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Where did you last travel?

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mabubilal

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Where was the last place you traveled, in Pakistan or outside? How was your trip? Did you face any problems or have any good experiences? Please share!
 
To California, how much ever I love the state esp the North and South but LA is a disaster.
Having said that Californians are full of energy esp in Bay area and looks like a different world altogether, so much innovation.

Sat in Waymo Jaguar taxis and were insanely on point and awesome experience. @shaz619 , they are common now in Bay area and are remarkable.
 
To Belfast. I travel for work

For those in the UK who haven't been I recommend it.

You will some massive murals dedicated to militants and military, flags waving and parts of the city boarded up and walled off to keep protestants and Catholics apart.

 
JaDed said:
To California, how much ever I love the state esp the North and South but LA is a disaster.
Having said that Californians are full of energy esp in Bay area and looks like a different world altogether, so much innovation.

Sat in Waymo Jaguar taxis and were insanely on point and awesome experience. @shaz619 , they are common now in Bay area and are remarkable.
Click to expand...

Did you feel safe being driven by Mr. Robot lol

And that’s not too surprising to here about California, some of my all time favourite rappers are from there and they were so chill, they’ve aged really well to with their ancient @ bad boy records.

I’ve not been anywhere in the states besides NYC, and you guessed it, for a Wrestlemania. I really enjoyed my brief visit there.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
shaz619 said:
Did you feel safe being driven by Mr. Robot lol

And that’s not too surprising to here about California, some of my all time favourite rappers are from there and they were so chill, they’ve aged really well to with their ancient @ bad boy records.

I’ve not been anywhere in the states besides NYC, and you guessed it, for a Wrestlemania. I really enjoyed my brief visit there.
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It feels weird for first 2 mins but so much better after that, way better driven than majority cabs I have been too.
We are now having Zoox in Vegas too that taxi doesn’t even have a steering wheel, insane time for autonomous vehicles.

Lol NYC is only good for that, I loved NYC in 2017-18 but have to say it’s lost its charm after travelling across States but surely Wrestlemania was awey.
 
Never been out of Pakistan. Not that I don't want to but never really had a chance to.
 
Never been out of Pakistan. Not that I don't want to but never really had a chance to.
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I haven’t been outside of Pakistan either, even though I really want to. I’ve traveled to some beautiful places here, like Kashmir and Karachi, but just haven’t had the chance to go abroad yet. Right now, money is a bit tight, so traveling outside the country is tough for me too. But it’s a big dream of mine, and I believe one day I’ll get to do it. Hopefully, we both will! Sometimes it’s just about waiting for the right moment.
 
I’ve had the chance to visit both Kashmir and Lahore, and both places are amazing in their own way. In Kashmir, I started in Muzaffarabad, with its stunning mountains and rivers. Neelum Valley was like a dream, full of greenery and fresh air. Keran was peaceful, right by the border, and the views were just incredible. I also visited Sharda and Kel, which were perfect for relaxing and getting away from the city.

Then there’s Lahore, which is full of history and energy. The Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort are must-see places, and walking through Old Lahore gives you a real feel of the city’s past. And of course, the food is amazing—Food Street is the perfect spot to try some local favorites. Both Kashmir and Lahore have so much to offer, and they’re both worth visiting for totally different reasons.
 
I have only been to 4 countries in my life.

Bangladesh - I was born in Bangladesh and left it when I was 15.

Canada - Living here since 2005. I am in Canada for 19 years.

USA - Visited a few times. I have relatives and friends there.

UK - I was there once.

======================

Anyway, I would love to visit these countries --> Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Russia, and Nordic countries.
 
Planning trip to Cairo from UK Insha Allah. Has anyone been there? Some guidance or tips would be greatly appreciated.
 
Went to Istanbul for a week during the first week of September, with the family.

I had a great time and would definitely like to visit again.
 
The_KING said:
Went to Istanbul for a week during the first week of September, with the family.

I had a great time and would definitely like to visit again.
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What are some of the place you would like other tourists to visit in Istanbul?
 
Kuala lumpur. Except the capital, rest of the country is not on par with first world nations, KL is however quite polished
 
Indonesia. Explored Jakarta, Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands. Wonderful experience. People are so welcoming over there.
 
shaz619 said:
Alum Rock
:yk3
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Did you see any monuments or antiques?
:yk


I try to avoid this road because the last time (years ago), I saw the same car driver up and down all day for some reason.


The last place I went to was Wales, Snowdonia, Wow!
 
