Fresh Sounds of the Fall gig review: Dubai hipster, but in a really good way

Scroll down the #Dubai tag on your Instagram feed and you'll find skyscrapers, lots of selfies and fancy cars, which is nice and all, but sometimes you need a change of pace.

On Saturday, I headed down to the Dubai Garden Centre for a gig called Fresh Sounds of the Fall by a UAE music initiative, Freshly Ground Sounds. 

Another in a string of chilled out, acoustic open mic gigs that encourage newbie/amateur/non-commercial performers to come up and perform for a welcoming, supportive community of music lovers.

All the performers were amazing. Highlights include Kali Juali (not just for their name, which if you haven't figured it out is a spin on the popular Arabic phrase "Khalli Walli"), whose set included a cover of Dave Matthews Band "Crash into Me" using wind chimes; Therese and Shane's cover of Riptide; Josh Monteath, whose vocals were enjoyed by the majority, and who was a clear crowd favorite; sisters Iman and Sarah's cover of Ghost, which was lovely; elecro/synth indie band Parallel Sound System, who were jamming when we entered, and are a new favorite of mine for their chilled out sound; and 'Nushka, whose cover of The Chainsmoker's "Kanye" was a standout.

The venue, which had a BBQ station and pop up shops like The Sameness Project's #TheConversationChair, which encouraged strangers to sit with each other and have a conversation - with Humans of New York-esque questions like "What is the biggest problem you're facing today?"

The UAE has a burgeoning indie scene and it was refreshing to see that the crowd and performers were a mix of young and old, and of different cultural backgrounds.

Sidenote: I bought a tiny basil pot at the Garden Centre because it just smelt so good I couldn't resist and how often do you get to go plant shopping anyway?

As the weather gets a bit cooler in Dubai, outdoor gigs can only get more relaxing and enjoyable. Freshly has announced its next gig is on October 20th - more details can be found on their Facebook page at the bottom of this post.

(Image: Instagram @h1980) 

(Image: Instagram @hibawaraich)

(Image: Instagram @whatsondubai)

 Instagram @imanalshaybani)

Freshly Ground Sounds website, Facebook.

You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or here!

What it's like to go 31 days without a smartphone

I've been pretty MIA this past month and let me tell you why.

I lost my phone.

I was pretty heartbroken about it, but like everyone was quick to tell me, while looking up for 5 seconds from their own phone screens, things could be worse. At least I had my health.

It's not a particularly unique case of a missing phone. I was out with a few friends, the next day when I looked for my phone to look at the (probably terrible) selfies from last night, I realized what happened.

It was heartwrenching. Everything, EVERYTHING was on that phone.

Phone numbers, notes, appointments, Google maps which I relied to navigate around Dubai (I'm the worst), my alarms for work (I had at least five), pictures, videos, my really cute polka dot phone cover that everyone hated.

We did what we could to try and locate the phone - I had installed the lose my Android app with GPS which shows you the last location before the phone died, we deduced it was probably in the cab, but after many calls to RTA, there was no answer about the phone and the case was closed. People told me to lodge a case with Dubai Police, in case the phone was stolen, but I knew at that point it was pretty much hopeless. The phone was gone for good.

40 days? Why did you go that long without a phone?

I didn't. A week later, I caved and decided to upgrade to a newer version of my old phone. Unluckily for me, upon opening the box the first day, I discovered the device was defective. Long story short, after multiple visits to the seller, and a lot of struggles with the management, I handed back the phone and got my refund.

By strange coincidence, all this happened around the time of the iPhone 6 launch, and the Middle East's largest electronics event, Gitex, where they planned to release it to the public.

I read every blog post, watched every product review, and every news article about the iPhone 6. #Bendgate had me a little concerned but I have the upper body strength of a toddler, and wouldn't bend my phone like a very expensive Twizzler anytime soon.

In the meantime, I used a replacement phone without any internet data package (I felt like I was living in 2004 again).

On the day of the launch I headed there, braved the throngs of people and went up to the first seller I saw -

Me: "Do you have -"

Seller: "The iPhone 6. Nope, all sold out."

This was Day 30 without a smartphone. Getting home after pushing myself out of the swarm of shoppers, I was sweaty, exhausted and emotions were running high.

My concerned sister went online and purchased an iPhone 6 from JadoPado (a Godsend) and I had the phone a day later.

