My LBC Kuwait Experience

My father, who is an OFW for more than 20 years has used almost all of the known Balikbayan Box couriers around the Middle East. But never had he experienced using LBC to send our boxes back home in the Philippines. When I had the chance to try it out, I wasn't hesitant but was feeling very pleased and grateful since I've used LBC's local services when I was still in Manila. But this time, we are sending it internationally.

When I first received my balikbayan box, rather, a Balikbayan Drum as I prefer to call it, it somehow reminded me of our water drums back home. It was big, thick and definitely heavy. As I checked every corner and tried to even knock to hear any sound or vibration, I knew that it was made of solid plastic and it was definitely tough to break! Oh, it only costs 13 KD.

This is how it was exactly delivered to us.

Top cover with steel lock.. and a key hole area if you want to put a padlock in.

The steel lock when opened.

Inside of the drum..quite deep and sturdy! Will definitely fit a lot of things in there!

But putting all of our goods to be sent home was another story since you need to have longer arms (I'm 5 foot and 3 inches in height) to put everything in. Thankfully my fiance was there to help arrange everything. It took us half a day to finish everything in but when we're about to lock it, lo and behold we forgot the key!

This is how it looked like while inside the house..ready for packing!

Our goodies inside the drum. Not yet final though since we're checking how it would all fit in.

My father, who just came and asked if we're done checked the drum and all our contents. He then told us that LBC's key hole needs a longer kind of padlock since the size of the hole is smaller than the usual. This, I must say, was kind of tricky. For two days we were searching all of Salmiya's hard ware stores to find that lock and we found one that cost 1.5 KD that can fit it.

The padlock that we found that is suitable for the drum's key hole

All set and ready for delivery!

Once we're done, we called our contact person Mr. Rian Jay Bañaga and have all the delivery services settled. Once the pick up date came, we were surprised to know that it only costs 25 KD for Sea cargo rate for our area in Bulacan. Honestly, the rate was just right since I think our 1 drum's total weight is equivalent to 2 ordinary balikbayan boxes (cartons) already! Plus, you can still reuse it to put it your water especially for areas in the Philippines that needs water drums for keeping.

Our Balikbayan Drum arrived safely! Photo taken by my Aunt. Sorry for the pixelized image.

The LBC seal is all tight

All in all our experience was pretty good! Add the fact that it arrived at exactly 55 days since we last sent it on Sept 8 and it arrived safely this Nov 2! All sealed and tight! No damage. So what are you waiting for? Trust the name, you definitely won't regret it!

For more information about LBC EXPRESS KUWAIT and their products, you can check their official Facebook Page. You can also visit their office located at Shop 28 Basement 1,2,3 Block 13 Fahad Al Salem Street in Al Salhiya, Kuwait City or you can call +965 22200428 or +965 99616522.

Are you Financially Secure?

Image credit to TGFI

Do you have any savings? Are you even aware how much interest it gives you? Is your savings more than 3-6 months worth of your salary? Will it be enough to cover your needs if tomorrow you will be laid off from your work or your family will need money because of unexpected emergencies?

Do you have a house of your own or do you just rent because you think its practical? Do you even have a car or simply commute because you can't afford to get one? 

Have you been paying all your bills, grocery and shopping wants through cash or you charge them as debit from your cards? Do you have some fund set aside to pay for your dream vacation? When you or one of your family members get sick, do you take a loan or ask other people to lend you money because you don't have any left on your wallet? 

Are you debt-free or are you like the others who are buried in debt you don't know what to do with it anymore? Do you have any idea how to free yourself from these debts?

If you have kids, can you even send them to good schools and give them the best education possible? Can you even afford your children's needs without touching your active income and savings? 

What if you meet your maker tomorrow (knock on wood) and you are your family's breadwinner -- who would be left to support them? Are you even ready at the thought that even without you, your family you would be leaving behind will be ok -- financially speaking? 

Do you even know or have the slightest idea how much is your total net worth, assets and liabilities? Are your finances enough to take care -- if not all, some of those needs? These are only few of the basic real-life questions that we all should be able to answer HONESTLY and be actually AWARE to know more about. 

