During the trip to Högbo Bruk, I had the chance to visit the tastefully-crafted Gamla Herrgården, a gallery fringed by lush green trees and a lake. The mansion is broad and its walls are covered with a graceful selection of wallpapers - a unique hue and motif for each room. Its decor had a minimalist approach, overlaid with timeless vintage articles.



Sauntering from room to room and the slow walk past the corridors was a delight. Everything here is worthy of admiration. Nothing was encased, granting visitors the opportunity to peer even at the smallest details, from a tiny scratch on the wooden desk to writings in a journal.

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Summer days are over, but memories of the days spent in Sweden are still fresh in my mind. It has barely been a month since I lounged in the parks, closing my eyes as I revel in the gentle caresses of the mild Swedish breeze against my skin. There was something exceedingly captivating about the sky, which had a shade so blue and delightful that had brought me immense joy by just looking at it.

It was a weekend, and my dearest cousin Louise suggested a road trip. With road trips come long, carefree countryside strolls, sightseeing and curious peeks, and quick stop at cafes for good cups of coffee. There was pure bliss in all things. Luck was on my side as I was also there just in time for Högbodagen.

Högbodagen, or Högbo Day is a one-day festival where Högbobruk showcases all its best produce to the community. Items put on sale include vegetables, soft cheeses, freshly-baked bread loaves, processed meat, organic products, crafts, ceramics, and many others. Friendly vendors from all walks of life set up sufficing booths where preloved items and precious belongings are thoughtfully and methodically displayed, in hopes of having them sold. Further across the field was a space set up for a rabbit hopping tournament. At the back, there are food trucks, sweet aromas from meat on grills, and unvarnished wooden tables and benches carelessly scattered around.

Högbodagen flea market

Högbo Day rabbit tournament

Kolbulle was definitely the highlight of the event. The stall was armed with a troop of brawny men dressed uniformly in black, and the cooking was carried out in the open space. Kolbulle is a thick pancake containing diced, smoked pork. Made only out of flour, water, salt, and pork, this old Scandinavian dish is cooked directly on a pan over open fire. The idea behind the simplicity in ingredients and preparation method lies in the origin of the dish. Loggers and other manual laborers who lived under primitive conditions did not have the means to store raw food such as milk and eggs, and hence, created a recipe that is both feasible and delicious using only four main ingredients.

Preparation of Kolbulle over open fire

Eaten with lingonberry jam, because the Swedish love their food savory and sweet.

 This is an article about the Desert Safari in Dubai

Driving among the skyscrapers in Dubai

Dubai may be reputed for being a vacation playground for the rich and famous, but it has so much more to offer than just luxury goods, fast cars, and ritzy hotels.

Dubai is a state-of-the-art city located directly within the Arabian desert. My impulsive trip to Dubai unfortunately fell on its summer, so I had to endure the 44°C temperature every single day that I was there. Overnight lows are around 30°C, which is the average temperature in Malaysia.

Driving towards the city centre

There is absolutely no way of escaping the heat, but you could make the most out of it by indulging in some fun. After days of shopping and struggling to fit more stuffs into my already loaded backpack, I've finally resorted to giving its renowned desert a visit:

Desert in Dubai

While I am pretty sure I recalled my guide mentioning the name of the desert (saying "Dubai desert" is just too awfully vague"), but I could not find any information on it on the web. However, all the Desert Safari tours that you may find will lead you to this very part of the dust bowl.

What to expect in Dubai Desert Safari

Dubai Desert Safari

The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel after lunch hours and the journey from Dubai Marina takes a little more than half an hour. Once you are at the desert, the driver will take you on a wild and crazy spin on his 4WD, and the ride will not stop until someone in the car threatens to puke. This form of "activity" is called dune bashing. Never heard of it? Here's what to expect:

Timid ones should go for one of these quad bikes instead

After the ride, we proceeded to an area where permanent tents have been set up. And there, we feast!

