tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68865424466175197772024-03-13T14:15:05.408+03:00SamzPlanet | An Expat's Personal Blog About Life in Dubai and RiyadhSamzPlanet is the personal blog of a Dubai-born Asian female currently residing in Saudi Arabia.From day-to-day observations (& interactions) of social, cultural, political or religious issues that directly or indirectly affect me, SamzPlanet will also feature my reviews of products and services like restaurants, spas, places to visit, places to shop, etc.SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-37412860294150900312013-04-01T12:23:00.001+03:002013-04-01T12:24:13.922+03:00Oops! A case of English gone seriously wrong at Faisaliah Tower Mall<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The other day I was at Faisaliah Tower Mall with my husband, and we happen to come across a rather shocking (and amusing) memo printed and posted on one of the elevators in their underground parking area. Have a look to see what we mean:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8-wyR90pfXigymFr5uATxcoZnb_mB228OsnrA4O-eJ7OzVTeM4kAdCv346VUBGFugEiOI-Wf1q5GPFbhnBoLRovDFybO_-odTayoem1f_DoAxGJKUktiXWb9wff0xu-lGUy6zhp1a7x3/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8-wyR90pfXigymFr5uATxcoZnb_mB228OsnrA4O-eJ7OzVTeM4kAdCv346VUBGFugEiOI-Wf1q5GPFbhnBoLRovDFybO_-odTayoem1f_DoAxGJKUktiXWb9wff0xu-lGUy6zhp1a7x3/s320/IMG_0470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNDjfKOLRdY0Ff2kulhENn8ogRM_WZOWVyiyHS3TmV3GELc1yrVNuvk0GgGbjbIgZPVgQqhbTAWisvtR39XO0eI8qaDHuzmseXwSkDr7mX2JLx3nvm1jVK1diZ6HoFdRDBKBPfdfgjh2h/s1600/IMG_0469+straight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNDjfKOLRdY0Ff2kulhENn8ogRM_WZOWVyiyHS3TmV3GELc1yrVNuvk0GgGbjbIgZPVgQqhbTAWisvtR39XO0eI8qaDHuzmseXwSkDr7mX2JLx3nvm1jVK1diZ6HoFdRDBKBPfdfgjh2h/s320/IMG_0469+straight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Least to say both me and my husband couldn't stop giggling. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now my husband's excuse was ''Cut them some slack, it's not their first language.'' And, I'm like really that's the excuse they would use? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What shocks me more is that right above it are housed more than a 100 professional international company offices, and at their (Al Khozama Company) own office they don't seem to have a single bilingual person who can write proper Business English!!! This being the case, we're sure to see a lot more 'entertaining' written English communication from them. </span><br />
<br />SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-75806330643347960102012-12-30T17:25:00.004+03:002012-12-30T19:08:34.377+03:00Olive Garden, Pakistan - Nothing Italian about it!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is going to be a quick bitchy post about Olive Garden Restaurant from Islamabad that recently opened a branch in Bahria Town Rawalpindi. I mean I cannot even begin to explain how utterly disappointing and UN-Italian their food was. The only thing that was any good was their decor and the 'on-the-house' Chicken Corn Soup they served us!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To give you a snapshot, in the Appetizers we ordered their mixed platter, which has everything - the mozarella sticks, the wings, nachos etc. Everything literally everything was cold! And, hence made it taste yuck! Then came the real test, both me and my husband unfortunately ordered the same thing - Penne Arrabiata. And, what we got was a DESI-style chicken pasta dipped in a chinese sweet chilli-style sauce. I mean come onnnnnn! I swear I couldn't take more than 2 bites of the thing, and literally forced myself to get it packed just to show everyone at home what pathetic food they are serving. My husband forced himself to finish half of his plate, and when he got the cheque (PKR 2100) and the feedback card, what he wrote must've certainly had their eyes-popping because he was fuming. Anyways we paid and left from there swearing to do the social service of informing everyone never to dine here. So here you go, we've done our bit. </span></div>
SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-35597016277034119342012-12-30T17:05:00.002+03:002012-12-30T17:05:44.078+03:00Street One Cafe, Islamabad - Great food & Awesome Ambiance<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been a while since I posted anything on my blog. Was actually away for a few months in Pakistan to take care of a family emergency. Got back and had a lot on my plate to accomplish especially since I'm planning another trip (hopefully a shorter one than the last one) to Pakistan in January 2013 (inshaAllah).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyways while in Pakistan me and my husband checked out some eateries/restaurants, and one of them worth mentioning here is Kohsar Market, Islamabad's <b>Street One Cafe</b>. It was recommended by my cousin and it certainly lived up to our expectations. Though it's relatively new, having opened back in 2011, it's built quite a name and clientele for itself . I was told (by my cousin) that the crowd consisted mostly of 'foreigners/diplomats' which turned out true, but then again why wouldn't it, their food and presentation is excellent, the decor just perfect and the ambiance certainly hits the right chords. Sharing a few pics of the food we ordered. If you happen to visit them, which I do recommend, in the appetizers, give their light-airy nachos a try. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvoJ4PU-2QExS_8OB2ospbtKjMoW6gFDJdYzzDqetoEmPgcyI4l-4IK-H6-WveI0y8iG5uPK7mABMCO16aH90crYtMAsX4vbY_j-k517OdEucTGTg22xhzVjyroLssShe4PRwELI1JzLP/s1600/IMG_5998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvoJ4PU-2QExS_8OB2ospbtKjMoW6gFDJdYzzDqetoEmPgcyI4l-4IK-H6-WveI0y8iG5uPK7mABMCO16aH90crYtMAsX4vbY_j-k517OdEucTGTg22xhzVjyroLssShe4PRwELI1JzLP/s320/IMG_5998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6oO2b2bTUYCSyCapuLMDcCYHHX8L-WpIvMG1q6Nw9OI9kRMsvU0_B9XZPX6Sz1Jfqaxu-c_GDRwjBtoBaHZWNNkeum7Z-n24HGShDZGCUsAADXsFSUpJF7MRoEY-AqIKnlsi1yjO1YJO/s1600/IMG_6000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6oO2b2bTUYCSyCapuLMDcCYHHX8L-WpIvMG1q6Nw9OI9kRMsvU0_B9XZPX6Sz1Jfqaxu-c_GDRwjBtoBaHZWNNkeum7Z-n24HGShDZGCUsAADXsFSUpJF7MRoEY-AqIKnlsi1yjO1YJO/s320/IMG_6000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIj6tFBChR67XnsDSKrXL_mckVOnctmiKH_diWmBukIeUFRNEuO2Tkdr4M-00TbcWYKHOuFMvpP2Vv39gJxs99cPFDrxNOQzkUH9aV_ibYK4jFFRoW1KAyXiJghLwXcZzRVYwsWakXJ29J/s1600/IMG_6004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIj6tFBChR67XnsDSKrXL_mckVOnctmiKH_diWmBukIeUFRNEuO2Tkdr4M-00TbcWYKHOuFMvpP2Vv39gJxs99cPFDrxNOQzkUH9aV_ibYK4jFFRoW1KAyXiJghLwXcZzRVYwsWakXJ29J/s320/IMG_6004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaLjch3hM4CK_QH8TBERMPjutz3UBYpBvxvs_wr_NLo97qi8WkHBk9YrRd9aMWERjizvn4MDoNq87baA9st1wddN617ph0HmJIU-Rj8yUIni-i8VZ6dbmouaA5FEA9QnqxVKFwmWX2XWl/s1600/IMG_6005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaLjch3hM4CK_QH8TBERMPjutz3UBYpBvxvs_wr_NLo97qi8WkHBk9YrRd9aMWERjizvn4MDoNq87baA9st1wddN617ph0HmJIU-Rj8yUIni-i8VZ6dbmouaA5FEA9QnqxVKFwmWX2XWl/s320/IMG_6005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The monetary damage was PKR 3200 (SR 124) only excluding dessert 'coz we didn't order any (had a 3 pound cake at home to finish).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had been searching for the right kind of Italian restaurant in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, and though Street One Cafe doesn't specialise in any one cuisine infact has a varied International menu, the dishes we chose didn't disappoint us at all. I'm sure I'll be paying them a visit again soon :) </span><br />
<br />
<br />SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-54968766758679933582012-08-07T16:53:00.001+03:002012-08-09T01:05:59.587+03:00Oh! Beautiful Turkey<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It’s been almost 2 months since we’ve returned from a recent
trip to Turkey. And, I have to admit it has topped my list of must-visit
places. Finally got a chance to pen my thoughts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ll try my best to
share all my experiences here on the blog, especially since it was the 1<sup>st</sup>
time I travelled to an unchartered territory with my baby girl of 20 months.
