/**/ July 2015 - Travel + Decor + DIY

Why Visit Bergen This Summer

Most of my trips happened during summer and winter ( I wish it will be all season ---someday, someday) and I must say, summer for me is always the best time to travel. You can travel light! That is a big plus for me. With only a pair of jeans, tank top, a couple of shirts, flipflops and a comfortable trekking shoes, you can survive already. While during winter, you'll need to wear layers, layers...and you guessed it right, LAYERS.

As I am planning for another summer trip, I thought of sharing a series of places which you can consider visiting on your next short (or maybe long) summer holidays.

First city for this series is my favorite! Bergen in Norway!

[caption id="attachment_3125" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Viewing Deck on Top of Mount Ulriken.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3130" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog A very busy town center.[/caption]

Bergen is often called 'the city among the seven mountains'  aside from being one of the rainiest city in Europe. It is also a place known for its historic and picturesque wharf where you can travel back in time walking along its cobbled streets.

[caption id="attachment_3134" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Typical view of a sunny summer in Bergen.[/caption]

I went to Bergen last summer after one of my travel (best) buddies invited me to visit his beautiful city. He told me (almost) everything about Bergen, trying to convince me that visiting Bergen is a great idea for my next adventure. Well, it was not a long persuasion, I said yes right a way, after the sentence "come to Bergen and I will take care of you" hahahaha.... I BOOKED A FLIGHT RIGHT AWAY!

After my trip I can now say that it was one of my best summer trips. Although this blog is not really a 'How To' blog, what I will be sharing are some points on why visiting Bergen on your next summer holiday is a good idea.

1. You'll experience one of the longest days in your life (not in a bad way).


[caption id="attachment_3159" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Sunset Bergen at 11pm.[/caption]

Day time on summer months in the north is one of the longest, not only in Europe but in the world. Yes, Norway is in the north, so Bergen is part of these places. During my stay there (July), the sun sets normally around 11pm and by 4am, you can already start to see the sunlit sky. That's 19 hours of sunny outdoors! Talk about adding hours to experience the city.

2. You'll have a view of the city in seven different angles


Surrounded by seven mountains, you'll have seven summits with seven different views of the city. During my trip, I have been to 4 of those summits and each one will give you a different perspective of Bergen.

[caption id="attachment_3158" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Bergen view from Mount Sandviksfjellet (the first mountain I hiked in Norway). Mostly locals are trekking this mountain and very few tourists.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3160" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Bergen view from Mount Ulriken. You can ride a cable car to get to the summit (so if you are not the hiking type of person, this is the mountain for you). This a top destination for most tourists.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3168" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Bergen view from Mount Floyen. Another tourist summit.[/caption]

3. You can hike in seven different paths


In relation to point number 2, being a city with seven summits, you'll also get seven different hiking paths. The seven mountain (and summit paths are) Lyderhorn, DamsgÃ¥rdsfjellet, Løvstakken, Ulriken, Fløyen, Rundemannen, and Sandviksfjellet. In Ulriken, which is the highest summit, you'll have an option to ride a cable cart ---which we did haha.

[caption id="attachment_3141" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Our very first hike in Mount  Sandviksfjellet. Because it was my first Norwegian hike, and straight from the airport, I was so tired but upon seeing the view from the summit, I can say is it was worth all the effort![/caption]

I think if you are looking for a place to experience and appreciate the outdoors, Bergen is the perfect place for you. Did I mentioned that you can hike all these mountains for FREE?

[caption id="attachment_3126" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Our last trek, Mount Lyderhorn. I was a bit emotional knowing that this was my last view of the city after climbing its mountains almost everyday.[/caption]

4. You can visit one of Unesco's World Heritage Site


During the summer, you can join one of the historic walks around Bryggen, a UNESCO protected wharf. This place will take you back to the medieval Bergen with well preserved (and colorful) old wooden architecture and cobbled pathways. This is also Bergen's main tourist attraction within the the city's harbour. It is said to be the nerve of the city ever since and once was the hub of commerce, seafaring and crafts-manship.

From being a trading capital, Bryggen now houses a lot of artisan shops, restaurants and souvenir outlets but still preserving its history.

[caption id="attachment_3157" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog The very charming Bryggen![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3138" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog The Traveling Journal Project at Bergen's most famous attraction.[/caption]

I think I can stare at these houses for hours while I imagine how it was like during those early days.