Dinner buffet served in Dubai Desert Safari

Camel-riding in Dubai

Horse-riding in Dubai

A 10-minute camel ride is complimentary, but you can choose to pay for longer ones if the experience appeals to you. You can also ride on horses (totally exciting!) at a cost.

• Henna painting (free)
• Hubble Bubble a.k.a shisha (free, but served only during dinner and you'd need to sit at an allocated place where the stage is out of sight. Oh you know, just another marketing trick to make you pay. Otherwise its 6 AED)
• Alcoholic drinks
• Photography in traditional costumes
• Unlimited drinks - mineral water and local sodas (free)
• Sand-skiing

This is an article about the popular souks in Dubai

There are two ways of shopping in Dubai: You can either splurge in the world's best shopping malls, or you can bargain your way through the traditional Dubai markets, which are more commonly known as souks.

Dubai plays an important role in international trades thanks to its strategic position

Sikkat al-Khail Rd - the center of all the major souks in Dubai

There are many souks in Dubai selling similar items with similar prices, and they are set apart only by location and size. These souks are especially popular among tourists from the Gulf (you know, those who are actually there to shop) while others, like myself, are only there because they are on the attraction list.

Below is a list of the most popular souks in Dubai and how you can get there:

Popular Souks in Dubai

Gold Souk

The gold souks in Dubai are globally acclaimed. Taking a walk through one of these souks will give your senses a rather pleasing stroke (even if it means going home empty-handed). Rows after rows of narrow alleys are lined with shops selling innumerable grades of golds and precious ornaments, and the sight of the twinkles and sparkles from the display window will leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Psst. It is said that there are approximately 10 tons of gold sold at any given time in this souk.

How to get to Gold Souk
There are three options:
i.   By bus: 10-minute walk from the Deira bus station
ii.  By train: Stop at Al Ghubaiba Metro Station
iii. By boat: Hop onto an abra from Bur Dubai across the creek

Gold Souk in Deira. The Perfume Souk is also located here.

Diamonds. Gold. Diamonds on gold.

Spice Souk

Food in the Middle East is smothered in colorful, fragrant spices. Located just across the Gold Souk in Deira, tourists can find fresh spices conveniently packed in pouches, ready for them to take home.

Spice Souk in Dubai

You can find almost any kind of spice here, from cinnamon to cardamon, saffron to sumac. Stocks are constantly replenished by freight from neighboring countries such as India, Pakistan, and Iran. Immerse yourself in the exotic aromas while watching the locals bargaining persistently, as friendly vendors showcase their best possessions.

This is an article about Jumbo Stay Hostel, Arlanda Stockholm

“You need to spend a night at Jumbo Hostel when you land in Stockholm. It’s really cool!”

Jumbo Stay Hostel, Arlanda

Common area/cafe

F&B sold on-board

The aisle/entrance to the rooms

Escape plan. Sorry, there isn't a demonstration by the stewardess

Spanking clean washrooms

How to Get to Jumbo Stay Hostel Arlanda

This is an article about The Nest Underground, Petaling Jaya

The Nest Underground, the latest vape cafe and lounge in Petaling Jaya

Inside the Nest Underground: A mini cinema!

Inside the Nest Underground: The chill-out section

Comprehensive selection of juices, devices, and accessories

New to vaping? This is the perfect place to go to!

Eric guiding my friend through the setup

Juice-tasting!

Jeffri and Zac, a.k.a the big bosses. Say hi if you ever see them there!

Screw squarish tanks - pick something that stands out :P

Café Clon

Vietnamese Pizza - imagine otak-otak wrapped in rice paper.

Seafood Tom Yam Carbonara. Generous portion of seafood!

Yummy juices

Complimentary sago dessert - available until Malaysia day only!

• Closing time is 10pm on weekdays and 12am on weekends as of now, but it will soon be extended.
• Cigars are sold here, and shisha will be next to be introduced to the Nest Underground. Long story short, this place is a haven for smokers of all kinds ;)

How to get to Café Clon

How to get to the Nest Underground