Ramadan is over. Now we can freely drink and eat anytime in public. The hardest was not being able to drink coffee during those exhausted mornings at work after late nights in the office and 3AM feedings.  

My last moments in the design firm will be spent here in the new office in Business Bay with a gorgeous view of the city from the 25th floor.  I can imagine walking along Bay Avenue in the evening staring at the majestic Burj Khalifa on the way to the parking lot. It gets better during winter, where diners will seize the tables outside making this part of the city alive. It's funny to think that when I first moved to Dubai many years ago, this area was empty. There was nothing here, but sand. 

When I was younger looking into the future, I always envisioned myself spending at least the first year with my imaginary child. Having said that, the answer didn't come as simple as I thought.  There were sacrifices to be made. 

I was worried of three things should I quit my job:

Nevertheless, I have made a decision. 

I spent my absence celebrating my birthday with my entire family who all flew from the Philippines for a stop over in Dubai. They were on their way to Germany for my sister's wedding which I sadly won't be able to attend  (due to motherhood and work - yes,  maternity leave is over).

Three days of touring Dubai led to these photos. Here are glimpses of some of the places they saw and some self treats offline that you might have seen on Instagram. 

Dubai Mall Aquarium

Have a great weekend!

Love & light,

Arni

Calling all pizza lovers! Fancy an authentic hand-tossed New York style pizza that you can watch right before your eyes as they're being made?  Now grab your stuff and head over to the recently opened Flippin Pizza, an American pizza chain at Ibn Battuta Mall  China Court.  

June 12 marks a holiday back home. Today is Philippine Independence Day. I'm sure most of the city folks are preoccupied enjoying a  non-working day hopefully commemorating nationalism and the importance of freedom. What better way to appreciate home by posting a travel memory of one of my favorite places.  Bohol. Known for its popular "Chocolate Hills".

Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol

Here's a photo blog of this stunning town. We explored Panglao Island of Bohol on a 125cc motorcycle. Enjoy the countryside breeze and the rustic landscape. There were luxurious hill top mansions at the other side of the island, away from resorts, where  affluent residents live right at the edge of seaside cliffs. Much to our hearts' content, spying on the architecture of these fenced houses was unexpectedly inspiring.