KingKhanWC said:
Did you see any monuments or antiques?
:yk


I try to avoid this road because the last time (years ago), I saw the same car driver up and down all day for some reason.


The last place I went to was Wales, Snowdonia, Wow!
Click to expand...

Does Mushtaq‘s count? lol

If you can get in the desi breakfast is the best aha I got a keema paratha and a desi tea to go while K was there.

Ah still not been there it has been on my list! I went to Edinburgh recently though, my favourite city in the UK, there’s a magic to it wherever you stroll, but I recommend hiring a car as mine is in the garage after that long road trip
 
Frankfurt, Vienna, Salzburg

Frankfurt - Had a lot of Beer as one would expect, and some great wine tasting experience there. German pizza is also among the best. I liked German pizza more than Italian.

Vienna - Went on some cafe hoping there. Great vibe.

Salzburg - Breathtaking natural beauty

Sucks to come back to Delhi after that having 800+ AQI
 
KingKhanWC said:
I try to avoid this road because the last time (years ago), I saw the same car driver up and down all day for some reason.
Click to expand...

Having recently moved near Birmingham, I went to Kamal Da Dera. The Charsi karahi and mix grill was top tier.
 
shaz619 said:
Does Mushtaq‘s count? lol

If you can get in the desi breakfast is the best aha I got a keema paratha and a desi tea to go while K was there.

Ah still not been there it has been on my list! I went to Edinburgh recently though, my favourite city in the UK, there’s a magic to it wherever you stroll, but I recommend hiring a car as mine is in the garage after that long road trip
Click to expand...

Edinburgh esp the hold streets, castle is stunning. It almost feels like you have time travelled back into history.

Snowdonia is only 2 hours away from us, its a bit cold now but in the summer its stunning, great hiking, fresh air etc. Try this waterfall when you go,

www.devilsbridgewaterfalls.co.uk

Home page - Devils Bridge Waterfalls

Waterfalls, historic bridges and nature trails in Mid Wales. There are 2 walks, both with views of the spectacular waterfalls. We hope to see you soon!
www.devilsbridgewaterfalls.co.uk www.devilsbridgewaterfalls.co.uk
 
Theo_14 said:
Having recently moved near Birmingham, I went to Kamal Da Dera. The Charsi karahi and mix grill was top tier.
Click to expand...

Sounds good. Is it Afghani traditional or Pakistani?

Birmingham after London imo is the best city for worldwide cuisines
 
KingKhanWC said:
Sounds good. Is it Afghani traditional or Pakistani?

Birmingham after London imo is the best city for worldwide cuisines
Click to expand...

Afghan tradtional food. Very similiar to a restaurant in Hounslow called Taste of Pakistan.

100% agree, London (especially East London) comes first, followed by Birmingham and then Bradford.

Only downside with London food is the prices and portions.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Sounds good. Is it Afghani traditional or Pakistani?

Birmingham after London imo is the best city for worldwide cuisines
Click to expand...

I would begrudgingly put Manchester up there as well, they have real good variety & much better halal steakhouses then us, the value is great as well for the most part and arguably their chicken shops are even better than the ones in London, they started the spicy dipped burger wave and we see variants of it everywhere now. The middle eastern food is top notch to & by default they win for the buffet due to Nawabz - the old one, not been to the pyramid place yet and a lot of folk seem to complain about the service, getting a table and price. Our asian food is the best though, for hidden inner-city gems & the chip shops, maybe rivalled only by Bradford.
 
shaz619 said:
I would begrudgingly put Manchester up there as well, they have real good variety & much better halal steakhouses then us, the value is great as well for the most part and arguably their chicken shops are even better than the ones in London, they started the spicy dipped burger wave and we see variants of it everywhere now. The middle eastern food is top notch to & by default they win for the buffet due to Nawabz - the old one, not been to the pyramid place yet and a lot of folk seem to complain about the service, getting a table and price. Our asian food is the best though, for hidden inner-city gems & the chip shops, maybe rivalled only by Bradford.
Click to expand...

Yes Manchester has come a long way since the days of Eid driving up and down Wilmslow Road lol.

Any places in Mancs you'd recommend? Also any steak places in Brum you'd also recommend?
 
Bhaijaan said:
Frankfurt, Vienna, Salzburg

Frankfurt - Had a lot of Beer as one would expect, and some great wine tasting experience there. German pizza is also among the best. I liked German pizza more than Italian.

Vienna - Went on some cafe hoping there. Great vibe.

Salzburg - Breathtaking natural beauty

Sucks to come back to Delhi after that having 800+ AQI
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I have been to Vienna not the other two.

