Rice to Riches DISAPPOINTED Me!!

If You're like me crazy about rice puddings Don't visit that place it will disappoint you!! just like all the frozen yogurt places all over the world!! I found this place in New York that sells rice puddings called "Rice to Riches". They offer rice puddings in more than 15 different flavors and you can also choose a topping.. I've heard a lot about this place but when I finally got the chance to try it I didn't really like it, the flavored pudding don't really taste as good as it sounds.. I still favor the traditional Egyptian style rice pudding!! 

My trip to Sri Lanka

• Getting ready for the trip:

     1- Vaccinations (Malaria prophylaxis)

     2- Visa

     3- Mosquito repel spray

     4- Sun protection 

     5- Camera

     6- Casual clothes 

     7- Arrange a tour guide & transportation through out the trip

     8- local Currency (Rupee; Dollars not used frequently). You'll be carrying a lot of cash 

• The trip:

     When I first landed I was very impressed with their airport. 

 

At the airport I took a local phone line which costs 1000 Rupee   (2.500 Kd) including Bbm and internet service for one week trip.

• Bentota, Sri Lanka :

Don't forget your swim suit; the beach is amazing.

Bentota River trip is a must!

Fresh Coconut served on board 

For animal lovers, you'll have a blast

  
• Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage:

Its a lovely experience, you can see wondering elephants getting baths. You can also have a ride ( beware safety is their last concern)

• Kandy, Sri Lanka:

 

It is untouched nature, beautiful but not very well prepared for tourists 

• The Tea Factory:

 

First, leaves are dried here for 12 hours

Then they are dropped here 

grinding the dried leaves

Left to oxidized

Finally the perfect Tea  ranging from Silver tips (the purist) to broken Orange pekoe 

The Botanical Gardens  

• On the way to Colombo:

Again Fresh Coconuts are just everywhere !

Colombo the largest city, there is nothing much to do here only if you are interested in gems (Specially Blue Sapphire and Rubies)

 Finally don't forget to get enough souvenirs (Tea)!

PS: if your looking for a new different adventure and a relaxing trip then Sri Lanka is your destination !

Charming Santa Barbara

If you're ever visiting the States, or are near California, try to make a visit to Santa Barbara. Its a charming place to be for a quick getaway, or a weekend. Its a casual romantic beachy place with pure charm. Santa Barbara is the typical Californian beachy city with tall palm trees lining up the shore, sans the hectic fast paced lifestyle of LA. It is more mellow and calm.

It has hotels lined up by the beach shore, and a long street, State Street, for lots of walking, shopping, sitting at cafe's, or renting bikes.

There's a small boat pier where you can take small sunset boat trips right at the beach end of State Street. Or, you can ride a horse along the beach. 

Other than numerous fun activities to keep yourself busy with, they have some cute restaurants like The Andersens, an amazing place for typical Danish breakfasts where they serve you divine almond croissants as you wait for your order, or an Italian restaurant with a gorgeous seated patio with candle lit tables to dine in as the sun sets.
The Andersens-

I haven't tried this tour below, but it seems like a fun ride.

PS: Its a 5 hour drive from San Diego, or a 3 hour drive from Los Angeles.

Bikes in London

Renting bicycles has never been easier in London.
Not only are they conveniently located around the city, but the ease of payment, and the cleanliness of the bikes make it so convenient and an attractive way of transportation.

Picture from here

I tired renting the bike in Hyde Park and rode it for 3 hours! They have special roads for bikes, even on streets.


All you need is a credit card, comfy clothes, and some energy and you're all set.


You rent the bike at a mini kiosk right by the bike stands, and use your credit card to pay. You then get a receipt that has some serial number (consisting of only numbers 1,2, and 3) and you punch it into the machine that locks the bike in, and the bike is unlocked.


Fast, easy, convenient, couldn't have asked for more.



PS: Don't forget to return your bike

Los Cabos, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas is located in the Mexican state of Baja California. Cabo city is known for its beaches and amazing weather. I visited Cabo last March with my friends. This is definitely one of the most amazing places I have ever been to. Cabo reminded me of a lot of places I have visited such as Cannes, Spain and Sharm AlShaikh.  But still it has its unique exotic atmosphere because it is a mixture of all the previous cities I listed. I went there for a long weekend and I wish I have stayed more! I would like to share this trip with everyone and hopefully people will take the advice and visit Cabo.
Starting with the hotel, We stayed at ME by Melia which is located on Nikki beach. who doesn't want to stay there !! This hotel is the best,I really recommend it and nothing but it. Its also a walking distance from downtown Cabo!! This is a picture of the hotel from the beach side.

  ME hotel is located on Nikki beach, where you can find a lot of activities and attractions such as: water activities (banana donuts), para-sailing, jet ski, scuba diving, henna tattoo and people who can do braids for your hair. Not to forget the fresh seafood restaurants. Here are some of the pictures of Nikki beach that I took myself. 

Downtown Cabo has plenty of local shops and brands as well. You also can find amazing restaurants with great view in the Marina which located in downtown too. From going there I found the city is really amazing and safe but just to be safe and worry free, don't carry lots of cash with you.  
PS: You don't need a Mexican visa if you have an American visa.