Travel Post 2 - Tehran

Me & my sister ready to explore Tehran

Though I was born in London, both my parents are Persian and so I make an active effort to learn about and become a part of the Persian culture. I love Persian cuisine, I've attended classical Persian concerts with my father and visited ancient Persian exhibitions at museums at least 100 times, but what better way to familiarize yourself with a country, their traditions and customs than to visit. Although I've visited Iran a couple of times before I was always too young or uninterested to make the most of my trip. So, before stepping onto the plane I made it my mission to research and generate a list of places that would show me Iran's hidden wonders, but also to enrich my knowledge.
My first and main stop - Tehran. Tehran is Iran's capital, a vibrant city with busy streets filled with the sound of Iranian pop music. Contrary to what you might be exposed to on media platforms, Tehran is colourful, fashion filled and extremely lively with love and culture oozing from street to street. The only struggle and my only concern - crossing the road. Tehran is notoriously known for its quite unique driving system - shall we settle on (super) Fast and (extremely) Furious:Tehran?

Laughing now, but I was definitely melting at this point

I must admit, albeit the driving is rather dangerous, I've developed a love-hate affair with it - it's just so.. Iranian.
As I tend to stay with family in Tehran, I haven't got the best opinions on the city's hotel offerings, and as for traveling around the city I would suggest the Metro service if you are map savvy, if not taxi's are extremely cheap and give you a feel of your surroundings!

Valiasr Street

For a real view of the city, I'd definitely recommend Baame Tehran (literally translated as Tehran's Roof). Located on Tehran's hills, this is the best walking hill for the magnificent views. The walk is pathed on safe concrete ground, so it is suitable for all ages - I even did the walk down in flip flops (probably wont recommend, though it's not impossible!). From Station 0 (ground floor/parking) it takes about a 35 minute walk to get to Station 1 - although there is a bus that takes you both up and down the hill in less than 10 minutes for a small charge (seriously small charge of 20p). Once you're at Station 1 there are a few food kiosks, big cafe's with extensive (heated) outdoor and indoor seating areas, serving coffee, tea, shisha, and many desserts. There are also fast-food bars with burgers, kebabs, and many more 'walk & go' snacks. There are also further facilities here such as paintballing and Bungee-jumping - wish I had the strength to do this but there's just something about defying gravity and dangling myself over Tehran's mountains which doesn't really appeal to me. For those of you who are more adventorous Station 1 is also the start of Tehran's famous Mount Tochal - here you can begin your climb either on foot (with appropriate wear) or by the 'telecabin'.

Baame Tehran

One place I was sure to visit on this trip was the Niavaran Palace Complex. Situation in Northern Tehran, this complex consists of several homes and a museum, including the primary residence until the Iranian revolution, of Iran's last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the Imperial Family. The Palace complex traces its origin to a garden in Niavaran (1831), where it was used by Nasir al-din Shah as a summer residence. The late Shah's Palace is a step back to the 1960s-70s life of the Royal family, where many things are left as they were - the Shah's office, a private collection of the Queen's art. All their bedrooms are also open for viewing (no touching of anything is permitted, obviously), the Prince and Princess's rooms left with personal photos, toys and items such as clothing and even tooth brushes! What fascinated me the most was The Royal Library Museum - the King and Queen's personal library set across two beautifully designed floors where an entire collection of titles are left for display - including a personally signed Mickey Mouse book from Walt Disney himself, gifted to Princess Layla.

Outside the palace

The Mirrored Hall where all Royal Ceremonies took place

Now what's a visit to the Middle East without a trip to the best Bazaar the city has to offer. Tehran's main food and jewellery market is located in Tajrish and is known as 'Baazere Tajrish' (Tajrish's market). Here there are narrow alleys filled with herbs, teas, colourful assortments of food, traditional Persian cakes, sweets and nuts and gold - gold, gold, gold. A dream for the window shopper, but an absolute treat for those looking to purchase top quality, intricate jewellery (most of my prized possessions have been purchased or gifted from here over the years).

Only the best

Now times this by 20, a market filled with goods upon every corner

The cutest kitten I found in a toy shop in the Bazaar

As for food, I honestly do not know where to begin so I decided I will name you two of my favourite food and drink spots in the capital. Cafe Rose - for the best pizza's look no further then this Italian-Iranian fusion spot in Vanak - this modern and intricately designed restaurant is definitely one of Tehran's up-market 'fast food' offerings with delicious food at a reasonable pricing. Cafe Rose is an extremely popular choice amongst the younger generation in Iran as it was the location of a popular pop video 'Soosan Khanoom' in 2010. As for my daily caffeine fix, Amir Chocolate was my best friend - a chain of coffee shops throughout Iran featuring high quality coffee and desserts.