Unfortunately Filipino culture makes us shy and awkward to talk about money and anything about finances. It's a very reluctant topic among family members and a somewhat taboo conversation even with friends especially with those you're only acquainted with or of course with strangers since asking someone about their net worth or assets is clearly a sign of prying and disrespecting one's pivacy. Unless the Government would inquire about one's SALN (Statements of Assets and Liabilities), we don't have a choice but to open and share that private information. But is that even healthy not to know? Or are we just in denial not to really know about it?

Opening oneself to public about your financial status would make you fall between being modest or arrogant. But the only important thing about is not actually knowing what you have but knowing what you need. By being honest about your financial needs, you may be able to think ahead, plan ahead and act ahead to prepare for the worse case scenarios that could happen. 

Kailangan pa bang antayin na may mangyari na hindi maganda para malaman ang mga kulang at dapat gawin kung pwede naman paghandaan ngayon pa lamang?

So how can we know in order to prepare ourselves to secure our family's financial needs? 

The answer is very simple. 

EDUCATION.

If you want to know more, click these links to find out how: TRULY RICH CLUB and 

OVERSEAS FILIPINO STOCKS INVESTORS

The Global Filipino Bloggers Slambook

The Global Filipino Bloggers book where PinayDiaspora has been featured!  

Blogging is an easy and fun way to communicate and connect virtually to a lot of people all over he world but it also gives a chance for everyone - people of all ages - to try something new and enhance their writing, photography and/or video-related skills that could make or break into a hobby or even as an added means to earn a good income.

The definition above that I have given in one of the Basic Blogging seminars that I did recently with OFSI (Overseas Filipino Stocks Investors) to introduce the world of Blogosphere to everyone especially to OFSI members who are also hardworking OFWs here in Kuwait completely explains my love for this past time hobby that I have been doing for the past 5 years. Like what I have stated before and from the posts that I do on this site, it's very clear that my posts show my personal experiences while living here in Kuwait as an expat.

Today before taking my breakfast, I was surprised to receive a message coming from a friend, Gracia, who was a PEBA-awardee and known OFW blogging advocate worldwide. I have featured her before in one of my previous posts in gratitude for including me in her then-upcoming book that we have been talking about as an ultimate goal for aspiring writer and blogger like us. And guess what? The dream book that we were talking about a few years ago and which I partly helped in doing minor edits is now on sale at Amazon! :) I suddenly feel exhilarated from the news that I've received and I immediately googled Amazon to check it out. The cover design looked simple yet stylish and the few basic contents that I read was really familiar. Reading a few paragraph especially the introductory part made me reminisce the conversations that we both have and the ideals that we all share as part of the Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK) group which she had founded as well. Looking back, this published book is now a great a realization of an OFW's dream to continue pursuing one's goals, passion, advocacy and that God-given set of skills to be a good inspiration to fellow OFWs .


The Global Filipino Bloggers Slambook: OFW Edition has been published successfully last 2nd of February 2015 by Tatay Jobo Elizes Publishing House/CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (USA) and is being sold for $12 ( 3.6 KD or Php 533) only (both Paperback and Ebook editions). The book contains basic information about Blogging and featuring 33 Filipino bloggers worldwide from 2011-2012 with the likes of Fitz Villafuerte, a known OFW Financial advocate based in KSA and of course where yours truly, PinayDiaspora is included! :)

I am just so happy to be part of it and can't wait to get a copy of it! So please let us support the author Ms Gracia Amor, a Filipino OFW Blogging advocate here in Kuwait by buying her book.

Health needs Wealth?

I remember growing up, whenever we'd get sick my Mom would bring us to private hospitals and wouldn't initially bother if we have any cash on hand as admission payment because we always have an HMO card to present. Because of this card, we would get the best treatments possible and be admitted in a comfortable room where we can start to recuperate. Unfortunately, there's this common rule in the Philippines especially for private health care facilities that if you don't have the means, you definitely won't get admitted and given the right kind of treatment that you deserve. Besides, private hospitals function as business entities. Well they do have charities, but let's face it those are very very limited. I also encountered this article from Rappler about how much someone should need in order to pay for one's bill. (LINK)

PhilHealth membership has now been made compulsory for all Filipino Citizens that gives discount for Senior citizens and can slash a couple of pesos from the patient's original bill but would still highly depend if the PhilHealth member has paid his/her contributions