Trust me it wasn’t easy. But despite all that both me and my husband really
enjoyed ourselves and from the videos and pics we’ve taken of our daughter, it
seems she enjoyed it too (then again who wouldn’t enjoy being seated on a
stroller and pushed uphill OR carried in the arms whenever she wanted). Guess
you know what I mean. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For most of the trip, the LonelyPlanet book about Turkey was
our actual guide. So for all those
planning a trip to Turkey, grab yourself a copy or borrow it from a friend
(like we did). And, don't forget to read it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As much as people say June-Aug is the high season in Turkey,
my take would be that unless you don’t have school going kids (who have vacations
during that period only), avoid going there as it gets really hot. Per me the
best time to visit Turkey is in May when the temperature is just about 20
degrees, the weather is pleasant and even a stroll in the shiny sun doesn’t
hurt. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We spent a total of 13 nights in Turkey out of which 7 in
Istanbul, 2 in Oludeniz, 2 in Koshadasi & 2 in Bergama.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Istanbul<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In Istanbul we were entirely on foot and used the trams to
get from one place to another. Amongst the most popular places to visit and
things to do include:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Sultan Ahmet Mosque (next
to it is the Arasta Bazaar)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Aya Sofya</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Suleimaniya Mosque</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Dolmabache Palace</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Beyzit Mosque</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Topkappi Palace (must visit
for Muslims) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Bosphorous Cruise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Grand Bazaar (don’t buy
anything from here coz everything is overly priced especially the carpets and
kilims)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Spice Bazaar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Galata Tower (we had give
this one a miss coz it meant going wayyyyyy uphill and then climbing 100s of
steps...not possible with a toddler in tow)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Kora Church</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Hodja Pasha Cultural Center
Dance Show (</span><a href="http://www.hodjapasha.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">http://www.hodjapasha.com/</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">)
...a must watch!</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oludeniz</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From Istanbul , we took a 1 hr flight to Dalaman from where
we rented a car (at the airport itself...had booked it online) and drove for
approx. 1hr 40 mins to Fethiye Oludeniz. Allow me to share with you that
Oludeniz is truly a beach lover’s paradise. It has the most amazing turquoise
waters that you simply can’t resist taking a dip in. Check out the pics below
to know what the beach looks like.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They have every possible water sport for you
to experience. Plus, boat cruises that take you around the closest possible
islands (we missed taking the cruise coz I fell sick that day...truly our
loss). Perhaps that’s the reason why its major residents are British expats.
Such is the impact that even the locals have adopted the British accent and
literally every open air restaurant has a bar and a dance floor. Unlike Istanbul, there are more than just
kebabs and doners/durums (shawermas) to eat here. There are options for
Italian, Chinese & even Indian cuisine. One of the places we tried was an
Italian joint called Toscana Italiano right opposite our hotel. It was the only
place that wasn’t noisy or crammed up. Not to mention their food was superb. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Piece of advice:</u> don’t
bother shopping here coz the prices for everything are hiked up to unbelievable
rates compared to the other places in Turkey.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>P.S</u> - If you get a chance make sure to visit The Princess Islands.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kusadasi<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Basically there is nothing much to see in Kusadasi except
for just strolling along the corniche. It’s more a stopover to go and see <b>Ephesus</b>
and <b>Pammukale, </b>though<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">don’t stop yourself from a shopping a bit here, though
be ready to bargain. We got some really cools tees, sweatshirts etc from here,
and even the beautiful ceramic plates. Most of the proper ceramic shops
actually have a factory in the backyard so to say, where they produce
everything.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bergama<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once again this is a very small city. It’s more popular as a
stopover to see Pergamon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Tip: </b>Great place for the most fantastic deals on
carpets and kilms ;)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Shopping in Turkey<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It almost impossible not to shop while in Turkey especially
when you see every city carrying beautiful bright lamps, hand painted ceramics
& tiles, hand woven carpets, rugs and kilims, beautiful cushion covers and
ofcourse simply stunning Turkish jewellery. As far as we are concerned, let’s
just say we did a fair bit of shopping of almost everything. The only thing
missed were the lamps. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Piece of advice</u>: Take your time in browsing around
the shops and don’t forget to negotiate/bargain. Trust me you’ll be surprised
at what their selling rate is and what they will eventually offer you as final
price to buy ;)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>IMPORTANT Tip:</u> If you are travelling from Saudi Arabia, even by
mistake don’t tell them. They will starting referring you as ‘Sheikh’ and will
literally try selling you things at double the price. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When Travelling to Turkey with a toddler:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Proper Baby Carrier</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">:
Make sure you carry a proper sturdy stroller with you, preferably with a
storage basket, and especially a rain cover.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Baby/Kiddy Sunglasses</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">:
are a must.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">NO Elevators</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">: In
most of the hotels closer to the tourist spots there are NO elevators so be
ready to climb stairs.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Don’t Worry about Excess
Weight on Domestic Flights</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">: Though the domestic flights have a max weight
policy, we were lucky that the people at ATLAS JET did not charge us a penny
for extra weight. Allow me to mention that our extra baggage weighed 50% extra
of what is allowed</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Always carry extra
WATER, crisps, chocolates, candies with you while trotting around Turkey</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">If renting a car online,
make sure to get yourself a baby car seat</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">. Our friends who travelled last
year actually took one of their own ones from here. But we simply got the
rent-a-car company to provide one.</span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Carry your own GPS </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">–
we borrowed one from our friends and my husband had entered all the coordinates
for the hotels and places we were going to visit from here which made ALOT of
difference while travelling by road. P.S - M</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">ake sure to find out where the nearest hospital or clinics are wherever you choose to stay. Trust me it helps. </span></li>
