Niagara Falls, ON CA: Day Three


Hi there my lovelies! Happy Fridays! Hope you are doing well. I know it has been a few days but I wanted to make I get it right. On the third day of our trip to Niagara Fall, we went to Toronto through a guided tour through AAA Taxi.

I called them months ago and they assured me that they know their way through the city and their drivers were very knowledgeable. I have been going through private tour services everywhere I travel, where the driver showed us around the major landmarks.

When I booked the tour of Toronto from Niagara Falls, ON, I made sure that I made it a point with one of the owners (female) that I have never been to Toronto and we needed a guided tour. She assured me that they will show me all the major attractions. They charged us almost $600 for 4 people for the whole day round trip. On the day of pick up, the guy picked us up and dropped us off to the CN tower area. There was the CN Tower, Aquarium, and the Rogers Stadium all in the same vicinity. We couldn’t go to the top of the CN tower since it was so busy so we decided to go to the aquarium instead. We were there one and a half hour and the guy called kept calling us saying he just wanted to make sure his phone is working. It was frustrating so we left and called him to pick us up. He then asked us to tell him where to take us next. When we explained to him the arrangement we made with the company, he said that it was up to us to tell him where to go. He then pulled out his phone and told us “here’s a list of attractions, choose few”. Unfortunately, all of them were hotels. At that time we realized that the driver did not know anything about Toronto. I googled some list and give him one, which was a park. He took us to the wrong end. When I gave my phone with the good direction he kept telling us that logically it didn’t make sense and took us to a dead end. We became so frustrated that we asked him to take us back to our hotel. Suffice to say, our overcompensated taxi ride ended with a just ride to the CN tower area. At points when we got out we saw the driver keep opening the front hood. He even kept turning off the A/C on us every few minutes on that hot and humid day.

I would not recommend this company to anyone. I called the company to speak with the owner. Instead of speaking to me, the lady used a middleman to say that I was complaining because they did not give me money for the ride to CN Tower. It is then I realized what kind of fraud and rip off company they are. If I can spend $600 for a tour I can’t spend $80 on rides? I am not cheap like them. I argue that they are cheap but I actually took 16 hours guided tour with breakfast for less. So I suggest don’t fall victim to scams like this. Go with a reputable company. I usually research before I book but I wanted to give this company a chance, which was the biggest mistake of my life. NEVER AGAIN.

Usually my review about great things in a trip, but I wanted to share some of the horrible experiences I had. Let me if anyone ever had a similar experience or know of any good guided tours at Toronto. I would love to hear from you.

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow on Instagram @allaboutme3181Are you on Bloglovin? Let’s add each other. Please follow me and comment below with your information so that I can follow you back.

———————————– With Love: Munziba ———————————-

Instagram:@allaboutme3181

Follow my blog on  Bloglovin

Niagara Falls, ON CA: Day Two


Hi there my lovelies! I hope you are doing well. Today, I want to talk to you about our day two of our Niagara Falls ON tour. We started our day two using the free 48 hours WeGo passes that we as part of the hotel package. We took the Green line to Niagara Parks. Our First stop was Butterfly Conservatory.

Butterfly Conservatory:

This butterfly house was opened in December 1996 with over 2000 tropical butterflies from over 60 different species. It was a wonderful experience watching the different species of butterfly and hoping one would land on us. 

Botanical Garden:

The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens was established in 1936 with 99 acres of beautifully maintained gardens. This beautiful garden include everything from perennials, rhododendrons to herbs and vegetables. Additionally, guided horse and carriage tours of the garden are available daily during the summer months.

My lovelies! We walked so many miles the second day in the scorching heat but we enjoyed it so much. After walking walking miles in the hot summer day, we the Green line back to Rapid Rocks and spent some more time watching the Horseshoe falls and ended the day with some more fireworks from the hotel room.

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow on Instagram @allaboutme3181Are you on Bloglovin? Let’s add each other. Please follow me and comment below with your information so that I can follow you back.

———————————– With Love: Munziba ———————————-

Instagram:@allaboutme3181

Follow my blog on  Bloglovin

Flag Counter

Niagara Falls, ON CA: Day One


Hi there my lovelies! I hope you are doing well. We are officially in the Spring season right now but when headed out of the house it was in the 30s outside felt still like winter. I cannot wait till this weekend and the 70s. Summer is creeping up upon us and everyone must have some idea what they want to do for their summer this year. If you don’t let me tell one of my summer adventure from last year. We went on a five-day summer trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada. Our adventures had lots of good sides but there were some disappointing sides as well. I will divide up my trip into several posts.

