The Santa Experience

Centre Court Christmas Tree

We arrive at 10:22am.  We visited Santa yesterday but I’m fussy and not satisfied with the Santa “experience” or the photo.  Yes, we’re in Dubai.  Yes, I’m grateful that we can visit Santa here.  As I said, I’m being fussy. … Read the rest

The Annual Festive Season Carnival

On the greens

The Annual Festive Season Carnival at Address Montgomerie. To be perfectly frank, the main reason we’re here for our Friday outing today is because we can walk here and, perhaps more importantly, it’s starting early (12pm, early by Dubai standards) when most of the festive events and activities are either late afternoon or evening affairs.… Read the rest

China Grill

The outdoor terrace at China Grill

China Grill: Ladies’ Night in Dubai.  Something that can’t be fathomed anywhere else is alive and well right here.   When I first heard about ladies’ nights – which consist of anything from a free drink or two to all out free flowing bubbles and a 50% discount on food (for tables with ladies only), I thought it was a bit of a gimmick. … Read the rest

Danny Bhoy

Danny Bhoy, Dubai Opera

Tonight, and Danny Bhoy, is a little surprise, an early anniversary celebration. It’s not a big one – the anniversary of our first date – but we like to mark the occasion.  Except I couldn’t find anything on for that night, so tonight it is.… Read the rest

Omega Dubai Ladies Classic

Ripe Organic Markets Pop-Up

The Ripe Organic Markets popped up at the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic this weekend at Emirates Golf Club.  In truth it is a bit of an accident that we ended up here.  My husband is playing golf (again) although not at this club and I had been on the look out for some local Christmas markets to take the kids to – partly to get us out of the house and partly so that we could get in for the all important Santa visit this year.… Read the rest

Al Hadheerah

The Emirati cuisine

“Alright” I think.  It’s been suggested that we do a girl’s night at Al Hadheerah restaurant.  I’ve been here once before for an anniversary six months ago.  It was an experience then, the desert location, the open air, tantalising buffet and restaurant sunken into the sand. … Read the rest

UAE National Day

Dubai skyline the Dubai Water Canal

National Day has been on my radar for about a month.  I knew it was coming, having looked into the background for a street being called “2nd December Street” earlier on in the year, the next sign came on the 1st of November when all the Halloween decorations came down and flags went up everywhere – on buildings, schools, in the shops, on houses and on people – in the form of scarves, pins and t-shirts. … Read the rest

Energy Drinks

Harley‘s quote of the day:

Red Bull: “Did you know that energy drinks are real?  I thought they were just pretend but Irene has one and it’s real!  Energy drinks are made from bulls.  Because bulls are strong!”

Thankfully he’s not allowed to drink Red Bull because, well, he’s 4 and has way more energy than he (or I, for that matter) know what to do with.… Read the rest

Zaya Nurai Island

Zaya Nurai Island

“Where are you going?  Who are you going with? What time will you be home?”.

“Umm, I’m not really sure” I respond.  I’m not trying to avoid the questions, I just don’t really have the answers.  I’ve been invited along on a boat rally. … Read the rest