Tag: local travel

Travel Link Up – Favorite Staycation Spots

Categories A Tourist In My Hometown, Ms Hala Travels, Review2 Comments on Travel Link Up – Favorite Staycation Spots

Travel bloggers come together monthly for the Travel Link Up, a fantastic way for bloggers to come together to write and share posts of a particular theme. Even though I’ve been behind, I try to join whenever I can. This month’s theme is “favorite staycations” and I just had to take the opportunity to brag a bit about my hometown region and a far away favorite. 

Staycations are like adding a fun boost to the weekend that’s usually set aside for family, laundry, errands and TV binge. When you are in need of a vacation but can’t go so far or for so long, it’s good to hop in a car, a train, or even a short flight to enjoy a quick break from the mundane.

Here, I’m going to focus on two of my favorite staycation spots since I’ve lived in two different parts of the world. One being in my hometown of the Bay Area and the other being from my expat life in Qatar.

Let’s go far then bring it back home.

Muscat, Oman

IMG_20161209_112439-01.jpegDuring the five years of my expat life in Qatar, I was lucky to be able to go on weekend trips to near by countries like the UAE and Kuwait. Many of which literally meant time with family and friends or at a hotel spa getting a well deserved pampering session. I got to do a little bit of both with some adventure when friends and I headed to Muscat in 2016 for a long birthday weekend.

Barely an hour flight away (think SF to LA), once I landed, I went straight to the hotel where I indulged in a mani-pedi pampering session before chilling on the warm private beach with a good book. Yes, Muscat in December is like a sweet summer day in San Francisco. It’s seriously perfect beach weather, warm but not too humid, light breeze and clear skies for the most part.

As an IHG member, I got a sweet deal at the Crowne Plaza Muscat. It’s very much a chill out hotel that I’d go back to again. Great spots to eat, excellent services and did I mention they had a private beach?

IMG_20161209_165408-01.jpegOnce my friends caught up though, we went exploring! Headed to Bimmah’s infamous sinkhole and clear beaches before driving out the city to the canyons of Wadi ElSham. This is a trek everyone should do once in their lives, absolutely beautiful and breathtaking.

Canyons are no joke and as an out of shape person, it wasn’t too hard to trek through some of the rocky narrow parts. And if you’re a swimmer, you’ll love the varying spots where you can take safe dive, come back up and trek some more. I went as far as I could before the path was too narrow for me and alas, I’m no swimmer but I still enjoyed exploring and watching the waters ripple below.

Nature truly beckons here in Muscat, where you can lose yourself in awe of your colorful surroundings.

Monterey Bay, California

I’ve been a tourist in my hometown since repatriating back home over a year ago. There is still so much for me to rediscover as I eat my way through town and see the changes that have happened over the course of my absence. I did get to rediscover an old favorite for a few staycations, including a birthday weekend late last year (I know, I’ve developed a pattern! =P ). On a good day, it’s a short hour and a half drive to this small historical beach town.

IMG_20190331_134903-01.jpegOnce a mainstay for sardine fishing and canning, Monterey has become a hub for marine preservation and exploration. My brother got his scuba diving license there before we took my nephew to his first aquarium adventure. He got to see all the different kinds of jelly fishes up close before finally seeing his favorite, the hammer head shark, swim by.

Just a half hour away, one can head to Moss Landing for an afternoon of dolphin and whale watching. It’s an absolutely glorious experience, highly recommended!

Make it a true girls trip and head to the Monterey Plaza Hotel for a beautiful room, a day at the spa and dinner by the sea. The hotel even offers perks and packages, especially if they know you’re there for a special occasion. They were sweet enough to offer us freebies from my favorite coffee spot there, Tidal Cafe -home of the best chocolate scones, EVER!- as a birthday gift.

So tell me, where are your favorite staycation spot(s)?

SF Sundays – Spring is in the Air

Categories I'm Always Hungry, News and Events, Review, San Francisco Bay Area, San Francisco Sundays2 Comments on SF Sundays – Spring is in the Air

I apologize for lagging behind on my SF Sundays rants over the last several weeks. I hadn’t realized until recently that it’s one of my most read rant series! I’m so glad my peeps are really interested in the happenings around town. As a thank you, I have something special for you all so keep reading.

Spring is in the air! The rains may subsided but Karl is still overlooking the city. The flowers are in full bloom, pollen is in the air and my antihistamines have gone up in price. Ha! Like that’s going to stop us from enjoying this nice change of weather and all the happenings that come with it.

This is my favorite time of year in the city because so much is going on and we are truly spoiled for choice. From local art galleries and festivals to international races and eats, you have no excuse to not come outside and play!

