Top 3 Things to do in Kuwait City

Visited Kuwait City in December 2018, arrived on a MEA flight from Beirut. My Itinerary was Layover in New York, 5 days in Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, India, and onward to Hong Kong, China and Mongolia.

Bottle of water is more expensive than Petrol in Kuwait. One of the reason you'll see big cars and SUV's on the freeways.

American Passport holders have visa on arrival, you will need to go the visa on arrival office near gate 2 to get the paperwork taken care of.

Visa Info


Withdrew local currency at the airport ATM, Once outside the airport, I ignored the cab drivers that approached me and took the Airport bus to my Airbnb. The city buses are the best way out of the airport.

Kuwait is an expensive destination, an average 3 star hotel will cost upwards of 100 USD. I was only there for 2 days.


Kuwaiti dinar is at the time of writing this post, the world's highest valued currency $3.30 USD equals 1 Kuwaiti dinar.

Top 3 Things to do in Kuwait City

 

Souk Al-Mubarakiya

 

This is a massive shopping Souq with Apparel Shops, money changers, food courts, perfume shops, vegetable and fruit market, seafood market, the list goes on.







Above the seafood market and one of the many eating courts in the Souq.

Kuwait Towers

Went to See the Towers twice, one during the night to see all the lights and once during the day. Took a cab from the grand Mosque to get there.

Grand Mosque

The interior is pretty amazing, went there during the night and during day time, walking distance from the Kuwait Souq.

If you are into shopping (which I am not) Check out the Avenue Mall, it's one of the biggest malls in the middle east, I saw it from the outside on my way back to the airport.



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Discover Beautiful Bahrain

Bahrain is a fascinating travel destination for those who are willing to venture a little off of the beaten path. It features beautiful architecture, warm hospitality and rich culture, as well as natural beauty including glorious beaches. Visited Bahrain in December 2018. Weather in December is excellent.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small island nation located off of the coast of Saudi Arabia. It consists of one large main island, as well as several smaller, outlying islands.

Saudi Rials (currency) is accepted in Bahrain, exchange rate differs.

It is a very multicultural place, with four official languages: Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and English. Due to its large expat community, Bahrain is a blend of many different cultures. Plus, as Bahrain’s is one of the few nations in the Middle East where alcohol can legally be purchased, it is a popular getaway for those in neighboring countries.

History lovers will also love visiting beautiful Bahrain. Bahrain has been an important trading post for centuries, so there are many ancient and historic sites to explore. Some of the most well-known include the Barbar Temples, the earliest of which takes from 3000 BC, and Souq al-Khamis, a stunning mosque that dates back to the eighth century.

TIP: Bahrain can be expensive. My hotel room was $100 a night, USD.
Airport to hotel was 5 Bahraini Dinar, about $15 USD.

Bab Al Bahrain

Bab Al Bahrain, the main entrance to the Manama Souq. Manama Souq has a lot of shops selling souvenirs and Arabian lamps and artifacts. There is also other excellent shopping, from small bazaar stalls through to high-end luxury designer boutiques. One of the largest and most luxurious malls is the Moda Mall, however, if you are looking for Bahrain’s famous yellow gold, you should head for Gold City in Manama. Just FYI, I rarely shop, just went to see the glitter.



One of the main cultural attractions in Manama is the stunning Al Fateh Grand Mosque. The architecture of this mosque is absolutely beautiful, and it is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims. You are welcome to take a tour which will show you the most beautiful parts of the mosque, as well as share some information about the Islamic faith.


If you’re looking to relax or perhaps escape the hot sun, Bahrain also boasts several beautiful beaches, such as glamorous Marassi Al Bahrain, with its calm water and many beach parties.

All in all, Bahrain is a beautiful and underrated travel destination. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy the many fabulous restaurants and bars, or perhaps to discover the historic sites, you’re sure to be fascinating and enthralled by this amazing country.

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Layover in Newark Liberty International Airport

7 Hour Layover in Newark Liberty International Airport and How to get to New York NY from Newark NJ Airport

 I had a 7 hour layover in December 2018, December in New York/New Jersey is cold, dress according. My flight arrived at around 10 AM and my departure was at 5 PM to Denmark.
At the Newark Liberty Airport, I asked information about going to New York, they told me to take the skytrain to Amtrack trains. The trains and way to Skytrain is clearly marked, at the AMTrack station I bought a train ticket to Penn Station in New York, the cost is US$12.25 for one way ticket. The train ride is 45 minutes approximately. I arrived at the Penn station and there were people selling tickets to the ball game and to the Hop on Hop off bus for sightseeing New York.






From Penn station I walked to 7th ave Macy's.

#newyork #macys

A post shared by Arvin (@arvin_travels) on Jan 7, 2019 at 9:25am PST

From there I walked to Time square, and back to Penn station after a roughly 2 hour walk around New York. I got back to the airport with 3 hours to spare. I leave you with a few photos.

#newyork

A post shared by Arvin (@arvin_travels) on Jan 7, 2019 at 10:18am PST

#newyork #timessquare

A post shared by Arvin (@arvin_travels) on Jan 8, 2019 at 11:46am PST

#newyork #timessquare

A post shared by Arvin (@arvin_travels) on Jan 12, 2019 at 1:44pm PST

Now the show on Amazon prime 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' is a great show.