And of course there are the public hospitals and health care centers all around the country. The big ones definitely have the means and capacity as well comparable to known private hospitals and yes, mostly would accept everyone with or without the initial admission fee. Why I say mostly? Because in reality, some public hospitals are now operated under private corporations and because of that you'd need to pay something just to get admitted and treated. So that doesn't seem to have any problem right? Wrong. Why? Because the treatment won't be the same as compared to private hospitals. The facilities were unfortunately either outdated, rusty or that the treatment the patient deserves won't be that good. Just imagine being sick and admitted into a public ward that you share with 10+ sick people like you. That's not comfortable at all. Add the fact that for medicines, you have to pay them separately and the bill would just soar high and people would just be caught in disbelief when they would finally try to settle their bill. They'd think.. Public Hospital ito bakit ganito kalaki ang bill? (This is a Public hospital, why is the bill this expensive?) Truth is -- our government can't shoulder all the bills. They can just help through PhilHealth but unfortunately that's not enough. Seriously.

Receipt and waiting number that I paid for (1KD or 146 pesos) while waiting in line at a public clinic in Kuwait when I got sick the other day

When I went to Kuwait a couple years ago (2011), I was actually fascinated and surprised by this small country's public health care system. Having a health care insurance is compulsory and it is being paid upon getting a valid residence visa here (working or dependent/family). No one is exempted. And from that, every time anyone or any expat resident for that matter to get treated in any public clinic or hospital (from check up to surgeries) you only need to show your valid civil ID or health card insurance (for expats) and pay a minimum amount of 1 KD (roughly 146 pesos as per the current conversion as of this writing) and you'll get the best possible treatment that you deserve. Well there are some issues with Doctors not really checking the problems of their patients carefully where they would just give out packs of Panadol (Paracetamol) for immediate treatment to any disease which coined the term "Ministry of Panadol" but in fairness to those that do are great Doctors, getting admitted to a hospital with first class facilities and given the necessary amount of medicines as part of the treatment for a measly amount of 146 pesos, don't you think that's just good enough? Definitely, especially if you'd compare this country's health care system to the Philippines. Sad reality but true.

Insurance card in Kuwait where it is renewed compulsory together with the Visa

So for ordinary Filipinos like us, how can we be sure that we have enough money to pay for our health care needs if that unfortunate day would come? 

The answer is simple: GET PROTECTION!

This would mean tap into the knowledge of having Medical Insurance, Health Insurance, HMOs and other means possible to build that fund specifically catered to meet that unfortunate need that we would all face at one point in our lives.

How can we know about this?

The internet is an open source for all your questions. Just be sure that you are reading the right articles, going to the right websites and listening to the right credible people in order to safeguard your hard earned income for the purpose of getting this protection.

Or, you can simply go to OFSI website to find out how we can help you. :)

Be financially literate OFW!

Blogging 101 Seminar

Writing is a passion that I always have. It's the Romeo to my Juliet's love for reading. It's a combination that I always enjoyed since I was young. And speaking is something quite similar as well. It's not just a passion but also something that I know I can naturally do. I'm not bragging or anything, but I am absolutely sure that if I have something to say, I'd say it. More so -- speaking in front a crowd. Funny thing that I don't get the usual jitters whenever I'd try to talk in front of an audience, although sometimes I'd feel a little sweaty but at the time that I would stand up and start to open my mouth, the platform or stage or wherever I'm standing feels like home. Weird, but I do have that kind of feeling. It's like -- you want to share a piece of yourself to your listeners and you're really trying your best to let them know what you want them to know. But unfortunately, that doesn't happen all the time. Some would say I sounded harsh, that I would comment straight to the point to even sound rude or get the tables upside down by making everyone laugh with my crazy humor. Whatever that is, at least I'm still able to get my points across right? XD

Anyway, as part of our group's special sessions, I was tasked to give another talk about Blogging 101 last 17th of April 2015. This time, with only the basics of the basics that I know. This of course made me excited since I would be able to share everyone what I know about blogging. Not that I was an expert since I'm probably still a newbie when ranked on the Blogosphere, but the fact that some people think I have the authority in this matter -- it simply made my heart jump for joy! Too much adjectives? Nah, just feeling happy with what I have accomplished! :)

OFSI Blogging 101 Session last April 17, 2015

Another group picture of future OFSI Bloggers

Oh yeah, they're listening to whatever that I was saying :P

++++++

You can also check these awesome blogs! :)

Goriography

Renz Leano

Georgia

Overseas Filipino Stocks Investors

Education is a key source to uplift one's full potential through learning various trends and knowing the fundamental concepts of an idea by heart. This is not only done through the structured learning process that we undergo from our childhood years but educating oneself is a process that can be done through various means. In order to be effective in a given role or achieve a certain goal, learning has always been a major factor that can help us accomplish our set ideals in life. This is also a MUST in our journey towards creating, planning and achieving our path to financial freedom and abundance.

