Chefchaouen Morocco - Exploring the Blue Pearl or Blue City of Morocco J...

What to Pack for Oman - Minimalist Packing for 2 weeks in Oman

Here's what I packed for 2 weeks in Oman, including what to wear in Oman for solo female travellers. You will need to dress very conservatively for Oman, so pack lots of long cotton or linen trousers, leggings and tunics or long sleeved cotton tops. Walking boots and some comfortable flats are essential. You will need to pack very conservative swimwear - a bathing suit plus sarong and T-shirt (no bikinis!) or a swimwear suit that covers the shoulders and thighs. Other good things to take to Oman are Aqua Shoes and waterproof phone case and bags for the Wadis.

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on Mekong Express

Travelling from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap on the Mekong Express! So it was a much longer journey than they suggested to Siem Reap by bus - 6 hours rather than 4! It wasn't the comfiest bus but it was ok. As you can see from the video, we got snack, water and a loo. The weirdest and most unpleasant thing about this journey through Cambodia was the smoke in the evening - they are burning rubbish because there is no rubbish disposal in the Cambodian countryside and you end up breathing the fumes on the bus - definitely not good for your eyes and not good for asthmatics. It's a cheap way to get to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh, but if you can afford it, take an internal flight! You can also read my Lanmei Airlines Review.

Bibi Maryam

We got special permission to visit Bibi Mariam in Tiwi, Oman. This 10th Century tomb has been desolate for a number of years but is currently undergoing restoration. Built by Baha al-Din Ayaz, king of the Hormuz Empire, for his wife Bibi Maryam, makes this tomb Oman's version of the Taj Mahal. You can visit Bibi Maryam easily by driving out from Sur or Muscat. Underneath Bibi Maryam's tomb lies a whole labyrinth of underground mazes, which sadly cannot be explored.

Jebel Shams - Al Hajar Mountains, Oman

Join me for a short hike on Jebel Shams in Oman. Jebel Shams means 'Mountain of the Sun' and it's located in Northeast Oman just North of Al Hamra. It is the highest mountain of the Hajar mountain range and the highest mountain in the gulf. It is possible to do Jebel Shams as a day trip from Muscat - it is around 150 miles from Muscat. The roads to get there are pleasant but going up the mountain you will need a guide and a 4 wheel drive.

What to pack for 4 days in Poland - Minimalist Packing!

Authentic Experiences in Mumbai

On India's East coast in the state of Maharashtra lies India's largest city - a city of contrasts. Known for the Gateway to India and Elephanta caves, Mumbai is fully of historical sites. Here's how to navigate the metropolis of India's largest city and get the best sites under your belt.

Introduction to Mumbai, India

Mumbai is the largest city in India with 13 million habitants. As of 2018, according to United Nations, It is the second-most populous city in India. Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The city attracts visitors from all over the globe for it's food, diversity and sites. But let's be clear on one thing - don't visit Mumbai if you're not a fan of crowds...

Crowds and Commuters of Mumbai

In Mumbai, every day 200 local trains make 2000 trips along 300 kilometers of track. Mumbai’s local train carry 6 million passengers per day, which is equivalent to the entire population of Israel. Many people commute to work but you might see that almost everybody use the train. Mothers drop and pick up their kids by train. Local vendors sell earrings, necklace and even stationary in the Ladies compartment. 

Poverty and Wealth in India

Mumbai is a city of contrasts, and contrasting wealth is no exception. Over 50% of the population live in slums and Mumbai is home to one of the world's largest slum - Dharavi. Yet Mumbai is the wealthiest city of India and has the highest number of millionaires and billionaires. Famous and successful cricket player Sachin Tendulkar lives in Mumbai. Bollywood actors like Shahrukh Khan and Amitabh Bacchan also live in this city. 

People from all over India come to Mumbai to make a living. Be it an actor, Chaat wala, Rickshaw driver, engineer, and even Business owners. There are opportunities for everybody in Mumbai.

History of Mumbai

Mumbai has a deep rooted British history as the city was undee the British Colonial government from 1661–1947, when India gained independence. In 1960, following the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, a new state of Maharashtra was created with Bombay as the capital.

Beaches of Mumbai

Mumbai is surrounded by beaches. So if you decide to visit a beach on a weekend, be ready to see big families enjoying their evening there. Juhu Beach, Marine drive, Versova Beach and Aksa beach to name a few are the most visited ones. 

Places to Visit and Authentic Experiences in Mumbai

Mumbai is filled to the brim with culture - there are many historical places in Mumbai and amazing authentic food. If you are visiting Mumbai be sure to visit these places for a raw experience:

Crawford Market

You will be amazed to see the size of the shop and the number of customers they serve at a time. It is a fun place to explore and buy unique things. You might also want to try some chaat or Mughlai delicacy from around the market. 

There is Mullaji in the lane opposite to Crawford market who sells amazing fried chicken, he opens his stall after 5:30 and all snacks from his stall are almost over by 9. Nearby workers, shoppers, and visitors all enjoy his homemade snacks.

Gateway of India

We know Mumbai is a city of people, but if you want to experience serenity and peace watch the sunrise at the Gateway of India. Marvel as the sun rises from the sea and wakes the city.

Take a Rickshaw ride

Uber and Ola Taxis are everywhere in Mumbai and so are the rickshaws. You might see a celebrity enjoying a rickshaw ride and chatting away with the driver. Be sure to ask the driver to start the meter after you board the rickshaw or agree a price beforehand!

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

The Kala Ghoda Art Festival is India’s Largest multicultural festival. It takes place in the month of February every year. It is held for nine days, from the first Saturday of the month.

The festival sections are visual arts, dance, music, theatre, cinema, literature including children's literature as a subsection, workshops, heritage walks, urban design and architecture (2014), food, a dedicated section for children, and a vibrant street section including stalls selling eco friendly, hand made arts and crafts wares.

Entry is free for all. 

Sabyasachi Store

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is a famous Indian designer from Kolkata. He has designed wedding dresses for Indian celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra, etc. Visit the Sabyasachi store to marvel at Indian Lehengas, Saris and jewelry. 

Bohri Kitchen

If you are a foodie and you are visiting Mumbai, You should definitely try the Bohri Kitchen. Served up in a family home, this weekend-only pop-up dining experience was cooked up by former Google employee Munaf Kapadia. It showcases both the spectacular home cooking of his mother, Nafisa and the unique cuisine of the Bohra Muslim community, which draws on influences from as far afield as Yemen and Gujarat. 

You can book a place by messaging them and reserving a spot. It is a great opportunity to eat and make new friends.