First Class

Flying with First Class seats really gives me a sense of royalty from the food to its amenities. A warm welcome by the staff is provided with a cardamom-flavored Arabic coffee and dates, as well as selection of the freshest juice. With the help of a fully electronic control, foot rest, and an adjustable headrest, I was able to secure a comfortable position during my trip. Without a doubt, First Class cuisine is the best in the air, you get to choose on the menu provided.

This is the time that I really appreciate being an overseas worker having the time of his life in an environment very conducive for relaxing.

sTriKe oNe!

Driving in Saudi Arabia for over three years now have made me very cautious, alert, and very attentive while on the road. With my untarnished record of zero accident within this time frame, suddenly it was tainted yesterday, when I slammed into the rear of a native resident – a students’ car. Though, the damage on my car was minor still it was an accident that should have been avoided if road courtesy, road safety rules and regulations have been followed.

Although, road network in Saudi Arabia has the highest standard, with eight lanes for inter-city highway and construction of ring roads and over- or under-passes, still car accident is one of the top 5 causes of death in the Kingdom. In Riyadh alone, at least 5 accidents occur every hour. Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Saudi Arabia. Driving habits are generally poor, and accidents involving vehicles driven by minors are not uncommon. Other causes are over speeding and inattentiveness.

Quick facts: In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, all persons involved (if not in the hospital) may be taken to the local police station. Drivers are likely to be held for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid. In many cases, all drivers involved in the accident are held in custody regardless of fault. Those involved in an accident should immediately contact their sponsor and their nearest Embassy and Consulate. Under Islamic law, blood money of up to SR 100,000 can be imposed for injuries, so it is important to take out insurance to cover this. Speed detection devices are in use in the country, and there are standard fines for exceeding the speed limits of 45kph in urban areas and 80 to 120kph on motorways. There are automatic jail sentences, or corporal punishment, for some driving offences.

tHe paLaCe...

I am still in awe with what I saw a while ago, I was able to go inside a Prince Palace (Saudi). Actually my first and I truly savour the moment because I don't think it will happen to me again. I have been into a palace but mostly just outside the perimeter. I am very glad the work was given to me, to appreciate and see the beauty, the architecture, the grandeur, the technology and amenities of the palace. I was lucky enough to go each and every corner and room while doing my work (test calls). Sadly, I wasn't allowed to take pictures but I was able to get some with my cam hidden inside my pocket. The huge underground underneath the palace where the garage (basement 1) can be found, a collection of cars were parked beautifully, from Lincoln, Bmw, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari , you name it they have it. On the opposite side of the garage an olympic size swimming pool was designed perfectly (imagine a pool underground) and across was the lounge area, massage, spa, sauna rooms and the bar. Picture this, a big hall was turned into a kiddie play room with a kiddie pool, rides, game room, and the “foodie” room which caught my attention because of the tempting and expensive goodies inside. “The kitchen, my goodness napanganga talaga ako as in ngangang-nganga! Imagine the refrigerator, ang haba at ang laki, one block ata sa dingding. If I’m not mistaken 10 doors, you can never find such this one on the market kundi pasadya para dito lang. Then the industrial gas range, the utensils, the machines my goodness gracious the room itself ay wish kong magkaron.”

Experiencing and seeing the entire place gives me a hope and dream of having my own “PALACE”. But for now, work hard huhuhuh!!!

blogging on the phone?

Hope this one will get posted, I am blogging right now through my phone E71 while waiting for my flight 0745H going to Tabuk (Military City close to Jordan border). I am just trying out if it will work and get posted on my site and maybe do this from time to time while on field work. Good thing I am on Business class, I have access to Golden Lounge of Saudi Airlines where I can have Wifi access on my phone, Eat, and very comfy couch where I can sleep comfortably. I have 45 minutes more prior to my departure time. Right now I'm having a hot chocolate, 2 types of cheese - I don't know what type all I know It's very yummy together with my bread, small slices of kiwi, apple and grapes. Oh, after this meal I'll have to taste their freshly squeezed orange juice. By the way, it's my first time to see a hardened milk for coffee, just see the photo to appreciate, hope I can have this one as a "pasalubong" when I get home. Photo not of good quality taken by my phone.Yehey, successful!!!! Blog posted...edited 1908H.

the "padalahan: telemoney(akaria)" experience...

I am very angry....as if I can do something about it?

From my point of view, Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that don't particularly care about the word “customer service”, with what I have experienced from banks, airline ticketing office, and government offices. Though, with exception to Saudi Investment Bank as I am very satisfied with the service they are giving me. This is somewhat a norm here, better not complain if you’re not a native or else you'll just be ignored. The slogan "Customers are always right", in Saudi Arabia “be patient, keep still and hold your temper".

I experienced the worst, last Wednesday(30 September 2009) at Telemoney(Akaria) – padalahan, I was on the long cue of customers (nearly around 50 people) waiting for my turn (15th on the line) with just two counters open, one for men and one for ladies with transaction per customer nearly reaches around 10-15 minutes. So, just imagine how long will you be waiting if you are no. 50? Coming from a customer oriented company, I can say their service was very poor. Actually, I waited for around two hours for nothing, as the stupid and idiot Saudi teller blocked my card. So, instead of being angry to his stupidity, I reported him to the bank manager. To my dismay, no action was done. I just walked out the bank upon bursting my emotions to the manager and keeping in mind just another ordinary “customer service” experience in Saudi Arabia.