The Travel Meme

Tis' the season for travel! It is getting hotter and hotter here in Dubai that I am fervently wishing the government will install giant ACs everywhere. Pretty soon, locals and expats will be going away for summer breaks and Eid Holidays. 

While we have no plans yet as we have more important things to save up for, I share this meme to everyone interested.

Where, of all the places you have never been, do you want to go to most?
The Big Apple. We all do =)

"In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York,
these streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
lets hear it for New York, New York, New York"...~ Alicia Keys

Where do you most want to go back to?

Batanes.Where life is simple and I can fall in-love over and over again! It is probably my most romantic place on earth...

And Dubai. I will always want to come back here. The safest, cleanest, ambitious city you could ever get. And frankly, there are just no dull moments here!! It's amazing how religions, races, and cultures can co-exist. The ultimate East meets West.

Favourite City?
It is excruciatingly difficult to choose just one so I will choose from the three countries.

In the Philippines, it will have to be Puerto Princesa in Palawan for bikini weekend get-away (lolz). And Baguio City for ukay shopping!! Kidding! Baguio will always be close to my heart because that is where we got married. Also, the city's nightlife is the one I enjoyed most.

In Italy, I had a grand time in Rome. And for United Arab Emirates, I am definitely curious about Abu Dhabi..........I will add to this list as I live it.

Least favourite city?
I am torn between Manila or Venice hahahaa. God forbid but Venice is the place I would never want to spend the rest of my life. Yes, it is a must visit before you die... but for me, it is not worth going back to.

Do you speak other languages?
I will never be fluent in them but I tried to learn useful phrases in Arabic, Spanish, and Italian.

How do you get by without being fluent?
Smiling, sign language, and some key phrases. Smiling is the most effective.

Best airport?
Dubai International Airport. Boy it's like a huge sprawling shopping mall. Very posh! You wouldn't mind waiting with so much to keep you busy. And shuttles are everywhere for your convenience.

Worst airport?
Malpensa International Airport. I complained to Hubby how old looking it is considering that Milan is a very famous city.

Best travel tips?
Bring plenty of toys to keep kids busy although a DVD player is your best bet.Pack light and bring enough cash.

Biggest travel mistake?
One huge, heavy luggage. lolzz!

Best coffee outside your city? Best coffee in your city?
There are no Starbucks in Italy so anywhere you go, one is sure to get a delicious coffee.

Arabs are traditionally tea-drinkers but Starbucks is everywhere here. There is also the Italian coffee house called Cafe Nero (we saw one in Milan) and the Armani Caffe but we have not tried it. Coco's serve a good cup of coffee also but for us with a tight budget, nothing beats the bottomless Ikea cappucino or cafe latte or black coffee for 5 dirhams =)

Best meal while on travel? Best meal in your city?

A get-away to Puerto Princesa is not complete without visiting Ka Lui Rstaurant. The whole place is made of native wood and bamboo. We walked in bare-footed and the place was packed with tourists indulging in seafood fiesta. We admit we had no idea about the place beforehand. We were just lucky to be touring with Fil-Am couple who treated the honeymooners for a sumptuous dinner.

Food in Rome in incomparable anywhere else. If you are up to spending more, try the legendary Cafe D' Paris in Via Veneto.

You get the best mix of culture cuisine in Dubai with so many expatriates to please. From Lebanese to Mediterranean, Cantonese to Indian food, all American to Italian, one is spoilt for choice. In fact, no tourist leaves Dubai unimpressed with its Friday Brunch culture. Hotels and restaurants throw open their doors for a four-hour lunch buffet with free flowing alcoholic drinks that even the most gluttonous person would beg for the food to stop.

Recommended Friday brunch are Spice Island, Planet Hollywood, JW Marriott, and Al Muntaha.

Most breathtaking view from your travel? Most breathtaking view in your city?

Yamashita Shrine in Ifugao. The view during Honda Bay island hopping. Butanding interaction in Sorsogon. The perfect cone of Mayon Volcano in Albay. View at the top of Mt. Makiling in Los Banos..

Venice early in the morning.

The view from the 27th floor of Burj Al Arab. Which reminds me that Hubby's been wanting to visit At The Top. Maybe I should agree so I can add to my list.

I am tagging Kayni of Kassidy's Notes and Artemis of A Charmed Life, my two blogger friends who have taken me to places through their writings and tremendously inspired me to save(!) and explore what the world has to offer. Feel free to do only when you have the time, ladies! xoxo