Something Different

July 7, 2023 by monica Leave a Comment

SLOVENIA – An easy destination with something for everyone

We LOVED our trip to Slovenia – an easy destination with something for everyone. Read on to find out where you should eat, sleep and how best to see this stunning country in a few days.

Slovenia – How to get there

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia with easy flights from London, Warsaw, some German destinations, Austria and Dubai!

The flydubai flight (terminal 3 same as Emirates) takes around 5 hours and timings are sensible. You leave mid morning and return on an evening flight.

Gold and Silver card holders can access the Emirates Lounge when taking a flydubai flight from Terminal 3.

No visas required for British passports. The airport is small and beautiful so you get to see the mountains in front of you while waiting for your luggage. No long walks or queues either.

Where to stay in Slovenia – Ljubljana is the capital city

You should definitely stay within easy walking distance of the Old Town of Ljubljana, about 30 minutes easy taxi ride from the airport.

We chose and recommend the InterContinental hotel in Ljubljana (pronounced Lubiyana)

SLOVENIA - An easy destination with something for everyone Monica Kapila DoinDubai Old Town Ljubljana

Why choose the InterContinental Ljubljana

It’s an easy 10 minute walk to the Old Town so location is perfect.

Spacious modern rooms with lovely views and fantastic bathrooms featuring Byredo products. High thread count linen too.

SLOVENIA - An easy destination with something for everyone Monica Kapila DoinDubai Intercontinental LJU Room

It’s an easy 7 minute walk to lovely museums, the Tivoli park and a very cool department store – Maxi Market. That’s a bit like Selfridges food hall in London, check out their basement for food and drink to bring home with you when you leave.

SLOVENIA - An easy destination with something for everyone Monica Kapila DoinDubai Byredo Intercon LJU

The hotel has an excellent spa with a pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi as well as a well equipped gym.

These facilities are brilliantly located on an upper floor of the hotel with floor to ceiling views of the city.

Even if you’re only in Slovenia for a few days, it’s lovely to either start your day or early evening with a session in their spa.

SLOVENIA - An easy destination with something for everyone Monica Kapila DoinDubai Pool Intercon LJU

The hotel breakfasts are excellent. Expect fresh, high quality, often local produce that covers pretty much everything you’d expect at breakfast time.

We LOVED our breakfasts here. Service is efficient and super friendly, plus there is both an inside and outside terrace area. Felt a bit like I was eating in California at times! Sorry not many pictures of food as I was mainly eating it!

SLOVENIA - An easy destination with something for everyone Monica Kapila DoinDubai coffee Intercon LJU

If you’re doing some tours outside of Ljubljana and we recommend you do; then the InterContinental is a great place to be picked up and dropped off as ALL of the old town is pedestrianized.

There are little shuttle carts if you need them to get around the old town, super useful for those who cannot walk too much. Best of all the service is totally free but a little tip goes a long way!

Useful emails for the InterContinental Ljubljana

General Information mail is ljuha.info@ihg.com

Concierge service mai is ljuha.concierge@ihg.com

Room reservations mail is ljubljana.reservations@ihg.com

SLOVENIA - An easy destination with something for everyone Monica Kapila DoinDubai Lobby intercon LJU

What to see in Slovenia and which tour company to choose

Despite our trip just being 4 nights long, we managed to see SO MUCH of Slovenia but that was mainly due to the excellent tour company we chose. They pretty much did everything for us. It was so easy.

We chose Slovenia Explorer company for all our experiences and were happy throughout. I would definitely use them again.

Their email for any enquiries is info@slovenia-explorer.com and ask to speak to Urska or Gregor.

SLOVENIA - An easy destination with something for everyone Monica Kapila DoinDubai Slovenia explorer van

Please say you heard about them from Monica at DoinDubai. Thank you.

We highly recommend a good walking tour of Ljubljana especially if you’re interested in the history and architecture of the town.

Slovenia Old town Ljubljana DoinDubai Monica Kapila

Your guides will be very happy to answer any questions you may have along the way. This tour is about 2 hours long, it’s best to do in the morning as early as possible especially if you’re going during the summer as it won’t be too hot!

We loved our guide Nina who took us to the Alpine villages and major lakes about an hour and half drive from Ljubljana.

