I have been missing Sandbox.

Where part of your life has lived through precarious sands, in your heart lies that part of Arabic ethnicity you would certainly miss every so often.

I lived my high school years in the precious kingdom of Saudi Arabia, "sandbox" as it is commonly called. It was my father's decision to take my mother and me with him and live there together. At first, I couldn't think of myself not studying in my own country. But when I graduated, I've realized that it is one of the best parts of my teenage life.

Living in the Middle East, I would say, is a little bit boring. You know, the limitations and all kinds of restrictions given to you in this strict kingdom; it's so dull. In my first two years, I felt so sentimental. I usually think of my relatives, the foods, the traditions and festivals, the Philippines itself. Whatsoever, I just made myself enjoy the little riches I wouldn't take pleasure in my country.

So, which things did I enjoy in the sandbox? First, I would never forget the freezing weather that usually falls from early November to late February. Cheap electricity, cheap crude oil, and cheap water bills; e.g. 24/7 air conditioning, and all the things you can imagine with these as low-cost. I also enjoyed the times when we are still able to buy those valuable clothes and eat at those fine-dining restaurants. The late-night snacks, the beaches, my own room, my desk, all these little things are what I really miss right now.

A big part of my life should be adjusted to the real world. When I left the kingdom and eventually stepped at the grounds of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I cannot think properly. It was 5 in the morning and what I was really thinking about is the scholarship exam in UP Diliman at exactly 7 AM at that same day. I know I may not be able to pass the exam primarily because of my disordered body clock. Thank God, after about two weeks, the results came in and I passed.

At that point, I was barely back to reality. But at this point, here I am, missing those moments of delight and timeless pleasures.