An Excursion Adventure

Hungry giraffe

The newsletter comes home with a permission slip for the next excursion adventure – Emirates Park Zoo.  A wave of apprehension sweeps over me.  I’m having flashbacks to the last excursion at the Planetarium a few months ago.  I only looked after five children that day and I was completely exhausted afterwards. … Read the rest

La Dolce Far Niente

Captain at the helm

La dolce far niente, a fabulous Italian saying for just mooching around.  But this is far from wasting time.  This is the art of doing nothing.   In fact, we’re not quite doing nothing.  We’re on Lady Pinto with Candida for a boat trip and day out in Antarctica. … Read the rest

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Grand Mosque

After my somewhat disappointing first taste of Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Eve, I decide to revisit with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque firmly in my sights.  I drive in Dubai, but it has taken me a long time to get used to it and I can’t say that I’m entirely comfortable with it. … Read the rest

Asia Asia

Asia Asia

Asia Asia, 7:30pm: “This could be mistaken for a Miss Universe pageant with all these beautiful ladies from around the world…. But no, it’s just a lovely night out with all my beautiful friends in Dubai”.  My friend, Melissa, posts this message, along with photos from the evening on Facebook the day after. … Read the rest

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Al Fahidi wind tower

I arrive at the SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) early and have time to wander around the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood before my cultural breakfast begins.

Doorway

My real quest, heading into the quiet streets, is for a karak tea – that lovely, strong, sweet tea flavoured with cardamom (or sometimes other flavours if you’re lucky, like at Global Village). … Read the rest

Doha By Dhow

Down Town – West Bay

We have spent our morning in Doha in the old town and Souq area and then visiting The Pearl.  On the way back from the Pearl, we change our minds and decide not to head straight back to the old town and Corniche but to take a dhow ride the rest of the way back – from West Bay to the Dhow Harbour near the Museum of Islamic Art. … Read the rest

The Kingdom of Bahrain

Arches at the Qal’at al Bahrain site

Of all our cruising destinations for this trip, I am most excited about exploring the Kingdom of Bahrain.  It’s also the place I feel I need to make the most of as this is the least likely port that I’ll get a chance to return to, at least in the foreseeable future.… Read the rest