What to see outside Ljubljana

That depends on your interests and how much time you have plus how active you’re feeling! Slovenia is a country for active people!

We loved our day trip to Lake Bohinj and the Alpine villages, Lake Bled Castle for lunch and a walk then ending with a gorgeous trail through the Vintgar gorge.

Lake Bled and the castle shown in the first picture on this post.

The Vintgar Gorge is an easy, super scenic 45 minute or so walk through waterfalls and forest.

SLOVENIA - An easy destination with something for everyone Monica Kapila DoinDubai Vintgar Gorge

We also did a much longer trip to Piran, the coastal part of Slovenia after a visit to the Skocjan caves.

The cave visit is quite long, you walk for around 2 km inside the cave system, with many steps along the way and it’s dark at times.

Not recommended unless you’re quite fit. But very dramatic none the less.

If I was to book a private tour of this coastal part of Slovenia I would spend longer in Trieste exploring the old town, maybe have lunch there, then visit Portoroz and end with a walk and drinks around Tartini square in Piran.

SLOVENIA - An easy destination with something for everyone Monica Kapila DoinDubai Piran Coast

What about food and drink in Slovenia

Food and drink in Ljubljana and outside is excellent. See our post here on FOOD AND DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS SLOVENIA for where to head to and try.

SLOVENIA - An easy destination with something for everyone Monica Kapila DoinDubai Food and drink Slovenia

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Check out our DoinDubai INSTAGRAM Slovenia highlight for VIDEOS.

Fancy a different European destination – then try MILAN

MILAN Cool places to eat sleep and sight see DoinDubai Monica Kapila Cathedral

Want to go further a field – how about a KENYAN SAFARI

KENYA SAFARI IN THE MASAI MARA Moncia Kapila DoinDubai Elephants on safari

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Disclosure: This post was written in conjunction with the Intercontinental Ljubljana but the views are all my own.

April 10, 2023 by monica Leave a Comment

CHINA TOWN IN DUBAI MALL – Not just more street food

What is China Town in Dubai Mall all about

It’s a large area decorated to look a bit like a Hong Kong street with a variety of authentic food kiosks and eateries. Is it worth a visit? Read on to find out.

LIKE A STREET IN HONG KONG BUT IN DUBAI MALL

There are nice places to sit and eat. Much nicer vibe than the food courts. Note that not all the food places are open as yet.

Some of are very informal order at the counter kiosks, others a a bit more formal.

So it’s an upmarket feeling, Asian style food court for the main section. But it’s not only about food.

Where exactly is China Town in Dubai Mall

China Town in Dubai is located on the 1st floor of Dubai Mall, near the ice rink. It’s easily accessible once you’re in the mall.

What are the best places to eat there

That depends on whether you’d like something quick and good value or want to splurge a bit. The popular kiosks are definitely Hawker Chan and Lanzhou Beef Noodle when we visited. I think Lanzhou also has a branch in International City.

Note I went with a Chinese friend who lives in Dubai so she has some inside knowledge on what’s good!

The Hawker Chan stall specializes in chicken and rice Singapore style. Often there are queues to order from this famous name kiosk.

HAWKER CHAN KIOSK IS FAMOUS FOR CHICKEN RICE

The Lanzhou beef noodle kiosk was also really busy. It serves steaming bowls of tender beef in spicy, soupy noodles.

Note there is no vegetarian or even chicken broth equivalent so if you don’t eat beef then this one is not for you.

Haidialo is a more formal restaurant serving Chinese Hot Pot. It has it’s own area and is a proper stand alone restaurant.

We like Chinese hot pots but my friend didn’t recommend we try this one just yet! Do check out their cool marketing videos though!

It’s certain more restaurants and kiosks will be opening as the space matures apparently up to 30! More formal restaurants will open up as well.

Is it all about food

It’s mainly but not exclusively about food in China Town Dubai at the moment. We loved the well known in China brand Xiaomi.

It’s an electronics retailer that I thought was quite reasonably priced. We LOVED the neat white air fryers that are just AED 349!

If you’d like to see our cool air fryer recipes page then click here for AIR FRYER RECIPES

Or follow our AIR FRYER SIMPLE instagram.

