• Women walk to a polling station to cast their ballot in the first phase of voting for India's general election in Parbatsar, Rajasthan. AFP
    Women walk to a polling station to cast their ballot in the first phase of voting for India's general election in Parbatsar, Rajasthan. AFP
  • The D65 exit from Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Quoz, Dubai, remains flooded, with some cars still abandoned. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The D65 exit from Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Quoz, Dubai, remains flooded, with some cars still abandoned. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Tourists paddle along a canal next to Copenhagen's former stock exchange building, which was destroyed in a fire on Tuesday. AFP
    Tourists paddle along a canal next to Copenhagen's former stock exchange building, which was destroyed in a fire on Tuesday. AFP
  • Cast members, from left, Harvey Keitel, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and John Travolta attend a screening for the 30th anniversary of the film Pulp Fiction in Los Angeles, California. Reuters
    Cast members, from left, Harvey Keitel, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and John Travolta attend a screening for the 30th anniversary of the film Pulp Fiction in Los Angeles, California. Reuters
  • Marc Hammer of Germany duffs his opening drive of the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. Getty images
    Marc Hammer of Germany duffs his opening drive of the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. Getty images
  • A man looks at holes in the roof, caused by volcanic material from recent eruptions, on Tagulandang Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia. AFP
    A man looks at holes in the roof, caused by volcanic material from recent eruptions, on Tagulandang Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia. AFP
  • A view of the dam and low water levels in the Mazar reservoir, in Azuay, Ecuador. EPA
    A view of the dam and low water levels in the Mazar reservoir, in Azuay, Ecuador. EPA
  • A hilltop view for the first practice session for the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit. AFP
    A hilltop view for the first practice session for the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit. AFP

Today's best photos: From India elections to Formula One in China


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More from The National:

Thursday's best photos: From a copper mine in Serbia to elephants in Biyagama

Wednesday's best photos: From a White House lawn departure to street music in Tehran

Tuesday's best photos: From paddling in rainy Dubai to Chinatown in Solomon Islands

Monday's best photos: From a tribute in Pyongyang to a construction site in Paris

Sunday's best photos: From a Hungarian sunset to posing on the Great Wall of China

Is it worth it? We put cheesecake frap to the test.

The verdict from the nutritionists is damning. But does a cheesecake frappuccino taste good enough to merit the indulgence?

My advice is to only go there if you have unusually sweet tooth. I like my puddings, but this was a bit much even for me. The first hit is a winner, but it's downhill, slowly, from there. Each sip is a little less satisfying than the last, and maybe it was just all that sugar, but it isn't long before the rush is replaced by a creeping remorse. And half of the thing is still left.

The caramel version is far superior to the blueberry, too. If someone put a full caramel cheesecake through a liquidiser and scooped out the contents, it would probably taste something like this. Blueberry, on the other hand, has more of an artificial taste. It's like someone has tried to invent this drink in a lab, and while early results were promising, they're still in the testing phase. It isn't terrible, but something isn't quite right either.

So if you want an experience, go for a small, and opt for the caramel. But if you want a cheesecake, it's probably more satisfying, and not quite as unhealthy, to just order the real thing.

 

 

IF YOU GO

The flights

FlyDubai flies direct from Dubai to Skopje in five hours from Dh1,314 return including taxes. Hourly buses from Skopje to Ohrid take three hours.

The tours

English-speaking guided tours of Ohrid town and the surrounding area are organised by Cultura 365; these cost €90 (Dh386) for a one-day trip including driver and guide and €100 a day (Dh429) for two people. 

The hotels

Villa St Sofija in the old town of Ohrid, twin room from $54 (Dh198) a night.

St Naum Monastery, on the lake 30km south of Ohrid town, has updated its pilgrims' quarters into a modern 3-star hotel, with rooms overlooking the monastery courtyard and lake. Double room from $60 (Dh 220) a night.

 

Updated: April 19, 2024, 8:09 AM