me so well. I really enjoyed my vacation and I swear to myself that I will go back to Dammam on Hadj Holiday. Now, I realize that Saudi Arabia is not a very strict country. Just respect their traditions and regulation and you can live here contentedly.

I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to Mr. Gerald for accompanying me to go to Al-Khobar. To Kuya Alex for sharing stories until 3:00am. To Kuya Rolly for lending me his bed. To Engineer for the liquor that we have shared and as well to Ronnie.

Indeed, my vacation turns into a worthwhile.

***My Eid Holiday @ Al-Khobar
RAMADAN 2007