Cafe Rose & Amir Chocolate Mocha Fraps - delish

If you go to Iran and eat one thing, make that traditional Persian ice-cream

My one last recommendation is a well deserved trip to Darband - a former village close to Tajrish, and a popular hiking location. Darband offers some of the best kebab houses and traditional shisha spots in Tehran. Although this location is extremely touristy - I love meeting people of all origins here and actually met the most friendly South African honeymooning couple whilst walking down the hill after lunch.

Making our way up the hill to choose where to eat some Kabab Koobide

The winning restaurant

Shopping in Tehran is extensive, with both high street offerings in locations like Pasdaran, and high end brands in the likes of lavish Zafaranieh, attracting the Iranian elite. I have chosen to share with you my personal favourite shopping centre in Tehran, located in Vanak is this two floored mall dedicated to brands ranging from Zara - Chanel but also includes many beauty and jewelery shops. Vanak shopping centre is not the biggest by any means but seems to be rather a hidden gem, away from the crowded popular malls - allowing you to leisurely browse and shop.

Smaller Vanak Mall, but definitely worth a browse

Having spent a couple of months in Iran there are many more memories and photos that I'd love to share, but I only wanted to include my favourites and recommendations for anyone wanting to visit this truly beautiful city. If you are considering a trip here, feel free to ask any questions - I'd love to give information to anyone needing it!

Saina
xo

Travel Entry 1: Amsterdam

 

We've all heard the rave over Amsterdam and with it being one of the most cost efficient destinations from London, myself and a couple of friends booked a 5 day break to the Netherlands. With the weather being in our favour we made the most of the city's offerings, from spending hours in Vondel Park indulging in Dutch bakery favourites, to walking the narrow cobble stoned roads to find Leidesplein's fashion boutique offerings.

After arriving to Schipol airport we got the train to Amsterdam Centraal station, which took us approximately 25 minutes and cost no more than a few euros. From Centraal station, you're pretty much at the heart of things (think London Euston) - trams 1, 2 and 5 become your best friends. Any of which, will take you to Amsterdam's main 'strip' of tram stations if you like. If you're going for a short break, staying around these areas between Dam station - Rijks Museum to Leidseplein - Museum Plein.

Dam Square

 On the sunny August days we spent in Amsterdam, this old concrete square looked beautiful. The square was filled with street entertainment (singers and dancers), we also walked into a 'free hugs' crowd on the last day. Dam square is surrounded by lively cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also some more commercial museums here such as The Royal Palace and Madame Tussaud. Along with the many horse and carriages around the area, and the Old Clock chiming so beautifully, you can really take a historical step back and images what this town square once used to be. 

We made a point to visit a few of the local attractions including some historical places and museums. First on our list was the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family were hidden in the house annex for two years in fear of the Nazi's during WW2. Located on 263 Prinsengracht, the building holds the original diary of Anne's, letter's exchanged between the family and friends and personal messages written from Anne's father Otto Frank. 

Anne Frank House second right of the street

 Amsterdam is better known for its Red Light District - a lively but dark neon-lit neighborhood within the streets around the canals, notoriously known for its promiscuous nature. In addition to the red fringed windows, the Red Light District features an extensive list of bars and cafes (this is where you'd get those brownies!), many museums and live shows. In real Amsterdam spirit we decided to visit the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution - this brought the history of the 14th century winding cobble stoned, narrow roads of the area to life.

Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution

Baba's Cafe, Red Light District

Being the crazy cat lady that I am, I also made a point to visit the Katten Kabinet - essentially an old home devoted to art dedicated to cats, but also home to a few residential cats. The museum is across three floors and is filled with posters, paintings, sketches and cat ornaments. 

Cat shrine, duh

Along with the colourful streets and uplifting spirit of the people of Amsterdam, this is more of a city break. You're sure to make some friends - be it with bartenders, shop keepers or a polite stranger in the park (it's not as dodgy as it sounds, trust me!). Let me know what you're thoughts are if you've made a trip to the Dam, and I hope you enjoyed one of many travel posts to come. 

Saina 

xo

Where have I been?

