THE KISH LIFE

There are two ways people in exile amuse themselves (that excludes the thing that cannot be said). One is grilling by the beach. Two is late night talks over shisha and chips.

On day two, my roomies decided to go to the beach to grill. We ceremoniously clothed ourselves and headed off to the fish market. Half way through, the owner of Khatam passed by in his car. Some of my roomies, having been in Kish for quite a while, knew him and waved at him with enthusiasm. The car made a sudden u-turn and stopped right in front of us. The owner lowered his window and started an animated verbal argument with one of us. The next thing I know, I was climbing into the car with everyone else and being “returned” to the hotel.

Apparently, some of us were wearing fitted tops so we needed to change clothes or rather put on more cover. Warning: Boob curves are not allowed to be seen. It was a funny experience. I felt like a little girl being fetched by my dad, “go home and change. Your curves are showing!”

However, that didn’t stop us from our grilling agenda. With the help of some Filipino guys, my roomies were able to cook one big yummy fish. I, on the other hand, stood by the side and gave them moral support. As you know, I don’t cook unless it’s Derek Ramsey’s Century Tuna. *wink*

THE SHISHA ENCOUNTER

Late that night, I roused myself from sleep and joined a shisha session. I really appreciate the instant warm connection that Filipinos abroad share with each other. I don’t even remember any of their names but they were the ones who patiently taught me how to smoke the oriental tobacco pipe.

I don’t drink and I don’t smoke. But for some weird reason, I liked the shisha affair.

THE HAIRCUT

One very good thing that happened to me in Kish was my haircut. For the longest time, I wanted my hair cut but was not willing to pay the high rate. Who would imagine that I become bedmates with a salon pro.  Ate Nini was doing hair services in Kish for half the price!

The very bad thing about this is that after a wonderful haircut, I had to cover it up every time I went out. It’s sad how we take for granted the liberty of showing off our new hairstyle.

THE FRIENDSHIP

Kish life is long and dragging. There are malls to go to but you never know how long you’ll stay in the island that it’s better to save whatever money you have. Sometimes it gets so boring that I found my other bedmate putting on make-up and going to sleep. It’s just a matter of finding something to do to fascinate yourself.

As with many kishemons, the most beautiful thing that Kish brought to me is the friendship of people I may or may never meet again. To my roomies and kuyas, you will always be remembered.