I was overjoyed.

31 days of endurance without a smartphone. With having to sit and watch other people happily using their own phones.

Source: Gifly

Of being the last one to dish out on anything new or be up to date with news.

Source: Gifly

Resorting to desperate measures to appear less awkward in public. (Image source: Gifly)

Of missing that 15 minutes of bliss in bed before sleeping.

Of not taking any selfies. When I got my hair cut, it made friends and coworkers do a double take since they hadn't seen any pictures online. I think people may have forgotten what I looked like completely.

Source: Gifly

Of not being able to surreptitiously glance at my phone when I was bored, or when I needed to Google something or Shazam a song, or show someone something cool.

Ooops, I can't.  (Image source: Gifly)

I know there were a few times I was glad I didn't have a phone.  I went to Lady Gaga's Monster Ball and Zedd in Dubai. Both were absolutely amazing, and even better because I wasn't one of the hundreds of other concert-goers with raised hands recording blurry footage on their phones, and Snapchatting selfies to make their friends at home jealous.

Source

Or realizing how rude it was when people were on their phones constantly during a meal or at the cinema.

Source: Gifly

I saw this video that went viral that talks about the social media age we are in currently. It makes you think about taking a break from your phone and appreciating real life once in a while.

I watched it from my iPhone, oh well.

So what have you guys been up to? Connect with me on Facebook or Twitter or in the comments below. I can finally talk to you guys and I'm so glad I can!

How to get your hair dyed purple in Dubai

I've been having severe hair envy lately, and it's for crazy hair colours. 

So I bought some hair dye online and went to my go-to hair salon in Karama to get it done.

I know what you're thinking. Karama? Really? 

You don't understand, I have severe trust issues when it comes to hairdressers (and men), and have basically been going to the same salon I've been going to since I received by first bowl haircut (at the time bowl cuts were at the height of toddler chic) and whenever I get my hair done, it's always been a good job.

My trusted hairdresser, Chimi, greeted me and didn't bat an eyelash when I told her I wanted purple hair, so I took it as a sign of good faith that she knew her sh*t.

As I sat in the chair waiting for the bleach to do its business there seemed to be a lot of interest in the fact that I was getting my hair dyed purple. Especially since the tub of dye looked like this:

Oh, I had reason to panic alright!

After my hair was bleached, I noticed that my hair looked... not that bleached. I asked Chimi, who confidently said, "This bleach enough, red, purple, same thing. It works."

So I shut up and sat while another hairdresser, Pouffy applied the purple dye. Pouffy, whose real name is actually Erika I later found, has been rocking the same lady mullet hairstyle since the 80's. (She doesn't know I call her Pouffy in my mind, thank God. I'm a bit frightened of her).

This is why I think of her as Pouffy.

As I waited for the purple dye to do it's business, curious salon-goers asked me why I wanted to dye my hair purple.

"Just wanted to try something different with my hair. I'm just a bit bored."

While getting the dye washed out, I anxiously asked Chimi, "Is it purple?"

"Um... It looks sort of brown. Maybe it's the dye?"

"The dye is purple."

"I don't know, it doesn't look purple... maybe it's because the hair is wet. Let's wait and see."

Well, we waited, and we saw. I think Chimi highly overestimated her purple hair dyeing skills.

The result? Well, not what I intended, but I guess it is different, and definitely not as bad as it could have gone.

Yay for unintentional ombre?

You have to look really really hard to see the purple. (My hair is on the right, the hair I wanted is left)

I decided I wouldn't do anything to correct it, bleaching your hair really takes a lot out of it.

I'm going to wait and do my hair in one of the salons reputed for crazy colour hair dyeing, haven't decided which one yet, but I've found a few Dubai bloggers who've succeeded in awesome hair.

Sara, from Sara in Dubai. Photo credit

Kate from Desert Twins. Photo credit

If you, like me, are suffering from hair envy, check out their hair salon experiences and let me know if you have had mishaps/any luck at salons yourself! 

Links:

Desert Twins

Sara in Dubai 

Find me on Twitter, Facebook or talk to me in the comments below!

On Women Empowerment in Music, Advertising & Social Media: Feminism at its best or worst?

