Dubai’s Newest Sanctuary of Wellness

A well-kept secret, Desert Palm Dubai is only 20 minutes from Dubai’s urban heart. Located on an extensive polo estate, the resort is nestled amidst lush polo fields. An oasis of calm, this sumptuously and discreetly luxurious retreat is a hidden world with cosy private pool villas, chic spaces for culinary refinement and spa indulgences surrounded by vast green landscapes, rare birds and endless sunshine.

A sanctuary of wellness and serenity only a short journey away from the city, Samāna Spa provides the perfect escape to unwind and recuperate. Born from Sanskrit, Samāna means calming or soothing. We want you to be able to escape from the pollutants of the world to a place that will leave you feeling revitalised and renewed through carefully selected products and curated treatments.

Begin your journey of restoration with our Experience Guides and Gurus who will help you explore our apothecary styled homoeopathic Aromatherapy Bar available only at Samāna Spa.

Since 1974, Tisserand UK has been carefully harvesting wild ingredients to produce pure organic essential oils. From a range of over 40 essential oils, we have carefully selected 20 essential oils with blends to aid you to relax, restore, rejuvenate and ready to tackle the world.

“Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul – Robert Tisserand” 

Guests can not only immerse in the latest spa therapies designed to stimulate the senses and indulge in the ancient practice of combining aromatherapy and massage for the perfect treatment but can also choose from unique aromatherapy blends or their own bespoke combination of essential oils to suit individual needs. With a selection of nourishing oils that absorb into the skin and penetrate deeply into the body tissue, guests will feel the positive effect on the mind, body and spirit to enhance emotional well-being.

5 Favourite Breakfasts in Dubai

1. Friends Avenue, JLT

Honestly, they’re my go-to place for breakfast meetings. It’s not too busy, not too quiet, and the waffles are delicious! Their chocolate waffles with caramelized bananas are to DIE for, but, they keep their menu updated and these Oreo Waffles are everything!

Available every day; costs about AED 150 for two (roughly about two mains, two coffees and a bottle of water)

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✖️we dont do just waffles, we do Oreo waffles and its really amazing 😋😍✖️ #friendsavenue #friendsavenuecafe #mydubai #jlt #motorcity #dubai #dubaicafe #whatsondubai #timeoutdubai

A post shared by FRIENDS AVENUE CAFE (@friendsavenue) on Sep 21, 2017 at 1:26am PDT

2. Nezesaussi Grill Downtown at Manzil Downtown
Their breakfasts are super popular for their sport-y feel. They have just launched a new Bench Breakfast where the team will not only ensure you are taken care of but will
also be able to give you a break down on the latest Rugby news! Their pancakes are SUPER delicious.

Available every Saturday, 9.30am to 12pm; costs AED 99 per person (buffet style)

3. 3in1, Vida Downtown
I’m obsessed, like OBSESSED, with Granola Parfait. It’s so fresh and delicious. The pancakes and waffles are their bestsellers. When the weather is pleasant, you can sit by the pool which is the most instagrammable thing.

Available every day; they have ala carte and buffet options 

4. BQ, St. Regis Dubai
Not only is the hotel so lavish, their breakfast buffet spread is something straight out of Versailles (which funnily enough, is also the name of their brunch). There are loads on offer, but I mostly gobbled after the pastries.

Available every day; it’s buffet for AED 165 per person  

https://www.instagram.com/p/BY9_CfQHAXx/?taken-by=stregisdubai

 

5. Wild and The Moon, Al Serkal Avenue

I actually went in to try the acai bowls that seem to be everywhere, and while the serving was not the biggest that I was imagining it to be, I can tell you that Acai bowls are going to be my new brekkie buddy to my Parfaits.  It’s also literally the prettiest, quietest place to work from.

Available every day; about AED 150 for two people (two acai bowls and two coffee)

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The DREAM☀️☀️ summer essentials: wild, vitamin C, antioxidants to look good and feel goooood🏄‍♀️🏄 #nutritiousheaven #fullpackage #allyouneed #summervibes #motherearth #organic #plantbased #glutenfree #zeroadditives #eatwise #wildandthemoon 📷: @organic.melody

A post shared by Wild & The Moon (@wildandthemoon) on Jul 16, 2017 at 3:53am PDT

 

 

Chic Interior Inspiration – Manzil Downtown

Housed in a building with sand-hued facades and traditional Arabic architecture, the Manzil Downtown is an upscale boutique hotel designed in a contemporary Islamic style. Like its home city of Dubai, it is a fusion of tradition and modern sophistication, a blend of the old and the new.