I also would have bought their foldable reading light, but that was sold out. They also seem to specialize in android operated smart phones that cost a fraction of Apple or Samsung models.

The store was founded in 2010 by a young Chinese business man from Beijing.

There is also a Yin Yang spa branch here too. Very popular massage spa that we know from Al Wasl road in Jumeirah. Somewhere for those who don’t like to shop!

If you like Chinese food then you could also try here

If you like Chinese food you may also want to consider eating at Din Tai Fung on the lower ground floor near the fountains.

Be sure to pop in to Kadayifzade Turkish pistachio pastry shop next door for a sample for high end, authentic dessert.

Is China Town in Dubai Mall worth the visit

if you’re in Dubai Mall then yes definitely pop up there. Take a look at the giant panda exhibit and have a good look round Xiaomi store.

If you eat beef then you’ll love Lanzhou Beef kiosk, otherwise maybe have dumplings at Din Tai Fung?

The area is bound to evolve and get busier as time goes on.

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Chat Gpt told me there are 30 restaurants and cafes in China Town Dubai Mall. Well sure there will be eventually but not at the moment! It also said it was a vibrant Chinese cultural showcase, again, not as yet!

If you’d like to try your hand at making some Chinese food at home, then try this easy, tasty Chinese fish fillets recipe.

monicas-weekend-monica-kapila-doindubai-chinese-style-fish-fillets-

November 21, 2022 by monica 5 Comments

LOUVRE ABU DHABI What’s it like

UPDATE 22 NOVEMBER 2022

There’s an excellent new exhibition entitled IMPRESSIONISM – Pathways to Modernity on at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. We visited ourselves and loved it.

What can you expect to see at one of the most significant impressionist exhibitions outside France?

IMPRESSIONISTS – NEW EXHIBITION LOUVRE ABU DHABI

A number of works by renowned impressionist painters including MONET, MANET, GAUGAIN and RENOIR as well as PISSARO AND CEZANNE. Many of the 150 artworks have been loaned from the Musee D’Orsay in Paris.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi officially opened its doors on the 11^th of November 2017 on Sadiyaat Island in the emirate of Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates. What can you expect to see at the Louvre Abu Dhabi?

Background to the Louvre Abu Dhabi

The name The Louvre has actually been rented out by Abu Dhabi for a period of 30 years from the Louvre in Paris.

Is the Louvre Abu Dhabi a museum or a gallery?

I think it’s both. It calls itself a Gallery Museum. The building itself is one those iconic structures that people will definitely make time to see. Architecturally stunning in scale and detail, the roof of the Louvre is probably its most distinctive feature.

Its dome like structure seems to be made of an intricate criss cross lattice that lets in different amounts of light during the day. There also seem to be some electric lights within the roof that light up during the evening and night. This almost gives the effect of stars twinkling within the roof at night.

I particularly like how waterways have been incorporated within the building so at some level it really does seem like the whole building has been built on a promontory that’s jutting out over the water.

The exhibits at the Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi aims to depict the evolution of mankind through art. Expect to see sculpture, artifacts, paintings and contemporary art displayed not by country or museum of origin but by theme.
Themes seem to be designed to trace the gradual evolution of humanity, so the museum welcome leaflet actually says “Get ready to see humanity in a new light”

You’ll see art connected to ancient fertility, early tools, man’s mastery of animals, music and man’s connection to the spiritual world. So themes that connect us as humans.

Philosophical thinking is also explored via art. Can you name these philosophers and their countries of origin?

The art is drawn from the major civilizations of the world and incudes works from Egypt, India, China and Europe.

Exhibits are clearly marked in terms of name, age and where they have been loaned from originally. Some items are from the Louvre in Paris, but also from museums all over the world.

I recognized the tall thin Giacometti figures from Tate Modern that we saw this summer in London for example and there is art from the Musee D’Orsay in Paris.

There is a section of modern paintings by well known painters that will be familiar to many. So expect to see a large Whistler painting, a Mark Rothko block painting – it’s not in the usual colours of saffron and reds, but brown. There is a also a Matisse, a Derain, a Cezanne and a Monet and a Manet, all representing some of the key impressionist painters.