Not sure if this was planned, but 3 songs were released in quick succession of one another, and they all are about empowering women about acknowledging their beauty (I wonder if this is something that's decided is "on-trend" now by research analysts and big recording labels decide to run with it.)

Altogether not a new concept for sure, anyone who's been alive the past few years has undoubtedly come across one or two Dove real beauty viral videos or tried to get One Direction's "You don't know you're beautiful" out of their heads), but I kind of dig the new wave of positivity, acceptance and self awareness in the media these days concerning women empowerment and female body image.

If you, like me, found yourself pretty much bawling after John Legend's video, here's a lighthearted debut from Meghan Trainor. A fun, cute-sy song that may be bordering on skinny hate and pandering to men - "Yeah my momma she told me don't worry about your size. She says, boys they like a little more booty to hold at night."

If you think I'm a little harsh, that's nowhere near the criticism John Legend's song has received from Buzzfeed and New Republic with statements like "Don't tell us we don't know we're beautiful, and certainly don't tell us that our ignorance to this fact is our best quality. We're good."

The Internet is never happy, really.

But I think advertising campaigns choosing to forgo photoshop like Aerie's unretouched lingerie ads at the start of the year, or Vanessa Hudgen's endorsed clothing campaign is a step in the right direction. Even with all the hate #nomakeupselfie campaign received, if all it takes is a little selfie to make a teen girl feel better about herself at a time when it's common to experience crippling low-self esteem, then what's the harm, right? 

Always #LikeAGirl was another campaign done right recently, where the words "Like a Girl" were reclaimed from being a derogatory remark to something that cannot be categorized in anyway, and attempted somewhat to shatter a cultural cliche of demeaning women with those words. Far from shattering social media records, I think a true victory was a comment from a father on Facebook who wrote "When I watched #LikeaGirl, I cried like a boy".

You're probably wondering how feminism comes into play here, oh and believe me it does. I won't delve too deeply into a topic so hotly discussed, but what I will say is that feminism is all about power in a woman's decision, and freedom to choose. It's about equality.

So in terms of videos where you're told "you don't have to try so hard" by putting your makeup on, getting your nails done, curling your hair, running that extra mile, "so they like you", who's to say women don't do all those things to make themselves happy, and it's not all about pleasing other people?

Should videos presume to think that women do all these things out of insecurity alone? Can't women just be free to do whatever they want without their actions being judged and condemned?

With that note, I'll leave you with a link to one of my favorite bloggers in Dubai. LuAnne, of Weesha's World,  a plus-size fashion blogger who has killer style and oodles of confidence, who DGAF about the world's messed up beauty standards.

LuAnne of Weesha's World. (Image credit)

Check out Luanne's posts on body image here.
There's also Hello Giggles, founded by the Queen of Quirk herself, Zooey Deschanel, which is a positive online community for women, you can find anything from fashion, beauty, pop culture and everything in between. Check out their Facebook page here, and website here.

What did you think about the music videos and viral campaigns? Do you feel it's empowering to women? Let me know your thoughts on Twitter, Facebook or in the comments below!

Censorship in Dubai: My experiences, as a Dubai born and raised 20 something

Censorship is a somewhat controversial topic in Dubai.

Which is why this is more of a tongue-in-cheek look at what I've experienced, being born and raised in Dubai. (There's a point I'm leading up to, you'll have to read on until the end to find out!)

Arguably the raciest thing on local Dubai TV in the 90's was the long running soap, The Bold and the Beautiful, yet not a single kiss was broadcasted over the course of its long, long run. It was pretty much all left to your imagination what happened between Brooke and Ridge. Makes you wonder how they ended up filming scenes of Brooke's wedding (was it no. 8? I lost count...) in Dubai and if the groom was even allowed to kiss the bride. (I'm sure someone rode in on a camel to interrupt the whole wedding anyway...)

The cast of B&B in Dubai just this year

Listening to the radio is mostly a fill in the blanks exercise. What's funny is that when you finally download and listen to the original uncensored version, you can't decide if you really like it.

Meh

Somehow sounds a bit better, doesn't it?

Movies are the most flabbergasting (flabbergasting, now that's a word you don't see too often!). I waited eighteen years to finally watch an R rated movie in Dubai. And when I finally did, everything was censored, which pretty much made it as G rated as, well, Puss in Boots, but even that wasn't good enough for Dubai.

