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

Sir Bani Yas Island

Oryx and Gazelle

I crack the curtains and the sun streams into our cabin.  We are moored at Sir Bani Yas Island. It’s already 8am but given that it was a late night for all of us, I’m glad that we’ve been able to have a bit of a relaxed morning. … Read the rest

New Year’s Eve

Happy New Year

It’s New Year’s Eve and I’m determined to put my slightly tragic (from a sightseeing perspective) visit to Abu Dhabi this morning aside and concentrate on enjoying the build up and anticipation of the encroaching New Year.

Fun on deck

My husband has given the boys lunch and put them to bed for a sleep. … Read the rest

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

Finally! I have now lived in Dubai just shy of a year and this is my first visit to the capital.  I am consciously shelving the mosque and the new Louvre in order to do the Corniche and some of the historic sights properly and have been anticipating this since we booked our holiday. … Read the rest

Venchi Reunited

OMG Venchi!

OMG Venchi! Yes, this gelato deserves not just its own post, but another post as I discover MSC makes its own Venchi gelato on board.  As if I wasn’t sold with cruising already.  I’m sold again!

Venchi Gelato in La Piazetta

So, it seems, is Harley, although I dare say he isn’t as fussy or as entirely impressed as I am. … Read the rest

Cruising

MSC Splendida Aqua Park

Okay, so I’m excited to be cruising the Middle East.  I had thought of this as just a little interlude.  I had to get past Christmas first and this was booked a while ago and then put aside in my mind for consideration after more pressing things. … Read the rest

Emirates Park Zoo

White Tiger – lick, lick

Emirates Park Zoo is a great day out for the family.  We were invited along for the day by our friends, Brad & Diana, who were entertaining little Kenny over the Christmas break.  My two boys had been at home all week while I prepared for (and then cleaned up after) Christmas for 40 people, so I figured they deserved a day out too.… Read the rest

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