Vienna is a good hipster type city. Very multicultural. I enjoy visiting there.
 
shaz619 said:
I would begrudgingly put Manchester up there as well, they have real good variety & much better halal steakhouses then us, the value is great as well for the most part and arguably their chicken shops are even better than the ones in London, they started the spicy dipped burger wave and we see variants of it everywhere now. The middle eastern food is top notch to & by default they win for the buffet due to Nawabz - the old one, not been to the pyramid place yet and a lot of folk seem to complain about the service, getting a table and price. Our asian food is the best though, for hidden inner-city gems & the chip shops, maybe rivalled only by Bradford.
Click to expand...
Spicy dip burger from Miami crispy got big on social media now everyone is doing it.

Initially many people from up in Scotland would drive down to Manchester just for this burger. I was a big fan too.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
Spicy dip burger from Miami crispy got big on social media now everyone is doing it.

Initially many people from up in Scotland would drive down to Manchester just for this burger. I was a big fan too.
Click to expand...

I tried them all & agree Miami’s was the best, it amazes me the value you get up north. But them Burgers best to only have once a year the stuff they put in the sauce bah gawd will shave your life expectancy lol I like to try normal fried chicken to & Miami’s & Shake Bee’s was pretty good.

Mate, if I lived in Scotland, especially Edinburgh, you’d never see me leave the place! I wish the place I work for had a base down there as well, am not sure what the aero eng opportunities are down there (not including defence as I stick to civil).
 
shaz619 said:
I tried them all & agree Miami’s was the best, it amazes me the value you get up north. But them Burgers best to only have once a year the stuff they put in the sauce bah gawd will shave your life expectancy lol I like to try normal fried chicken to & Miami’s & Shake Bee’s was pretty good.

Mate, if I lived in Scotland, especially Edinburgh, you’d never see me leave the place! I wish the place I work for had a base down there as well, am not sure what the aero eng opportunities are down there (not including defence as I stick to civil).
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It's not great. Spirit has a big centre in Prestwick which is not far from Glasgow but apart from that it's all defence based.

Grass is always greener man, Edinburgh is nice but a nightmare to work in. Motorway stops way outside the city and there is miles of traffic everywhere. Nice to visit occasionally though.

Food scene is getting good though for Muslims. Back in the day we would have to go chill in Wilmslow Road every few weeks :asif
 
Not the last place I visited but talking about Pakistan, I think the place that has unrivalled beauty and would feature as a top international tourist destination is GB.

In 2017, I drove from Lahore to the border with China. The beauty is beyond words. The hotels in GB are also good and provide value for money. That’s one part of Pak I would recommend to international tourists.

On another trip in 2016, this time I landed at skardu airport. You get smitten by the rawness of the beauty around you.

Also did a road trip to Chitral (not GB but connected) in 2022. That would also qualify as good for foreign tourists.

Galiyat, Swat, Kaghan Valley, and Neelam valley are all good too but GB is truly exceptional.

One place I like to visit often is Muzaffarabad in AJK, seen here:


IMG_0266.jpeg
 
Seattle, loved the West coast energy but Amazon and Microsoft are now the burden but were once the drivers.

Gloomy but lot of natural beauty, lovely history on how the city was built above the sea level on purpose.

University of Washington and the areas surrounding it are amazing, Space needle was amazing as well, love that they were dreamers back then.

West coast has an energy that is unparalleled, really healthy, too experimental at times but the dream up there.
 
Coming back from Mecca today. Miss it already. In Sha Allah will try to go to Masjid Al Haram one last time before I go.

Went earlier today and I kept turning back to look at the Kaaba… felt like I was leaving home. Flying out in few hours so in my mind that may be the last time till I come back here.

All those memories and events that took place here- all that information, history, sacrifice running through your mind… it’s overwhelming like drowning in a sea of familiarity and peace.

Went to Medina earlier and felt the same way.

In Sha Allah this is not the last time and I keep coming back here and I pray the same for all brothers and sisters who feel the same pull in their hearts. Ameen.
 
Suleiman said:
Coming back from Mecca today. Miss it already. In Sha Allah will try to go to Masjid Al Haram one last time before I go.

Went earlier today and I kept turning back to look at the Kaaba… felt like I was leaving home. Flying out in few hours so in my mind that may be the last time till I come back here.

All those memories and events that took place here- all that information, history, sacrifice running through your mind… it’s overwhelming like drowning in a sea of familiarity and peace.

Went to Medina earlier and felt the same way.