Geometric motifs used in Islamic art influenced much of the property’s interior. The elegant lobby is set out in warm, earthy tones, and illuminated by natural light seeping through the soaring windows. Subtle traditional accents are featured throughout the furniture, carpets and art, while striking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa add a touch of grandeur.

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#Repost @debbiefortes ・・・ // simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. loving the minimal interiors at @manzildowntown special thanks to Sofie for showing me around yesterday and for posing for me 💕 . #manzildowntown #dubai #whpmood #minimalmood

A post shared by Manzil Downtown (@manzildowntown) on Jul 26, 2017 at 5:47am PDT

Arabesque patterns served as the inspiration behind the stunning two-story-high back-lit feature wall in the hotel’s lobby. The eight-meter-long runner in the lobby was inspired by patterns used in kilim rugs, which have been produced since ancient times in the Muslim world, combined with the textures and colours of Dubai’s deserts and skies.

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8th floor views 😍

A post shared by Manzil Downtown (@manzildowntown) on Sep 7, 2017 at 4:40am PDT

The hotel’s rooms are a perfect blend of form and function, featuring comfortable m furniture with arabesque details. The colour palette used in the guest rooms is a balance of warm and cool tones, featuring walnut timber and grey textured fabrics. The artworks in the guest rooms are integrated with the overall design, featuring large leatherettes printed with Arabic letters in contemporary form. The fitted carpets are custom designed and inspired by geometric patterns.

The Manzil’s signature restaurant, Boulevard Kitchen, is divided into three distinct sections – a café, a dining area, and a deli bar. Combining Arabic tradition with global multicultural tastes, the restaurant is adorned with laser-cut metal panels and features intricate floors with Arabesque geometric patterns.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZAtXe_gLiB/?taken-by=manzildowntown

Inspired by the traditional courtyards of old Arabia, the courtyard is the heart of the property offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city to mingle with friends and family. The patterns and textures used throughout the courtyard showcase a contemporary take on the Bedouin look with the colour palette being slightly stronger as compared to other areas. The seating concept is inspired by the traditional dewan and features a mix of clean contemporary line seating and comfortable sofa and armchair groups.

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A million reasons to #CelebrateU this summer: now you can earn 2,000 bonus Upoints on your 5th, 10th and 15h visit to any of participating venues! The member who earns the most Upoints will become a #UByEmaar Millionaire! Register now: bit.ly/UBEMillionUpoints #ManzilDowntown #UByEmaar #Millionaire #Summer #SummerHolidays #SummerInDubai #Hotel #Hotels #DubaiHotel #BoutiqueHotel #ArabicHotel #VisitDubai #BoulevardKitchen #TheCourtyard #DowntownDubai #Dubai #UAE #DubaiFood #DubaiFoodie #DubaiEats #DubaiRestaurant #DubaiTag #DubaiLife #DubaiDiaries #DubaiLifestyle

A post shared by Manzil Downtown (@manzildowntown) on Jul 9, 2017 at 1:24am PDT

Niche seating groups are also available for private gatherings with a traditional majlis setting with a modern twist. Custom designed chandeliers add to the ambience, creating beautiful patterns on the walls.

Things you’d miss about Dubai if you moved out!

Dubai’s home for a lot of people, and we are very spoiled with luxury and speedy delivery. Here are the 9 things you’d miss if you move out of Dubai!

1. As one of the most diverse countries in the world, with expats from multiple nations and cultures- this is as diverse as you get. This makes for a cosmopolitan community that is dependent on the blend of cultures, people, and languages.
   
2. Whether it’s food, activities, malls, stores, cinemas- there’s never a dull day here, and you never run out of choices- you might run out of days filling up the choices!
   
3. You will never get tired of looking at the marvel that the Burj Al Arab is. And you will forever spend trying to take that picture perfect image of the Burj by the sunset.
   