</ul>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Truly hope this post is useful for those travelling to Turkey anytime soon. Least to say, we'll be back in Turkey for more. It's got a lot to offer. </span></o:p><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hgShQx-AdWkZDRFwxsRRQfNjz6Mw9r620rWrUCottgwIE6yGw3sySDmB0JxMXAatKoK-CLz1QzxgtvDaHq4WUeYgEkNvAuTIFe1KKmDZubTg9SrjheLC5-4qyaYe_FWmmMO_iGtFbD8G/s1600/ceramic+tiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hgShQx-AdWkZDRFwxsRRQfNjz6Mw9r620rWrUCottgwIE6yGw3sySDmB0JxMXAatKoK-CLz1QzxgtvDaHq4WUeYgEkNvAuTIFe1KKmDZubTg9SrjheLC5-4qyaYe_FWmmMO_iGtFbD8G/s320/ceramic+tiles.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkish Ceramic Crafts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaf2vqYZZ_SPgEkv1_NEPOxT2xVldyYrj2To3Vr6HQU0ZiESiItzdrVanaeMdSP99O6a2rKni-v3FrjhyFbT6Rl3noxl9VjfjEUw-3qkFO3RIQ9g6VF9wCFtwUFyaMirHuEJKKmXQdB_ZB/s1600/hodja+pasha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaf2vqYZZ_SPgEkv1_NEPOxT2xVldyYrj2To3Vr6HQU0ZiESiItzdrVanaeMdSP99O6a2rKni-v3FrjhyFbT6Rl3noxl9VjfjEUw-3qkFO3RIQ9g6VF9wCFtwUFyaMirHuEJKKmXQdB_ZB/s320/hodja+pasha.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hodja Pasha Cultural Dance Show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Lqo0UWr07hgKUC-wnlhvbe8Q8Y6ev7oArN2im-iQ6kiMAJFh6WPkc8p0VyDdFhR_IQOVXnfUe-pZHVxeNlFxTLVZl9bACY8iGRIV2qCre5I74C6eS0iRRE83H-7Xp9QJwgH0kAJCVe64/s1600/oludeniz+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Lqo0UWr07hgKUC-wnlhvbe8Q8Y6ev7oArN2im-iQ6kiMAJFh6WPkc8p0VyDdFhR_IQOVXnfUe-pZHVxeNlFxTLVZl9bACY8iGRIV2qCre5I74C6eS0iRRE83H-7Xp9QJwgH0kAJCVe64/s320/oludeniz+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning Oludeniz Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwsy7Oj5bhX1wAbBL7GFWSW3Nrf7NriToaNPjRKzW6v8f4ZXxLJgMNk2HZVJw2iyarfF1SKGXwxko5TbcB4qz2tpP9kkNDgd6PwDywnyzqIMU2svrpPOs-fq3SHX6dbp5JwURlI0jn5y3/s1600/steepest+theatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwsy7Oj5bhX1wAbBL7GFWSW3Nrf7NriToaNPjRKzW6v8f4ZXxLJgMNk2HZVJw2iyarfF1SKGXwxko5TbcB4qz2tpP9kkNDgd6PwDywnyzqIMU2svrpPOs-fq3SHX6dbp5JwURlI0jn5y3/s320/steepest+theatre.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Theater of Pergamon</span> - Steepest Theatre in the World (that's me there with my girl) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDv2Qb7HK03KKvve22Yd9_031DpR7raC7q3B4V1OlBJcnj2sgru7clH0ygmMHx4HMju2VrDM1fKvdbkOenew-5nSqX2Z8XMlOklwAMjclozs_FYeZJ3inXYrVr9ySEbhOhB6kOGc4GHUw/s1600/turkey+mosque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDv2Qb7HK03KKvve22Yd9_031DpR7raC7q3B4V1OlBJcnj2sgru7clH0ygmMHx4HMju2VrDM1fKvdbkOenew-5nSqX2Z8XMlOklwAMjclozs_FYeZJ3inXYrVr9ySEbhOhB6kOGc4GHUw/s320/turkey+mosque.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sultan Ahmet Mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-1544583221265650482012-05-06T16:02:00.000+03:002012-05-06T22:42:35.020+03:00Dubai-based Cocos Restaurant & Bakery – Welcome to Riyadh<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After nearly 2 yrs and 4 months of waiting since moving here,
my all-time favourite restaurant from Dubai - Cocos Restaurant & Bakery - has
finally opened up in Riyadh. The best bit was that it opened in the Olaya area
on Tahaliya street, but the worst bit is I no longer live in that area, otherwise
at every opportunity I would be dining there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In any case atleast it’s arrived. Cocos Riyadh opened its
doors beginning of April and being their ardent fan, I simply had to visit them
(we went there on 10 April 2012...yup I’m a bit late in writing this review),
not so much to see what they are like but if they are as good as they are in
Dubai. And, least to say I was impressed. Everything was simply perfect – the food,
the ambience, the service. We went in just about Isha time, and no surprise the
restaurant was practically empty. The restaurant is set-up very nicely with dim
purple lights, perfect spacious cabins for Saudi style family privacy with
sliding doors, and just like Dubai, they have the bakery in the restaurant
itself. Oh! how excited I was from the moment I walked in. When they handed us
the menu and tried to explain the top favourites, I announced to them how I was
no newcomer to Cocos and how very fond I am of them since my Dubai days. I mean
literally every twice a month, me and my friends would dine at Cocos in Dubai.
They have 3 branches there – Sheikh Zayed Road, Deira City Centre and JBR – and
I’ve been to all 3 of them. They serve all kinds of cuisine - Mexican, Italian, Indian, Chinese and much more. Anyways coming back to Riyadh, both me and my
husband ordered our below all-time favourites:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Appetiser:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cheese Nachos (SR 53) – oh how absolutely perfect these
were. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Main Course:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tortilla Crusted Chicken (SR 59) – served with mashed potato/fries,
veggies and black beans. It was as perfect, crispy, tender, and delicious as
can be (exact taste like Dubai, no wonder both my husband and I ordered the
same dish). The dish also comes with a free treat - soup of the day or salad.
Yet again both hubby and I ordered our favourite <b>Creamy Broccoli soup</b>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cajun Chicken Sandwich (SR 40)– served with fries </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The portions are so big that it would be tough to finish
everything on the plate in one go. That said I did try my best :) By the end of it, we
were so full that we just couldn’t have any dessert. During our meals, the Chef
paid us a visit and told us how he got trained at Cocos in Dubai to perfect the
menu for Riyadh. Not to mention even some of the servers/waiters had also got
trained by Dubai-based staff. And, it shows. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’m just so glad that they lived up to my very high expectations.
Other than the above, in Dubai I’ve tried, and recommend their Fajitas,
Quesadillas, Pastas etc. I’m sure they will be ditto in taste here. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wish the Cocos Riyadh team the very best. I’m sure we’ll
have more of Cocos branches all over the kingdom soon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For all you diners, make sure you pay Cocos Restaurant in
Riyadh a visit...you won’t regret it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIyhnU4mBX2J0v21v-MfEmXJ5MLSNDirXdOY-gPvCV70R7XIUJfk59qlJoXsc97KVWUNfH4HLGWX6EFC8CZDAP1xx0JFcjBmGzXhOEtIEGxmfiXA8CPU2mav4-lWVcKErMDZDcxxNJHDk/s1600/DSC00686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIyhnU4mBX2J0v21v-MfEmXJ5MLSNDirXdOY-gPvCV70R7XIUJfk59qlJoXsc97KVWUNfH4HLGWX6EFC8CZDAP1xx0JFcjBmGzXhOEtIEGxmfiXA8CPU2mav4-lWVcKErMDZDcxxNJHDk/s320/DSC00686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Vw4TBxFEOIB_DBLHRU7dTALXnpuD6QZcMHqmbpskewGV7FO0SGyfcEgLRtAq-VHyknNQ_lB33Vk-JNYukv9z9RF2f2RCh5tjmCJU4K0FM9zsIlhAo4_66nfPrm5QnbycduKy6V1D7Zzd/s1600/DSC00691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Vw4TBxFEOIB_DBLHRU7dTALXnpuD6QZcMHqmbpskewGV7FO0SGyfcEgLRtAq-VHyknNQ_lB33Vk-JNYukv9z9RF2f2RCh5tjmCJU4K0FM9zsIlhAo4_66nfPrm5QnbycduKy6V1D7Zzd/s320/DSC00691.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjlIvjGxmdi6U56sNWyiDrto8HFMr1Ul3Bj1WMSV-pKh5BHGNPQsU2DP4lNgUpl4QDZ8RqqlX1lQ-HXuZyGxudpiEhH0rzHB4HkgAIUuB9m7tSvAMdyl8ELHD_jsuKcGI59VsRj_nhgwC/s1600/DSC00693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjlIvjGxmdi6U56sNWyiDrto8HFMr1Ul3Bj1WMSV-pKh5BHGNPQsU2DP4lNgUpl4QDZ8RqqlX1lQ-HXuZyGxudpiEhH0rzHB4HkgAIUuB9m7tSvAMdyl8ELHD_jsuKcGI59VsRj_nhgwC/s320/DSC00693.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-77479687570409088322012-03-21T14:37:00.001+03:002012-03-21T14:51:55.031+03:00Halwa, Poori, Nihari and Why I Dislike Riyadh the most!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It’s one of those days when the ‘Desi’ in me is missing Dubai a lot. You might wonder what’s the connection between Desi and Dubai? Well it’s just that ever since I’ve moved to Riyadh I’ve been desperately searching for a Pakistani restaurant that serves the best Halwa Poori and Nihari. But rather sadly even after being here for 2+ years I haven’t seen a single decent Pakistani restaurant open up that would serve this yummy (and extremely fattening and filling) breakfast delicacy in Riyadh. Now if anyone in Riyadh is vouching for that Al Hamra Restaurant located in the Hara area of Riyadh as a possible alternative, I’m afraid that shoddy place, not to mention the below average taste, simply doesn’t count. On the other hand just about 600 miles away from here, in Dubai the most mouth-watering, sense- swirling ‘desi’ breakfast is served every Friday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is my heartfelt recommendation to anyone visiting Dubai, and who craves for the occasional Halwa Poori and Nihari like me, to PLEASE TRY the following restaurants in Dubai, infact you know what, just don’t leave Dubai without trying them. Now if you’re from Lahore you might argue that it simply cannot match the Lahori breakfast flava, but trust me my Lahori husband has even given it a 9/10 for the authentic taste. And the foodie that he is, I dare not doubt his opinion. So here goes: the best spots to have a filling ‘Desi-Style’ breakfast and Nihari with your family: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Kabab BQ <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On our recent trip to Dubai in February we discovered another newly opened yet fabulous restaurant with lovely decor serving our most-loved traditional Halwa Poori Breakfast called Kabab BQ. The seating arrangement and the decor is very modern, and simply perfect for a posh Pakistani crowd. My husband’s friends had taken him there on one Friday and when he came back and shared his delicious experience, I decided that the coming Friday we were going there this time (husband’s treat) accompanied by Dubai-based brother (who may I add had no idea of this restaurant) and sister who was visiting from Pakistan. We were there around 10ish and were surprised to see the restaurant was vacant. I mean literally empty with the waiters anxiously waiting for someone to arrive. As my husband had explained, there was buffet of lip-smacking chaney/choley (chick peas), soft halwa (dessert), desi saag (a variety of spinach), nihari & aroma-rich tea. We quickly got seated and as my husband had mentioned waited for the hot pooris to be served. The best part was as we would finish one set of pooris, the next steaming-hot set would arrive. Last but not the least was when at the end of our breakfast they served hot Jalebis (traditional Pakistani sweet). Usually I don’t like Jalebis so much but even I couldn’t stop myself from having these fresh-out-of-the-wok sweets. Well from my side they get full marks for the service, the food & the decor. It was truly an amazing and unforgettable breakfast experience. Needless to mention, highly recommended to anyone who’s a die-hard fan of having a traditional Pakistani breakfast on a weekend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">P.S- Right next to it is the Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant which serves great Mexican food. Once we finished with our breakfast at Kabab BQ, I took my 16 month baby girl to see the parrots at Maria Bonita Restaurant. There seated were 2 guys who seem of Indian-Pakistani origin, they were still deciding on what to have, when one of them saw us coming out of Kabab BQ with a hearty smile. He immediately decided to pay Kabab BQ a visit to check it out and emerged 2 mins later only to apologise to the waiter at Maria Bonita saying ‘next time’ and took his friend to have a desi breakfast at Kabab BQ. Needless to say they made the right choice :)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Location:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Umm Al Sheif Street, Jumeirah 3</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The location explains why the restaurant was empty. It’s located between Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah road and hence is easy to miss. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Cost per person</b> – AED 39 only</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Timing</b> – 9am to 12:30pm for Friday breakfast</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Menu:</b> To see what all they offer other than desi breakfast visit this link <a href="http://www.24h.ae/kababbq">http://www.24h.ae/kababbq</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">BBQ Delights</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Famous for its open buffet kebabs and traditional Pakistani style menu, this restaurant serves a delicious variety of desi breakfast items such as halwa, chaney, poori, nihari, paaye, etc. only on Friday. Though it’s usually called a Friday Brunch I wouldn’t regard it as one since its starts early in the morning on Friday. Yes! on a Friday 9am (for a desi crowd) is regarded early. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Locations:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span dir="LTR" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Karama, Dubai</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span dir="LTR" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">JBR, Dubai</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cost per person</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> – AED 39 only</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Timing</b> – 9am to 12:30pm for Friday breakfast</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Delhi Restaurant<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This restaurant or should I called ‘Nihari Wonder’ should rename themselves as Nihari Restaurant. I mean seriously these guys have been around for nearly 30 year serving by far the best nihari anyone has ever had in Dubai. Never has their taste or the quality of their Nihari ever gone wrong. Having lived all my life in Dubai, eating Nihari from Delhi Restaurant every month without fail was a family tradition. Credit goes to my father (spent 30+ years in Dubai) who being a ardent desi food lover discovered the place with his friends and helped us understand the difference between a average, good, excellent and out-of-this-world Nihari. Need I specify where Delhi Restaurant’s nihari stands?! I still remember how my father used to take a big pot/vessel (enough for atleast 12 servings) with him, and used to get Nihari as take-away from Delhi Restaurant with their yummy nans/bread. When he’d enter home with it, I would scream ‘Ýipppppie Nihari’!!! Proves my love for it, doesn’t it. Oh how I miss those times!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I told my husband that this time we simply cannot miss eating here while in Dubai. In fact I told my husband that by far it will be the best nihari he would’ve had so he was looking forward to it too. And guess what? I was right. My brother took us there on our first night and the place was jam-packed. Thankfully we got seated soon and immediately without even browsing the menu ordered for our favourite item. We also ordered for some malai tikka boti, some seekh kebabs and another bbq item (don’t remember honestly). I simply cannot explain the feeling of my first bite of nihari (after such a loooooonnnnnng time). Surprisingly the other items my brother ordered such as the malai tikka and kebabs etc. were also really delicious. The thing is we never before tried anything except for Nihari from this place so had no clue they served other amazing dishes too. My mouth still waters at the very mention of their nihari. Least said, DO NOT leave Dubai without having this true delicacy from Delhi Restaurant. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Location:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Deira, Dubai</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(It’s located in the busiest district of Deira and unfortunately has no parking space available. Despite that people flock to the restaurant even sometimes waiting for 20-30 minutes before they find a parking. Need I say more!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Menu:</b> <a href="http://www.delhidubai.com/menu.html">http://www.delhidubai.com/menu.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well, from the above detailed reviews you can very well imagine why I titled this post as ‘Why I dislike Riyadh the most’. I just hope and pray that one of these places open up here soon. Anyone listening???</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com13Dubai - United Arab Emirates25.2644444 55.31166669999993224.9799129 54.977813199999929 25.5489759 55.645520199999936tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-81698448777228929722012-03-20T15:07:00.000+03:002012-03-20T15:07:02.971+03:00Where We Ate In Paris<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rather unfortunately while in Paris we tried a level best to look for Halal food but may be it was the area we were staying in (walking distance from Arc De Trimophe), we couldn’t find a single restaurant which served Halal food. We used to spend our afternoons (amidst all our exploring and trips) looking for Halal food joints but no matter which map we followed </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">or whoever we asked we simply never found the exact location and hence ended up eating at non-halal joints. If you’re a Muslim, please understand that the below is recommended only in case you aren’t able to find a decent Halal restaurant. Hope you understand. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nai Restaurant <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Cuisine:</b> Lebanese (NOT Halal)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What we had: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span dir="LTR" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Shish Tawook plate - €18</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span dir="LTR" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Chicken Shawarma plate - €18</span></li>
</ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Total Bill:</b> €36 without soft drinks</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We dined here 2 nights out of the 4 that we stayed in Paris, so you can imagine how much we liked it. Very honestly after a long day of exploring and walking, we wanted to have hearty portions that would satisfy not just our appetite but also our taste buds. Hence we didn’t take any chances at trying Parisian cuisine. We stuck to what we like best - Lebanese cuisine. And, we were lucky that this restaurant was relatively close to our hotel. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Feedback:</b> A bit expensive but truly lived up to our expectations of a fabulous meal. The taste was truly Lebanese in every way. In fact the staff too was of Lebanese origin, and ofcourse spoke fluent French. Definitely recommended to all those flying from this region, and want to play it safe on the 1<sup>st</sup> day ;)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pizzeria Fiorentina<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Cuisine: </b>Italian (Not Halal)<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What we tried: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>2 Pizza Poulet (chicken) – €10.99 each</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Pates Au Poulet (chicken pasta with white sauce) – €11.99</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span>Pates A La Rabiatta (chicken pasta with Arrabiata sauce) – €9.99</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Total Bill:</b> €51.94 including soft drinks (we were very hungry)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Out of the remaining nights, we only dined here. Why? Simply because this Italian joint was truly awesome. We happen to be returning from the Eiffel Tower and realised that it was past 9:30. By the time we would reach the hotel, it would be close to 11pm and most of the restaurants in our area would have closed by then. Hence we decided to take a chance with Pizzeria Fiorentina.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Feedback</b>: The waiter was extremely charming and helpful, hence full marks for the service. Regarding the food all I can say is that it was the best I had in both Paris and Italy. Yes! I said Italy! I mean if I ever go back to Paris, I may not go to see Eiffel Tower but will surely drop by this joint to have my favourite food. That’s how much we loved it. I mean come one the next day being our last day in Paris, this restaurant was completely out of our way, yet we took the sub and headed straight for Pizzeria Fiorentina. Hence, my recommendation for all those planning to visit the Eiffel Tower, try this restaurant you’ll love it. It’s right opposite the Bir Hakiem metro stop, next to Subway. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoYos5BX4xVBpVEqCPD2OlXSWM2cdvVa7PlZE-NsCCOQtvZx_u12NTbY6WRbEAoVbFk9aCDbElvfk1X2CLy7wtZ32GsOx6114jgOYzmDsKsa1_gup_vhsza1e3ImH7_5ZSIRimO_D6Dqu/s1600/DSC01310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoYos5BX4xVBpVEqCPD2OlXSWM2cdvVa7PlZE-NsCCOQtvZx_u12NTbY6WRbEAoVbFk9aCDbElvfk1X2CLy7wtZ32GsOx6114jgOYzmDsKsa1_gup_vhsza1e3ImH7_5ZSIRimO_D6Dqu/s320/DSC01310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGL-VyRSSaTSsYqtFszWNPIxesCaVVvh2PwfJdkVN5mhavaPjjyxs4NJrITiXGwwxdc2CP1euPaMmarVbpsEPTdlinkbKEhoSUn0JQp2hGi5XMqq0NBh3G5y1XsQaPeiRogf_mXdTBK8Hz/s1600/DSC01316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGL-VyRSSaTSsYqtFszWNPIxesCaVVvh2PwfJdkVN5mhavaPjjyxs4NJrITiXGwwxdc2CP1euPaMmarVbpsEPTdlinkbKEhoSUn0JQp2hGi5XMqq0NBh3G5y1XsQaPeiRogf_mXdTBK8Hz/s320/DSC01316.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU1pKoULW8e8jr0QQNtC-qBto045MnAXJ_EpK69o5vIWGI0YM-Z4Xczqyw-xT_pdGK8ma-oR46acsxs3amxagTu2ORYJ8VOURofUSTrTTrgk8t4MJ8kSs0HeFNFl3x3D-HvCzauqWEJ2X/s1600/DSC01318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU1pKoULW8e8jr0QQNtC-qBto045MnAXJ_EpK69o5vIWGI0YM-Z4Xczqyw-xT_pdGK8ma-oR46acsxs3amxagTu2ORYJ8VOURofUSTrTTrgk8t4MJ8kSs0HeFNFl3x3D-HvCzauqWEJ2X/s320/DSC01318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-2610431034744871432012-03-20T14:07:00.000+03:002012-03-20T14:07:50.542+03:00A Trip Down Paris Lane - Part 2<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now since this was my first trip apart from the usual trips to Pakistan, Dubai and back to Riyadh, I definitely cannot count myself as a ‘frequent traveller’. So you can imagine how tired I must’ve been after a 7 hr flight to Paris which may I add was delayed at the Frankfurt airport by another 3 hrs. In short what I really wanted to do was get to the hotel, kick off my shoes, eat a hearty meal and get in bed. But that wasn’t going to happen.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> After we reached the metro closest to our hotel, we realised that with our luggage we had to walk another 20 minutes before we could reach the hotel. And, the worse part: we still had to find the hotel. Anyways, after our long relentless walk, we checked-in to the hotel, freshened up and decided to get some food. Now ofcourse that sounds like easy task, doesn’t it? Well it didn’t turn out to be one. We headed to the reception and asked the guy if he knew of any Arabic/Lebanese restaurant close by (yeah we decided to play it safe with a Middle Eastern cuisine in a European country so what!). Fortunately he said he knew of one where the food was really good and it was within the vicinity. He gave us directions and we started walking (again!). We walked and walked and walked and realised that the restaurant was a good 10-15 mins walk from the hotel. Our wonderful luck was when we reached the restaurant it was CLOSED! I started swearing ‘coz I couldn’t take it anymore. I mean for crying out loud, doesn’t the native idiot receptionist know that the restaurants close after lunch and open only in the evening!!! Why the hell did he send us here without the warning. Argh! By now both me and husband were famished and dog-tired, well atleast I was. We decided that we couldn’t turn back and decided to keep walking until we find a small eatery. After walking another 10-15 mins, lo behold we found MCDONALDS! You would never believe that our very first meal in the romantic streets of Paris was actually at MCDONALDS!!!!!!! Without giving it anymore thought we rushed inside and ordered whatever we could. I went to the counter and ordered combos well that’s what we are used to here in Riyadh right? But at counter when the lady said fries and coke separate, I was like ‘is she kidding me’. Moreover the price we paid for the individual burger, fries and coke was equivalent to the price of 5 combos here in Riyadh, or for that matter in Dubai or Pakistan! I mean it was unbelievable! Who would’ve thought after covering 1000s of miles we’d end up eating at Mcdonalds and paying such a price! Anyways the worst wasn’t over yet. We walked back to the hotel and changed into something warm. At this point I was ready to crash into bed, UNTIL my husband announced that he wants to go and explore the Arc De Triomphe. Do I really need to spell out how I felt like?! I think not. But what really made me hit the roof was when we got to the Arc De Triomphe, and my husband made me climb the 284 stairs of Arc De Triomphe!!!! Trust me when we got to the top for the first 15 minutes I couldn’t decide whether to divorce my husband or throw him off the roof. I mean the pain in my legs was unimaginable. I felt like someone had cut off my legs. Anyways after 15 minutes I had mercy on my husband who couldn’t stop feeling guilty and apologised several times. Then we posed and took several photographs, and after about an hour (where I sat at every opportunity I got and oh how funny and unfit I looked) we came down the stairs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Trust me I DO NOT recommend for anyone who is as inactive as me to ever attempt walking so much on the 1<sup>st</sup> day. Least said I definitely will never forget my 1<sup>st</sup> day in Paris. </span></div>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com2Paris, France48.856614 2.352221900000017748.813328 2.2293609000000179 48.8999 2.4750829000000176tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-85447934389516893042012-01-07T10:18:00.002+03:002012-01-14T12:01:29.276+03:00Fatburger Riyadh– A Fat Disappointment<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Alright first of all let’s get the facts straight:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fatburger is not for fat people</b> – the portion size is so flipping small, even if you go for their XL sized burger! Not to mention the seating arrangement is not comfortable for so-called BULKY aka FAT people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fatburger is not for women with lipstick</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> – Unlike traditional burgers where ladies donning lipsticks can get away with munching on them, a Fatburger is simply so greasy & soggy that you’ll end up making a mess of your face.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fatburger may be the best awarded burger in Los Angeles</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> – but it isn’t winning no awards here. (We love you FUDDRUCKERS) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fatburger is unreasonably expensive</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> – Already the burgers are priced higher and if you have to pay extra for cheese, bacon strips and even fries, then seriously Fatburger is taking it too seriously!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After a lot of hoo-ha about Fatburger me and my husband gave it a try last night. Now you can say we’re biased coz my hubby is a big fan of FUDDRUCKERS so when we were heading to Fatburger we knew we were going to compare it to the best (now for some people Johnny Rockets is the best but for us FUDDRUCKERS it is). Anyways when we opened the menu and saw the sizes and no-frills (extras) approach that Fatburger was dishing out we were seriously disappointed. But we patiently waited for our burgers to arrive. And, when they did, all I could mutter was GREASE!!!!! They should change the JUICY burgers title to GREASY burgers! The patties were dripping oil and juices, and as a result the bun was completely soggy. Argh! I mean how do you expect me to enjoy the burger patty when all I have is juices trickling down my hand. Mind you! I know the difference between a perfectly moist and soft burger patty, and a dripping one. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In comparison FUDDRUCKERS, serving just across Fatburger, not only are the burger patties neither dry nor excessively juicy, the portion size is larger with each burger coming with free wedges and a free plate of open salad bar. Now that’s called value for taste!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What more can I say. Honestly speaking, I rest my case. </span></div>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com4Riyadh Saudi Arabia24.7116667 46.72416670000006924.4236477 46.47027970000007 24.999685699999997 46.978053700000068tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-55090555790421132632011-12-20T17:48:00.003+03:002011-12-20T17:49:13.360+03:00A Trip Down Paris Lane - Part 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Our recent trip to Paris (in Sept) was definitely full of surprises. But then I guess after spending almost 2 years in Riyadh, anything might seem like a surprise.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For starters, we were very ‘pleased’ with the cold weather that first greeted us at the Frankfurt airport and then at the Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris. Then as soon as we got on the train to get out the airport, we were ‘greeted’ by a smooching couple on the train. No matter what they say, witnessing a couple kissing in public is definitely different from watching actors and actresses in movies or documentaries ;) For the 1<sup>st</sup> 5 seconds I couldn’t stop but stare. Shucks! How uncivilised I must have looked ;) But honestly it wasn’t the smooching that caught my attention, but the disgusting graffiti-filled neighbourhoods in North of Paris that we saw as soon the train started. Surprisingly the 1<sup>st</sup> train out of the airport was stinky, and had Parisian youth dressed like hooligans prowling for their next prey. Both me and my husband tightly held onto one another in the fear of being mobbed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">What truly left me speechless and dumbfounded was that as we continued to emerge from the North wing of Paris, after several miles, the scene had completely reversed. The towns started looking like more of what we see in the movies, with beautiful landscapes, people looking more civilised and decent-looking, neighbourhoods that were filled with nice townhouses and buildings etc. The stark contrast hit me real hard when we got to our stop at the Arc De Triomphe on </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champs-%C3%89lys%C3%A9es" title="Champs-Élysées"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Champs-Élysées</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">. What a 180 degree difference! In short, one can say the ride from the airport gives a visitor a real insight into the major social class difference that exists in Paris. Simply unimaginable! But like they say nothing is perfect...well neither was Paris!