There are also some very contemporary installations that include a series of traditional blackened cooking pots mounted on a wall. These are from Saudi Arabia.

Guided Tours and Opening Times

The museum is open every day except Monday from 10 am till 8pm.

There are also guided tours featuring:

Masterpieces that introduces the museum’s most popular works
Architecture that explores how local traditions influence the building
And a Family Tour of the museum’s collection entitled My First Visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Adult entry tickets are AED 60 but the tours cost extra and last between 60 to 90 minutes.

UNDER 18s and over 60s are free.

UNDER 18’s AND OVER 60’s GET FREE ADMISSION

There are 2 places to eat, a café and a restaurant but we didn’t visit either of these as we had lunch before we came at the very good 99 Sushi restaurant at the Four Seasons in Al Maryah Island. That’s an easy 15 minute drive away if there is no traffic. See below.

Is the Louvre Abu Dhabi worth a visit?

Yes absolutely, for the building and it’s contents. It’s an important and iconic gallery museum. Go while the weather is good. We’ve been twice now.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND A VISIT EVEN IF YOU’VE BEEN BEFORE

You may want to combine your trip to see the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabai too.
Or plan a longer trip to take in Qasr Al Sarab or Sir Baniyas Island. Both of these would be overnight trips even from Abu Dhbai itself. Closer to Dubai you could try the Eastern Mangroves hotel and spa, unusually green and the kayaking is great fun.

To eat in Abu Dhabi

You may want to combine your trip with a lunch at the very good 99 Sushi Bar in the Four Seasons hotel in Al Maryah Island, about a 15 minute drive away.

Louvre Abu Dhbai 99 Sushi DoinDubai — 99 SUSHI BAR

I would now add the excellent Chinese restaurant DAI PAI DONG at The Rosewood hotel, next to the Four Seasons.

EXCELLENT CHINESE FOOD DAI PAI DONG THE ROSEWOOD HOTEL

The dim sum is also some of the best I’ve eaten in the UAE. So well worth incorporating into your visit. There is an excellent Business Lunch deal here.

VERU GOOD DIM SUM AT DAI PAI DONG THE ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI

Thank you Monica.

MYSTERY DINING IN UAE – NEEDED NOW Click to find out how.

October 19, 2022 by monica 1 Comment

DIWALI IN DUBAI Eating, shopping, dancing and powerful characters

Updated OCTOBER 2022

Diwali in Dubai

This year Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, falls on Monday the 24th of October and while Diwali is a Hindu festival, it’s now celebrated all over the world. Dubai is no exception! Diwali in Dubai is a big event!

CONTEMPORARY INDIAN STARTER FROM INDEGO BY VINEET

There are actually 5 days connected to the festival of Diwali starting from October 23rd through to October 27th. Each day holds a different significance with the 23rd being Dhanteras typically associated with buying gifts of gold, and the 24th is Choti Diwali or Little Diwali.

The Diwali story

The Diwali story’s got all the elements of a classic Good conquering Bad tale. Wicked stepmothers, multi headed demons, beautiful princesses, it’s all there.

Hindus all over the world celebrate the triumphant homecoming of Prince Ram, his wife Sita and their brother Laxsman from a gruelling 14 years spent in banishment in the jungle.

They were banished as part of an orchestrated request by Ram’s step mother Kaikeyi as a last wish from her husband King Dashrath. He ruled the ancient kingdom of Ayodhya.

Story has it that the night the weary travellers were returning home was one without any moonlight to show the way. Excited villagers decided to light small clay earthen ware lamps using oil and wicks to make it easier for them to navigate their way back.

So Diwali is really a mix of 2 words, Deep and Avali, DEEP meaning light and AVALI meaning row.

They also lit up the sky with firecrackers, hence the present day fireworks again to show the rightful rulers of the Kingdom of Ayodhya the way home.

Celebrating Diwali in Dubai

You’ll see many houses in Dubai lit up with tiny diyas in rows, often on the entrance or porch of a house re enacting what the villagers did. Houses are often spring cleaned during this period so that good luck and prosperity can visit in the form of Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth.

