The gem in OLD DUBAI

Guess what guys? I have just discovered a gem of old Dubai, Karama! Even the name has a kick to it! Like KAWABLANGA! (u know, what those ninja turtles yell!)

Ok for people that don't know where Karama is, it is actually part of Old Dubai. Its slightly off town and new Dubai. Getting there is pretty simple, just take a Metro to Al Karama or simply, take a taxi. If you think that shopping in Dubai is way way way expensive, then try this little Gem! Clothes, shoes, bags, wallets, watches, sunglasses, caps, belts, all you want, you can get,at a really affordable rate! Shopping here is like going to Chatuchak in Thailand, its like a little treasure hunt cause you don't really know where the stalls are! 

Guys, word of advice, PLEASE DONT BRING YOUR GIRLFRIEND HERE, unless you've gotta deep pocket, just too many things to buy here. Ladies, 3 hours of shopping isn't enough, I dont even think 1 day is enough, just go in your most comfy outfit, nothing too fancy! 

Remember to take a break from those crazy shopping with a little street food or one the affordable restaurants there.

3 Felafel for 1dhs? Thats simply crazy! Top that up with 2 dhs for a can of soft drink and you are set for another few hours of crazy shopping! The arabian street fast food is simply yum yum, try their samosa or  an arabian Shawarma! YUM! 

Its like an arabian style sandwich, with tomato, lettuce, vegetable, meat and bread! All in one! If you are in the mood for Pakistani food, try one of those Pakistan restaurant around the corner. Try their grilled meat and chicken curry! Dinner for two shouldnt go above 30dhs and you would be FULL!

There's just so much to see and do there, however, do try to avoid going there in the weekends, it would be crazy packed! But, once you are there, go exploring the stalls and spend an evening there for dinner. Totally worth it, trust me! 

P.S: I will be off to Taiwan, so see you guys in a while! till then, ciao!

Come dine with me?

I love watching the show "Come dine with me". Its wonderful how those people come up with these dinner parties for random strangers. Sometimes friendship might blossom out of these dinner parties, and other times, people would just hate each other at the dining table! Well, I am thinking since, I hate crowds and I hate paying crazy amounts for partying on Xmas eve, I was thinking of having a dinner party for my friends here in Dubai.

Maybe I might even start this food exchange, dining movement here? Lets see how it goes!

I'm thinking,

Starter: Carrot, radish and dried shrimp spring roll with sweet thai chilli sauce, Or fried wantons with dark soy sauce

Main Dish: Singapore White Chicken Rice, Kai Lan( Green Vegetable)  with Oyster  Sauce, Bean Sprout with sesame sauce

Desert: Green Bean soup with Sago

What say you? Come dine with me?

Europe or Asia?

Being in the Middle East, we are actually very blessed to be able to fly to Asia and Europe at a very affordable rate.  It's coming to the end of the year and the whole world seems to be slowing down a little. So...... I have been deciding where should I go since I am geographically in such a strategic location! After talking to a few of my friends, I have narrowed my search for year end travel trip to 4 places... Do me a favor, read through and share with me where I should go!

Jordan


Jordan is just a three and a half hours flight away from Dubai. FlyDubai flies there at Dhs665 return, inc taxes. For the price of about 200 USD, you can step back into a time capsule, thats Petra!

This must be one of the 7 wonders of the world, this piece of magnificent architecture carved into the mountains. I guess I would have to out on my Indiana Hat and some trekking shoes to get to this place!

Jordan also is the Bethany! Jesus was Christened at this location and Moses first saw the Holy land at Mt Nebo. There is also so much to explore in the deserts with the castles and the Arabia history! Gorgeous aint it?! 


Trivia time, where can you can free spa mud that gives you baby smooth skin and at the same time float in the sea while you read a book?  That has to be the dead sea! Its also in Jordan. My friends were telling me that once you get into the dead sea, your skin become SOOOOO baby soft that a little scratch would cause a huge scar!

Nepal


It would take me roughly the three and a half hour to fly to Nepal as well. It would cost you roughly $250USD to fly there via Air Arabia. I was always so drawn to the whole beauty of the art of the tibetan buddhist and the whole idea of visiting Nepal and Tibet.

