AN EDUCATION IN FOOD

It's no secret how much I love trying new food when I travel, so I was definitely excited about the Middle Eastern food tour we signed up for with Frying Pan Adventures. I had no idea however just how much fun I was about to have and I especially could not have guessed that I would come out at the other of end having experienced a true education in food, culture and history.

Arva, our food tour host is a blogger with a very fun blog and I knew she would know the best places and take us where the locals go but I was frankly overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge and the energy that she has.

Each meal was an opportunity to learn the hows and the why's. Not just the culture, but sometimes even the politics and science of food. Why the Syrian ice-cream stays solid longer, why Mansaf, a traditional Jordanian dish is cooked in fermented goats milk yoghurt.

As we walked around the Deira neighborhood, each stop was like visiting a different country, Egyptian feteer with meat and cheese, Iranian stone bread, Yemeni Chicken and Lamb, Arabic coffee and sweets from the entire region, so many sweets.

ARVA, our host, making sure we got the best Sweets

Learning tips for eating rice by hand

At the end of the food marathon, we all got a certificate for our achievement and so many goodies, it really felt like Christmas twice over.

I want one of Arva everywhere in the world I visit next. By far, my favorite travel experience which will stay with me forever. If you're ever in Dubai, this is a must. 5 blissful hours, 5 hours of walking, chatting, learning, laughing and to top it all of - loads of Eating.