It’s November!!! This week's Happy Planner Layout

 

Bahrain Weekend Getaway!

We had a quick Friday-to-Saturday getaway in Bahrain for a little pork, a relaxing massage, and some hangout time with work friends.

Since we’re expats in Saudi, we need an exit/re-entry permit whenever we travel outside the country. This permit is valid for a certain period (ours was three months), and because you pay for it regardless of how many times you use it, the smart way is to make the most of it. During this permit’s validity, we were lucky enough to travel to Jordan, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi, Seattle, Alaska, and now Bahrain! Our next permit will cover our trip home to Manila in December, plus maybe one or two more quick Bahrain visits.

Even though we’ve been to Bahrain many times, I had to keep up my Cricut scrapbook title tradition and make one for Bahrain too. We didn’t get the best photo of the building we wanted, but I’ll share the title here anyway. You can also find it on my Cricut Design Space profile if you’d like to use it.

---

Food (because… priorities)

Our first stop was our favorite Bahay Kubo, where we indulged in:

• Inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly)

• Lechon kawali (crispy deep-fried pork belly)

• Tortang talong with giniling (eggplant omelette with ground pork)

Pure comfort food (pork) heaven.

---

Back to Fraser Suites

We checked in at Fraser Suites, where we were warmly welcomed by Robert, a fellow Filipino from Guest Service. He graciously gave us a complimentary upgrade plus a 5pm late check-out. The bellman was just as warm, smiling at us like old friends.

We actually used to stay at Fraser Suites often, but shifted to The Domain after my husband arranged a surprise birthday setup for me there 2 years ago with the help of their manager. Since then, The Domain became our go-to.

This stay, however, reminded us of everything we loved about Fraser Suites:

• Spacious units with a homier feel (it’s a serviced apartment, so you can cook, which we enjoy - plus we're Ascott Babies sooo we are used to serviced apartments too)

• Staff who are not only professional but also genuinely warm and welcoming

In comparison, The Domain’s staff are polished and professional, and the service has always been excellent. But Fraser Suites has a warmth and hominess that feels more personal. Both have their charms, but this visit might just sway us back to Fraser Suites more often.

After checking in, I set up my bubble bath things for later, and then we headed out to meet friends for dinner.

---

Dinner and Late-Night Chill

We had dinner at Chong’s Food 2 Go, a small spot in a food park in Juffair Beach. Sadly, a lot of the other stalls had already closed down. A friend mentioned that nearby restaurants had been complaining that the food park was taking away their business, which explained the closures. Too bad—we used to love a Mexican place - Muchachos there (found out they just moved and not totally closed so yey!)

Since it was outdoor dining, we got pretty hot, so we moved to a nearby coffee place and hung out until about 1am.

When we got back to the hotel, I finally enjoyed my bubble bath. I had my wine glasses ready for the aesthetic, but since we forgot to buy wine, they ended up just being props before I set them aside. These might seem redundant photos but I like how they look at night! Plus, my candles are so beautiful! I love that they have a remote control too! 

---

Breakfast & Workshop

In the morning, I cooked us a hearty breakfast: Spam, bacon, eggs, garlic rice, and the leftover tortang talong. The funny part? I totally forgot to bring the cooked eggs from the kitchen counter to the dining table. Only realized after we had already finished eating. 

After breakfast, I joined a Threefold Collective “Press to Impress” workshop on Iron-on DTF and sublimation. I really wanted to attend it but didn't initially sign up until a friend from Qatar, Katie messaged me and invited me to attend it with her. It ended just in time for our massage. (Check out Threefold Collective for Cricut tips and classes!)

---

Massage Bliss

 

Fraser’s Haven Spa is one of our favorites—we’ve tried it a few times before, and it’s always been excellent. This time, we tried their relaxation massage. Unlike pressure-point massages, it was all about soothing the body, and it worked - my husband dozed off (and he never does when we have massages! it's always me who does). After 1.5 hours, we were both so relaxed we could have slept the whole afternoon if not for check-out.

 

During check-out, Robert was busy, so Nisha assisted us. She was so sweet—she remembered that it had been a long time since we last stayed there and welcomed us back warmly. I actually recalled meeting her about two years ago at a poolside event, where she had also remembered us as returning guests. That little personal touch really sealed the deal—we’ll definitely be back to Fraser Suites next time.

---

Back to Saudi

I was basically knocked out during the drive back to Saudi. That evening, we joined friends for a farewell dinner for a colleague who’s leaving Saudi for good. We ate at a hotpot restaurant called Happy FarmHotpot and BBQ Buffet (so good!) and spent time catching up.

Before heading back to Al Ahsa, we dropped by Boba T for milk tea, where I couldn’t resist getting their Surprise Cups again. (Unboxing— or should I say uncupping?—below!)

Finally, we went back home to our little furball, Lucky, who was waiting for us.

---

Another short but sweet Bahrain getaway in the books (or rather, blog)!

---