Nepal is also a very popular destination with backpackers. If you aren't too picky with the choice of backpackers inn, a night could cost you US $4 - 10 depending on what fancy stuff you want. 

Going to Nepal to a tibetan buddhist is like going to Mecca to a muslim. With its scenic view and affordable living it is a great choice for travelers traveling on a shoe string!

Greece

Greece speaks for itself. The history, the scenery, the language, the people, the architecture, the weather, basically EVERYTHING! And the best thing is, I found out that flying there costs only US$ 250 ! I wont elaborate that much about Greece, cause I think most people know about this beautiful country and what it has to offer! Just looking at the picture is enough to want to go there!

Egypt

Egypt is like every history buff's secret fantasy.  Flying there would cost about US550 with Emirates. There is just soooo much to see in Egypt. The pyramid , the river nile, the mummy etc etc. And yeh, the weather now is just so appealing for you to visit! 

At the end of the article, I am still unsure of where I should visit. All of them are within reach! Gosh, if I had the time, I'd go visit em all!

What do you do in Dubai?

Many people ask me what do I do in my free time in Dubai, or more generally, what IS THERE to do in Dubai...

Well if you haven been to Dubai and explored it, you ought to! Its pretty bustling and full of activities! And of course it wouldnt hurt if you had a circle of friends to make life more interesting.

If you are REALLY clueless on what to do in Dubai, I'd recommend you to get a Timeout Magazine (they didnt pay me for this really... i just really like what they have to offer!) Timeout magazine writes very timely articles. I am not sure if it was pure coincidence or was someone reading my mind! When I was considering to adopt a pet, Timeout covered a story about pet adoptions in Dubai. When I was looking for the best places to go for a short trip, Timeout covered it! U get the idea! This magazine tells you whats happening, where's the hottest parties of the month, the clubs to look out for, activity clubs you can join and stuff! Really wonderful for below 10 DHS!

Then again, if you are the outdoorsy type, there isnt a better time to head out and have fun in the sun! The weather now in Dubai is simply fabulous! Its bright and sunny, yet really breezy and cooling at the same time!

Desert trails - Spend a day out in the desert in one of those jeep! Try camel riding, sand surfing, arabian food, dress up in the whole arab look, get a henna tattoo and simply go arabian for a day! There isnt a better time to head out and just get crazy in the desert.

Get together for a BBQ! BBQ is in the rage right now, everyone seems to be planning for a BBQ party! I know I am looking forward to a BBQ party tomorrow! But do remember to get some warm clothing. It can get chilly at night in the end of the year. Most apartments in Dubai has a BBQ area at the roof. Preparing the BBQ food isnt too much of a hassle as well. Supermarkets are stocked up with Pre-marinated BBQ friendly food. So just get some friends, go to the supermarket and get them to BYOB, there you have it, a PARTY to remember! (stay tuned for my own BBQ party pictures tomorrow!)

If you have a deeper pocket, try one of those sky diving in the urban jungle. Why explore the city from the grounds when you can soar in the skies? I have yet to try this, but if there's a chance, i certainly would!

I wouldnt really recommend you to explore the malls, because that you can do all year round. BUT BUT BUT, with all the sale going on, you HAVE to visit the malls. Visit the Dubai mall, and spend a whole day there. Being the biggest mall, you can get your LV beside your Bottega, try some African cuisine then hop to a French cafe for desserts. Its such a huge mall, a day isnt enough! While you are there, dont forget to eplore the tallest building in the world. The Burj Khalifa.

Oh well, there's simply too much to do in this weather and people are already in the mood to celebrate the end of the year! I shall add more to this article soon. For now, nap time!

Back in Dubai

To all my friends and readers, sorry I have been away fir a month for compulsory military service back in Singapore! Coming back to Dubai has been pretty wonderful! First of all it has to be the weather, its soooooooo cooling now and it makes walking in the open enjoyable! I hope this lasts forever!

Its always nice to meet friends here in Dubai as well.... I've been hanging out now with this motley crew of Danish, German, Russian and myself, Singaporean gang. Its pretty funny, people from all over bonding over a few beer, trading asian jokes, German hitler jokes, rude danish jokes, u get the gist!

Anyway , Ill add more about what has happened to me the past month soon! Its now time for me to hit the bed.... =) cheers guys and hello Dubai....again