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5 hour Layover in Denver Colorado

Another layover, this time in Denver or 'the mile high city' as its known as. So basically I was catching a flight to Panama City and the cheapest price I could find was on Copa Airlines, which flew from Denver, so I took United from Austin to Denver and Copa from there, I had a 5 hour layover.

Now I am not a big fan of airport food, so decided to take my chances and leave the airport and head to the city. So from arrival's, you'll need go down to departures and exit the airport and you'll see the train once out side the airport. There is a 9 dollar ticket you'll need to buy for the train ride. The last stop is Union Station.

IMPORTANT TIP: See the time on the ticket, you might be able to use the same tickets to get back to the airport.

Picture below taken at the last stop Union Station.



The train takes 40 minutes one way.

#denver #colorado

A post shared by Arvin (@arvin_travels) on Jul 22, 2018 at 11:04am PDT

Picture above The Union Station


Picture below: Several eating options inside the Union station and outside around the station.



So after a meal and a drink, I walked around the area, one can also take a pedicab, you'll see the pedicabs outside the station.

I was back at the airport with time to spare and was on my way to Panama city.

FYI There is no TSA Precheck at Denver airport, there were no long line on a Saturday evening.

Anyone from Denver or has been there, please leave your recommendations for a layover in the comments below.

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Layover in Kiev Ukraine

In October 2017 I was travelling from Austin Texas to Yerevan Armenia and had a 18 hour stopover in Kiev Ukraine. Immigration is quick and easy, no long lines. On a chilly October evening, my flight arrived at 5 PM, I had researched before going to Kiev on transportation from Kiev Boryspil Airport to the city center, a cab river approached me and offered to take me to the city center for 50 USD, I laughed at him and negotiated the price down to 20 USD. There was an ATM, I changed money and was off to the city center. At the time of writing this 1 USD = 26.0485 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia. So basically 500 UAH was my price for the cab ride.

I was staying at a Soviet era hotel, Hotel Ukraine.The location was just perfect, hotel overlooks Independence Square. Walking distance to Eating places, entertainment and shopping.





The first picture above is the Independence Square, taken from outside the hotel and 2nd is the Hotel Ukraine, a part of Soviet History. The biggest advantage was it was right next to the main street in Kiev, khreschatyk street. I was there on a Saturday,  khreschatyk street was blocked off and there were bands playing on the street and tons of other entertainment like street performances.


The Ukrainian revolution of 2014

Outside the hotel is also a shrine to pay homage to people that died in the Ukraine  revolution of 2014



After checking into the hotel and a warm shower later, I was off to explore the city on foot.

I was there on Oct. 14th and it was Ukraine Defender’s Day with celebrations and a rally going on, right outside my hotel. Streets were blocked off to traffic, so I asked a few people what's going on and they barley spoke English, then I asked a young student who explained it was Ukraine Defender’s Day celebrations. Video I took is below of the parade

Then I took off on foot to explore the city by foot, Kiev has beautiful Churches and Monasteries, below St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, photography and video was not allowed inside, it was beautiful though.



St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery is a functioning Orthodox monastery. It's a tourist attraction that includes a cathedral, bell tower, refectory, and gates, all built in Ukrainian Baroque style.



Above Photo - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA) is the Ukrainian government ministry that oversees the country's foreign relations.

Ended up getting a bite to eat at a sandwich shop on my way to the hotel as I had an early morning flight. Then thought its a Saturday night, might as well have fun, so went to khreschatyk street where people were dancing on the street.

Made it back to the hotel just after midnight and the had the reception do a early morning wake up call. Woke up at 6-30 AM, shower and free breakfast, which was awesome and at 7:30 AM cab ride back to the airport. Again the cab cost was 500 UAH.



And was off to the Caucasus. First stop Yerevan.

What's your favorite thing to do on a layover?

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Layover in Abu Dhabi

In November 2016 on my way to Austin Texas from New Delhi India, my flight arrived at noon and was leaving at 3 AM the next day, about 15 hours stopover in Abu Dhabi. I flew Etihad Airlines, which is very comfortable for the long flights especially if you flying Business Class or even Premium Economy.

At the Arrival at Abu Dhabi, Customs and Immigration is quick and Easy. I took an hour or nap at arrivals waiting area chairs as I was tired.  At the Airport the money changer was not giving me a good exchange rate,  so I used the ATM instead, even with the foreign transaction fee, ATM is a better choice.

I usually plan my layovers to best utilize my time, this time I had no plans, so I approached the information Desk, now this is information and not Tourist information, so they were not of much help, the only info of use I got was there are no Buses and I'll have to take a Cab.

At the Taxi stand I asked to be taken to Ferrari World, the Cab driver was an Indian from Tamil Nadu India, I greeted him in Tamil and explained to him in English why I was in Abu Dhabi. The cab driver Suggested I got to the City first and on on my way back to the Airport stop at Ferrari World.

Locals and especially cabbies know the city best, so I decided to make the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque my first stop, the cab fare from the Airport was 65 dirham about 18 USD.