By learning, we expose ourselves to various activities -- reading books, attending seminars/workshop/talks, listening and watching financial/business-related programs and through different online means. Blogs and other social media platforms like Facebook has paved way for easy and free access to learn more about investment instruments as an example. Different groups has also been established to cater needs of people wanting to find out more options and effective financial instruments. In this era of wanton need to be financially free, people are seeking various ways and means in order to fully sustain that desire for knowledge. Admittedly belonging in that category, I suddenly had that urge to know more ways to prepare for my future and have the life that I have always wanted.

But where would I begin? That's the first question that popped in my head. Thankfully, the internet has provided free access to almost everything that I needed. But the overloaded information in front of me only confused me more. And then, it's as if God heard the desires of my heart. He sent an angel (Renz Leano) that now became my financial mentor. The series of talks that we had about our like-minded set goals and objectives ultimately transpired into a group of other fellow OFWs like us who wished to live a better future for them and their families. Thus the creation of Overseas Filipino Stocks Investors (OFSI) Group in Kuwait.

Overseas Filipino Stocks Investors (OFSI) officer's oath-taking ceremony at the Philippine Embassy in Faiha, Kuwait with Charge d' Affaires Atty. Raul H. Dado last January 24, 2015

Fast forward almost a year has passed since then, my mentor's dream of sharing his advocacy to help our country's economy and stir financial awareness to fellow OFWs and their families has now become a reality. My goal of only knowing where and what to start has now expanded in supporting family, friends and even strangers in planning their own. We have just started and doesn't have much to prove yet but if things are done with humility and honest intentions, positivism will only outshine the negative. This will be a tedious and very, very long journey but I know by the grace of God everything will be on the right track.

Cariñosa Philippine Folk Dance

Last 23rd of May, the Pinoy Youth Ministry in Salmiya Kuwait showcased a popular Filipino Folk Dance called Cariñosa representing the beautiful culture and tradition of the Philippines in front of different Ambassadors, selected Kuwaiti officials and Catholic parishioners at the Al Zumerida Palace Hotel in Salwa. The event was organized as a "Family Dinner for a Cause" by the Catholic community of Kuwait City Church for the completion of the cathedral in Bahrain.

PYMSK in traditional Filipino costume

Cariñosa Dance Presentation

Video courtesy of SaintGregorie Productions

The presentation lasted for less than 8 minutes combined with colorful video presentation showcasing the beautiful culture and popular tourist destinations of the country.

Bigkis Bandang Pinoy Concert and Global Pinoy Singing Idol Kuwait

Official event poster. Image credit to SaintGregorieProductions

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name - Psalm 18:49

The past 2 weeks has been a crazy roller coaster ride. Who would've thought that I would be part of two amazing music events to be held on the same week? I'm not an amateur nor a pro at handling events but I've personally handled a wedding, debut, seminars/workshops/conferences, drama play, school contest and fair and even a Bingo event in our local community back then. But this is somewhat different since both affairs were done for a cause. The rock concert aims to contribute in building a catholic church in Bahrain while the singing contest is to promote Filipino talents in the Middle East as well as support the scholarship projects of ANCOP in the Philippines.

The Bigkis Bandang Pinoy Concert for a Cause which was held last Thursday, September 5 at Don Bosco School in Salmiya was organized by the Pearl of the Orient (PYMSK and TFC) led by Fr. Ben Barrameda in cooperation with Pinoy Q8 Talents. Different Filipino organizations also helped sponsor the event (FAST, Pindot, PinoyHubs etc) and the night was a success with 7 Pinoy local bands (Middle String, 8th Note, Beats &Pieces, Blue Chords, Lillium, Impulse and Abandoned) who graced the stage with awesome live music showcasing Filipino musical talents.

