I have been living in the United Arab Emirates as an OFW for more than five years now and I am embarrassed to admit that I haven’t been to all seven emirates. But I am trying to remedy that, and I have started to get to know this place I have been calling my second home.
“Life always begins with one step outside of your comfort zone.”
– Shannon L. Adler
So as to be more active and to try and lead a healthy lifestyle, my friends and I decided to go hiking.
Off we went at 5:00 in the morning. We reached Al Rabi Mountain Trail at around 6:45 AM and began our trek eagerly because just by looking at the trail you would think it was an easy hike (or I am just out of shape) because we took a break without even reaching the first break site that is after 600 meters.
P.S. No harm in taking a break since there are some areas of flat ground where you could stay to try and catch your breath. Also, to try and keep your distance from other hikers.
Fortunately, we started early so even if the sun is already up, the cool breeze of the morning still provided relief. Besides, we all need Vitamin D after being cooped up inside our homes and offices for the past week.
The trail is suited for beginners and if I am able to do it, I know you would too. Children are also hiking with their parents and they even reached the end of the trail before us (one is even barefoot). Although there are some parts that are steeper than others and you have to be careful not to slip especially if you are not wearing proper hiking shoes without the spikes at the soles to provide better grip and traction. Make sure also that you are wearing breathable fabric because even if the weather is cooler, you would surely sweat. Bring water as well to stay hydrated but only sip it when you are feeling thirsty since there are no restrooms and you would have a hard time trying to hold your pee in (believe me. I just tried to think to myself that I am sweating my pee so I would not just throw myself off the cliff and roll all the way down).
As we are slowly trudging our way up to the next break site (900 meters), we heard a lot of shouting and clapping. Other hikers are encouraging those who are still trying to make their way up. Their encouragement really helped especially for me since I keep asking myself what I was doing at the time when I was still supposed to be sleeping. You would be really tempted to not finish the trail since there are people who turned around and went down. (Again, no judgment. We all know our bodies and our limitations. At least we are all trying to be better).
Hiking to the next break site at 1500 meter was a blur. All I remember was that I am ecstatic every time I see a sign stating how many meters I have finished. From this break site, you could see the camping site at 2200 meters and another trail for those who finished the hike and are going down. It is also a way out for those who could not go up another 395 meters at the end of the trail. You might think why give up when it’s only 395 meters left? Well, the answer is the last 395 meters is steeper and you know, when you are nearing the finish line, all the more it seems to be difficult and long winded. I was ready to give up, but my friends encouraged me to go on and I am glad I persevered because the feeling of accomplishing it, was breathtaking (literally and figuratively).
An Overseas Filipino Worker since 2008, Yvette is back in the Middle East after a brief stint in a first world country in South East Asia. She is a binge watcher and is part of numerous fandoms. She writes to keep her sanity (read her rantings on Wattpad @yvette_dc) and is happiest when she's in a bookstore. If given the resources, she would see the world.