This is our second trip to Niagara Falls. The first time we visited the falls was four years ago on the American side. We were quite underwhelmed by the American side other than walk through the rainbow brid.

In order to get the best deals, I made the bookings months ahead. Additionally, as an American Express Hilton Honors reward member, I used my points to pay for my hotel at the Embassy Suites at Falls View and got free continental breakfast.

Once we entered the room at 28th floor, I was memorized by the breathtaking view of the Horseshoe Falls and its glorious rushing water splashing and gushing with now care in mind. I knew then that if nothing, I have the front-row seat to such spectacular view without the hassle of getting sunburned in the high humidity.

Nonetheless, after a brief rest and soaking in the breathtaking view, we had lunch at the IHOP at the Tower Hotel with the Falls view. The view was amazing for sure. However, the food was disappointing and mediocre at best with a bill 160 ca dollar for 4 people. What a waste!

After a disappointing meal, we took the local WEGO bus to Table Rock Welcome Center, just next to the Horseshoe Falls. During the sultry heat, the cool mist from the falls was a blessing in disguise. We headed north towards Niagara Parkway and went to Queens Victoria Park.

Queen’s Victoria Park:

Queen Victoria Park is the crown jewel of Niagara Parks and is the main area to go to view the majestic Niagara Falls. It’s landmarked by the Niagara escarpment, the Niagara Gorge, and the Niagara River, and features a prized collection of both indigenous and international flora for the world to enjoy. I loved the endless collection of roses. The scorching heat forced us to walk back to our hotel until the evening with torturing long inkling walk.

Oakes Garden Theatre:

In the evening, we one stop, that is to Oakes Garden Theatre, located n Niagara Falls Ontario Canada directly across from the American Falls. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The contour of the surreal landscape creates a cured pergola overlooking a central amphitheater. I was genuinely surprised to see such low foot traffic. However, that allowed me to take a moment to soak in the tranquility of the beautiful garden overlooking the beautiful American falls and forgot about the worries of the world.

After a long day and walk, we ended the day with a grand fireworks display from our hotel room.

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow on Instagram @allaboutme3181Are you on Bloglovin? Let’s add each other. Please follow me and comment below with your information so that I can follow you back.

———————————– With Love: Munziba ———————————-

Instagram:@allaboutme3181

Follow my blog on  Bloglovin

Wok N’ Roll Karaoke Restaurant at Adams Morgan, Washington DC – Is it All About The Sushi?


Hi there my lovelies! Hope you are doing well. Today I was awakened by the roaring sounds of the high winds banging on my windows and doors. I could not sleep. Hence, I thought I right down about my last week trip to my hometown, Washington DC, and my review of food from my old neighborhood.

As I have mentioned in my early blogs, I grew up in the Adams Morgan section of Washington D.C. The advantage of growing in such neighborhood is the exposure to diverse course and food palate. I was fortunate enough to get such exposure. However, now I leave in the suburb and don’t get such exposure. Nonetheless, being in the D.C. metro area I try my best to keep my exposure to food exposure open within my dietary restriction.

While walking down my old neighborhood after few years, we came across Wok and Roll Restaurant at 2400 18th Street NW (at the corner of Belmont and 18th St). It’s a fusion Asian restaurant. To be honest, when I was in D.C, there use be Belmont Kitchen in that location. Though I didn’t know much about the restaurant, I went in with family because I was craving for some sushi. At the same time, we wanted some Asia food.

When we walked in there were only one other person beside us. We were seated promptly. Once we decided on our order it took us a while to get the attention of the waiter to write down our order. My lovelies, I don’t if I mentioned this before, I used work in restaurant, hence, have some minimum expectation from waiters. Once, our order was taken, it took a while to food come. In this scenario, I was more understanding because we had some dietary restriction and the staff were quite accommodating. Below is my review of food orders:

Spicy Lover Sushi:

This specialty sushi includes spicy salmon, avocado, inside topped with spicy tuna and tobiko. It comes in 8 pieces. When I do out to eat, I not only look for texture but also taste and this specialty sushi delivered both. This is the best sushi I ever had. I suggest when you try your food close your eyes and feel the texture, temperature, and the taste slowly with each bite. It will allow you to appreciate your food in a whole new way. If you don’t know what tobiko is it is the Japanese word for flying fish roe. It is most widely known for its use in creating certain types of sushi. Sometimes, the color of these small eggs are changed in appearance, other natural ingredients are used to accomplish the change, such as squid ink to make it black, yuzu to make it pale orange (almost yellow), or even wasabi to make it green and spicy. A serving of tobiko can contain several pieces, each having a different color. If you visit Wok and Roll don’t forget to visit the Spicy Lover Sushi.