4. It might be always sunny in Philadelphia- but there’s eternal sunshine in Dubai. While the peak summer months get incredibly hot, the rest of the year is warm enough to lie in the sun and breezy enough to not be too hot.
   
5. UAE was recently ranked s number one for the lowest level of violent crime and the lowest homicide rate by the Global Social Progress Index.
   
6. Nowhere else in the world will you witness the perfect combination of tradition, culture, and technology
   
7. UAE is one of the most tolerant countries in the world. Plenty of different cultures and religions happily co-exist here.
   
8. Tax-free salaries! This should have probably been on top of the list- but it’s pretty darn good reason to love the UAE.
   
9. Petrol is cheap!
   

And let’s not forget, there’s no other place in the world where the air conditioning will be just right!

 

 

Traveling from Dubai around Eid

If you’ve been following me on social media, you might be aware of my agony and rants about how expensive flight tickets are during public holidays. Basically, if you want to go anywhere- and I mean, ANYWHERE, it’s ridiculously expensive. But, I’m sure people are still paying those rates and still traveling- I was ready to!

You see, I was planning a trip with three of my girlfriends. Tickets to places like Georgia (which are usually somewhere around AED 1100 return ticket) are for somewhere like AED 3000. Basically, it’s ridiculous. So, after a lot of flight finding and loud crying later- we decided on going somewhere- a drive away. Getting to the point, here’s a selection of places you can go to around Dubai without spending a very pretty penny on 3-hour flight tickets!

1. Salalah, Oman
   If you’re a UAE resident, you don’t need a visa to enter Oman. Salalah is Oman’s oasis. The temperature is much lower than of Dubai’s. So, if Dubai’s 43 degrees Celsius, Salalah is 28-degree Celsius- which sounds SUPER relaxing compared to Dubai. It is a 12-hour drive from Dubai, but there are also 2-hour flights- so take your pick. There are plenty of really nice resorts, hotels, and budget hotel apartments- something to suit everyone’s budget. I would recommend choosing a resort- just so you can have access to a really nice private beach.
   
2. Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
   It’s like 8 degrees less hot than Dubai and there are plenty of hotels to stay at. It is surrounded by Hajar mountains are only 3-4 hour drive from Dubai. There’s a lot to do- you can trek up the mountain, gear up for some water sports, play golf or just relax in the pool. There’s also resorts, hotels and some incredible air bnb deals. If you look carefully you can find some really cool villas.
   
3. Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE
   This is a slightly expensive option, considering it’s all Anantara properties on the island- but from all the pictures I’ve seen, and experiences I’ve heard- it’s beautiful. However, it is as hot as RAK. There’s safari- which sounds just incredible. I’m planning to visit when the weather gets slightly cooler. You can go by road- and then take a speedboat or take a seaplane.
   
   

   

   
4. Fujairah, UAE
   It’s a mere 3-hour drive from Dubai and is super popular for Snoopy Island. The beaches are beautiful, but the city itself stands out for its unique architecture. There’s a giant statue of an eagle that you will easily see.
   
5. Musandam, Oman
   The weather there is the same as RAK, but it will make you forget you are in the middle east. There are several day cruises that take you to Musandam and back for a long, lovely day. It’s all water and hills everywhere, with a chance of seeing Dolphins. You can even stay in a resort near the area to really explore everywhere- but everyone who goes just ends up staying by the coast. The waters are clear blue!
   
   

   

Dubai’s Trendiest Places

There are barely parts of Dubai that aren’t fancy and trendy- barely. In that theory, it’s probably won’t be an easy job to find Dubai’s trendiest spots right? But, Foursquare, did! They curated a list of 15 of Dubai’s fanciest places. And yes, most of them are just restaurants!

