Lost In Translation Part 2

It would seem China is full of funny/weird/completely random things.

I couldn't contain myself on discovering this very funny, and entirely unappetising menu (in the Marriot of all places)!
Look closely...

Maybe I should have tried one of the 'Hairy Crab Recommendations'... but I'm sorry, I'm just not brave enough (and I'm quite sure my stomach isn't strong enough!)...

Love from laughing Dolly x

Dinner in the Desert

 




Sometimes, despite Dubai's obvious bright lights/big buildings/excessive shopping appeal, it's very nice to get out and explore the quieter corners of the desert that I live in.

One such corner is Bab Al Shams Desert Resort... This gorgeous hotel is an oasis, hidden amongst the golden dunes, its stone camouflaged amongst the yellow hues of the sand.

Getting there is a bit of a road trip (pack snacks and look out for the camels), taking around 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai and we set off in the afternoon, which conveniently allows for some beautiful photographs in the low sun.

Lost In Translation Part 1

I'm intrigued. And a little confused.

An 'Organic Sleeping Place' in a sidestreet in Hong Kong

Can anyone shed any light on what an Organic Sleeping Place is?

I'm quite sure this is something much more enlightened that when translated into English, simply doesn't work.
A bit like the Arabic word 'habibi' - if guys in the UK walked around calling each other 'my love', well, that would just be weird. But in the arab world, 'habibi' is quite possibly the most used word in the dictionary.

Or maybe, this is some new-modern all-organic place for sleeping? With Canadian influences?

Dolly doesn't know!

Chinese Whispers

Po Lin Monastery

Hong Kong was a lovely surprise.



There I was, traipsing in with lots of preconceived ideas of grotty greyness found in most other large cities. I was expecting that my short trip would not reveal the colour that is usually only found after spending more than 24 hours in a place...


Our international layovers (airhostess jargon for a stay of 24 hours or more in any one particular city, put up in a hotel by the airline before we work the flight back the following day) are mostly large, massively-populated cities. Passing places for the more adventurous traveller. Faceless destinations for busy businessmen. London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Rio, Rome, Hong Kong...

This Is Me

This is me. The Trolley Dolly!
Background: Half Scottish (thanks Mum!), half Lebanese (shukran Baba!)
Age: 26
Home cities (in no particular order): Dundee, Beirut, Dubai...
Loves: family, friends, life, travel, languages, food, exploring, writing, photography...

Biggest thanks to God for giving me the chance to have such fun every day, appreciate!

Introducing The Trolley Dolly...

Hi everyone!

My name is Nadia, a magazine Beauty Editor in the UK for 5 years, now turned air hostess, travel writer and photographer, based in sunny Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

I decided to write this blog as a way of expressing my (slight) obsession with beauty, in the most general and not always conventional sense of the word; whether that be in the people, places or even the products, I experience.

My aim is quite simple – I wish to write about real beauty, real people and really good products. Whether it be a city review, an interview or an amazing find, I am not sponsored, nor do I answer to an Editor or anyone else, so you can expect reliable information and honest opinions from someone with experience in the field.

When it comes to product posts, don’t expect a catalogue of average items simply because they are shiny and new. Something I’ve noticed to be missing online is realistic, intelligent comment on those everyday essentials such as cleanser, moisturiser, foundation, and all the other beauty basics we depend on. That's one of the reasons I created The Trolley Dolly, so let me know if you find my posts useful, and keep in touch with feedback - I appreciate all and any!

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P.s. Photographs and posts are my own, therefore copyright follows suit. Thanks!