Trying to research online for a topic that's a bit risque would be a landmine of trying to not see this on your screen:

So with all this in mind, you can say that everyone here is a bit over cautious when it comes to posting something online. 

For example, popular Dubai tweeter, @dubainameshame, began tweeting in 2011, naming and shaming bad driving and bad customer service in Dubai, however, was soon was curbed by Dubai Police when made aware of Dubai's strict libel laws which protect individuals and businesses against slander.

Even as an avid social media user, I've made a few mistakes; in real life, it's a lot like having foot in mouth disease where you think you're saying something completely innocent, and then realising you've said something completely inappropriate. 

Recently, while I was driving with a friend who's new to Dubai, she casually enquired, "What's with that yellow worm I see all over Dubai?" At first I was confused, but then I realised what she meant.

Modhesh, an anthropomorphised, constantly perky sun, mascot of the DSS (Dubai Summer Surprises)

I was amused and posted the anecdote on Facebook, tagging her.

A few hours later, she anxiously messaged me to take the post down, because it might be insulting to the creators (who, incidentally, are quite aware of the mascot's confusing appearance. Read more here.) I subsequently took the post down. 

Freedom of speech/freedom of the press is a constant query in the region, and there are laws and restrictions on what you can post and what you can't. Journalists are aware of the nuances in Dubai (not posting about alcohol drinking - it's done tactfully saying "sip of grape" or "have a few", for example), but what about the general public, people using social media, or clueless bloggers out there (me, mostly).

It's a matter of trial and error, but what if it's an error that brings a trial upon you? (Cheesy wordplay, please forgive me.) 

So a few tips:

1. It's a good rule of texting thumb to never swear on social media, or find more creative ways of doing so. 

2. If you spot a bad driver on the road, never post their picture online, send their details to Dubai Police directly. They have Lamborghinis, they'll be a lot faster at catching the crook. 

3. Look up the laws in Dubai, and brush up every now and then if you're an expat, or even if you're a local. Be a geek  good citizen.

4. Ask someone else read what you post before it goes out and if it's alright.

5. A good question to ask yourself is "Could I say that to my grandmother?" Another one would be, "Could I look someone in the eye and say this word for word and not cringe?"

6. But most probably, if you have to ask, it's usually not safe to post.

7. Social media attacks are kinda lame. Find something better to do with your time. 

8. It's freedom of speech, not freedom to be a d-bag.

9. Before chiming in, do your research, check newspapers, blogs and social media. You can get an idea which ideas are cray-cray, and which are sound.

10. Don't be afraid to speak! Ever! I'm proud of living in this city, you get to hear so many different ideas from different cultures; it shapes your world view in a much more interesting way than if we were constantly censoring ourselves and conforming to cookie-cutter statements.

So anyway, in retrospect, I can understand why the Modhesh post could have been taken the wrong way, but I'm still on the fence about whether it's really that bad. If it was posted about in Dubai's press, it clearly can't be that controversial, which prompted me to write this blog post in the first place.

I'm quite curious to hear your thoughts on the subject, you can talk to me on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments below!

Review of Mo's Diner at Citywalk Dubai: Perfect for "light" comfort food and a chill hang

When you're a 20-something, living in Dubai, it's a bit daunting to choose what to try next with so many new things happening in the city everyday. Citywalk launched in Dubai last year, and I kept meaning to visit, but never managed to. And after finally visiting last week, I'm kicking myself for the error of my ways.

I mean, just look at the fabulous location.

With Ramadan around the corner, it's a nice time to go for a stroll to the shops, stop for some shisha, and a while you're there, pop over to Mo's Diner. 

Mo's is known for its infamous "Mo's Sundae challenge" — a mammoth of a dessert which, shamefully, I believe I'd have been consumed quite easily, if it weren't for the 4 bananas. 8 scoops of ice cream in 30 minutes? Pfft! I think I've had more after a particularly bad dating disaster.

But with my friend being lactose intolerant, we decided we weren't cut out for death by dessert. Death by TNT Shrimp Tacos sounded a lot better! We played a little game of "Kill, marry, casually date" with the guac, salsa and sour cream as options. We both unanimously agreed, the guacamole was marriage material!

TNT Shrimp Tacos with guacamole, salsa and sour cream dip. 

Mo's bills itself as a family diner with all-American comfort food, but I was impressed that it also offered healthy options like grilled salmon, light sandwiches and sugar-free ice teas as well.