1. Jetty Lounge
   
   Located in the One&Only Royal Mirage, the Jetty Lounge is the nicest beach-side place to have a few drinks by and watch pretty sunsets. Obviously, it’s not the best choice for the summer months!
2. Zuma
   
   They have the best miso soup and maki rolls of all time. Unfortunately, as a vegetarian there isn’t much that I can eat there- but all my fellow diners keep ooh-ing and aah-ing over the sushi and the salmon.
3. Vida Downtown
   
   I was actually very happy to see this one on the list, see I do their PR. But, honestly Vida Downtown is beautiful! They also organize the coolest Art events and support regional artists and designers. Sounds like a PR pitch, doesn’t it? It’s not. It’s actually a really cool hotel- and they serve the yummiest yogurt, granola and fresh berries parfait in town. Don’t just take my word for it- try it!
4. Sum of Us
   
   I ended up there for a meeting, actually. But, the bread and the pasta and coffee was so good- I ended up spending my lunch hour there. They have the yummiest selection of desserts – which are gluten-free sometimes. Always have the chocolate exam. It’s literally what I eat every time I go there. Unless it’s sold out. Which has also happened- twice. 😦
5. Farzi Cafe
   
   Personally, I haven’t been there and I’ve heard mixed reviews about the place. It’s in City Walk which is already Dubai’s swankiest location, and it serves Gastro-styled Indian cuisine. It’s always full of people and pretty instagrammable. If you do visit it, do let me know what you think!
6. 360*
   
   Probably giving you the best view to Burj Al Arab, 360* is super popular with the young crowd (and seldom the creepy). Don’t forget your high heels at home.
7. La Serre
   
   This one’s also in Vida Downtown- though I don’t PR it! They serve amazing french cuisine with the most amazing selection of desserts and cocktails. It’s chic and has the perfect view to the Burj Khalifa. It’s ideal for a quiet date night or a girls’ fancy cocktails evening.
8. Roberto’s
   
   This was my first-ever PR client when I first started working in Dubai. Located in DIFC, they have another side of the view to the Burj Khalifa (although, it looks the same from any directions!). It’s an Italian restaurant, and one of the most popular one in the city. Their tiramisu is amaaaaaazing.
9. Buddha Bar
   
   Every time I’ve been there- it’s been very smoky. And I don’t like smoky. But, you might like it. They do serve really amazing cocktails!
10. Le Petite Maison
    
    I was surprised how long it took for the list to mention LPM. It’s actually insanely popular in Dubai, and in the cooler months, it’s very difficult to get a table booked. You have to do one of those 11pm dinners and skip the dessert. Book ahead, and do NOT in any circumstances miss the dessert!

You can read the article here: https://foursquare.com/top-places/dubai/best-places-trendy

6 Things to Pack if You’re Coming to Dubai in the Summer

Most countries have a few months that are known as the “tourist season”, in Dubai it’s all-year around. And with summer break coming, there are so many people flying into Dubai to travel and visit the futuristic city. With temperatures easily crossing 45 celsius, it’s only going to get hotter.

Living in Dubai, we know what to carry around to survive, so I thought why not do a piece on what to carry to Dubai in the summer!

1. Sunscreen
   
   Whether you are planning to soak in the sun or not, the sun is going to soak you in its rays. Carry good sunscreen that isn’t too oily on the skin (because it wouldn’t look flattering in the pictures).
   In case you forget, every supermarket and medical store have a good collection to choose from.
2. Umbrella-ella-ella-eh-eh-eh (and hats and sunglasses)
   
   If you want to see the sights and walk around the town- even if for 10 minutes- listen to Rihanna and stand under an umbrella. Whenever I take the metro, I’d rely upon my trusty (pink) umbrella to save me from the scorching heat and an impending migraine.
3. A light cardigan
   
   It might be cold outside, but it will be freezing inside the malls- especially Dubai Mall (because of the ice rink) and Mall of the Emirates (because of Ski Dubai). Make sure you carry a little cardigan- especially if you get cold quickly like I do!
4. A Map
   
   Or you know Google maps- if you’ve got a data plan. It’s very normal to sit in a taxi only for the driver to tell you that it’s his first day at work. It’s very common for it to take a while!
5. A Light Bottle of Water
   
   It is hot and you will get very thirsty. Do I need to explain more? You will pretty much get a bottle of water on every supermarket, metro station marts and more- but it’s just smarter to carry a small bottle in the bag everywhere.
6. Larger (empty) Suitcase
   
   Especially if you are coming to visit during the Summer Sale- with everything tax free, you will end up buying things you will never use.

 

6 Small Getaways if you live in the UAE

It is easier to plan small getaways when a bunch of long weekends are around the corner (read- the whole month of December), but when it’s not December and you don’t have more than a day off you can take- small getaways are the necessity for not hitting your head on the wall.