5. You'll enjoy the daily fresh catch


Situated between the fjords and the seven mountains of Bergen is the famous fish market. A lot of Norwegians (and tourists) visit Bergen just to experience this picturesque and lively market. You can see an array of fresh catch from salmon to king crabs. The best will be dining al fresco with the harbour as your back drop while you enjoy the best summer weather.

[caption id="attachment_3133" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Afternoon scene in the fish market[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3131" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog The very fresh catch! YUM YUM YUM[/caption]

6. You can swim in an open lake 


Experiencing the beauty of nature is one of the reasons why a lot of backpackers and travelers are falling in love with Norway, and the city of Bergen is not an exemption. When my friend told me that we'll go for a bath because we are meeting his friends, in my mind I translated it this way: 'It is time to take a shower because we are going out to see his friends', but in reality this is what he meant: 'We will be meeting my friends and we'll all go for a swim in the near by lake'. Too cool for school right?

[caption id="attachment_3149" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog My Norwegian friends acting like kids while enjoying the 'warm' water. Well, for them it was warm, but for me 24 degrees was still freezing cold, but as what they said, cold water is just like ripping the bandaid off from your hairy leg, do it in one quick motion, well, in my case, it was ONE QUICK DIVE![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3143" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Beautiful fjords of Bergen![/caption]

I think when God created Norway, He made sure that in every community there should be a designated lake where people can go fishing or if the summer weather will be at its peak, go for a dip. Summer is the best time (only logical time) to experience this in Bergen. As most of the other seasons, it is either too cold or rainy.

7. I C E C R E A M


I was surprised that a softie ice cream is a big hit (aside from expensive) in Scandinavia. I had to queue in Stockholm just to get a cone-ful softie. In Bergen me and my friends got a softie topped with sugary sprinkles in a manner that it was mandatory while we stroll along the town square. I can't blame them, it was perfect on a sunny afternoon. I guess no one wants an ice cream during winter and rainy season? (You think?)

[caption id="attachment_3135" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog A softie with colorful sprinkles. We bought this in the town square (I cant remember how much but, I know it was expensive hahaha).[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3148" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog I think we had ice cream wherever we went This one was in Mount Ulriken.[/caption]

SUN + OUTOORS = ICE CREAM WORTHY MOMENT


8. You can party in the town center


Summer is the season in Norway where being indoor is a waste of time. This is the reason that if you'll choose to visit Bergen during the summer, there is huge probability that you will find yourself caught up in a party somewhere in the town center.

During my summer visit, I was lucky enough to witness the Annual Tall Ship Races. The town center and the whole harbour was transformed into a big celebration venue. Musical presentations, games, food stalls, theater acts and of course tall ships from different countries were everywhere.

[caption id="attachment_3129" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Tall Ship Races 2014 parade of ships.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3128" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Concert along the town square (where the fish markets are)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3153" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Some actors along the town square[/caption]

9. You'll avoid rain in one of Europe's rainiest city


I think the real main reason why you should visit Bergen during the summer is to avoid the rain in the rainiest city in Europe! Bergen is a very beautiful city but you can't really enjoy it if it is raining or snowing right?

[caption id="attachment_3123" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog A very sunny Bergen! Yheap we are on top of the mountain (this became our daily routine during this trip)[/caption]

My summer trip in Bergen was blessed with one of the warmest summer that they've had (according to my friends) and the whole time I was there, it didn't rain, not even a drizzle. Because of this, we really enjoyed everything Bergen can offer.

10. You'll meet friendly and awesome Norwegians in their best mood


Two of my travel best buddies are Norwegians and we all know that the weather can alter one's mood (this is applicable to all of us haha). So if you will meet Norwegians in the season that they like the most, you are doing yourself a great favor and for sure you are going to enjoy every moment that you are in the city. Hike along with them, swim by the lake, watch the sunset while holding a cold bottle of beer.

[caption id="attachment_3150" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog My Norwegian swimming buddies![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3152" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog Yey for Norwegian friends. They are one of the sweetest![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3144" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog .....also very mystical![/caption]

Rain = Gloomy = Moody Norwegians


Summer = Sun = Very Happy Norwegians


Bergen is one of those cities that instantly became very close to my heart. I fell in love with this city as fast as I fell in love with its people. Visit Bergen on your next summer trip and you'll find yourself in one of the most beautiful cities in this world.