HAPPENING AROUND TOWN

Next week on May 6th, Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is expected to begin. This is the month where Muslims around the world fast from dawn till dusk, reflecting on their faith and spirituality. During this time, there will be several activities happening across the Bay Area, such as “Fast-athons” and banquet iftars, where all are welcome to join, learn and participate.

The Bay Area Grand Iftar, hosted by the Islamic Relief USA, is happening May 12th in Fremont. A four star charitable organization I hold near and dear for the amazing work they do around the world as well as here at home. They were on the scene during last years devastating California wild fires, supporting victims in need. Ticket sales benefit the organization’s charitable programs while bringing the community together for a great cause. Speakers for the evening banquet will include Imam Khalid Latif and activist Linda Sarsour.

You know, our city is home to some of the largest and most beautiful museums. Sometimes though, it’s the small galleries featuring local artists that grab my attention the most. In search for a local gallery to check out, I came across a San Francisco Examiner story on local artist Kurt Schwartzmann.

Kurt, who is visually impaired in his left eye, dedicates his most recent series of sketches, Yellow Line, to the kindness he found with an SF MUNI bus driver when he found himself homeless back in 2008. Spending some time sketching other MUNI drivers, Kurt’s collection is now being exhibited at the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired through May 2019.

Yellow Line Second Panel by Kurt Schwartzmann
c/o lighthouse-sf.org

Time to get your groove on, peeps! Bay Area Dance Week by ODC is happening now through May 5th. Celebrate dance in all it’s glory with the local community of dance artists. Take free classes in Rhythm and Motion, Afro-Haitian, and Contemporary. Events are free but pre-registration is required. So what are you waiting for?

And if you’ve got your allergies at bay, this summer’s Free Outdoor Movie Screenings has already started. Woohoo! Running through September 5th, movies on the roster to be screened include Bohemian Rhapsody and Crazy Rich Asians. Yes it’s free but you best reserve your spots because they go so fast.

A few more fun things to consider planning ahead for:

  • On your mark, get set, sail! The second annual SailGP in San Francisco races May 4th and 5th, with spectator tickets still available at varying prices.
  • Broadway’s all time favorite Hamilton is still happening now in San Francisco through September. Get your tickets before it’s too late.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is a01959a290d87b1c64a1b97491288b5180a767c4.jpg
c/o carnavalsanfrancisco.org
  • The 41st annual Carnaval San Francisco festival is on Memorial Day weekend with Los Tigres del Norte headlining May 25th. Themed “La Cultura Cura” (“Culture Heals”) this year, expect the festival to be colorful, beautiful and joyfully loud!
  • The line up for the free 82nd Stern Grove Festival starting June 16 through Aug 18th have been announced. Seriously, what a line up! Even though it’s free, you can reserve your picnic tables now.

THANK YOU!

I have recently revamped my humble boutique, adding some beautiful new products and even gave it a fresh logo. Seeing that my readers here love this rant series where I get to show off my hometown and to celebrate the return of Game of Thrones, thought what better way than to have my first ever blog giveaway*? Yaaay!

I’ll be giving away three beautiful necklaces inspired by the GOT house sigils that I found during my time in Europe. Pendants such as the Lannister’s golden lion, Stark’s dire wolf or the Targaryen’s three headed dragon, are made to look medieval, Gothic and vintage in dark silver and bronze colors.

To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is comment below on what your most favorite thing to do or see or eat in San Francisco. Not in San Francisco? Comment below on what’s your San Francisco wish list for when you do visit. I’ll randomly pick three individuals and announce the winners right here on May 12th.

Spring is here, so let’s celebrate!

*Terms and Conditions: No purchase required to enter, one necklace per winner thus three winners total. Must be 18 or older and a resident of the US . Entries must be made by May 10th with a valid email/account. Comments with no images/profiles, multiple entries or spammers are disqualified. Winners will be announced on the next upcoming post May 12th as well as on the social media handles of Ms. Hala’s Boutique (@mshalasboutique).

Disclaimer: This rant was not sponsored or paid for by the events or restaurants listed. If you’d like me to check out a happening around town or a yummy eatery to rant about, please email ha@mshala.co.

Picture of the Day

Categories Ms Hala Travels, Picture

Sometimes when you just take a moment to appreciate your surroundings, a beautiful blue jay will come to appreciate you. And allow you to capture it’s beauty. 🐦

SF Sundays – Parade and Brunch, Rain or Shine

Categories I'm Always Hungry, News and Events, Review, San Francisco Bay Area, San Francisco Sundays

The Bay Area is officially out of the drought after a good few days of nonstop rain. There was a scary mudslide in Sausalito and flash floods in both the North and South Bay areas. Is that going to stop anyone from enjoying one of the world’s largest lunar year’s parade? Or the ongoing festivities celebrating Black History Month? Or even heading out for brunch? No, no and definitely not. So gather your loved ones, your coats, a few pairs of socks, an extra scarf and an umbrella, these next couple of weeks should be fun!