The 6 best places you can travel to if you live in the UAE and are in dire need of just a weekend and a day’s getaway:

Georgia

In December, on a rather impulsive trip, I ended up in Georgia. It was a four-ish hour flight and is the easiest getaway. I spent a total of three days- which included flying out on Thursday night and landing back on Monday morning. It was cold and snowing and was just what I needed to getaway from Dubai. (I have already written a long itinerary of stuff that I did there- should you need some inspiration! Three days is plenty to see Tbilisi, Gudauri and the old city of Mtskheta.

Maldives

You can actually go to Maldives in 3 days and back. It will fill up your itinerary, but the three days won’t fill up your heart with enough ocean breeze – especially if you are crazy about the water as I am. It’s beautiful, blue and just reminds you how beautiful the ocean and nature is. You can chill and do absolutely nothing – or you can do tonnes of water sports and run around the whole day and dance the night in the little island disco!

Delhi (India)

While 3 days isn’t enough for Delhi, you could try it. But, don’t try to rope in Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar, etc- because that will be extremely tiring and you won’t be able to really see Delhi! I’m actually planning to go with a weekend and a day with a few friends later in March just to eat and shop. Delhi’s the best place to do some amazing bargain shopping and eats lots of delicious street food (and fine dining). I’ll be sharing my “tourist” itinerary for Delhi soon!

Oman

I haven’t been yet- but it’s definitely on my list of places on one of the weekends. It’s only an hour’s flight away and you can even just drive to it. Besides, there’s so much to do. You could be camping, trekking, swimming, chilling on the beach- the options are limitless!

Jordan

I am one for longer breaks – and while I went to Jordan and stayed for a good 6 days, you might want to go and come back in 3! Land in Amman and you could head straight to the Dead Sea and then to visit Petra. A Little tip- if you are there, do visit Bethany. It was where Christ was baptised but the Cathedral is beautiful!

Azerbaijan

In all fairness, there was a sign in Tbilisi that said the road goes to Baku and I was very tempted. But, Azerbaijan isn’t far from Georgia and the UAE. It’s not Europe’s most popular destinations (yet), but its a beautiful country, with lots of admirable architecture and the Caspian sea. It’s on the books for one of the weekends for me.

 

 

What would you recommend for me? 🙂

10 Food Places I’d Take My Best Friend in Dubai

I keep eating stuff and making mental notes- and whatsapp voice notes to my best friend, Chandni of where I’d take her when she comes to visit me in Dubai. So, I thought, why don’t I do a post about the ten places I’d definitely take Chand- without forgetting. Although, I’m pretty sure when she comes, we’ll be having every single meal and other meals in between everywhere.

First, about Chand. She is a fun girl who likes fish, burgers and desserts. Over the years, we have bonded over our mutual love for desserts and beer, in no particular order. She isn’t a fussy eater, but she’s a critical foodie. And because she’s an amazing baker and cook, she can be pretty judgemental about food. (Mind you that I’m a vegetarian!)

1. Cocoa Kitchen
   I went there pretty recently and pretty much fell in love with the entire concept. So, basically, they use cocoa as a spice in all their dishes. Savoury and sweet, alike. And each dish is pretty exceptional. There, I’d definitely order Butternut Squash Coco Ravioli for me and a Coco Crusted Beef Brisket for her. For dessert, I wouldn’t let her miss their Brownie which was really one of the yummiest brownies I’ve had!
   

   

   https://www.instagram.com/p/BPfAKHsB-Fn/?taken-by=swatsiie

2. Serendipity
   I’d take her here just for dessert. Their giant slice of cheesecake could easily pass as a proper meal. #NoJoke
   
   

   
3. Butter Dessert Salon
   This would count as an ordering in- but I don’t think I’d want her missing this. This little home bakery makes the yummiest chocolate chip Nutella cookies with sea salt. And they are legit. They are so heavy that one cookie is probably as heavy as a cheesecake from Serendipity. She’ll love this- so we can’t not have it!
   
4. Tribes Carnivore
   While there’s not much for me nom on here, she will love the meat haven that this restaurant is. It opened in September- I was actually a part of the PR team that was a part of the opening. Everyone freaked out about the food. And they called it a meat haven. I’ll stick to my salads and the view of the Burj Khalifa, she can freak out on the meat and the fun African tunes!
   
