Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera
“Am I going by myself?”. My Christmas wish to go to see Evita at the Dubai Opera has just been fulfilled as I unwrap my gift on Christmas morning. A ticket to the show lies in my hands.… Read the rest
An Excursion Adventure
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
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
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, 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
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.
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
Museum of Islamic Art
Foyer of the Museum of Islamic Art
I am in Doha for the day. I spent the morning at Souq Waqif and The Pearl and much of the afternoon walking the sights after a dhow ride (see Doha by Dhow). … Read the rest
Doha By Dhow
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 Pearl
The Pearl
We have been at Souq Waqif all morning and it’s time to keep going as there is more to see. We hail a taxi. No haggling here (unlike Bahrain), this taxi driver is friendly and immediately turns on the meter as requested. … Read the rest
Souq Waqif
My expectations were not high. I have heard that Doha, the capital of Qatar, is nice but no one has ever raved about it to me. Now, having been there myself, I find there is a lot to praise. … Read the rest