Hot and Sour Soup:

I was underwhelmed by the hot and sour soup. Not did it have a strong soy sauce flavor it was sour as well. If you like the strong soy sauce flavor this soup is for your. I needed to something to keep a kick to my taste bud, not overwhelm it with soy sauce taste.

Eggplant in Garlic Sauce:

Even though this dish comes as hot we decided to order it as medium hot and we were not disappointed, actually my family was not disappointment. The reason I am saying my family is because, I am allergic to Eggplant but I wrote every comment they had about the dish. Per my conversation with them, it was the best flavored dish we have ordered from Wok and Roll. It was full of flavor, which stays in your mouth.
Beef Hunan Style:

Beef Hunan Style:

The Beef Hunan Style tasted nice with the right amount of spice and flavor. This is good flavorful dish to try for someone with lots of allergies.

Beef with Green Pepper:

This dish comes with beef with green and yellow bell pepper in a spiced sauce. However, I was really underwhelmed by this dish. There were more peppers than there were beef and the spice level was off making the dish bland and underwhelming.

Curry Chicken:

Curry Chicken was full of spice but not the kind that you may want to eat again. I overpowering smell and taste of curry flavor made the dish too strong for my taste.

Overall, Wok and Roll is a decent place with great sushi and some mouth-watering Chinese dishes. However, the dished can be too overpowering and underwhelming. If you are anytime near this area please try the food in this restaurant and let know your opinion. I would give it a 3 and a half start just for their lack of service in the beginning, and some flavorless food. However, they the restaurant was nice an class and cozy.

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow on Instagram@allaboutme3181Are you on Bloglovin? Let’s add each other. Please follow me and comment below with your information so that I can follow you back.

———————————– With Love: Munziba ———————————-

Instagram:@allaboutme3181

Follow my blog on  Bloglovin

Flag Counter

Come Back After a Sabbatical


Hi there my lovelies!

Hope you are all doing well. You all might be wondering my big time off from blogging. I just had to take a sabbatical. I lost so many more people to cancer that I just needed to be with my family and friends. Within the last one and half years, I lost my aunt and uncle to lung and pancreatic cancers. It has been a devastating loss for our family. After that, I just needed to take some time off from blogging and see the world from a different perspective.

My lovelies, life is too short. Enjoy every moment of it. Don’t leave anything for tomorrow. Go after your dreams. See the world. Be with your loved ones. I will try my best to bring my views and my world to you every week. I leave you today with the quote of the day.

quote.jpg

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow on Instagram @allaboutme3181Are you on Bloglovin? Let’s add each other. Please follow me and comment below with your information so that I can follow you back.

———————————– With Love: Munziba ———————————-

Instagram: @allaboutme3181

Follow my blog on  Bloglovin

Quote of the Day Two


quote41

Fear is like a baggage that always weighs you down and prevents you from flying high. Don’t leave the world with any regrets. Follow your heart.

What do you think about today’s quote? I would love to hear your comments. Please remember, live for the moment and enjoy every moment and that will make it even more memorable.

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow on Instagram @allaboutme3181. Are you on Bloglovin? Let’s add each other. Please follow me and comment below with your information so that I can follow you back.

———————————— With Love: Ziba ———————————–

Instagram: @allaboutme3181

Follow my blog on Bloglovin

Flag Counter

Quote of the Day


I try hard to follow this path. I always try to see as a glass half full insead of half empty. That has made a real difference in my life to be satisfied with what I have.

Please remember, live for the moment and enjoy every moment and that will make it even more memorable.

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow on Instagram @allaboutme3181. Are you on Bloglovin? Let’s add each other. Please follow me and comment below with your information so that I can follow you back.

———————————– With Love: Munziba ———————————-

Instagram: @allaboutme3181

Follow my blog on  Bloglovin

Liebster Award Nomination


I-was-nominated-for-the-liebster-award

liebster

Hi there my lovelies! Hope you are doing well. Today I was nominated for my very first Liebster Award. I want to thank the wonderful Amina for nominating for the award. I cannot tell you how blessed and honored I feel today. Please check out her website and find out some cool things at:

https://aminakawtharsartistry.wordpress.com/

The Rules:

  • Write about the award on your blog & thank the person who nominated you. Write about their blog as well.
  • Display the award on your blog.
  • Nominate 5 to 10 blogs which you feel deserve it.
  • Let the nominees know that you nominated them.
  • Create 10 questions for them to answer.
  • Notify your nominees & provide a link to your post so that they’ll know what to do.
  • Once you’re done, come back here & comment with the link to your post so I can check out your answers.