[caption id="attachment_3156" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Visit Bergen travel wanderlust norway travelbug travel blog My Norwegian Best Buddies making this trip not only possible but also fun.  I love these two so much![/caption]

 

Tip: There is no guarantee that summer will be 100% rainless, better check the weather forecast when planning for a trip---again, this is Europe's rainiest city ^^ 

 

Additional references in planning your trip to Bergen


http://www.visitnorway.com/


http://www.visitbergen.com/


Kenneth Surat logo travel blog blogger

7 Things Young Filipinos Can Learn from Traveling the World

On my very first trip outside the Philippines, I met two Scottish men (three years my junior) who traveled from England to Asia non-stop within a span of three months. In my mind, I was thinking if they are crazy? (Hmmmm... how can they afford this?... Maybe they are rich and their parents are the one spending for their trips?) After having a chat with them, they told me that all their travel money were hard earned. They worked serving in a coffee shop after classes and during school breaks. They planned on doing a long trip to know exactly what they want to do in life, to discover things and learn from this adventure. After that brief encounter, I realized that as Filipinos, our notion of travel is fairly different from the rest of the world.

I grew up dreaming of traveling, but never have I thought that it will create a huge impact to who I am now. I haven't traveled as young as the Scottish men I met, I wish I did but my first ever flight away from the Philippines still changed my life.

[caption id="attachment_3082" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Filipinos Travel Young wanderlust travelblog philippines Autumn in Kyrgyzstan[/caption]

Several years on the road, I have learned a lot of things and as a young Filipino, I am sharing several things we can learn from this so called adventure.

1. Learn that you don't need to be rich to travel and survive while traveling.


I was not born in a rich family and I can say that we are still not rich (according to Forbes standards) and with this reason, I am still amazed that I have been able to travel and visited several countries in Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America. Of course my job as an OFW helps a lot but thinking about the very first time that I was preparing to travel abroad, I can say that my mind was still very closed with all the possibilities of traveling on the budget.

Whenever I started planning for a trip, I always ended up not pursuing it because I don't have money to go for a cruise, or book a 5 star hotel. It is simply out of my budget. As Filipinos,  we grew up with a perception of traveling as full leisure, therefore not practical. In fact most of us, even though you are dreaming about it or not interested at all, it is at the bottom of our priority list. The biggest factor is money. We thought that traveling equates to cruise ships, 5 star hotels, top restaurants and expensive theme parks (yes, I am talking about your dream Disneyland trip). However, the more I travel abroad and research about alternative ways of traveling, the more I discover that we can travel without blowing our savings out into oblivion.

In most of my travels, I stayed in hostels (once, I booked a hostel in Florence for only 11 euros/night), I used Air Bnb, and recently (because I met a lot of new friends on the road from different countries) I stayed at friends' house for FREE, (Yes, free lodging and most of the time free breakfast and dinner too).  In big cities, I was able to find free walking tours which are guided by locals and free bikes (I found one in Copenhagen). Also, one of the best things that happened in our generation is that low cost airlines are a thing now.

[caption id="attachment_3073" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Filipinos Travel Young wanderlust travelblog philippines stockholm sweden Free Walking Tour in Stockholm, Sweden[/caption]

While on the road, a Filipino backpacker told me that she was able to work in hostels in exchange for accommodation and food while some worked as an English teacher or a yoga instructor in order to finance their travels.

As Filipinos, I know that we can find many things to finance our travels and keep it on a budget ( we are trained to enjoy streetfoods which is a plus already). If you are now part of the work force and dreaming of traveling, please don't ask your parents to finance it. If you are a student, taking a part time job is a good option. Work hard and save.

2. You will discover yourself more (your talents, passion and skills).


I often wonder that if I was able to travel first and spent a few months on a backpacking trip in South East Asia or in England will I still have the same career as I have now, probably not. I have discovered that more than Architecture, I love relating to culture, learning the history of a place, capturing it in photograph and also translating it into a hand drawn sketch. I also discovered that I have the skill to be an entrepreneur.

I have a Norwegian friend who thought she wanted to be in the Military after high school and have that as a career, after traveling for 5 months around the world, she realized that what she really wanted is to be a journalist. I heard someone decided to be a chef after a trip around Italy and another gave up her corporate job for a luxury brand in Dubai and became a professional yogi after trip in Goa....and yes, they are all happy with their decisions until now.

As young Filipinos, we (normally) don't have the privilege to take a gap year and discover what we really want as a career like what our counterparts from the west are doing. Yes they can afford it and we can't but if there is an opportunity for us to travel and discover what makes us happy, let's start saving and have our bags ready (and don't forget to bring an open mind and heart).

