This is my story…..
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| A View of Himeji Castle in Himeji Japan |
Hi, my name is Efren Miranda (a.k.a. Freddie), and From A Traveller’s Desk is my personal travel blog, where I share stories, tips and anything about travel. With this in mind, please feel comfortable interacting with me, thus, sharing your love of travelling.
Yes, travelling is my passion, there's no doubt about it. I realized my dream when I was in high school in my country of origin, the Philippines. At first I thought it will just be a dream. I was not born with a silver spoon, more so, that I finished my bachelor’s degree on my own. During my university days, travelling is still in my mind. I always keep looking at my map - telling myself that one day, I will be here, there -- and everywhere.
It was only when I was working with two prestigious companies in the Philippines – United Laboratories, Inc (Unilab) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) - that I started to plan on my goal. I know it was the right time, I had education, experience, and money to break the ice....and so I started rolling the wheels.
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| A View of Acropolis in Athens Greece |
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| A View of Wat Pho in Bangkok Thailand |
I had left an excellent job and a budding career, and all the comfort of life with my family -- basically just dropping everything -- in order to search for "something." My big plan was set and I had to leave bound for the Middle East. I accepted a one year contract with an American firm in alKhobar, a large city located in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. True enough, my job is exactly what I had in the two prestigious companies that I mentioned earlier. My job was very challenging - welcoming new hires coming from all over the world, giving them orientation based on their contract, giving them an idea on the facts of life in the Kingdom; give them advice on how to live a life away from their families, and making sure all of them feel comfortable throughout their stay. It was challenging because I was new in the Kingdom myself! In so short period of time, I have started travelling to several Asian countries which I thought would be a good start. Although it was a very pleasant and memorable experience with the company, I felt I deserve more and so I decided to move to a state-owned oil company of the Kingdom -- Saudi Aramco where 65,000 workers were employed by the time I started sitting and occupying a post in a world class office facilities in Dhahran. It was my longest stint on the job in a foreign land. Needless to say, the company offers the most attractive compensation/benefits and very comfortable accommodation.
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| A View of Eiffel Tower in Paris France |
It was indeed the company and the type of work and opportunity I deserve. Living in Saudi Arabia offers expatriate employees and their families the opportunity to discover a new country and culture. Typically, Saudi Aramco employees like me also develop strong multinational friendships, enjoy plenty of family and recreational time, and travel the world.
Yes, travelling to at least 50 countries (or even more!) is a long standing goal of mine. During my stay with Saudi Aramco, I managed to see a quarter of the number of places at different destinations. And I know to myself that this is just the beginning.
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| A View of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul Turkey |
With all the conveniences and travel opportunities, I felt I am still missing something. Happy as I may be, the thought of my family away from me really made me think of something in perspective. I left the Kingdom bound for Canada, and this time with the whole family. It was not easy at first; the cost of living, the work condition, the people around us keeps on haunting me. I was trying to cope with the hardship until one day I wake up and promise myself to just do what I needed to do. I did not let the money that I brought to Canada run out. I succeeded -- and a better life begins!
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| A View of Stanley Bridge in Alexandria Egypt |
I became a citizen of Canada for more than a decade now. It was then that our adventures started to flourish. I guess it's just difficult to sum up a life's story into a few paragraphs.
Yes, my adventures began!
Generally, for the most part, a travelogue detailing my experiences, good or bad, on my travels. It documents my journey through life, nature, and the world, as I photograph and write about places, wonders, events, and the people. The photos posted with my travels were taken by me. Otherwise, I seek the sources from my family, friends, friends of friends and from some promising professional photographers.
Come and join me in my travels. Come visit my blog before and after your journey or even in the midst of your escapades. Together, we will continue to discover the globe.