Black Jasmine Ice tea, best ice tea ever!

To start off, we had the baked meatballs, which will pretty much make you never split starters with friends ever again. Comfort food at its best, the dish reminded me of a lighter lasagne.

Baked meatballs with biscotti

To cap it all off, we chose the honey cake, which was one of the best cakes I've had in my life.

Thin delicate layers of mille feuille (that's fancy for "many sheets") of soft, moist cake . Bites of it dissolved in your mouth, with the honey being sinfully delicious but not overpoweringly sweet. Not going to lie, I'm lusting for it all over again while writing this review.

The staff was attentive and helpful in recommending things to try. Friendly waiters are always a pleasure to have

The atmosphere inside was laid back and relaxed. We had lunch at the walk on Saturday, but the place was still filled with customers.

We enjoyed our dessert outside, people-watching the couples and families that were strolling around. The outdoors, albeit slightly empty, with people probably shying away from the 40 degree midday temperatures of Dubai, was beautiful. I'd recommend coming in the evenings when there's a bit of a buzz from people sitting outdoors and you're not melting too much!

For more about Mo's, have a look at their menu here or visit their website.

A meal for two would come up to Dhs 100 - 200; on the cusp of indulgence, but still casual.

Have you visited Mo's at Citywalk? Let me know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter!

ĐIỂM ĐẾN DU LỊCH HÈ

Giữa cái nóng oi bức ngày hè, thật tuyệt vời khi mường tượng ta ở đâu đó trên bờ biển. Sải bước dạo trên những bờ cát trắng mịn màng và phía xa xa là một vùng biển bao la với muôn ngàn sóng vỗ. Từng làn gió biển dịu dàng khẽ mơn man làn da, thổi vào hồn du khách thanh âm rì rào của sóng, mùi hương của hải sản tươi ngon vừa nướng vội, tiếng vọng lách tách của đá tan chảy trong những ly cocktail ướp lạnh… 

Đến với biển Nam Trung Bộ là mở ra hành trình với vô tận những khoảnh khắc ngọt ngào dành cho người yêu biển. Biển cả bao la sẽ mang đến cho du khách nhiều địa danh để trải lòng với một trời trong xanh và dòng nước mát để xua tan mọi muộn phiền mà tận hưởng giây phút thư thái. Nha Trang, Quy Nhơn, Mũi Đại Lãnh, Ninh Chữ, Mũi Né… đều là những cái tên gợi mở về một kỳ nghỉ lý tưởng. Du khách không chỉ được tận hưởng vẻ đẹp thiên nhiên mà còn được tìm hiểu về những giá trị văn hóa, và di tích lịch sử nơi đây.

Duyên hải Nam Trung Bộ ôm trong mình những bãi biển đẹp làm đắm say lòng người

Từ Ninh Chữ nên thơ

Bãi biển Ninh Chữ thuộc thôn Bình Sơn, thị trấn Khánh Hải, huyện Ninh Hải, cách thành phố Phan Rang 6 km về phía đông, được xem là một trong những bãi biển đẹp nhất của miền Trung Việt Nam vì có thắng cảnh tuyệt đẹp và là một khu du lịch tiềm năng, thu hút nhiều du khách. Với lợi thế trải dài 10 km bờ biển bằng phẳng hình bán nguyệt, nước trong xanh, cát trắng mịn tạo thành những triền cát dài màu vàng nhạt, không khí trong lành, ít sóng, nơi đây mang đến cảm giác yên bình vô cùng trong hành trình về với biển, rất được du khách ưa thích.

Ninh Chữ như viên ngọc sáng trong của biển

Biển Ninh Chữ bao quanh bởi rừng dương và các núi Ðá Chồng, núi Tân An, núi Cà Ðú nên rất thích hợp cho các hoạt động tắm biển, lướt ván, câu cá, du thuyền, leo núi… Bên cạnh đó, Ninh Chữ với khí hậu mát mẻ, nắng ấm quanh năm và vườn dương sát biển khiến du khách đến đây có thể nằm dài trên thảm lá dương để ngắm biển, lặng nghe âm vị của đất trời. Đây cũng là một trong những điểm nhấn đặc biệt, góp phần thu hút du khách của Ninh Chữ.  

