Here's a little treat! I made these cutie stickers based on this story. For every purchase, 25% will be donated to a local art club community in the Philippines with the help of Artdialogo Organization. For interested buyers, you can purchase this at SHOP LINK. Thank you so much if you'll do!
Dubai Summer Day Trip
by: @_heyitscarliee
It's always my dream to travel around the world and share it to the people I love. It had been a year already since I started living here in Dubai, UAE. And since then, I have this passion to explore Dubai as much as possible.
I discovered Heritage Express through the social media. They showcase an Emirati Hospitality Experience, the only authentic Emirati tour. On my mind, what's even better than experiencing it led by a local? So I give it a go! Let me tell you, it didn't disappoint! If you're looking for an informational tour about this city? This is the one! The price was 250 per head that includes a bus ride around old Dubai, a guided tour and a lunch buffet.
Moving on, my brother comes and visit us whenever it's his summer break and as tourist I took him to the Heritage Express tour. At that time I got a discount price of 150 per person (It was during Eid) I was so excited for him to experience this tour.
Going there, we took train from Gardens to Burjuman Metro Station then afterwards we took a taxi to Al Fahidi. We reached there at exactly 10 am (the tour starts at 10, buzzer beater lol) When we went inside the building, at first I thought we were late since there are no other tourists inside the room, but guess what? We were the only tourist at that time 😂 Lucky us, it felt like a private tour haha
At the first part of the tour, Noura (Emirati tour guide) introduces us with a warm tea (I forgot what it's called) this has an earthy tone taste to it. Also, they served us seedless dates while they were doing some introductions of the tour. The place is 10/10. It's giving historical vibe, like you're being transported to an ancient time vibe! (BTW, they have meet-ups with a camel and an eagle but it wasn't available that time due to renovations)
Next part of our tour, we went to this Heritage Express Bus for the ride around the historical attractions. We passed by Al Seef, Fahidi Fort, Dubai Creek, Al Shindagha, Ethihad Museum and lastly, we stopped at the Jumeirah Mosque where we were able to see some relics from their history and culture plus buy some souvenirs! All along the bus journey, Noura guides us with the places and it's story, which for me as a tourist is must! Learning their history and culture will make you appreciate your visit even more. After the bus tour comes the best part! Lunchtime! We went back to Al Serkal Building and pips, we were hungry!
We weren't alone on this lunch buffet. There are some other tourist with us. And pips, the food for me and my brother is 10/10. I love their biryani, it's not spicy, a tourist friendly-indeed! Also, they will ask you to take some home, which is a win-win situation. While you enjoy a hot meal, they'll again talk and share about their history and culture which are very informative. They talked about Emiratis clothing, religion, manners, food, and a lot more. You can also ask them questions which I think is really cool and fun!
After the tour, we still have few more hours to explore the area. There are a lots of small museum and souvenir stores around the neighborhood. We also found a really cozy cafe with an exhibit. XVA Cafe has this aesthetic, middle eastern feels which is a wonderful place to sit and relax (while the sun is still out haha). We just ordered drinks since we were full from the lunch buffet.
It was a really great experience, I will still definitely go back and bring some new tourist/ family and friends on this tour. I really hope every city has this kind of experience (which I think maybe they have, need to do research on that tho hehe)
P.S.
This tour was few months ago.. I'm still trying to catch-up on my blogs with my recent trips around the city. I am nervous and excited to share more with you guys! Let me know your thoughts and where should be my next adventure?
Links:
Heritage Tour: Book Experience | Heritage Express Dubai Cultural Tours
XVA Cafe: Café - XVA Hotel Dubai
Artdialogo: Artdialogo Website
Journal
Woah there! Wait, what? It's almost September na? I am so happy that I finally had the courage to start this and continue this journal. I'm really trying my best to write in English. So if you're a grammar Nazi, please forgive me hehe.. 2024 was just starting like yesterday, ang bilis diba?! *(that was fast, right?!)* As the year nearly coming to an end once again, I tried to do something I really don't usually do.. Living in Dubai for a year it hit me, most of the people here (specially my mom) just work all the time. She even told me, "*here in Dubai your life is just work and work.*" How boring that is? Yes, she do have a bit of a social life but she went here to earn money and provide for us, which me and and brothers are very thankful for, by the way. I find the set-up really hard. I cried a lot alone.. even in public places. Before, whenever I needed someone it's just the same as before, one call away (Jett and Julia) being an OFW is way out of my expectations. It's not really easy (there is no easy way, of course) but on the other hand, Dubai is not such a bad place to be at. It is the SAFEST place I've been to and let's not forget it is expensive also. So, living here Dubai? (or maybe also in other countries) you need to be wise of your money and expenses. I made new Filipina friends recently. They shared me the word of the Lord and I am truly thankful to the one above for letting me meet them. At first, I was hesitant to join a bible study 'cause I just didn't felt it.. But knowing me, I need to push myself out of my comfort zone. I want change? Go and walk! Go and talk! Go keep moving forward! Go try new things, and just simply GO! Sometimes, you just need push yourself to be the person you wanted to be. I wanted change.. so here I am, trying to figure things out (still haha). At the end of the road, there's no one who will make you step into a new path, it's just YOU and YOUR FAITH. There's this one day in our bible study which they asked me what do I seek and why did I joined their bible study, I answered, "*to find my purpose and share the word of God*" but when I got home I realized I sugar coated my answer.. To be honest, I was seeking for friends. It was a hard to swallow pill that "*am I that desperate to have friends in a foreign country?*" I don't want to waste their time with me so I eventually, I stopped seeing them. Maybe someday I will connect with them whenever I'm fully ready to be connected with not only with them but the also to the one Above. Afterall, It's always good to feel there's something new. It's worth a shot! Speaking of something new, I took my vacation this September-October to the Philippines. My itinerary is full packed & also I had so much fun catching up with my previous colleagues, friends and family. But for this, I'll be sharing my vacation journey on my next journal. **SHOP UPDATE:** Hopefully I can finish and complete my products and open my e-shop before November ends! Before I end this letter, I want to share a bible verse that I really like, Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; search and you will find; know and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
Lately, I'd been going through my social media and it may seem easy for others to continue with their life, hustling, travelling, earning and being successful all at the same time on their mid-20s and yet, here I am, feeling so dumb not earning much, staying rent-free with my mom and contemplating 'bout my life. It's really common for millenials and genz to feel the same way I did. It would be rather you feel you're too late or too early for everything since we're living on a fast paced era of advance technology. But of course, it's ALWAYS never too late to try something new once in a while. Recently, I messaged my best friend, Jett, telling him how scared I was with making decisions in my life right now..