In Sha Allah this is not the last time and I keep coming back here and I pray the same for all brothers and sisters who feel the same pull in their hearts. Ameen.
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Ma sha Allah.

Enjoy.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Has anyone been to Riyadh? @LordJames

How far is the main town from the airport?
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Lived there.

Depending on which part of Town you are talking about, the Airport is outside of Riyadh about 25 minutes drive. Most Pakistani people live in Malaz or Hara and most Hotels are in between so depends on where someone is going.​
 
LordJames said:
Lived there.

Depending on which part of Town you are talking about, the Airport is outside of Riyadh about 25 minutes drive. Most Pakistani people live in Malaz or Hara and most Hotels are in between so depends on where someone is going.​
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I'm off travelling for a few weeks. One part of the trip has a 7 hour layover in Riyadh, a city I've not visited as an adult. I'll get a transit visa and want to explore the city for 2-3 hours. Any recommendations where to go and how to get there? Thanks bro.
 
KingKhanWC said:
I'm off travelling for a few weeks. One part of the trip has a 7 hour layover in Riyadh, a city I've not visited as an adult. I'll get a transit visa and want to explore the city for 2-3 hours. Any recommendations where to go and how to get there? Thanks bro.
Click to expand...
There is nothing historical or significant in Riyadh for you to pay $100 (one way) from the Airport sit in traffic in hot weather to see in my opinion.

The Airport doesn't have a lot of facilities either and its pretty barren.

Ideally, if you had longer you could go to Bahrain and see Eastern Saudi Arabia if you don't have enough time.

My recommendation for you would be to stay put but does anything appeal to you on this list? I am sure you have Google'd it by now? Anything catch your attention?

Also Riyadh is over 2000 feet above sea-level so you will be running out of breath if you live at sea level so walking will be difficult.
 
KingKhanWC said:
I'm off travelling for a few weeks. One part of the trip has a 7 hour layover in Riyadh, a city I've not visited as an adult. I'll get a transit visa and want to explore the city for 2-3 hours. Any recommendations where to go and how to get there? Thanks bro.
Click to expand...
Some high end restaurants there, could do some fine dining if you’re into that, or do something more nature centered like falconry training, horse riding, or just rent a 4x4 and go off roading for a bit if you don’t see much of this terrain.. Riyadh the type of place you gotta be a bit creative in lol
 
LordJames said:
There is nothing historical or significant in Riyadh for you to pay $100 (one way) from the Airport sit in traffic in hot weather to see in my opinion.

The Airport doesn't have a lot of facilities either and its pretty barren.

Ideally, if you had longer you could go to Bahrain and see Eastern Saudi Arabia if you don't have enough time.

My recommendation for you would be to stay put but does anything appeal to you on this list? I am sure you have Google'd it by now? Anything catch your attention?

Also Riyadh is over 2000 feet above sea-level so you will be running out of breath if you live at sea level so walking will be difficult.
Click to expand...

Its an evening layover so I thought I'd take a taxi to the Boulevard. It may not have been built when you lived there, not sure what you think of it? I'm used to high altitudes as like to trek on hills, mountains and also helps with fitness. You maybe right, I may just hire a pod and go to sleep.
 
Suleiman said:
Some high end restaurants there, could do some fine dining if you’re into that, or do something more nature centered like falconry training, horse riding, or just rent a 4x4 and go off roading for a bit if you don’t see much of this terrain.. Riyadh the type of place you gotta be a bit creative in lol
Click to expand...

I actually like eating Camel! So maybe a nice authentic Arabic restaurant for a few hours. The only issue is Arabs eat the rice with their hands like many people, nothing wrong with it but I have to use a spoon. Apart from Camel what other dishes are traditional in Saudi?
 
KingKhanWC said:
Its an evening layover so I thought I'd take a taxi to the Boulevard. It may not have been built when you lived there, not sure what you think of it? I'm used to high altitudes as like to trek on hills, mountains and also helps with fitness. You maybe right, I may just hire a pod and go to sleep.
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He is giving a lot of good options but most of them are not feasible within a few hours and in the evening.

Suleiman said:
Some high end restaurants there, could do some fine dining if you’re into that, or do something more nature centered like falconry training, horse riding, or just rent a 4x4 and go off roading for a bit if you don’t see much of this terrain.. Riyadh the type of place you gotta be a bit creative in lol
Click to expand...
I am thinking about the evening and 7 Hours? If he comes out of Airport he will have to check back in too...