Khung cảnh nên thơ và còn giữ nguyên nét hoang sơ rất riêng

Mỗi sáng, mặt trời dần nhô ra khỏi ngọn núi nhỏ đằng đông, nhuộm cả góc trời một tông màu rực rỡ, tương phản hoàn toàn với màn đêm còn sót lại trên bãi biển hay trên những dãy núi đá. Cả vùng biển, vùng núi đá trở nên lung linh dưới ánh mặt trời vừa thực vừa ảo khiến cho Ninh Chữ trở nên tuyệt đẹp, mờ mờ ảo ảo trong làn sương sớm. 

Khoảnh khắc bình yên và đẹp đến không thể quên

Hoang sơ Mũi Đại Lãnh

Mũi Điện hay còn gọi là Mũi Đại Lãnh, thuộc thôn Phước Tân, xã Hòa Tâm, huyện Đông Hòa, tỉnh Phú Yên. Đây là một nhánh của dãy Trường Sơn đâm ra biển, do một tướng người Pháp có tên Varella phát hiện ra, vì thế, trước đây, người ta gọi đó là Cap Varella. Điểm đặc biệt của địa danh này là ở chỗ nó như một ngọn núi, lại giống một hòn đảo vì có một suối nước ngọt tách nó ra khỏi đất liền, nhưng thực chất nó lại là đất liền... Đứng từ trên cao, ta sẽ nhìn thấy rõ con suối nước ngọt chảy zíc zắc ra biển. Đây chính là một bể bơi nước ngọt tự nhiên cho những người tắm biển tại bãi Môn.

Mũi Điện là điểm đến thú vị cho người thích trải nghiệm

Để khám phá Mũi Đại Lãnh người ta có thể đi từ phía Nha Trang ngược ra bắc, theo đèo Cả rồi rẽ xuống vịnh Vũng Rô; hay đi từ phía Tuy Hòa men theo con đường biển tuyệt đẹp dài 40 km hướng về phía nam là tới nơi. Nằm dưới chân Mũi Đại Lãnh là Bãi Môn yên ả với cát biển trắng phau mịn màng, dòng nước trong xanh mát rượi. Có thể nói biển Mũi Đại Lãnh còn tương đối hoang sơ, ít chịu tác động của con người nên rác thải hầu như không có. Cách đây vài năm, muốn lên ngọn hải đăng phải băng theo con đường mòn qua núi, giờ đây, người ta đã xây dựng xong cây cầu đi bộ băng qua con suối nước ngọt, mở ra cơ hội tiếp cận, khám phá cho du khách yêu thích loại hình du lịch biển.

Đặc biệt, những ai từng một lần đến với Mũi Đại Lãnh chắc chắn sẽ ngạc nhiên, thích thú với nét đặc trưng của địa danh này – nơi đón ánh bình minh đầu tiên, và cũng là điểm trên đất liền gần hải phận quốc tế nhất của Tổ Quốc. Đến đây, bạn có thể leo lên hải đăng để tham quan, đứng trên điểm cực đông của tổ quốc để ngắm nhìn một dải giang sơn cẩm tú. Sau khi tham quan ngọn hải đăng, du khách đi bộ xuống Bãi Môn, đắm mình trong làn nước trong mát để cảm nhận sự ưu đãi của tạo hóa dành cho mảnh đất Phú Yên. Từ bãi Môn phóng tầm mắt, ta có thể ngắm nhìn đỉnh ngọn hải đăng cao vút, bên dưới là những khối đá to chồng dựng đứng lên như một kiệt tác của thiên nhiên. Có khi, du khách cũng có thể mang theo lều bạt để cắm trại qua đêm dưới Bãi Môn để ngắm nhìn Mũi Đại Lãnh về đêm, lung linh huyền hoặc bởi những luồng chớp tạo thành những quầng sáng xa xa trên bầu trời. Giữa màn đêm ấy, hàng trăm ngọn đèn của tàu thuyền đánh cá nhấp nhô trên biển ấy như hòa vào nhau trong điệu vũ hân hoan, kéo dài đến tận chân trời tạo thành dải sáng phân cách giữa bầu trời và biển cả.