Image credit to Among Ben

Moreover, the ANCOP Global Pinoy Singing Idol Kuwait Finals was held at the Ballroom Hall of Carlton Hotel in Kuwait City last September 6, Friday. The contest is a project of ANCOP in cooperation with ABS-CBN DZMM and was sponsored locally by ICSA and some generous individuals. This singing contest does not only aim at showcasing Filipino prowess in singing but as well as in promoting ANCOP Global Walk 2013 in support for ANCOP's scholarship projects in the Philippines.

Official video teaser for ANCOP Global Pinoy Singing Idol Kuwait Finals 2013

Official ANCOP GPSI Kuwait Finals poster

Eight (8) amazing talents graced the stage rendering their own version of Louis Armstrongs "Wonderful World" and singing their heart out with their chosen Finale pieces.

Image credit to ANCOP's Jon Parian

At the end, the Jazzy Popster contender from Hawally, Ms Lyza Pajo won the event bagging the all expense paid round-trip airfare to the ANCOP Global Pinoy Singing Idol Middle East Finals on September 27. From there, two (2) winners will represent the Middle East in the ANCOP Global Pinoy Singing Idol Championships to be held in Manila on December 2013/January 2014. The champion will take home $1000 USD cash prize, the title of ANCOP GPSI Champion for 2014 and possibly a recording contract* from ABS-CBN.

As of this writing, ANCOP GPSI Kuwait winner is already preparing for the Middle East finals so I'm crossing my fingers now that she'll hopefully win the said competition. Go Lyza! Go Kuwait! :)


Note: (*) - still in talks 

Strict Implementation of Laws

News of thousands of people being deported out of Kuwait has raised fear among the expats. Different concerns has been raised and one report from a local newspaper even told tales of Indians asking their Embassy for help due to manhandling by the authorities. But who knows what is really happening? Some stories may well be exaggerated but then the fact that a number of people is being deported daily due to illegal issues is not a good thing. And since this is a sensitive issue that tackles violations, punishments and worst -- being thrown in prison cells for not following Kuwait laws, expats should be more cautious and disciplined. Besides, this is not our country and we are simply aliens living in a foreign land.

I saw this on an FB group page telling people to be more alert during checkings done by the police. I f you read it more closely, all the details were already existing rules here. No idea why some people are exaggerating this now..but anyway it's better be informed than being ignorant of what's happening around

Although this massive clean up of illegal residents is a bit of a shock due to their increasing numbers, abiding and respecting a country's law is compulsory in order to continue living freely and without any kind of hassle. 

Alkaline Media Blessing

Last Thursday night I have been invited to attend a blessing ceremony for the new Filipino paper Kabayan Global Magazine's mother company, Alkaline Media Advertising. It was a fun-filled event where representatives from the Philippine Embassy and Filipino organizations here are present. Interestingly, it was actually my first time to attend such an event here in Kuwait so it was an experience that would probably stick for a while.

Invitation I got from Ms. Gracia Amor

Alkaline Media owner with the Philippine Embassy representatives during the signing  of the Alkaline Media  blessing memorabilia board

Alkaline media owner with the Philippine Embassy representatives during the ribbon cutting ceremony

Office building at Room 103

During the reception where Pastor Gil Bantugan led the grace before meals. A small active discussion was presented by Filinvest Representatives highlighting Filipino pride

New Traffic Penalties in Kuwait

Along 4th Ring Road (Salmiya-Hawally-Jabriya)

Road accidents are very common in this country. I remember the first time I passed 4th ring road to head out for a family dinner towards Arabian Gulf Street, we witnessed an aftermath of a car accident. It took us more than 20 minutes stuck on traffic that it caused but instead of being annoyed I felt sorry for the wrecked car (it was a small car hitting an SUV) and the people who were brought to the hospital by the ambulance team. But as I get myself immersed on the road etiquettes of drivers around this place, I was in shock. Seriously, who on their right mind would drive around with babies or toddlers on the driver's seat? Who would be sane enough by allowing their kids to play around the car windows while driving fast on the highway? Or who would be driving without knowing how to use car signals (tail lights for example) when overtaking or turning a different road? I'm definitely not an expert driver myself but I sure know the basics. But here..it's a totally different story. I have heard a couple of people (including my Dad) telling me that when you want to drive here, you need to always be on alert mode or else it's either you'll get hit or you'll be the one going to hit something.

