Life In The Fast Lane

I used to live in Budapest and Vienna for the past 6 years of my life and I have been living in Qatar for more than four months now. The first couple of weeks were horrible; I had to get used with the scorching noon heat of Doha. I looked for a job where I have to do as little as possible and in return get paid as much as i can. Luckily, I got a job at one of Qatar's major Oil & Gas Companies. My first order of business was to get some form of entertainment for the two-bedroom service-apartment I share with my best buddy Cameron. I bought a copy of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 for my Xbox 360 elite, appreciably cheaper here. A couple of things caught my attention too! I roamed around the malls here in Doha and purchased a couple of furniture, electronics and appliances but I certainly don't want to be buying too much items that I won't be really carrying with me if I ever move. Real Estate in Doha has a life of its own. Rent fees are one of the highest if not the highest in the region. Inflation and the cost of living is astronomical too!

Cameron and his girlfriend for two years, Lisa, introduced me to the vibrant city. They gave me a Maltese puppy on my 28th Birthday last November 15. One day I visited Lisa's place and she has a pair of this cute lap dogs. I assume the focal form of leisure in Doha is shopping. The first mall I've been to is the Venetian-themed Villagio but quite frankly, I am no fan of shopping. I am neither a parasite nor a party animal so I'm constantly trying my very best to avoid parties right now.

Actually, Doha is afar better than what I have anticipated. The only thing I find strange is the ratio between locals and expatriates. It’s a city of various faces in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. I’ve been to many countries and Qatar is the strictest though I like how the standard traditions are kept. This country is Arabic yet unequivocally cosmopolitan. Qatar is indeed, the gate way to the riches and promises of the Middle East.

Enter The Worships: Open Sesame

I have posted this on some of my blog pages. I thought this could be a good first entry for my blogspot page. Not much though. Its basically a product of my imagination.


The strong winds gradually intensified during the following days. Passengers, including the stewards, were mystified by the unknown ending of this roller coaster ride. I, on the other hand, prefer to sit still on my comfy seat, and act as if this was an ordinary flight. Yet, I felt that something was amiss. Moreover, I don't understand why I feel so insecure, as if something was missing or unaccomplished.

I feel something watery beneath my clothes. It started to fill my head a moment later. On and on, the liquid flowed from my head, back, and torso. It was weird; I was sweating. But why am I sweating? Didn't I come to this ride fully aware of my actions? Didn't I triple checked my luggage to see if all things were in place? Have I not conferred with my counselor that I will be away during the first week of the month? I knew for a fact that I did all the things necessary to come to this flight with as much comfortability I can have. I succeeded, or did I?

My lips were dry; I haven't drank anything since the flight initiated (which was eight hours ago). This kept me speechless. However, even if I had all the energy to blurt out any statements, nobody aboard the plane had a proximity greater less than two meters. No, I was alone in my side of the airplane. I was further back in the row of economy class seats. Misery struck my emotions; I feel as if I want to grieve with no reason.

I have to snap out of it somehow. So with all the energy I can muster, I lifted myself off my seat, and summoned myself to the lavatory chamber. Venturing through the narrow passage, I stare down at the other passengers. Everyone was asleep except for someone who was under his covers; I beamed at it for a moment, and, easily, I concluded the person was reading a book. Only a few feet left, I tried to recall what happened before I boarded this plane. I tried to think deep, but to no avail; I lacked the energy to generate the images, so I can familiarize.

Finally, I reached the sliding doors. I was about to slide it open when I noticed the door of the cockpit opened. It was strange, that door was always closed. Curiousity easily started its buildup. I peered through it, but I couldn't see anything. I walked further and further close to it. Immediately, I turned left and saw that there was nothing in the cockpit. No pilots, no co-pilots, no chairs, nothing. "The aircraft must be on auto-pilot", I thought. But why would pilots leave the aircraft in the auto-pilot when the plane is about to land?

I'm beginning to creep out, so I launched myself off the opposite direction. Exiting the cockpit, I ran back to my seat. But before I could even reach it, my velocity hit zero. None other than myself caused the abrupt deceleration. There were no more passengers, but how? I re-checked the seat where the person under covers was reading, however, I could not tell where he sat. This was crazy, but what is crazy? Better, who is crazy?

*ding*
*ding*
*ding*

"Attention all passengers, flight 201 is about to land on the isle of awakening. Please wake-up before the plane lands, or you will be trapped in your dreams thus your awakening will be delayed."

I flinched. I stared down at my hands, and saw it slowly disappearing. In a few moments, it rapidly began to fade. Now I understand where everybody went... they all woke up and left the plane, therefore, I am the only one left living in the world of dreams. Enough is enough, it's time to go back in the world of reality.

And thus I fully disappeared.