5. La Petite Maison 
   Good wine, fine ambience and scrumptious food. Can’t miss the Buratta at this lovely establishment. And it’s a little fancy- so we get to dress up and pretend to be French posh.
   
6. Reem Al Bawadi
   Say what you want, but I think this place serves exceptional Arabic food. And because you can’t come to Dubai and not eat Arabic food- we can’t be missing this one. They have many branches around Dubai, but I’d take her to the big one on Jumeirah Road. I’ve heard the Grilled Prawns at the establishment are incredible – so she will enjoy this!
   
7. Angelina- the Dubai Mall 
   As much as I’d like to be in Paris with my best friend, dressed up in crazy colourful clothes, channelling my inner Blair, and her as my Serena, we can do a little of that in Dubai. When we will be out gallivanting and raiding the Dubai Mall, I’ll her to Angelina for a delicious Hot Chocolate. I’ve had a lot of hot chocolates, but nothing comes close to this one. We’d probably finish it off with Macaroons at Laudree.
   
8. The Ripe Market- Al Barsha Pond Park
   Hoping that she comes during the season when the Ripe Markets are functioning, we’ll hit the food stands there. I’m thinking those giant New York pizza slices at Pitfire, followed by the dessert which I can’t remember the name of. It’s like this giant croissant cone thing ice cream in it.
   
9. Friends Avenue Cafe
   Chand and I met in college, and the first we really bonded was over chocolate waffles and blueberry pancakes at this place called Peter’s Pan near the college. We were with this insane couple that couldn’t decide if they wanted to stay together or break up and this other insane dude who was continued talking about snakes for like an hour. All friends, of course. Anywhoo, I’m totally going to drag her here for their Friends Caramelized Banana and Strawberries Waffle and some crazy egg dishes.
   
10. Freez
    They have the most amazing shakes. Chand and I love milkshakes. My favourite here is Nutella- although, my friend Natasha is totally obsessed with their Lotus shake. I can see us ordering milkshakes and little pancakes and maybe crepes. Basically, a lot of food.
    

While, this is a very short entry to a long list of places we’d eat at- let’s sign some petitions to hurry her arrival! I miss my best friend!!!!

Can we be tourists in the city we live?

For the past few days, I’ve been listening to a lot of people, who live in Dubai, exploring Dubai like a tourist would. I’m serious- she actually had a few locations listed that I’d only suggested to tourists. And that got me thinking- can we be tourists in the city we live in?

The logical answer to that question is a very simple one, yes. Of course you can. Just decide to do it, and every once in a while, plan and go visit. Go book yourself on for the Burj Khalifa’s top floor and actually do it this time. Sounds pretty easy, right? Nope.

Let’s look at the practical reasoning of what actually happens.

“I need to plan it!”

“Ugh, soon”

“Can you believe I haven’t been yet?”

+

The lingering thought of later and being too busy will get in the way.

I’ll give you my case for instance. Since I’ve turned 17, I’ve lived in Dubai, Riyadh, Delhi, Jaipur and Pune. I am not counting the places I’ve lived when I was younger than that. I’ve never been to any actual touristy spots in any of these places. I mean, I’ve been living in Dubai for 3 (or 4?) years now and I’m yet to go to the top of the Burj Khalifa, or for coffee at the Burj Al Arab (and that’s pretty stupid on my part, considering the latter is a PR client at the agency I work at!) It’s not a matter of not knowing, because I can sit and do as many itineraries you’d want with customized activities.

Meanwhile, I have traveled often, and I’ve visited every tourist-y spot imaginable there. I mean I even ended up at a flea market in Moscow! I spoke to a few more people in my travels and asked if you’ve seen this or that? You won’t believe the number of people who have only visited the Moscow State Fair on a school trip in grade 5 and never after that!

The practical answer here would be: maybe. Maybe you are that person who’s been to every tourist spot in your city, or maybe you are like me who keeps putting it off for later. Or the next time. Or soon.

It’s a matter of thinking there’s always going to be time to do that later. And in my experience, before you know it, that soon’s passed you by. But, will I ever learn? Only time, and this blog will tell!