Click to enlarge.

Anyway, since I thought this information is imperative when driving in Kuwait I do hope people would really find this traffic violations serious in order to minimize road accidents. It's obvious some people don't care much about the fines since this place is rich, but for the sake of those who wanted to live longer and avoid any accidents..I seriously hope and pray that drivers (everyone who has a car and license to drive here) will take this really, really, really, really seriously.


Image source credited to: q8hosp[dot]info

Eleksyon 2013

Bakit nga ba kelangan bumoto? Napakasimpleng tanong na mayroon din napakaraming sagot. Ngunit kung ito'y ating uunawain, isang bagay lamang talaga ang dapat isa isip. Ito ay isang karapatan.  

Registered Absentee Voter

Exercising my right to suffrage is something I have actively done since I turned 18. But since moving to Kuwait, this was the first time that I opted to become an Absentee voter to continue my participation in this national elections. The registration and transfer of my records from my previous local precinct took a couple of months (registered only late last year when I renewed my passport) but luckily it was approved without any hassle. So yesterday, I finally had my chance to be a part of this Overseas Absentee Voters program for Filipino Citizens living abroad. As per COMELEC rules, OAVs are given a month before the official election begins in the Philippines which will be on the 13th of May 2013.

Philippine Embassy in Faiha, Kuwait

Reminder posted at the entrance of the Philippine Embassy in Faiha

What's happening inside the Voting place

Trying out the PCOS machine. It looked old but still working.

The election was held at the Philippine Embassy in Faiha and in order to ensure that you're a registered voter or a Filipino citizen, you'll either need to show your OAV voters license or your original passport. The procedure is done through properly shading electronic papers and be fed under PCOS machines. Once the machine accepts the paper, the votes will be counted and should be wired through their main system. Not sure where the main system was located but hopefully it's in safe hands. Hopefully. *crossesfingers*

Just like what Dr. Jose Rizal said, "It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted in the field without becoming part of an edifice. The glory of saving a country is not for him who has contributed to its ruin. (El Filibusterismo)" This simply states that in order for us to achieve something greater, we must all do our part in our own little way. As this Senatorial election continues on, may we as proud Filipino citizens try our best to perform our right to choose wisely who we think should fill in the vacant seats in our democratic government. If we won't act, who else will?

Streets of Kuwait: Part 3

Sunset at Marina Bay

When finding a fun leisure activity around busy Kuwait, it's never a dull moment to hang out around the coastline. You may ask what the locals and expats both love to do during weekends..if not shopping (for the rich ones) it's obviously chilling out on marina bay. What other thing is also good about it? Well.. I guess the fact that it's absolutely free! You can either go for a swim, take your fishing skills to the test, ride a water boat, chitchat with your friends, jog, run, relax or just lay down under a palm tree for a quiet time.

The pics below covered the long bay stretch from the Scientific Center to Marina Mall.

There's a food shop inside the Scientific Center (Burger King, Pizza Hut etc) if anyone wanted to eat. That afternoon, my friend and I preferred a BK kid's meal hence Simpson on the bay side standing with his arms wide open

You can check out the local boat rides. Not sure how much the fares cost. Will have that separate post once I get the chance to be on it soon-ish 

Old Kuwaiti boats. I featured these ones in a previous post HERE!

Where's ze captain?!

Not sure what that small circular thing was. But my friend told me she think it's  like a boat-toilet or something.

The KAIT boat description

This reminds me of the "bangka" I used to ride on when I was younger back in my mom's province. Although this looks a bit majestic with its paint and stuff

Who wants to jog?

Unfortunately I don't know what this structure is called so I just call it The Umbrella

It's fishing time!

The CATS are EVERYWHERE! Fun thing is...they look like they have good  breeds

No clue on what the sign says. I still can't read arabic *sigh*

This structure makes me think of a gazebo. I'm no architecture major so I don't really know what this is called.

Docks probably used for smaller boats or yachts? 

Gazebos everywhere...

The park. The trees look interesting.

Fountain or small pool? No idea.

Playground for kids

Restaurants along the coastline

Mesmerizing coastline amidst the busy street