When I first thought about Saudi Arabia, the image that immediately came to mind was that of a vast, dry desert. I assumed it would be nothing more than endless stretches of sand. However, I quickly realized how wrong I was. While the country is indeed home to large desert landscapes, it also boasts breathtaking coastal areas. In fact, near my workplace, there’s an ocean that became a haven for me and my colleagues during our free time.
Fishing and Crab Hunting: A Group Bonding Experience
On our days off, our group often decided to go fishing or catch crabs along the shore. With just a simple plan in place, we’d pile into my car, along with a few of my colleagues, and head to the coast. Most of the time, I joined the nurses for these trips. There were only two Filipino doctors in our workplace, and usually, I was the only one who joined the group. Despite this, I always felt at home with them, as the camaraderie and shared experiences brought us closer together.
We were often successful in catching a good haul of fish and crabs. Whenever that happened, we made the experience even more memorable by turning it into a small celebration. With a few chips, soft drinks, and the catch of the day, we’d sing, dance, and enjoy each other’s company under the open sky. The highlight of these trips was grilling—“sugba,” as we call it—the freshly caught fish and crabs right there by the water. The simple, freshly prepared food always tasted better because of the joy and laughter we shared.
Extending the Celebration
If we caught more than we could eat, we’d save some and plan another gathering later in the week. Often, we’d take the remaining fish and crabs back to one of the workers’ accommodations, where we’d cook and enjoy another meal together. These moments of togetherness helped us feel less homesick and strengthened our sense of community, even while living far from home.
Life in a Naval Base: Following the Rules
Our workplace was located inside the naval base, which meant we had to adhere to strict curfew rules. We usually wrapped up our outings by 10 PM to ensure we made it back on time. While the curfew added a sense of urgency to our evenings, it never dampened the fun and excitement we felt during our trips. Instead, it taught us the value of maximizing the time we had together and appreciating every moment.
Cherished Memories
Looking back, these outings were some of the happiest times during my stay in Saudi Arabia. They taught me that even in a place I initially thought would be barren and isolating, there were hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The ocean, the camaraderie, and the simple joys of fishing and sharing meals created lasting memories that I will always treasure. These experiences reminded me that sometimes, the most unexpected places can offer the most beautiful surprises.