HAPPENING AROUND TOWN

c/o chineseparade.com

Gong Hay Fat Choy! Happy Year of the Boar! This lunar year is off to a great start, full of rain and snow helping keep our state our of another drought scare.

Like every year, San Francisco is set to host one of the world’s largest new lunar year parades outside of Asia on February 23rd. If you want bleacher seats, be sure to get your tickets here in time for the festivities. You can also head to the SFMTA for the best bus routes and parking details to get you to the parade, starting on 2nd and Market Streets.

In celebrating Black History month this year, the San Francisco Public Library hosts More Than a Month. During this time, all library branches are showcasing literary events, movie screenings, storytelling, music, dance and crafts that can be enjoyed by the entire family. This is an effort to reflect, discuss, advocate and educate not just during the month but all year round. You can download the program guide here.

More Than a Month
c/o sfpl.org, artwork by Ron Moultrie Saunders

Do also check out the African American Center in the Main Library (by City Hall). Not only do they host exhibits and programs but hold a vast collection and references to help us learn about the historical experiences of African Americans in California.

The East Meets West: Jewels of the Maharajas from the Al Thani Collection showcasing at the Legion of Honor will be ending February 24th. If you are a fan of history, jewelry and all around artistic craftsmanship, this is an exhibit not to be missed. You’ll be immersed in it all as there’s no photography allowed. Let me warn you peeps, you will be in awe of it all.

YUMMINESS ACHIEVED

Several weeks ago, I joined the local InterNations group and brunched at Baker Street Bistro. This cute French bistro has a simple weekend brunch menu that’s packed with lots of flavor. I had to try the Oeufs Copenhague which is English muffin topped with smoked salmon, poached eggs and a light hollandaise sauce.

Peeps, I was not disappointed in the slightest. For under $20, everything on that plate came together perfectly and I was quite full. I did have space for dessert which I sadly didn’t get to try. So of course I gotta go back! Large groups like ours could expect a slow but friendly service so try to book in advance, especially on the weekends.

Disclaimer: This rant was not sponsored or paid for by the events or restaurants listed. If you’d like me to check out and rant about a happening around town or an eatery in town for my SF Sundays rant series, please email ha@mshala.co.

SF Sundays – Celebrate, Laugh and Eat!

Categories A Tourist In My Hometown, I'm Always Hungry, News and Events, San Francisco Bay Area, San Francisco Sundays

Hope you are all surviving this Bay Area cold. Luckily the weather seems to be calming down after those rain storms. At least there are a few things to enjoy outdoors if you’ve got a nice coat and a sturdy umbrella.

I’m not sure what’s more exciting, the long weekend of celebrating the great Martin Luther King’s life, laughing to tears or all the food that’s involved.

HAPPENING AROUND TOWN

Martin Luther King week is already in full gear! Tomorrow, January 21st, the MLK march will start at 11am at 4th and King Street before ending at the Yerba Buena Center. This is where the celebration festivities will be held until about 5pm. Some may head straight to the center but you don’t want to miss Caltrain’s Celebration Train that’ll be at the King Street Station just before the march. There are more activities, festivals and celebrations to partake in as listed by the NorCal MLK Foundation.

Want to explore the San Francisco African American Freedom Trail? As recommended by San Francisco Travel, this is a great way to not only learn about how African Americans changed the world from our humble Bay Area, but a great way to explore the city on foot. This is a great learning adventure for the whole family, just wear good, comfortable shoes.

If you haven’t already, the 18th Annual SF Sketchfest, founded by David Owen, is still happening now through January 27th. With this shutdown mess, we could all use a laugh from the likes of Andy Kindler, Sasheer Zamata, Michael Ian Black and local favorite, Peaches Christ.

YUMMINESS ACHIEVED

San Francisco Restaurant Week is starting just as Oakland Restaurant Week comes to a close. From January 23rd through the 31st, almost 130 restaurants will participate in showcasing what makes this city the most gastronomic city in the country!

c/o sfrestaurantweek.com

During the week, participating restaurants will be serving exclusive menus for either lunch and/or dinner. Two course lunches will be between $15 – $25 and three course dinners between $40 – $65. It that isn’t a biting deal, I don’t know what is! When you’re out and about, show off your eats by using the hashtag #SFRW on Instagram or Twitter.

Disclaimer: This rant was not sponsored or paid for by the events or restaurants listed. If you’d like me to check out and rant about a happening around town or an eatery in town for my SF Sundays series, please email me at ha@mshala.co.