After graduating from university last year, I decided to make it my personal mission to travel to a few destinations as a pat-on-the-shoulder from me to me (for achieving a 'First' - eek!), but also as a way in which to enrich my experiences. A random burst of travels is nothing that I am a stranger to - after completing my A-levels in 2011, I conquered parts of the USA including 3 months in Los Angeles, and a further month driving from LA - San Diego - San Francisco - Las Vegas.

In true Sagitarian spirit, I thrive in adventures and travels. I get bored easily, and I'm always thinking about my next move in order to bring new and exciting challenges to my routine. My addiction? Very simple. The likes of holiday booking websites - now for most, this may sound like the usual sun, sand and sea obsession. For me? Not so much. The idea of sitting by a pool, or on a sunny beach brings me nothing but torment. I'd much rather hike my way through unknown mountains and peaks, or drive aimlessly to discover that one wrong turn that changes your life. Me and traveling are a story book love affair. Having conquered as much of the UK as I possibly could as a child, I've now taken it upon myself to explore further.

I am going to share with you parts of my travels as I know I love reading travel blogs, but also in hopes of giving you some recommendations and ideas - look out for my travel posts and let me know if you have any you want me to check out!

Saina
xo

New York Series: Where To Eat

I know the first time I head to the US I was so overwhelmed that I didn’t know where to start in terms of shopping, sightseeing, and dining. Thankfully, I spent over two months away that summer and overtime managed to accomplish quite a bit including a road trip around California and a visit to Las Vegas, Nevada. However, my visit to the US this time over was rather different, and I’d be lying if I said I did not panic over choice of places to visit due to the shorter duration of my stay.
Here, I have chosen a few of my favourite places to eat in New York City and hopefully this would be helpful for those looking to visit in the near future!

At first choice and a definite recommendation I would suggest a visit to Red Lobster – serving seafood with a variety of dishes including soups, salads, and pasta’s. If you choose to dine here, why not try one of their deliciously refreshing frozen margaritas? Also, skip the diet for the evening, the garlic and cheese buttermilk biscuits are possibly the tastiest food I ate whilst being away!

If you’re opting for something healthier and with a large variety of ingredient options, head over to Gigi’s Café. Here, you can build your own salads, pastas, and sandwiches with all fresh, crisp ingredients and the dish will be prepared there and then right in front of you. Chipotle, a Mexican grill located on almost every other block on the streets of New York is also a quick and healthy option for readily made salads, tacos and burritos.

When looking for cheap and cheerful food on-the-go, then I would suggest the mouth watering, fresh pizza slices from 2 Bro’s Pizza (also prepared in front of you after ordering). At 99cent a pizza slice (very large pizza slice!) you cannot really go wrong – apart from the desire for more slices.

Now, a trip to NYC would not be complete (or so I tell myself) without indulging into full fat burgers and deep fried food. For a sit down meal at a burger places as opposed to your typical fast food restaurant, head over to BRGR for pure beef and turkey burgers but do not forget the side order of onion hay. Being a lover of onions, these fried onions were insanely tasty and like nothing I had tried before.

Finally, Chinese! We’ve all seen the cute white take out boxes in the movies, and we’ve always wished we had them here. So on the last night, we ordered Chinese straight to our hotel, spent a tad too long taking snaps of the boxes but the food was worth the wait!

Travel Post – Back from New York

So, the reason for my absence, I hope will be justified by the excuse that I was too busy soaking up American goodness in New York City! Having been back for almost a week, I’m still going through an intense holiday blues period whereby everything brings back memories of my amazing time away, and almost nothing has managed to brighten my mood – not even the sun! 

Needless to mention, New York was out-of-this-world. The City That Never Sleeps - a well fitted label with the bright lights and sky scrapers of Times Square always sparkling like diamonds, looking down at crowds upon crowds of people, shops open practically until midnight with some open even beyond that. Restaurants and bars filled with happy people, such welcoming smiles and conversations. The city is filled with fashion, media, art and entertainment, of which it oozes creativity from its every corner. A comforting feeling of never being alone accompanies you on the streets of New York. Car horns, the sounds of people talking, the smell of carbon monoxide mixed with smells of food being cooked on stalls, from every corner, bring life to your surroundings. I could literally go on and on. You can tell I’ve been mesmerized and fallen head over heels for the hustle and bustle that comes with the city of New York.

I have attached some images from my trip and will follow this post with some snaps and short details of what I bought on my one too many shopping trips out there!