Watchtowers of Muscat

There are many watchtowers in Muscat.  Just take a drive and see how many you can spot, perched up on rocky outcrops surveying the surrounds.

This particular watchtower (restored Portuguese) isn’t particularly large or exciting, containing all of two cannons and nothing else, but the steep climb is worth the spectacular views both back towards Mutrah and out across the next bay towards Old Muscat.… Read the rest

Mutrah Souq

Mutrah Souq is a delight to the senses, a chaotic mix of sights, sounds and smells.  Enter from the Corniche, near the traffic lights where pedestrians can safely cross over and make your way up the main covered corridor.  Be sure to look up as there are a couple of spectacular colored ceilings, both glass and wood.… Read the rest

Mutrah Corniche

I awoke this morning to a cup of tea on my nightstand, followed closely by a glass of muesli with fruit & Laban.  This doesn’t happen very often but this morning my husband had been up for half an hour playing with the boys and had been kind enough to ease me gently into the day.… Read the rest

JA Palm Tree Court

JA Palm Tree Court from Pool Side

JA Palm Tree Court is part of the Jebel Ali Resort, an oasis in the truest sense of the word.  Located in the southern region of Dubai, near the base of the undeveloped Palm Jebel Ali and next to the Jebel Ali Free Zone and port area, it’s a lush green space set on the coast between sand and sea. … Read the rest

Bateaux Dubai

Seating on board

We are only here by luck.  Our Bateaux Dubai cruise was an ‘extra’ on our resort weekend stay at the JA Palm Tree Court. We nearly decided to forego it, though thank goodness we didn’t!

Batteaux Dubai

Appearing as a bonus in the fine print, we have completely underestimated the value and enjoyment of this activity. … Read the rest

Bab Al Shams

Where the desert meets the pool

It is somewhat fortuitous that our Wedding Anniversary this year coincides with a visit from my mum.  If it wasn’t for this, our anniversary could have very easily ended up being celebrated at home with the boys rather than something rather romantic somewhere rather luxurious like this little interlude at Bab Al Shams.… Read the rest

Versailles

Versailles, Treasures from the Palace, a wonderful exhibition at the the National Gallery of Australia (NGA).  I’m in the Christmas lull – coming down from all the excitement and expectations, frantic present and grocery shopping, planning, packing, traveling and the glorious high of a family Christmas Eve, Santa’s visit and too much Christmas Day lunch. … Read the rest