Families share gifts of money and new clothes as well organize huge Diwali feasts where authentic Indian varieties of burfi (sweet fudge made from ingredients such as milk, coconut, almonds, cashewnuts and sugar) and desserts like ras malai (a soft cheese based milk dumpling soaked in cream and pistachios) and ladoos play a starring role.

If you don’t want to give heavy Indian Diwali sweets this year then try making some gorgeous energy balls instead, then be creative about how you package them up!

Traditionally the best Diwali sweets shared with family and friends were always homemade.

ENERGY BALLS RECIPE

ENERGY BALLS DOINDUBAI MONICA KAPILA fennel and sesame seeds — LOOKS LIKE A LADOO BUT IT ISN’T

There are Diwali brunches, dinners and even fireworks displays in Dubai. We loved our Indian meal at Indego by Vineet at the Grosvenor House hotel.

Click the picture to see our experience of that on Instagram.

CLICK TO SEE OUR EXPERIENCE AT INDEGO BY VINEET

Emirates airlines announced it’s serving traditional Indian sweets to celebrate Diwali on Indian routes in all cabin classes!

Authentic Indian favorites like motichoor ladoos, mixed nut tribooj and angoori rabdri are being served in it’s cabins and lounges.

Dal kachoris and vegetable samosas for those of us with less of a sweet tooth. Some brilliant biscuits – Nan Khataai served in Emirates lounge in Cape Town too!

Diwali Shopping in Dubai

The Meena Bazaar area of Bur Dubai is a great place to visit during this festive time. Shop fronts are festooned with orange marigold flowers and there’s an excited buzz in the air.

People stock up on garlands, both real and fake, intricate rangoli pattern makers and stencils – see the one below. You can see which colour I’ve used the most for my Diwali rangoli designs!

DoinDubai Diwali in Dubai Monica Kapila Rangoli Stencil — RANGOLI STENCIL FOR MAKING DIWALI DESIGN

They buy vibrant rangoli powder colour for doorways, hand-painted clay diyas, shiny brass candle holders everything linked to traditional worship at home.

ENTRANCE TO A HOME IN DUBAI DECORATED FOR DIWALI

The fact that gold is around 1700 dollars a Troy ounce hasn’t deterred people buying jewellery at this auspicious time. Plenty of offers abound at major jewellery shops all over Dubai. Get down to Bur Dubai and experience Diwali in Dubai yourself.

And if you just feel like a simple or more elaborate INDIAN THALI MEAL then choose from our selection here.

Money Saving Deals DoinDubai Monica Kapila Andrha Thali — VEGETARIAN THALI MEAL IN DUBAI

Diwali Gift ideas

You can’t go wrong with gifting anyone a candle at Diwali time. We love all the candles from PURE CANDLES DUBAI AED 180

GIFT A SOY WAX DIWALI CANDLE FROM PURE CANDLES

If you don’t want to make your own energy balls then get down to LITTLE URTH BY NABZ AND G. Buy some from there! They’re as good as good as home made (I’ve tried them!), nicely packaged too.

AED 50 or so for a generous portion.

Monicas-Weekend-DoinDubai-Free-Goodie-Bag-vegan-energy-balls- — NUTRIENT DENSE NO NASTIES ENERGY BALLS BY NABZ AND G

Or buy some bite size Indian inspired brittle bars from VARAK EDIBLE LUXURY get some for yourself too! Better than burfi and biscuits! Click the link and go to the Brittles page. 8 bites for just AED 27 with my discount code!

MONICA10 code for varak dubai brittle bars

Tell me about any cool Diwali gifts you’re giving or receiving this year. Please also SHARE THIS POST with your friends and to all my loyal DoinDubai readers:

Warmest wishes for a prosperous and peaceful Diwali in Dubai and all over the world.

Never mind the markets and British politics for now.

NOTE JUST IN..

The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah will celebrate Diwali with a performance by the world’s largest dancing fountain, The Palm Fountain.

From 14 to 28 October from 6pm to 10pm, every 3rd performance will be a popular Hindi song! So visitors can dress up and head to the nearby eateries for delicious deals as they enjoy the show.

Also Diwali Fireworks at Global Village on the 28th October 2022 in the evening!

DIWALI FIREWORKS OCT 2022 AT GLOBAL VILLAGE

A STAY AT THE TAJ PALACE NEW DELHI