Eid al-Adha 

     As you probably know, Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) is the most important holiday of the year. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, as an act of submission to God's command.
      Eid celebrations are different all over the world, every country has its own rituals. But everywhere in the world people are wearing their best clothes, women are cooking special foods (just like in Ramadan), especially sweets, childen are enjoying these days and learn more about their own culture.

It's İstanbul time ♡

    

     I made a promise to myself that I'll visit Turkey at least once a year. This was my third trip to İstanbul, but I felt like it was first. Because, even if I walk in the same places, I always discover new things. This time it was even better because, after the failed coup attempt, they were flags and patriotic quotes everywhere. It was depressing to see the streets almost empty, but I have faith that everything will return to normal soon.

The miracle between dunes

    This is my second post about Abu Dhabi and UAE, in generally. This little country is like an oasis in the middle of the desert. It is the place where sky towers meet mosques and luxurious cars meet camels. 

    Abu Dhabi is a green city even if it is in the desert. Everywhere you can see palm trees and traditional buildings. Beige buildings are in contrast with green trees and everything looks fabulous. From the centre of Abu Dhabi you can simply arrive in the desert where you can see friendly bedouins and camels. 

     Due to tourists, Dubai is not as traditional as Abu Dhabi anymore, but it is a fancy city, good for people who want to have fun in the western way. 
    In conclusion, in UAE hospitality is an important part of the culture, so you'll always feel good there. ♡

    

Daqoos | Kuwaiti tomato sauce

    Today I cooked arabic daqoos and rice. Rice is used in a lot of Middle Eastern recipes, being a basic aliment. Daqoos is a Kuwaiti sauce which contains: tomatoes, tomato paste and spices. 

     I used:

• 1 tomato
• 3 tbsp of tomato paste (bio)
• 1/2 tsp cardamom
• 1 tsp Ras el Hanout
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chilli powder

    All ingredients are mixed in a pan and boiled for 10 minutes. 

     Near this meal I recommend you a cup of tea or arabic coffee [ my recipe here ]. 

Artistic - how to take artistic photos

    These days we always hear people saying that they are taking 'artistic' photos. But what does 'artistic' mean?         According to the dictionary, 'artistic' means performed, made or arranged decoratively and tastefully; aesthetically pleasing. But is artistic to integrate a simplistic element in a complex decor? Or the opposite? Here you have three useful advices you can use when you want to take an artistic photo.

•  What about taking a really interesting photo, with catchy elements in a pleasant decor? 

• Artistic photos are, in generally, taken in an obscure light or in black-and-white filter.

• If the photo is taken in a sunny place, then it is adequate to be only one eye catching element. 

Arabic Qahwa (قهوة عربية)

    Today I decided to share my Arabic coffee's recipe. Coffee (qahwa) is a symbol of UAE, you can see a coffee pot (dallah) even on one dirham coin. Coffee is served anytime and anywhere, sometimes even in malls or little shops.
     

     You need: 3 cups of water, 3tbsp of coffee and 1 tbsp of cardamom. You can also add rose water and saffron. Sugar or milk are never added.

    I used Turkish coffee, even if it is strong. I use always Mehmet Efendi coffee because it is the best in Turkey.

     First of all, bring water to boil in a coffee pot.

     After the water is boiled, add the coffee and boil for more 10 minutes.

    Add crushed cardamom and cloves and boil for more 5 minutes.

    Remove the coffee pot from the heat, add the rose water and saffron (if you use them) and allow to seep for 5 minutes before you serve. 

    Qahwa is always sugar free so that's why it is always served with sweets (in generally dates). I drank it with dates covered in chocolate from Abu Dhabi. 
    I always loved Turkish coffee which is very sweet, so it was difficult for me to get used with Arabic coffee. 
    ENJOY ! ♡

Trip to the desert : Abu Dhabi

      I had the chance to spend three days in the capital of the United Arab Emirates last month. I have to admit that it was even better than I've expected. Here you have some of my favorite photos, most of them taken at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 

      Abu Dhabi is a city where you can see everything from sky towers and SF bridges to camels and bedouins. People here are incredible, they are always relaxed, ready to help tourists with any problem. As a woman, I can say that i appreciate their respect for us. They always try to make you feel happy and respected. 

     UAE is the best place for travel, but don't do like me and don't go there in the summer because the weather is very very very hot. :)

   

   

And an arabic lunch in the last day, in Dubai