Hình ảnh vùng biển tấp nập thuyền bè cũng đẹp lắm thay

Không dừng lại ở đó, vùng duyên hải Nam Trung Bộ còn đưa du khách đến với danh thắng núi Nhạn, sông Đà, núi Đá Bia, thắng cảnh Vũng Rô, gành Đá Đĩa, Nhà thờ Mằng Lăng (Phú Yên). Tiếp đến khách được về Ghềnh Ráng, thăm đầm Thị Nại, Quy Nhơn, bán đảo Phương Mai, dấu tích cơ sở truyền giáo Nước Mặn và Tiểu chủng viện Làng Sông (Bình Định).

Đừng quên mang theo máy ảnh để ghi lại những khung hình độc thế này nhé

… Đến “Nước Mặn”, nơi cội nguồn chữ Việt

Hành trình về biển miền Trung không chỉ mang đến cho du khách một vùng biển trời bao la, sóng nước rạt rào mà còn đưa du khách đến những điểm tham quan tuyệt vời, mang trong mình những giá trị văn hóa độc đáo như điểm dừng chân gành Đá Đĩa, đầm Ô Loan nức tiếng. 

Vẻ đẹp của gành Đá Đĩa

Đá Đĩa không hổ danh là gành biển "độc sầu" thế giới, với những trụ đá ngũ giác xếp khít bên nhau, nghiêng đứng thẫm màu nhìn ra biển Đông. Bữa trưa với đặc sản đầm nước lợ Ô Loan, với các món sò huyết, tôm đất, hàu sữa, cua ghẹ, cá mú... Chắc chắn ai cũng phải tấm tắc gật đầu khen ngon. 

Thưởng thức hải sản tươi ngon là thú vui khi đi biển 

Nổi bật trên con đường "bên núi, bên biển" tuyệt đẹp ấy, tìm về Nước Mặn, nơi phôi thai của chữ quốc ngữ ngày xưa, ngang qua Gò Bồi, quê ngoại của ông vua thơ tình Việt Nam - thi sĩ Xuân Diệu du khách còn được ghé thăm giếng nước ngọt duy nhất từ ngày xưa cho đến bây giờ ở vùng Nước Mặn. Từ giếng nước ngọt này, các thừa sai Dòng Tên đã phụng sự công việc truyền đạo cho người Việt Nam thông qua phương tiện chữ quốc ngữ do cha Francisco de Pina sáng chế và cha Đắc Lộ hoàn chỉnh. Hay tham quan dấu tích nhà in Làng Sông ra đời trước năm 1872 nằm trong tiểu chủng viện Làng Sông với mục đích in ấn giáo lý sau khi chữ quốc ngữ phôi thai. Imprimerie de Làng Sông ngoài sách in bằng tiếng La tinh, tiếng Pháp còn in sách bằng chữ quốc ngữ là một trong 3 nhà in ra đời sớm nhất ở Việt Nam. Giữa cánh đồng lúa Phước Sơn êm đềm nằm trong vựa lúa Tuy Phước, Tiểu chủng viện Làng Sông vẫn nổi bật với hai hàng cây sao cổ thụ với kiến trúc gothic đẹp lạ lùng…

Chủng viện Làng Sông

Chỉ cần đến duyên hải ven biển Nam Trung Bộ, du khách sẽ thoát khỏi nhịp sống ngày thường và hòa mình vào không gian rất riêng của trời biển, để cảm nhận được tình yêu biển dâng trào như vô vàn sóng vỗ.

Mùa hè đi biển là gợi ý tuyệt vời nhất

CHÙM TOUR DU LỊCH BIỂN MÙA HÈ 

GIÁ GIẢM TỪ 30-45% 

PHAN THIẾT - MŨI NÉ - KHÁM PHÁ LÂU ĐÀI RƯỢU VANG (2ngày) 

KH: Thứ 7 hàng tuần - Giá từ: 1.990.000đồng 

NINH CHỮ - ĐÀ LẠT (4ngày) 

KH: 7/7; 4/8/2014 - Giá từ: 2.690.000đồng 

NHA TRANG - MŨI ĐẠI LÃNH - PHÚ YÊN - GÀNH ĐÁ DĨA (5ngày) 

KH: 23/6;  7,21/7;  8,18/8/2014 - Giá từ: 3.390.000đồng 

HÀ TIÊN - MŨI NAI - ĐẢO NGỌC PHÚ QUỐC - RẠCH GIÁ (4ngày) 