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: kashida; text-kashida: 0%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Stay tuned for Part II.<o:p></o:p></span></div>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com5Paris, France48.856614 2.352221900000017748.813328 2.2293609000000179 48.8999 2.4750829000000176tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-38471395869544828732011-12-19T15:31:00.001+03:002011-12-19T15:32:18.231+03:00Where to go on a Romantic Date in Riyadh?...Head to Centro Restaurant & Lounge<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A week back it was our anniversary. And, both my husband and I were lost in thought about where to go for dinner. After the usual cake cutting and gift exchanges, came time for dinner. And, though it is my hubby's birth right to woo me for a date on such an important date, he simply went ahead and asked me "Where would you like to go for dinner?" I was amazed and definitely not expecting that he hadn't planned the evening, but after he gave me the options of the Globe Restaurant at Faisaliah Hotel, I silently thanked God. Coz I wasn't interested in an over-rated experience especially not on my anniversary. I just wanted a quite-some dinner with a romantic ambiance. And, that's when it hit my hubby to try the Centro Restaurant & Lounge on Tahaliya Street. The interiors in this restaurant are all in the combination of red and black and even the partitions between families are simply breathtaking, made of velvety black curtains. We had gone there once before on a very late evening hour and didn't find a decent seat, not to mention, then we were accompanied by little 10 month old who was feeling extremely cranky. Anyways both me and my husband has promised ourselves we would come back some day. And, I was glad it was our anniversary day coz it seem that the whole placed was booked by us....It was empty on a Wednesday evening at 9:00pm! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Centro is basically an Italian joint and they have the usual gamut of all the possible Italian cuisine. The prices though, are at the higher end but hey I don't mind paying an extra couple of 10s for the striking romantic ambiance. We ordered our traditional red and white sauce pastas. Below is a breakdown of what exactly we had:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Appetizer</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Japanese Style Shrimps Tempura & Spring Rolls Platter - The shrimps were simply out-this-world. Cooked to perfection!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hwyzO8LYBu-mmejIfTIO6JmVT29dwbGy_Xqns6_iKCaxl1btlnMdZzpZN2bOgfnTada_80b-66Sl8pHvVCeUypofWOUZ5urWDUCz4icq7ik-fK6Z8SDuScoMMuN0gNbpY_dyxHNTz5ao/s1600/DSC00580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hwyzO8LYBu-mmejIfTIO6JmVT29dwbGy_Xqns6_iKCaxl1btlnMdZzpZN2bOgfnTada_80b-66Sl8pHvVCeUypofWOUZ5urWDUCz4icq7ik-fK6Z8SDuScoMMuN0gNbpY_dyxHNTz5ao/s320/DSC00580.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Main Course</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hubby: Fettucine Al Fredo - the usual white sauce pasta with chicken and parmesan. Asked to remove the mushrooms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Me: Penette Alla Marinella - the usual red sauce but asked them to make it extra spicy and asked to add chicken to it. Got the eggplants removed for sure!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7NAcs_cqSuiCDFA8dEAZdpDJ-YQANZVuQ4lif4uSpUYasVrfyNpMadlJpvWYn0H6pwRbhhVNP2LIT_0M58gHEqX2Rryz8EppDP_D_oDUCRP00xz_FWGxLBrMM7cxJlhwl4gHGTj8HMna/s1600/DSC00582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7NAcs_cqSuiCDFA8dEAZdpDJ-YQANZVuQ4lif4uSpUYasVrfyNpMadlJpvWYn0H6pwRbhhVNP2LIT_0M58gHEqX2Rryz8EppDP_D_oDUCRP00xz_FWGxLBrMM7cxJlhwl4gHGTj8HMna/s320/DSC00582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPANxKA_f_skPDqUYNmM2glFb6bvjLIByW62_LRjsFO8Z6_JSpBGVi1Iu0KoXITIKdEPZLATx3PCFiIXMdXJPTzwmoy4_nXLj6Rg-ZjDzUFTUJsXzw0TVPeKoPvCtrA52CshAVc3vEhVJ/s1600/DSC00583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPANxKA_f_skPDqUYNmM2glFb6bvjLIByW62_LRjsFO8Z6_JSpBGVi1Iu0KoXITIKdEPZLATx3PCFiIXMdXJPTzwmoy4_nXLj6Rg-ZjDzUFTUJsXzw0TVPeKoPvCtrA52CshAVc3vEhVJ/s320/DSC00583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">P.S - The main course pics were taken half way after we began eating ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There was simply no room for dessert considering we had a 2 pound cake waiting for us at home. The total bill came out to be under SR 300 which includes fresh juice and water, not to mention the service charge. All in all, had a lovely evening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Definitely recommend this place for a romantic date, especially with the handful of choices we have in Riyadh for any romantic spots whatsoever!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com1Riyadh Saudi Arabia24.7116667 46.72416670000006924.4236477 46.47027970000007 24.999685699999997 46.978053700000068tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-16307225312076117052011-07-30T17:55:00.003+03:002011-08-03T10:59:43.577+03:00For finger-licking chops & ribs...head to GAD Restaurant in Riyadh<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The other day both me and husband were craving for some lip-smacking ribs and that's when my hubby remembered his all-time favourite Egyptian joint that serve the most delicious finger-licking chops & ribs that one can dream off. Grilled to perfection, not only are they soft and succulent but seriously tasty! Its not the first time I went there with my hubby. This was the 3rd time actually and each time around we leave feeling thoroughly and completely satisfied! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPV3U4ogoBNBeHs99-dV2gnSWaSM2-9lGPMWPnHkvTe6eFImVWvYr8D3rhVus3cuSbztNhYChC0tOUfj5fwQsMrzlyU8XCmUmBh5L_Vf3228C-RFmR9V-Bv7H-JpEnRG45Sn4znSPBRs7/s1600/DSC00359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPV3U4ogoBNBeHs99-dV2gnSWaSM2-9lGPMWPnHkvTe6eFImVWvYr8D3rhVus3cuSbztNhYChC0tOUfj5fwQsMrzlyU8XCmUmBh5L_Vf3228C-RFmR9V-Bv7H-JpEnRG45Sn4znSPBRs7/s320/DSC00359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We usually go to the Malaz branch and b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">etween just me and my husband (my husband being a die-hard beef/meat lover) we order for 1/2 kilo of ribs and 1/2 of another absolutely favourite and must-have ''Tourb". Tourb are basically meat with parsley patties that are basically cooked with fat, so for anyone who's on a fat-free/low calorie diet, this is NOT for you. Despite being grilled, these chops and meat patties are quite fattening yet full of flavour. The total with a couple of soft drinks comes out to SR 110 only. Though some might argue this is on the expensive side, I'd say its worth paying for. So if A) you're a meat lover and B) you literally have a BIG appetite head to GAD for an amazing experience. </span>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com1Riyadh Saudi Arabia24.6880015 46.72243330000003424.5403885 46.549941800000035 24.8356145 46.894924800000034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-31583276076352500202011-07-13T15:51:00.000+03:002011-07-13T15:51:34.343+03:00Ladies: It's time to rejoice...FINALLY they get it!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm absolutely thrilled with the new initiatives that the Saudi government is taking to get more and more women involved in their workforce. Even if its Saudi women, and not expat I'm still really very happy. I just hope that the magic spreads to places like Riyadh too where we are dying to see some lady workers. Not to mention I feel like dancing at the announcement that all lingerie shop owners have been give 12 months to replace their male attendants with female ones. FINALLY! they get it, if you know what I mean. Though I never got a chance to be involved in the Enough Embarrassment campaign that drove this point home for the Saudi authorities, I just can't seem to thank them enough. No wonder recently I saw a Saudi woman clad in full hijab/abaya at Centrepoint's lingerie section, not to mention the section has a special partition and has been made Women Only. Yippie!</span>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-44712064566551006232011-07-02T23:45:00.000+03:002011-07-02T23:45:03.875+03:00Saudi Arabia has a Human Rights Commission! REALLY What for?<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The other day me and husband drove past this building which had a human rights commission board on it. Needless to mention, I was shocked that it existed especially here in Saudi Arabia. With the lack of protection granted to expat workers especially domestic servants/maids, labourers, etc. I really wonder what real work the so-called Human Rights employees would be doing here. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It saddens me each time I read a news-story about a maid being abused, raped, and assaulted in the paper. The worse is when these very women who in an attempt to save themselves end up killing their attackers are sentenced to death or worse have to pay blood money. I would like to ask these so-called human rights people that when a maid dies here because of an attacker, how many a times has a significant amount been paid to their families as blood money. Why are they exempt from this rule? Just because they are considered worthless in the society?!! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">’ve personally heard and read so many horrific tales & cases of exploit and sexual assault on these women that I just can’t bring myself to side with their sponsors’. Everyone seems to complain that their are alot of runaway maids here. Yes! there are those who runaway for better money elsewhere but I wouldn’t be surprised <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">if 50% of them run away from their sponsors because the sponsor misbehaved with them, or made sexual advances at them (I do personally know of some who did so to escape being raped). I don’t know who these sponsors are but I sure hope and pray that they rot in hell for treating these women with such insolence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That said by far I have only heard one good sponsor story here in Saudi Arabia, and many a times I have thanked God for whoever he is and pray that there are or could be more like him in this country.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyways I’m glad with the recent announcement of both Indonesian and Philippine government about not sending any more maids to this soil until better measures are taken to protect their people. We can only hope and pray for the best. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The other day I thanked God for the fact that the Pakistani government never lifted its ban (since the 80s) on supplying women as domestic servants/maids to countries outside. Though it would ease the life of many Pakistani expat families living abroad including here in Saudi Arabia who have to go through the tantrums of Sri Lankan and Indian maids, but any of these problems are acceptable but certainly not exposing and endangering the life of the Pakistani maids in such countries. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-22734770796502182442011-07-01T16:08:00.000+03:002011-07-01T16:08:55.768+03:00All that Glitters is in Riyadh!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Seriously! Cars dusted with Gold glitter!!!!!!!! See for yourself. I don't know what was worse - seeing a SUV pasted with Louis Vuitton paper all over it (couple of months back) or this!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFd2x4Ib_qIb-nEDlZSWHCD3sFP-tPySHA-ciygb2vXrWrXf1za0HJ7u1G2SpvPabKLHqg8FiOeffUqqloMMC8z_uAQLH6oRyXSqmPD89s7-8W8R71mb47oP7UWFlHqAy53dYax8hgmpG/s1600/DSC00293copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFd2x4Ib_qIb-nEDlZSWHCD3sFP-tPySHA-ciygb2vXrWrXf1za0HJ7u1G2SpvPabKLHqg8FiOeffUqqloMMC8z_uAQLH6oRyXSqmPD89s7-8W8R71mb47oP7UWFlHqAy53dYax8hgmpG/s320/DSC00293copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-68822429989697048512011-06-26T21:31:00.003+03:002011-06-26T21:33:11.189+03:00A must see Pakistan album!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Usually I'm the last person who would comment or or post anything related to Pakistan on my blog because all one can do is just comment and talk about Pakistan...no matter what we do from here as expats or by living in Pakistan there is no changing the conditions that prevail in Pakistan. Hence I will not say anything more. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But this album came as a breath of fresh air and I thought now this is something that I'd proudly put up on my blog. This is a beautiful side of Pakistan that even I didn't know about. Do go through it and see what we've been really hiding!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.232791496746324.79393.198199843538823">Amazing Pakistan</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-84406094491931214362011-06-26T17:45:00.001+03:002011-06-26T17:49:50.165+03:00Anatolia Turkish Grill...A Diner’s Delight!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I honestly cannot even begin to describe what an absolute delight this Turkish restaurant is. My husband and I have been here 4 times already which clearly explains how fond we are of the place, the service and the quality of food. I thought it was time after our 4th visit to give them a review that they truly deserved. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That said the only trouble with the place is that it does not have a spacious family hall. It’s quite tiny actually and possibly can serve upto 10-12 families of 6 at a time only. Perhaps that is a reason why I’ve noticed lots of people coming in and ordering takeaways. Either way these guys are very busy and much in demand. We’ve tried them on weekdays and weekends but have never once been disappointed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As you walk in you are greeted pleasantly and made to sit on the only waiting sofa. They hand you the menus and give you time to select what you would like. Once ready to order, they take your orders and seat you comfortably at a family table. Once seated they bring in their steaming hot (literally out of the oven) bread, with the most delicate butter slice and a cheese slice. To be very honest this itself serves as an appetiser but still we can help order some of our favourites listed below:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Humus – was kind of average. We ordered it only the 1st time around, other 2 times didn’t need to. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Peynirli Pide (appetiser)– a kind of cheese manakish, but simply superb.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Adana Kebap – long kebabs like seekh kebabs but they are simply irresistible. I claim these to be the best seekh kebabs I have ever had in 30 years. They are not spicy but you will feel with every bite a rich blend of distinct flavours of herbs and spices in your mouth. Meat lovers cannot leave without trying this. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tavuk Papyon – these are long kofte kebabs rolled and stuffed with smouldering cheese and mushrooms.... umm!!! an absolute must for cheesy lovers!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Peynirli Kofte – similar to the Tavuk papyon just that this one is made out of beef/meat and has no mushrooms in it. Another delight!</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> </font><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You can view their menu here <a href="http://www.anatoliaturkishgrill.com/menu.php">http://www.anatoliaturkishgrill.com/menu.php</a>. </span><br />
<div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Both I and my husband love Anatolia Turkish Grill located at the Granada Mall. Even the waiters/attendants recognise and welcome us with a lovely smile each time around. I just hope they can open more of their branches around town with much spacious family quarters. From my side they get a thumbs up for everything!</span></div>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-5701716472112580702011-06-26T16:04:00.000+03:002011-06-26T16:04:56.077+03:00I support Women2Drive...BUT BUT BUT...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I openly admit that I'm all for women driving in Saudi Arabia, however, I will not be amongst those who are brave enough to drive, for the simple reason I'm a driver who can drive only where there are proper rules for drivers and those who don't abide it are penalised severely (like in Dubai). But a year and a half of living and seeing the driving in this country, I'm more than glad to take the back seat. Not to mention I have no intention of having pathetic losers follow me home and wait for me like a prey. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">To summarise I'm all for women driving but personally speaking I have other reasons to not drive here. Whenever and if ever the streets of Saudi Arabia become safe for 'safe and careful' drivers like me I might reconsider until then I will let my husband and taxi drivers brave the streets of this country or more so Riyadh. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">That said I do mirror the sentiments of all those women who struggle on a daily basis to get anywhere in this city (or other cities). From dropping and picking children, to picking up grocery, to even managing emergency situations, we have to depend on our husbands, fathers, brothers or otherwise cabbie drivers. Not all of us can afford the luxury of having a personal driver like the Saudis can, but hey when did we expats ever be counted or appreciated for anything that we've done in the Gulf Countries. It is sad indeed that we cannot even be pardoned for taking to the wheel in an emergency situation. What if the sole driver in the house (for example a husband or a father) got a heart-attack at 1am in the wee hours of the morning, does this country honestly expect the woman to just sit and wait or hail a cab at that hour! I'm sure the woman will get an ambulance or a cabbie by the time he is dead! I wish the Saudis who impose these rules would sometime step into a woman's shoe and see the choices we have to make. </span>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-46874828999902953002011-06-24T16:57:00.000+03:002011-06-24T16:57:48.319+03:00El Chico Mexican Restaurant: Unbelievable bad experience!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Before I start this post let me tell you that our so-called lunch this afternoon has completely ruined my weekend. This restaurant has been opened only 7 days and definitely having an upset customer is not good for their business. And, though the General Manager Talal refused to let us pay, and he and his team apologised to us (husband and me) a million times, it still can't do away the bad taste the restaurant has left in my mouth. The reason why I'm so flipping upset is because I've been to the one in Dubai, and their service & quality was simply impeccable while here in Riyadh it was a complete 180 degree. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Husband decided to surprise me this afternoon (I had said many good things about El Chico in the past week that he decided we should try it). We land there at 2:30pm and it was jam packed (like any other new restaurant in Riyadh). However, thankfully we were seated immediately. We ordered the following:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A mixed platter (chicken wings, chicken nuggets, mozarella sticks)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chicken Mushroom Fajita (specifically requested for without mushrooms)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">El rancho with fries and refried beans</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What we got:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A mixed platter with cold chicken wings and cold soggy mozarella sticks - we asked them to replace the soggy mozarella sticks which they did</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chicken Fajita filled with mushrooms - we asked them to replace. My husband was flipping pissed by now).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">El rancho - my husbands' order arrives, and then my order arrives 3 minutes later (mind you we waited almost an hr before we got our orders). And, guess what my order is not as hot as it is supposed to be. Furthermore, the manager Rami tries to humour us by informing that he got me extra fries...which needless to mention were again all cold. </span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_zSKOToYb4wP3XvOIMTiatPsmRCjFOXHciMbVtxlbPMCTCSk6SjxgNPj1_mxjOsLlcFMzsXfvGakGKkHLextNnRJzeYya2-dDLBraxLTBt45zepsHiSjetISAUReXY3qGbrRhRGPPErp/s1600/DSC00290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_zSKOToYb4wP3XvOIMTiatPsmRCjFOXHciMbVtxlbPMCTCSk6SjxgNPj1_mxjOsLlcFMzsXfvGakGKkHLextNnRJzeYya2-dDLBraxLTBt45zepsHiSjetISAUReXY3qGbrRhRGPPErp/s320/DSC00290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I left 70% of my meal (see image for proof) because I had lost my appetite. They only thing they managed to get right was our drinks...lemonade for my husband and a diet pepsi without ice for me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The staff was confused, and literally the restaurant floor seem in complete chaos as each time we asked them to replace something, they would check with 5-6 people, the computer machine, the kitchen staff etc. to ensure they've gone wrong. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The icing on the cake came when we received the cheque. My husband informed me jokingly that they charged us 26 riyals for service. That's when I literally lost it. I asked the attendant to call his manager and Mr. Rami arrives, and that is when I unleashed the severely disappointed customer in me. Fortunately the General Manager Mr. Talal was around and happened to hear everything. He came over and apologized (like I mentioned before too) on behalf of the team. And, tried to offer us a free meal apart from not letting us pay. But, I could not be won. I left the place with a frown. And, apologised to my husband for the absolute f***-up. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Let me add here I already told the Managers that I will be writing a review about this regardless of their apologises, so I'm not being a stabbing-them-in-the-back bitch. I'm just being a bitchy disgruntled customer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">NEVER going to El-Chico in Riyadh again. And, please God I hope none of our friends ever decide to treat us to dinner there. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">P.S - Thank you Mr. Talal for hearing me out then. And, thank you for not charging us the lunch, which you know should not have been billed to us anyways because of what we've experienced. But appreciate your professionalism. </span>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com0Riyadh Saudi Arabia24.6880015 46.72243330000003424.5403885 46.549941800000035 24.8356145 46.894924800000034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-65835897669713798822011-06-08T14:31:00.000+03:002011-06-08T14:31:53.072+03:00I am OUTDATED!<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yes I admit and I realise that my blog has become outdated. So much for posting just back in January of this year announcing my comeback! Ha!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The deal is very honestly I’ve just not had a chance to resume being a blogger again. No! it wasn’t the ‘new mommy’ thing but in fact because I tried my hand at working full time. Went for some interviews around town, landed the job too but eventually gave them up. Now this was a big deal for me because for the whole of last year I tried looking for a job in Riyadh but did not get a single call. And, here from beginning of this year it was like the complete 360 degree. However, I let go of these opportunities. Why simply because I had got accustomed to being at home. That said I’m not free, I’ve started freelancing and that is why I had to let my own blog take a back seat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’m now going to make it point to revive this blog with weekly posts. And I hope to have some new comments and followers to keep me going J</span></div>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-37505424628336553072011-01-19T09:51:00.000+03:002011-01-19T09:51:36.302+03:00Someone please tell KSA-2 TV that its Pakistan, NOT Pakistatn!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk32jc6CI4cjhuKSlJ8nC2_JYnrmYW41jc2gLOw_blDbztM6XcLJHXV8u3HdG8jxgjKIKsK1QxFdUeT7lQsrA22sBulRp8EeZKT9Y7Ceqfx-ITXpJaRLQwAzXcm9nXKVz9i7J6VWoqKRCK/s1600/DSC02027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk32jc6CI4cjhuKSlJ8nC2_JYnrmYW41jc2gLOw_blDbztM6XcLJHXV8u3HdG8jxgjKIKsK1QxFdUeT7lQsrA22sBulRp8EeZKT9Y7Ceqfx-ITXpJaRLQwAzXcm9nXKVz9i7J6VWoqKRCK/s320/DSC02027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cannot believe this is a local channel from Saudi Arabia!</span>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-33322345102297713312011-01-18T10:28:00.000+03:002011-01-18T10:28:55.218+03:00Three cheers for the Brave Tunisian People<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The last couple of days have been full of surprises. The videos (aired on various newschannels) about how the tunisian people finally revolted against their dictator and finally chased him out of the country are simply awe-inspiring, atleast for the Muslims. Or may be just for Pakistan. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As an expat, I rarely get affected by the shit conditions prevalent in Pakistan but that doesn't mean I don't feel the pain of fellow Pakistanis living there...and this would hold true even if my family wasn't based there. Like Kamran Khan (Geo TV) I wish there was someway all the Pakistanis would get together and throw out all the corrupt so-called leaders of our country, just the way the Tunisians did. In any case three cheers for the Tunisians. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But, a rather shocking event was when I found out that the country that has given refuge to the Tunisian suppressor is infact Saudi Arabia. Really don't know what they are thinking...why is that when a former Pakistani Prime Minister's government was toppled and he got exiled, it was Saudi Arabia that openly welcomed him. Wondering which leader will next become a long-temporary-citizen of this land. Any guesses?</span>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-5777028822852041742011-01-18T10:03:00.000+03:002011-01-18T10:03:41.740+03:00Easy Meat<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A wee bit late in reading yesterday's newspaper today, but I couldn't ignore mentioning this wonderful objective piece by Iman Kurdi in Arab News commenting on the Former British Home Secretary's statement of calling his own 'white' trash as easy meat for men of Pakistani descent. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I loved her perspective on asking readers to understand the real reason behind why infact Muslim men and not just Pakistani men think of non-Muslim women as easy targets for sexual abuse.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finally someone who isn't bashing Pakistanis for being Pakistanis ( commonly associated with everything wrong going on in this world especially terrorism and corruption).</span>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-12322385834823068062011-01-18T09:51:00.000+03:002011-01-18T09:51:24.239+03:00I'm BackI've been away too long...and lots has happened since my last post. I became a silent observer not by choice but by the blessing bestowed upon me...I am now a mother. My views about things may have changed but the feminist, the radical, the rebel in me lives on...Yes! I'm back.SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6886542446617519777.post-71067966921271348052010-07-03T12:23:00.001+03:002010-07-03T12:23:43.553+03:00Strange(!!!) but True - Things about Saudi Arabia<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Possibly the only place where you can find a junk food outlet located within a hospital, case in point Dunkin Donuts @ Olaya Medical Centre</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In some Western-dominated compounds women are not just expected but infact required to remove their Abayas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Women apparently can actually buy cars (yes! register vehicles on their names) BUT just not allowed to drive them (haha!)</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><em>Note:</em></strong> This post is most likely going to be another work in progress as I'm confident that I will surely discover more 'strange' and funny things about this place.</span>SamzWorldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02709363536438965661noreply@blogger.com3