Dubai Escapades

Aside from Wild Wadi, we visited several places in Dubai, mostly malls hehehe because this is the most convenient place to go especially we have 2 kids in tow.
Still it wasn't easy..Mind you, we have to bring 2 strollers, a diaper bag that is heavier than me hahaha, a DSLR camera, plus shopping bags afterwards. Still we enjoyed our time in Dubai *smile*
Btw, SALE Signs are everywhere in Dubai!!!

 Ginawang playground 

 

Fountain Show outside Dubai Mall

 Leila

 Garrett Popcorn! Yummy Caramel Crisp Almond Popcorn

 Aquarium Zoo inside Dubai Mall

Expensive but not Impressive!!!

My Princess

with Pinocchio

Carousel Ride with Baba

Afternoon Snack

The waiters are mostly "kabayans" and so when they learnt that it's her birthday, 

they gave her a nice chocolate drink

Chatime in UAE

Chatime has finally opened in the Middle East. In Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to be exact.
When I learned that they have branched out in UAE, I kept bugging Abdul to go there for a short vacation and have Milk Tea *smile* He didn't disappoint me *love*
We spent 6 days in UAE with juggling trip to/from Sharjah and Dubai. I made sure to have my Pearl Milk Tea every  morning and at night.
I tried their Hawaiian Tea, Chocolate Mousse( Abdul's Favorite) and their Taro Milk Tea. All are equally good, however, Pearl Milk Tea is and will always be my all time favorite *smile*
I do hope things will work out and would be able to bring Chatime to Riaydh. InshaAllha (God Willing)

  It's CHATIME!!!

 You can visit their facebook page ~ CHATIME ME

 Thirst Quenchers!!!

A healthier alternative to coffee *wink*

Look what I brought home with me!!!

CHATIME 

2nd floor Megamall

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

We Are Back From UAE

We spent Rania's 4th Birthday in UAE (United Arab Emirates). This is also a surprised vacation from Abdul since we are ban to travel this year hehehe.
It is my 3rd time to visit the country. The last time we were here was 2007, and I was really surprised how the country has changed tremendously ~ In a very positive way.
They have a well constructed roads and highways, beautiful infrastructures, nice landscapes and a well designed metro within the city of Dubai. I didn't see all of these the last time we were there, that is why it is really impressive to see how the country has bloomed and progress over a little less than 4 years or so.
The main purpose of the trip is to treat Rania for her birthday. Abdul wanted to bring her to "Wild Wadi" (A water park) so she would enjoy and have fun because she loves being in the water. The second reason for this trip is to visit the Chatime (A shop offering Flavored Teas originally from Taiwan but has branches all over the world including the Philippines) I got addicted to their Pearl Milk Tea when I was in the Philippines. And so, when I found out that they have opened in UAE I didn't miss the opportunity to visit them and have my all time fave Pearl Milk Tea *smile*
We stayed in Sharjah for me to have an easy access to Chatime hehehe (sweet hubby)  but during the day (after having milk tea) we drive to Dubai. It isn't too far from Sharjah, about 30 mins drive or less without traffic.
For now, here is the photo of the (current) tallest building in world...THE BURJ KHALIFA in DUBAI.

Summer is More FUN in The Philippines

I have mentioned in my previous post that summer in Saudi Arabia is just around the corner. And since we are on a travel ban this year,  I am just thinking our well spent summer vacay in the Philippines. For 6 years, this will be my first time to actually spend "summer" here in Saudi Arabia.

While we are stuck here in Riyadh (for now) I just want to look back at our summer escapades..Pinoy style! It is definitely More Fun To Spend Summer In The Philippines!

Butterfly Haven ~ Bulacan

Puerto Princesa, Palawan ~ Underground River

Ocean Adventure ~ Subic

Sonya's Garden ~ Tagaytay

Boracay

Bohol

Wuppertal Zoo, Germany

Last Thursday, we were supposed to go to Riyadh Zoo. It's been close to 2 years since the last time we brought Rania there. For sure mas mag e-enjoy sya ngayon at si Leila. Unfortunately, nagka sand storm that morning kaya we had to cancel our zoo trip :-(
Kaya naman sabi ko kay Rania just have a look at our pictures before sa Wuppertal Zoo in Germany para as if nagpunta narin sya ng zoo hahaha.

The zoo is well kept, huge and beautiful.

 A visit to Wuppertal will not be complete without having a ride at their well known " Wuppertal Hanging Railway / Wuppertal Schwebebahn"

"The hanging railway in Germany's western central city of Wuppertal (pronounced Voopahtahl) is the oldest monorail system in the world. Built in 1900, the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn or "floating train" has been continuously operated since 1901, despite two world wars, various accidents and other turbulent events. " (excerpts from environmentalgraffiti)

Anniversary Trip to Boracay

Last October (2011) Hubby and I plus our 2 lovely daughters spent our 5th year Anniversary in Boracay. It's been 5 years since we last visited the island (it was our honeymoon) and so we decided to go back and spend our special day at Astoria Boracay.
Private transfers boat land and sea. Simple pleasures :-)

Room: Clean and beautifully design though not too big but good enough to occupy 2 adults and 2 children. We stayed in the room with pool access.
Food: Delicious buffet breakfast and dinner
Location: end of station 1 and just next to station 2

My Beautiful Family infront of Astoria

Sunset

Rania

Bonding time

 White Beach

 Clean and Beautiful

 Building her castle :-)

 D' Mall

Back in Riyadh!!!

We're back once again in the Kingdom after 6 months of long vacation in the Philippines. Overall me and my kids enjoyed our time there. Going to the mall, eating out, spending time with my family especially during special occasions like birthdays and Christmas.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to spend New Year with them because we need to be back before my re-entry permit expires.

We flew back to Riyadh via Saudi Arabian Airlines. And because this is the only direct flight to/from Manila, we often fly with them. Also, as a frequent flyer member (Gold) sayang naman ang mileage *grin* 

Modesty aside, I LOVE flying Business/ First Class not only because of the baggage allowance but moreso because of comfort, spacious seat and service.Hirap kaya to travel with these 2 kiddos for 10hrs na economy lang. 

I had a bad experienced with the lounge receptionist/ staff but i don't want to divulge  on this dahil new year na :-) pero sana mag improve ang service nila especially pag kapwa Pinoy.

Inside Miascor / Saudi Arabian and Malaysia Airlines Lounge

Chicken Adobo, Porridge, Noodles, Soup, Dessert, Drinks and Assorted breads

As for Saudia's service, I would say they have improved (or it depends on the flight attendants on board) They were all attending to our needs especially with my 3 year old daughter. It was a great comfortable flight.

Saudi Arabian Airlines Business Class Seat

Not fancy but i love it. Wide comfy seats and spacious leg room

they have improved. Not the generic kit anymore..it's Salvatorre Ferregamo!

 Menu Card. Yummy food selections

Smoked Salmon and Shrimp with Asparagus..My Starter

Hubby chose this

Ice cream for dessert (sorry was not able to take pics of the Main Course..too hungry)

Black Forest Cake

We arrived safe and sound and on time last January 31. Time to explore the beauty of the Kingdom once again. Belated Happy New Year to all!!!