A lovely journey to Darmouth ❥

During my stay in South Devon; England , I had this great opportunity to take the Steam Railway and cruise to a beautiful English town called, " Dartmouth". 

We arrived at Paignton, where the journey started around 10.00 am and went inside the reception area to buy our tickets. We actually checked the weather forecast before to make sure the weather was sunny on this day but still ended up with a freezing rainy day in Summertime! That's how the British weather welcomes you all the time here. 

The fare for an adult for the steam train followed by a circular harbor cruise is  is £21.50. It is a full day excursion so pack with you some meals to have along the way. You can purchase your tickets online HERE to avoid them being sold out or buy them as soon as you get to the reception area. 

Thanks God that the weather was nice and sunny when we left Paignton so we could enjoy our trip. The scenery of this rail line is extremely beautiful and breathtaking . 

As soon as we arrived at Kingswear , we had to cross The River Dart on a foot passenger ferry to Dartmouth then take the cruise from there.

The journey takes an hour to see the surroundings of the river, we were enjoying the nice weather at the roof of the cruise when suddenly the clouds covered the sky and it started to rain so we had to take the stairs down to the indoor room.

 We passed by Agatha Christie's Greenway House, some people were kayaking to the places themselves. Also, the captain announced the attractions of the journey from time to time which was entertaining. 

It started raining heavily for a while but still we could manage to see the beautiful scenery from the cruise's windows. We also passed by many Medieval and Elizabethan houses , some of the buildings were built as early as in 1634!

I spotted something sitting by the river so I had to zoom in my camera, the mermaid sitting by the bank remind me of the fairy tales I used to read during my childhood.

The cruise will make a turn around to see the fascinating Dartmouth Castle by the river bank, this castle was built for over 600 years.

Dartmouth has some interesting historic backgrounds such as its port was used as a sailing point for the Crusades hundred years ago and it was the home for the Royal Navy. 

We also came across the oldest Medieval house, "The Cherub" and we had to stop walking since the weather was very unpredictable every single minute so we had to go into the shops for shelter most of the time. I ended up buying myself an ice cream even though it was freezing cold! I recommend the  "Homemade English Toffee" as it is duper delicious, they almost have the same taste all over England.

We left around 4 pm to catch the ferry back and as we were departing the station, we saw a couple shooting their wedding pictures so I took one from them too, so romantic.

I really enjoyed this trip and the spectacular scenery along the way, the only thing I didn't like was that I went with a group of male teenagers whom did not enjoy this beauty at all as they were on their smartphones most of the time or playing with each other. I feel bad for this young generation because they are so fortunate to still have so much beauty around them but never seem to know what life really means!! So if you are young then please enjoy the beauty around you because it may not exist anymore when you are looking it for it someday in the future.

*Disclaimer: All pictures are taken by me, please do not use without asking my permission, thank you. 

credits: Wikipedia

Abu Dhabi, the pearl of the Emirates ✧✦✧

Abu Dhabi, a beautiful city that I lived in for almost 11 years during my childhood so going back there again was like a re-cap of the golden memories I had there with the people and places that I will always love and cherish in my life. 

I traveled with my mom and sister for 2 weeks to the United Arab Emirates and this is an itinerary of one of the days that we spent in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Masjid (Mosque) did not exist when I lived there so I was very exited to visit this stunning mosque especially that it was named after the late president and father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheik Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is known as the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and also ranked as the 8th largest mosque in the world!

As you enter the main building , you will be fascinated by the beautiful elements that this mosque exhibits such as the architecture of the buildings, the gorgeous designed Iranian carpets , the crystal chandeliers and the pools along side . One of the highlights of Sheikh Zayed Grand Masjid  are the 99 names of Allah which are featured on the Qibla walls of this mosque . It is very worth visiting this place and I was extremely glad to pray in this mosque especially that I praise Sheik Zayed for his attitude and hard work towards developing his country for the best.

How to get there: the easiest way is by a taxi, the cost will vary from where you stay. There is also a 10 minutes walk bus station nearby. 

Time and Admissions: opens from 9.00 - 22.00 daily, free of charge. As soon as you get off  the taxi, you will be directed to go to the east part of the mosque to wear a traditional robe called " Abaya" if you were a woman as a respect to the religion and the mosque. Men should also be dressed appropriately. Website: http://www.szgmc.ae/en/

It amazes me how much dates you can see on the palm trees while walking on the streets of Abu Dhabi, I wish I could just pick some up, the dates here are one of the best!!

We then decided to go to Marina Mall for lunch but before  I took some pictures of the bay. 

Sheik Zayed 's picture in the middle, his determination for his country was outstanding.

We had lunch at the Iranian restaurant , Hatam. The food was fantastic and also not expensive. We ordered Kashk and Kebabs, nom nom.. 

Another place that we really wanted to go was the Old Souk (market)  because that was one of my mom's favorite places to shop and the place itself was very vintage and charming. We then came to know that the Old Souk didn't exist anymore as it was gutted by fire in 2003 and was replaced now by the World Trade Center Souk. It was quite sad though because I was really willing to visit some of my childhood places again T T

The World Trade Center Souk is now a combination of an Arabian architecture and modern design that connects two buildings together. The Souk has everything from Arabian and Persian spices, artworks, decorations, clothing, jewelry, restaurants, you just name it. 

We were extremely surprised when the Arabian and Persian Spice shop owner recognized my mom,  it was just unbelievable how he still remembered her after all those years!! He is a very kind and friendly man so if you were looking for any kind of spices, dates, local tea and coffee, rose water or sweets then you have to visit , "Wadi Az Zafran". The prices are also very reasonable here^^. 

 

I also bought a few art works from this shop as again the art works reminded me of my old days, I am such a grandma at heart!  I love the desert , the camels, the moon, the wind and the Arabian Bedouin lifestyle, to me it's very peaceful and whimsical because that's when you are truly related to Allah (God) and nature around you. 

How to get there: by taxi or public transportation. Check for bus routes HERE
Time and Admissions: Saturday to Wednesday from 10.00 - 20.00 and Thursday and Friday from 10.00 to 11.00, free of charge. Website: World Trade Center Souk

The next destination was the Emirates Palace Hotel , a 7 star luxury hotel which costs 
$12,000 a night! I wonder how the rooms look like?!! but I saw a glimpse of how the rooms faced the ocean, I guess it would be so romantic to stay there. I was also impressed to see one of Sheik Zayed's quotes inside the hotel.

The Emirates Palace also looks beautiful from outside. I didn't have a chance to visit the hotel during night time, I guess it will look spectacular during that time.

We then strolled along the way to Corniche Beach, a place where we always used to gather with our families and friends for picnic, I loved going there after school to play and just watch the ocean and sunset. 

Even though, Abu Dhabi has become very modernized and developed but it is still charming and beautiful to me. I would truly like to thank Abu Dhabi for always rewarding me the best memories ever ❤❤

Tips*: you might like to visit Abu Dhabi from November - February as the weather is cooler during that time and you can make the best of outdoor activities.

The taxis are very safe as they are monitored and can be easily found everywhere except that it may be a bit difficult during peak hours (16.00 - 18.00) to get one if you are in the center of the town but you are still able to call them HERE .

*Disclaimer: All pictures are taken by me, please do not use without asking my permission, thank you. 

credits: Wikipedia