There's no place like Home.

This was my interview with my godmother Shindy Aureo. She settled in Qatar last year with her husband, also my godfather, Joel Aureo together with their son. A few questions tackling the differences and positive points regarding food and places were asked and I am glad that she answered willingly in spite of her busy schedule. She even said that this interview will serve as her christmas gift to me. (Depressing, I know. Hahaha). Oh, and just for the sake of telling, she graduated in PUP and took up Broadcast Communication.

1. How do you find Qatar so far?

Well, I must say that the weather is extremely hot, unlike in the Philippines where we used to expect monsoons after summer. It is a good thing that only my husband goes out for work and I go out only when I'm fetching my son from school.

2. Can you name at least 3 factors in Qatar that you find completely different as compared to the Philippines?

This place is a lot different compared to the Philippines. Although cleanliness is also an issue, their government's extensive efforts are noticeable. Knowing that your blog aims to highlight certain points about food and travel, I'll jump into it, inaanak.

Sa food, ghastly sa tingin ko ang food dito. Unlike in the Philippines where you can buy and consume streetfoods without worrying, dito you'll think twice. Grabe, maybe I'm just not brought up to this place kaya hindi ako sanay, and considering that it's gonna be our first year staying here, kaya siguro di pa sanay si Ninang mo. Good thing meron pa ring mga food hubs dito na katanggap tanggap sa panlasa nating mga Pinoy pero be sure that you bring with you a lot of money 'cause medyo costly ang food kapag sa mga exclusive restos and stalls ka bibili. Like the Lebanese Shawarma.

Yung place, yun naman ang commendable. You'll notice that Doha has become an industrialized country despite their issues on Religion. People here are mostly Muslims. 

 Just recently, we visited Aqua Park here in Doha and nag enjoy ng husto si Justin. Together with his cousins, they played and played the whole day. Their services and accommodation were agreeable and commendable too.

3. Upon seeing these factors, what are your reasons if you are still planning to come back to the Philippines?

Of course I still want to go back there, inaanak. Paano ko maaabot sa'yo gift mo? Pero seriously, there will still be lots of reasons why, and these are too many that it will take a month long interview para ienumerate. Pero yung main reasons ay, kahit na dito kami nagsstay ng family ko, may family pa rin naman ako sa Pilipinas, which is kayo.

And to wrap it up, there is really no difference among countries or places. Each one has its off factors and positive points. In the Philippines, sure we are a bit problematic about pollution and discipline, pero there are countries naman which shares the same dilemma. Qatar will only be a 'place'. But the Philippines still is my home. And siguro dapat maging ganoon din ang poin of view mo, 'tian" (tian is my nickname). Na lahat ng mga mapupuntahan mong lugar and maeencounter mong food, wag laging compare. Instead you must savor the moment till it lasts. Magiging part yun ng mga experiences mo and later on, will define the man you will be in the future.