KingKhanWC said:
I actually like eating Camel! So maybe a nice authentic Arabic restaurant for a few hours. The only issue is Arabs eat the rice with their hands like many people, nothing wrong with it but I have to use a spoon. Apart from Camel what other dishes are traditional in Saudi?
Click to expand...
Everything is served with Spoons and Forks and not many eat with their hands in Public so no issues with that.

In fact, I don't think anyone eats with their hands in a high end Restaurant, never seen it myself
 
KingKhanWC said:
I actually like eating Camel! So maybe a nice authentic Arabic restaurant for a few hours. The only issue is Arabs eat the rice with their hands like many people, nothing wrong with it but I have to use a spoon. Apart from Camel what other dishes are traditional in Saudi?
Click to expand...
The delicacy among Bedouins is Dhab, I have never eaten it because I ain't a Bedouin ....

dhab_7.jpg


Sunnah of the Dhab Lizard Delicacy​

 
KingKhanWC said:
I actually like eating Camel! So maybe a nice authentic Arabic restaurant for a few hours. The only issue is Arabs eat the rice with their hands like many people, nothing wrong with it but I have to use a spoon. Apart from Camel what other dishes are traditional in Saudi?
Click to expand...
You can go to the traditional majilis like restaurants where they sit on the floor with those majilis style couches and bring in a big plate of camel.

Or you can go to a higher end restaurant, they have other dishes like Kabsa, their version of chicken and rice and Tharid which is like stew.

There’s high end restaurants there with the whole skyline view in high rises- but more of a Dubai like experience

That and boulevard sounds good if you’re arriving in the evening. I thought it was morning initially that’s why I suggested the outdoor stuff first.
 
Suleiman said:
You can go to the traditional majilis like restaurants where they sit on the floor with those majilis style couches and bring in a big plate of camel.

Or you can go to a higher end restaurant, they have other dishes like Kabsa, their version of chicken and rice and Tharid which is like stew.

There’s high end restaurants there with the whole skyline view in high rises- but more of a Dubai like experience

That and boulevard sounds good if you’re arriving in the evening. I thought it was morning initially that’s why I suggested the outdoor stuff first.
Click to expand...

Appreciate it. I've had a look the boulevard is around 30 mins away in a taxi, seems like a plan.
 
Suleiman said:
You can go to the traditional majilis like restaurants where they sit on the floor with those majilis style couches and bring in a big plate of camel.

Or you can go to a higher end restaurant, they have other dishes like Kabsa, their version of chicken and rice and Tharid which is like stew.

There’s high end restaurants there with the whole skyline view in high rises- but more of a Dubai like experience

That and boulevard sounds good if you’re arriving in the evening. I thought it was morning initially that’s why I suggested the outdoor stuff first.
Click to expand...
KingKhanWC said:
Appreciate it. I've had a look the boulevard is around 30 mins away in a taxi, seems like a plan.
Click to expand...
People of Riyadh like a lot of Outdoor activities so when driving from the Airport you will see a lot of compounded areas, in Arabic these are called "Istaraha (Rest Area)", these have grassy areas and families or companies book them for their employees, they look like this.

Carpeted area and people just sit around and eat/talk etc.

Riyadh is pleasant after sunset and not as hot and never humid as Makkah/Jeddah and not as Cold as Madina so outdoor is the way to go.

maxresdefault.jpg


High-end Restaurants are generally Lebanese owned and Lebanese Cuisine, in order to get you will get to backwater Riyadh, the Saudi Bedouin area for Camel and Dhab is Haraj Market but these are Arab dominated areas as you don't want to go there without a translator, don't know what @Suleiman thinks?

These are poor deprived areas with extreme poverty but you will find exotic Saudi, Bedouin, Sudanese cuisine there, drugs, alcohol, underage prostitutes whatever else...

dhab_7.jpg


As a Tourist and in a hurry, stick to Boulevard and main malls and don't know your timings but they may or may not be open. Also weekend is Thursday (Half working day) and Friday, here is a quick summary of neighbourhoods

  1. Al-Hara: Manual labour Pakistani/Indian/Bangladeshi people
  2. Al-Haraj: Poor area but lots of wheeling/dealing going on
  3. Al Safarat: Riyadh Diplomatic quarter with embassies etc
  4. Al Murabba: Old Riyadh and you can walk around here, they used to execute and lash people here too but not anymore
  5. Al Olaya: Commercial center with malls and shopping centers
  6. Al-Malaz: Lots of Restaurants and shops
  7. Hittin: Games, Cinema, Boulevard City
Lets see what @Suleiman says...
 
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