3. Learn and embrace cultures and beliefs different from yours while discovering that everyone is still the same.


During my trips, I have stayed with several families with different cultures and beliefs as I do. Simple things as 'beso beso' (kiss on the cheeks) is a normal greeting for some countries while for some it is a violation of one's personal bubble, giving your seat in the metro for a lady and an elderly can also be a very sensitive matter. These are just petty and simple examples, let's not even go to religion and moral standards. Traveling will open your mind that the world is a collection of cultures and along with these cultures, there is one universal traits that we will discover, that is RESPECT.

Respecting one's culture and beliefs will make you understand that this world is big enough for us to argue on what is right and wrong, what is moral and immoral yet in all cultures, LOVE, KINDNESS and RESPECT are always present (it can be in different forms as well).

[caption id="attachment_3075" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Filipinos Travel Young wanderlust travelblog philippines kandy sri lanka tooth temple Tooth Temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka[/caption]

After my trips, I became more open to people different from who I am. I relate more to different nationalities and found myself not judging people based on the color of their skins, their way of speaking in English, and even the type of food they are eating.

4. Learn that you are just a very small part of this world yet you can do big things


Sometimes (or maybe most of the time) we Filipinos think that we are the best in everything, deny it or not, we are all living in the #PINOYPRIDE mentality. Yes, as a nation, we are full of ourselves. What I learned from traveling is that the world doesn't revolve around ourselves alone. We are just part of this world just as the other person next to you, or the person in a long bus trip in India. As one of the developing countries, we Filipinos should understand more on how  it feels like to need something that we can't afford, yet most of the time we play the superior card to those who are different from us.

Traveling can make one humble. You will see the world that you don't normally see in the pages of Travel and Leisure Mag. Yes the world is beautiful but not perfect. Instead of judging people on the clothes they wear or even the way they smell, once you stepped out of your comfort zone, 100% of the time, it will touch your heart and know that we can do and contribute something to make this world a better place.

5. Your nationality is never a stumbling block


In relation to point number 4, it feels ironic that I mentioned about Pinoy pride yet often times we have an inferiority complex. We thought that because we are only Filipinos we can only do so little things and that and will never achieve anything. We thought that because of our nationality we can't go head to head with different nationalities (especially those from the first world). We are shy to approach people who doesn't speak Filipino or with a different hair color as ours.

What I love from staying in hostels is that you'll get to meet new friends from different parts of the world. Although you call each other as 'the German', 'the Filipino', 'the American'...you still treat each other the same way as you will treat the person on the other table. People who travel understands that we are all unique but we can still be friends and be part of a community.

[caption id="attachment_3078" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Filipinos Travel Young wanderlust travelblog philippines los angeles california The friends I met in my trip in Los Angeles. All of them were also backpacking and until now we are still in communication and I was able to visit them in their homes in Germany and Norway. They became three of my travel best friends to date.[/caption]

Until now I am still connected with most of the friends I met on the road. In fact some of them even became my best friends.
Check out my blog about the people I met on the road

6. You will appreciate being 'kayumanggi' 


The color of my skin and the shape of my nose, these are the parts of my body that I want to change during my pre-travel days. I always thought that being fair skinned and have a higher nose bridge are the only standard of beauty.

Like most of the Filipinos out there, I stocked up boxes of papaya soap in the hopes of turning my brown skin into milky white (I will definitely need a lot of that soap). Believe it or not, during college, one thing that I never forgot to bring was an umbrella, and this was not for the rain.

Meeting different nationalities and being friends with most of them made me realized that for people who travel the color of your skin (even the shape of your nose) doesn't really matter. You are beautiful for what you are and for who you are.

We Filipinos are fixated on achieving that beautiful fair skin when in fact the rest of the world are envious on our perfectly tanned complexion.

If you think about it, most of the people (not only Filipinos), who are boxing the standard of beauty are those who are still caged in their own box.

7. You will fall in love with a lot of places yet you'll be proud that you belong to one of the most beautiful countries around the world


I know that a lot of us are dreaming to visit Paris, New York, Brazil, Dubai, Japan and other top places in the world. I have been to a lot mega cities and beautiful country sides but I can say that one of the best places (nature and people wise) can be found in our own backyard. The Philippines is blessed with a lot of beautiful sceneries. It is a pity that some of these places (I am talking about you Manila) have been depleted/slowly depleting. We need to act immediately to save our beautiful cities (ok enough with my ranting). Aside from these, we still have a lot of places that we can be proud of. In fact, a lot of the people I met whenever they hear that I am from the Philippines always mentioned that it is one of the top places they have visited  and for those who haven't been in our country, they considered it as one of their dream destinations.