Amina’s Questions:

1. What is your favorite social media platform?

My favorite social media platform is Facebook just because this is what I started using back in college and was on it available in a limited capacity.

2. Do you love your current job? Why?

I currently work in the cancer research arena. I lost 3 family members to cancer and now my just got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I want to make a meaningful contribution to cancer research so that people don’t keep losing their loved ones to this disease.

3. Favorite place you had traveled to?

Do I have to choose one? Well, I will choose the Bahamas.

4. How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging about 3 to 4 years now.

5. Who or what inspired you to start blogging?

Watching all the wonderful blogs inspired me to start blogging.

6. Ebook or paperback?

Definitely paperback.

7. Have you watched a movie more than once? If yes, what movie?

There are so many movies that I have watched more than once. They included the Marvel movies, Mission Impossible series, Expendables Series, Minion movies, and all the Disney and Pixar movies and animations.

8. Where do you reside?

I currently live in Maryland, United States.

9. Do you wear makeup every day or just for special occasions?

I like to wear less makeup as possible.

10. Have you become great friends with someone via social media?

I try to steer away from making friends online.

I nominate the following bloggers:

My questions for you :

  1. How would you describe yourself in a few words?
  2. What’s one of your biggest pet peeves?
  3. What do you want readers to take away from your blog?
  4. If you could choose anywhere in the world to live, where would it be?
  5. What movies do you like?
  6. If you had to donate money to charity, which one would you choose?
  7. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
  8. What is one law you would change if you could?
  9. If you can take someone with you in your travels, who would it be?
  10. What was the last thing that made you smile?

liebster-award-3_orig

Hope you enjoy this post and as much as I love writing it. Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram @allaboutme3181. Are you on  Bloglovin? Let’s add each other. Please follow me and comment below with your information so that I can follow you back.

Thank you2

———————————–   Happy Reading ———————————-

Instagram:  @allaboutme3181

Follow my blog on  Bloglovin

Flag Counter

Happy Valentine’s Day


valentine
By Bitmoji

Hi there my lovelies! Hope you are doing well. Today, I will keep my post short and wish my lovely readers a wonderful Valentine’s Day. I love you guys and I believe I should not choose I day to show my appreciation for my loved ones and reader. However, if I have not done so lately, I want to let my blogging family know how much I love and appreciate you guys. I hope you have a great time with your loved ones and enjoy every moment of it. Please remember, live for the moment and enjoy every moment and that will make it even more memorable.

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow on Instagram @allaboutme3181. Are you on<Bloglovin? Let’s add each other. Please follow me and comment below with your information so that I can follow you back.

———————————– With Love: Munziba ———————————-

Instagram: @allaboutme3181

Follow my blog onBloglovin

Healthy version of Butter Chicken


 

Hi there my lovelies! Hope you are doing well. Today, I will share with a healthier adaption of a recipe for a dish that is very close to my heart. I have enjoyed this many times at the dad’s old restaurant and I have made this dish few times myself. I am talking about my favorite Butter Chicken. The traditional recipe is rich and creamy. Today, I will healthier. Hope you enjoy making your favorite version. I look forward to hearing your comments. Happy reading.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup I Cannot Believe It’s Not Butter, divided
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
  • 2 1/2 cup fat-free half and half milk (I have substituted for the traditional half and half)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks (I use boneless chicken thighs as well.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (you can use peanut oil for a healthier version)
  • 2 tablespoons tandoori masala

Butter_Chicken_and_Naan

For serving:

  • Naan (Indian flatbread) and/or cooked Basmati Rice
  • Equipment: Meat mallet or rolling pin, Microplane

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. Melt a few tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook slowly until the onion caramelizes to a dark brown, about 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile melt the remaining butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat along with the tomato sauce, half and half, salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low; cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then stir in caramelized onions.
  4. While the sauce is simmering, toss cubed chicken breast with vegetable oil until coated, then season with tandoori masala and spread out onto a baking sheet.
  5. Bake chicken in preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 12 minutes. Once done, add the chicken to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes before serving.

Hope you enjoy making your healthy version of my favorite dish. Let me know if you made any changes that worked for you. Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram  @allaboutme3181. Are you on  Bloglovin? Let’s add each other. Please follow me and comment below with your information so that I can follow you back.

———————————– Happy Reading ———————————-

Instagram:  @allaboutme3181

Follow my blog on  Bloglovin