The Mosque is incredible, with just beautiful Marble inlay work on the pillars and walls to the Chandeliers, pretty Amazing. Give your self an hour or more to see the whole complex. Dress code is enforced, do dress modestly or get a cover from the shop in the basement, I think it was free to get a body cover. I was wearing a pant and shirt and didn't need one.

From the Grand Mosque I took a cab to Marina Mall. Picture below of the Ferris wheel outside the Mall.



I walked the Marina taking photos and later went inside the Mall, now malls and shopping do not interest me, I sat in the center of the mall looking at the fountain and eating the snacks I had packed before leaving New Delhi.

Next I just walked the 'The Corniche' admiring the architecture and talking Sunset photos to evening photos.



The Emirates Palace was throwing some kind of neon light in different colors to be seen for miles. Pretty.

After all the walking, about 10 miles I was tired and hailed a cab to drop me off at the airport, leaving Ferrari World to be seen on another visit.

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6 Hour Layover in Kuala Lumpur

Downtown Kuala Lumpur 

In November 2016 I had a flight from Yangon Myanmar to New Delhi India with a 6 hour stopover in Kuala Lumpur, my 3rd time in Malaysia. I have visited Penang before and it is beautiful. I had already decided to leave the airport and see the City. My 2 choices were Kuala Lumpur Tower and the Petronas Towers or my other choice was Putrajaya.

Seeing the towers was a risky affair as I needed to be back in time to board the Plane. Putrajaya which is closer to the Airport is a safer bet. Putrajaya has the Prime Ministers office and some Government buildings, there is a Train from the Airport that will take you there.

So my flight arrived 30 minutes late and when I got to Immigration and customs, I saw the long lines and said to myself  'Holly Guacamole'  Yes the lines were long, the good thing they did move fast.

Once past the immigration and customs, I got 200 Malaysian ringgit from an ATM and discussed my options with the helpful information Desk, once again at the MRT ticket counter at the Airport, the Gentleman selling the train ticket suggested Petronas Towers and told me I had enough time, I bought the round trip ticket for 100 Malaysian ringgit and was on the next fast train to KL Central. the train takes 30 minutes one way. From KL Central I had to change trains and buy another ticket for 2 ringgit to KLCC. When one exits the KLCC MRT they see the Petronas Towers.

Due to time lost in flight delays and long immigration lines, I was unable to go to the observation desk of the Kuala Lumpur Tower, will leave that for another Layover.

I spent half an hour walking around talking pictures and headed back to catch my flight, at the airport I had enough time leftover to get a meal. Since I travel light with a backpack and no check in luggage, that makes it easier to get out of airports during layovers.

Petronas Towers Kuala Lumpur 

Whats your Favorite thing to do on a layover?

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Things to Do on a Stopover in Manchester

Beetham Tower

March 2016 On my way to Iceland, I had a day Stopover in Manchester UK. If you are brown skinned get ready for some grilling and harassment by the immigration and customs. 

I stayed at Premier Inn, half way between the city and the Airport, quiet and comfortable and they had a very good English breakfast. 

One of England’s most underrated cities is Manchester which is at the heart of the North West. Full of edgy museums and fabulous shops this is a top destination for a weekend break or even longer. Here’s the lowdown on what you can do on a 24 hour stopover in Manchester.

Head to an Art Gallery

Manchester has some of the best art museums in England. The Whitworth Art Gallery is one of the best and has a vast collection of items. Manchester art Gallery is another excellent collection of paintings, sculptures, and design. For a more modern touch head to the Cornerhouse which has art, cinema and exhibitions throughout the year. And for a local artist head to the Lowry in Salford Quays where you can see the matchstick men and dogs in these iconic paintings.

Go to the Football

Manchester is renowned for football and visitors to the city can take a tour of the United ground at Old Trafford.  There are lots of memorabilia of the Manchester United players and the club’s history here and it is fascinating for any football fan. Do check out if there is a match when you are in town so you can enjoy the atmosphere and see some of the famous players in action. The National Football Museum is also in Manchester and also worth a visit.

Sail on the Manchester Ship Canal

The 35 mile stretch of the Manchester Ship Canal shaped the city and is a very interesting tour. Boats depart from Salford Quays and there are stopovers allowed to visit attractions along the way such as the imperial War Museum North and the Lowry. These trips last 2.5 hours and are a very different way to experience the city. 

Shop Until you Drop

Manchester has some of the best shopping experiences in England and there are several great places to go. The Arndale Centre is full of high street chains whilst Market Place is also popular with shoppers. You’ll find large department stores like John Lewis too and a number of independent stores. 

Go Clubbing

Manchester is one of the best places in Europe for a night out. With a wide range of bars and restaurants there is a lot to choose from. Start with a cocktail in one of the chic bars like Alchemist and then head out to dance the night away. You’ll find a lot of the action in the Northern Quarter where you can dance till the early hours.

Manchester Cathedral

Deansgate Manchester, England

Manchester has a real vibe and is a superb place to spend a 24 hour stopover.

Did you like this blog post, do share on social media and leave me some comments.

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