[caption id="attachment_3080" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Filipinos Travel Young wanderlust travelblog philippines Exploring Caramoan Islands in the Philippines[/caption]

Truly we can be proud of our country and the best way to do so is to become ambassadors of our own. Show the world the beauty of our country, ironically we can effectively do that when we travel abroad and meet other world explorers.

I know that there are still a lot of things that we can all learn as Filipinos from traveling, It is a never ending list. At the end, what I want to say is that although traveling can be deemed as leisure by majority of our population but it is time for us to see traveling as a learning adventure that each one of us should experience during our early years. As we Filipinos are obsessed with investments in terms of finances and education, I think we should think of traveling as a life long investment. As one quote says, "Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. "

 

Kenneth Surat logo travel blog blogger

Iftar Series: Liwan, Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana

Next in line for my Iftar Series is Liwan Restaurant in Al Ghurair Rayhaan. I got invited along with some other food bloggers and media agencies to try out their Iftar Buffet. It was my first time to try the buffet in Liwan so once I received the invitation I said yes right away. I went with my friend Zheena and also another blogger who specializes in lifestyle (including parenting) Candice of www.theisaacsjournal.com.

The night started with an Arabic music performance. It was a nice way to welcome guests and It actually became one of the focal point inside the buffet hall (plus we sat next to them, so definitely, we'll notice them).

[caption id="attachment_3015" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan LIVE ARABIC MUSIC[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3016" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan WELCOME TREATS[/caption]

There were a lot of guests that night and the whole restaurant looked so lively. A great mood to end the whole day of fasting.

On our table placed an array of dried fruits and nuts which are what you eat to prepare your body before a heavy meal (if you are fasting). I think it is a good touch to add in the mood and feel.

[caption id="attachment_3024" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan SOME DRIED FRUITS AND NUTS ON OUR TABLE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3017" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan JUICE SHOTS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3023" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan TIME FOR SOME APPETIZERS[/caption]

Like most of the Iftar buffets around Dubai, Liwan offers an international selection of dishes plus some Ramadan Specialties (I guess these are the Arabic selections).

What I loved about it is that, even though there are a lot of people the night I've visited, it didn't feel too crowded.

[caption id="attachment_3018" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan THE ARABIC SECTION OF THE BUFFET[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3020" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan SLOW ROASTED LAMB. I GUESS THIS IS PART OF THE RAMADAN SPECIALTIES[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3021" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan JAPANESE!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3022" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan INDIAN!!![/caption]

I loved the variety of food that they are offering. There was certainly a hit and a miss but in general it was a decent Iftar Buffet. I personally enjoyed the Chicken Biryani, which my friend Candice said tasted home cooked (her husband is Indian, so she knows her biryani). Also I enjoyed the moroccan tea that will be poured in front of you will a dash of flare. ^^

[caption id="attachment_3019" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan THE MOROCCAN TEA BAR[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3025" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan I MUST ADMIT, AS SIMPLE AS POURING THE TEA GRABBED ALL OF OUR ATTENTION. HE WAS AN INSTANT STAR. HAHA[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3026" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan TEA ANYONE?![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3027" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan MY SHAMEFUL ( VERY FULL) BUFFET PLATE[/caption]

If there is one thing that for me was a missed, it was the dessert selections. It fell short in terms of selections and taste. I am a bit picky with desserts because I have a sweet tooth, so if my friend knows about Indian food, I can say that I know my way around sweets.

[caption id="attachment_3029" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan DESSERT STATION[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3028" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan TRADITION ARABIC DESSERT[/caption]

All in all it was a great night. Ferry was a great host and he made sure that we were all taken care of. More than the food, I love going for Iftar after a long day of work because you can unwind and talk to your friends/family over a feast. What can be better than that (sleep? haha).

[caption id="attachment_3030" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Liwan Iftar Buffet dubai food blog mydubai rotana rayhaan GREAT FILIPINO BLOGGER FRIENDS[/caption]

[blockquote source="Liwan Al Ghurair Rayhaan"]"...Join Liwan for an Iftar buffet for 149 net per person, including a selection of international and Ramadan specialties while enjoying Live Arabic entertainemtn. Or settle down and unwind over Suhour starting from AED 95 net per person, while enjoying a traditional bubbly at Liwan Terrace. While a special Persian Iftar set menu awaits you at Shayan Restaurant for leisure diners too."[/blockquote]

Contact Liwan Restaurant Here:


Location: Al Ghurair Rayhaan, Deira Dubai


Phone: +971 (0)4 293 3000


Email: fb.alghurair@rotana.com


Kenneth Surat logo travel blog blogger