KH: 16, 30/6; 14, 28/7; 11,25/8/2014 - Giá từ: 3.990.000đồng 

GIÁ GIẢM TỪ  800.000 - 3.000.000đồng 

KDL SUỐI KHOÁNG NÓNG BÌNH CHÂU (2ngày) Thiên Đường Nghỉ Dưỡng Cao Cấp Vietsopetro Hồ Tràm 

KH: Chủ nhật cách tuần - Giá từ: 1.990.000đồng 

KH: Thứ 7 hàng tuần - Giá từ: 2.290.000đồng 

QUY NHƠN - VỀ MIỀN ĐẤT ĐỊA LINH NHÂN KIỆT (3ngày) 

KH: Thứ 6 hàng tuần - Giá từ: 4.190.000đồng 

NHA TRANG - BÃI BÀNG - HÒN TRE - VINPEARLLAND (4 ngày) 

KH: Thứ 5, 7 hàng tuần - Giá từ: 2.990.000đồng 

NHA TRANG - KDL WONDERPARK - KDL TRĂM TRỨNG - VINPEARLLAND (3 ngày) - máy bay 

KH: Thứ 7 hàng tuần - Giá từ: 3.890.000đồng 

NHA TRANG - PHÚ YÊN - GÀNH ĐÁ DĨA - QUY NHƠN - GHỀNH RÁNG - TIÊN SA (5ngày) - máy bay (Khách sạn 3 & 4 sao) 

KH: Thứ 3 hàng tuần - Giá từ: 5.790.000đồng

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Vietravel - 190 Pasteur, P.6, Q.3, TP. Hồ Chí Minh.

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The Fault in Our Stars Movie/Book Review

The Fault in Our Stars was one of the most hyped books of 2013, and subsequently became one of the most hyped movies of 2014.

I should have learned my lesson after Twilight, but I guess curiosity is my hamartia (inside reference if you've read the book/watched the movie.)

The movie releases tomorrow, June 12th across the UAE, and I was one of the lucky ones who got to see the premier. What did I think of the movie? It was as good as the book... which was, not very good.

TFIOS fell short of meeting my expectations. "This book is well written," I kept thinking to myself, "so why is it that I feel absolutely nothing?" Then I went into the movie thinking that Shailene Woodley, who is a brilliant actor, and Ansel Elgort, would be able to vindicate the story for me.

I mean it's got two kids having cancer, that should do the trick, right? FEEL ALL THE FEELINGS!

But it just never felt real to me. I know they were kids on the brink of death and were supposed to be wiser than most, but them droning on and on about metaphors, and the meaning of the universe, and quoting from a book that didn't even seem all that great, just made me want to scream at them, "SHUT UP, YOU PRETENTIOUS HIPSTER CANCER KIDS!"

When Augustus takes out his cigarette in the aircraft, that was the pinnacle of hipster douchebag nonsense that made me forever hate both him, for being such an insufferable douchey time-waster (to make an air hostess stop and tell him to put his pack away), and Hazel, for putting up with his douchery and trying to explain his preoccupation with metaphorical resonances. 

The movie is a diluted version of the book. All the things that make the book gritty and raw, like the -SPOILER ALERT- physical effects of the cancer taking its toll on Ansel and how it affects his relationship with Hazel, or the anger and grief Hazel feels after Ansel's death, their cynical view on the existence of God, or the real reason Hazel cares so much about what happens to the characters in Van Houten's novel (because it's a reflection of the fear she has of dying and leaving her parents with no joy/lives) all were brushed aside, and in the end it was just as bad as a sparkling vampire and vapid girl falling in love.

Sorry, not sorry.

At least the movie watching experience was completely fabulous. VOX Gold is an experience you have to have more than once in your life - I can't wait to go back to gourmet food and reclining theatre seats! 

So you can eat mezze with Kebbe in a cinema. Let's just stay here forever. #TFIOSVOXOkay so Vox Gold is amazing! @abbasthebuilder and I are sitting in our reclining seats, can't wait for the movie to begin! #TFIOSVOX

I never did feel the need to use these! Way too sappy for my taste.

#TFIOSVOX premier. In case of feels use tissues! 

Are you a fan of the book? Are you thinking of watching the movie? Let me know what you think on Twitter, Facebook or the comments below!

Book tickets on VOX here!