TRAVEL and FOOD: Desert Safari in Dubai

While in the Middle East, of course we won't miss doing the Desert Safari. Since our schedule is packed the entire week, we availed the evening desert safari. 

The 4x4 picked us up around 5pm-ish at a hotel near the Dubai Mall. After which, we went to Al Jawir for some sand dune bashing during sunset. Unfortunately, it was drizzling during that time so we didn't see so much sun. 

We paid around Php 2,000 (AED 170) per head inclusive of the following:

- Pick up by 4x4 wheel Drive - Camel Rides
- Belly Dancing ( NOT DURING RAMADAN )
- Bar ( NOT DURING RAMADAN )
- Henna Painting
- Hubbllee Bubblee (shisha)
- Arabic Coffee (gahwa) and Fresh Dates
- Traditional costumes
- Sand Skiing
- Unlimited soft drinks, tea coffee and mineral water
- Buffet Dinner and B.B.Q.(vegetarian food also available on request)
- Departure at 9.30 pm 

 We were entertained by an Egyptian belly dancer during that night.

We also had a taste of different authentic Arabic food (Kebabs, Samosas, Chapati) :) yumyum! 

Photo op with the camels, played and sat on a desert sand and chilled under the Arabic set-up seats:

For first-timers like Leo, he gave the tour a 2-thumbs up (probably because he got scared of the camel who wanted to kiss him in this picture). 

TRAVEL: YAS MARINA CIRCUIT and FERRARI WORLD (Abu Dhabi)

What's not to love about Abu Dhabi? Apart from its huuuuuuge IKEA warehouse, guys who love fast cars would definitely fall in love with the city all over again. Why? Because Yas Marina Circuit the home of the F1 cars in the Middle East and the one and only Ferrari World Amusement part are right here!

Want to be an F1 driver? Train and be one at the Yas Marina Circuit. During our visit, we were lucky enough to be able to go all the way to the side of the racetrack. A group of the royal family members were there practicing and driving around the circuit. 

Cool huh? Yas Marina offers different types of classes to the wanna be F1 drivers. Plus pogi points for the boys!

Another must-see place while in Abu Dhabi is the Ferrari World just because you get to ride the fastest roller coaster in the WORLD. Yes, in the WORLD! :)

The Formula Rossa Rollercoaster Ride simulates F1 race cars running with a top speed of 240km/hour. I tell you, the experience is so overwhelming, a bit scary but super fun! You have to wear protective glasses due to the high air speeds. 

This is one happy, giddy boy! :P Take note though that Formula Rossa has a height and weight requirement. 

Other rides are mostly for kids.... but then again, if you're a car and racing enthusiast, then you're going to love these:

 

So, did I convince you enough to add Abu Dhabi in your bucket list? :)

TRAVEL: Bani, Pangasinan

Long overdue post. Long drive. Strange roads. But as they say, patience is a virtue and yes, we found the Paradise and what is known as "The Golden West" of the Philippines -- Bani, Pangasinan.

This is probably an unknown sweet spot for most of us but the beach and sunset views are breathtaking...

xoxo

TRAVEL: CEBU

Cebu is my soon-to-be home. Next to Baguio, it is my second happy place. Why? It has a feel of rural and urban in one! When you feel like being an urban chic girl, just go to the main city where Ayala Mall is and the rest are bound for you to explore!

                                                      Loving the details of their Ayala Mall.


Don't forget to pay a visit to their awesome old church and the Magellan's Cross:

While in the city, go to Tabuan Market and experience Danggit (dried fish) shopping and smell like one too!

When in Cebu, try the first ever Gelato shop in the country...

Buy more pasalubongs like barquillos, dried mangoes, guitars and more...

If you still have more time to tour around, check out Plantation Bay Resort (it's quite far from the city but worth to look around and have halo-halo) :)

Cebu is like having the best of both worlds --- city and provincial life. And if I may convince you more, its just a roro away from Bohol, Guimaras, Dumaguete and Bacolod. :)