Tbilisi, Georgia

Domes of the Sulphur Baths

I awake on my first morning in Tbilisi, Georgia excited at exploring all that my First Impressions promise.  My travel companion, Diana, has arrived during the night and despite a restless sleep, I only doze a little before being ready to hit the town, so to speak.… Read the rest

First Impressions

Clock Tower outside the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater

There are many words to describe my first impressions of Tbilisi, yet none of them quite capture the vibe of the Old Town or just how excited I am to be here.

Statues outside the Hotel Ambassadori

It’s still early and I have checked in to the Museum Hotel Orbeliani, dropped my bags and logged in to finalise a few last work emails before the long weekend really sets in. … Read the rest

Tips & Toes

Mother’s Day flowers

I had a really lovely Mother’s Day this year, Tips & Toes being a highlight.  I admit that it’s not quite the same as being in Australia – there were no Mother’s Day school craft or activities to attend and I saw the photos from the annual Mothers Of Boys event with a little pang of regret. … Read the rest

Pyramids and Plans

The Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids and plans are on my mind and then that first taste. That first glimpse! That first glimpse.  It’s never enough.  It only serves to whet the appetite, as the saying goes.  Likewise my first glimpses of Cairo.… Read the rest

Beautiful Places

The Yacht Club restaurant

I am blessed to have many Beautiful People in my life.  Today, we’re celebrating the birthday of one of those beautiful people, Candida.  Not only do we get to celebrate with her on her special day but we have been invited to do so in a particularly beautiful place.… Read the rest

Beautiful People

Beautiful People

Sometimes in our lives we meet people who touch our hearts.  Over time, these beautiful people become our friends, some of these friendships last and some don’t.  But there is no denying that we connect better with some people than others.… Read the rest

Triathlon

Flying through the finish line

I’m not sure how many adults would attempt a triathlon – even a mini one.  Ask me to swim 200m, cycle 5km and then 1km back to back and I could probably do it.  Probably.  I’m not sure that I would be able to muster much enthusiasm for it though. … Read the rest

A Whirlwind Tour

Global Village

A long anticipated visit has come to fruition resulting in a whirlwind tour.  We had a wonderful time staying with Ricky & Clare in Buckinghamshire last year and it was the very next day after we left them that we heard they’d booked for a trip with a stopover to visit us in Dubai.… Read the rest

The Heart of Sharjah

Coral walls of the Al Hisn Fort

Sharjah doesn’t have the mega malls of Dubai and can’t boast a mosque quite as grand as Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque but culturally and historically, it is every bit as good as a day spent around Bur Dubai (Dubai’s old town) or the Al Fahidi Historic District and in some respects, it is even better. … Read the rest

Global Village

Along the canal at Global Village

Forget around the world in 80 days, you can now explore the world in an evening at Global Village.  This is an ambitious journey though – Global Village is expansive – so like all good trips it might be best to take a moment to plan your itinerary, unless you’re happy to see where the world leads you…

It’s not my first time here, nor is it mum’s, but I have always had the boys in tow and tonight it’s just the two of us. … Read the rest