Welcome back friends, I’ve missed you. No, for real, I have. There is so much I have to tell you. I’ll be doing so in a timely manner, of course. We wouldn’t want to get sick of each other, now would we?
The first thing I have to discuss is just how expensive the holiday season is. I mean, flights, presents, food and the like has left me with just enough pennies to live comfortably for the next five days.
Are you in the same boat? If you are, I’m here to help.
In my search to make those last few dollar bills last just a bit longer, I’ve devised a little list to ensure we live our best life just a bit longer…
Behold the activities that cost little to nothing (if you exclude transport money) and are fun…
Leisure Activities
Masti
Masti’s 80’s themed ladies night is a nostalgic journey into the past. Expect a lot of bangers from the decade, retro-dressed bartenders and even mixes named after your favourite 80’s hits! Take your pick from a total of four items from the menu (including food and drinks) for Dhs140. If that wasn’t enough, you can also get a 15 percent discount on the à la carte menu and some pretty funky jelly bracelets.
Where: Masti, La Mer, Dubai
When: 8pm to Midnight, Every Tuesday
Contact: +971 4 344 4384, website
Pierre’s Bistro & Bar
Taking place every third Wednesday of the month, Pierre’s Bistro & Bar hosts their ‘Pink.Me’ night and is the place to be if you really want to let loose and chill. Not only do they emanate, with such grace and elegance may we add, the most exquisite French aesthetic, they also have an array of acts lined up for you from sensational DJs, live artists and, so much more. Not to mention that the first 100 ladies to enter the venue get an amazing goodie bag. Score!
Where: InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City
When: 8pm-11.30pm, Every third Wednesday of the month
Contact: +971 4 701 1127, website
Dubai Creek
Take an abra from either side of the creek for just AED1 and soak in the sights and sounds of the souks, which includes the beloved Spice and Gold Souk. Bring a camera (the view at sunset will do wonders from your Instagram account) and wear comfy shoes (you’re going to be walking, a lot). Also, get ready to be called Shaikra or Maria, or both.
Be sure to try the: Karak tea. It’s just Dhs1 and tastes delicious.
Cinema Akil
Swap mainstream blockbusters and opt for a free documentary or indie flick at Alserkal Avenue. For the latest cinema listing, click here. Aside from Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue is home to many art installations and exhibits. As well as an impressive sneaker store and a few pretty good coffee houses.Â
Self-Improvement
When it comes to skills, YouTube should be your best friend. In the past week, I have learned how to ask for the bill and time in Mandarin, I’ve learnt how to make pasta from scratch and, I’ve even brushed up on my Photoshop skills.
To help with the search, these are the accounts I found useful….
Language
Mandarin
She’s a bit pixelated – yes, but give it a go.Â
Arabic
Yalla, a world of knowledge awaits.Â
French
You gonna sound très fancy!Â
Tip: As bad as you think you sound, just keep going.
Cooking
Just think of all the money you’re going to save…
Italian
*Inhales all the carbs*Â
Vegan
For dem healthy folk out there.Â
Spanish
I’m sure that any Saffron will do. Ain’t nobody got time to source Spanish Saffron, especially since it’s the most expensive. Also, rabbit? Naaay.Â
Ok friends, I have to finish up my Mandarin class now. Be back soon!Â