Travel, life, loves and laughs.
The walk from the watchtower near Riyan Park to Al Alam Royal Palace is about 2.5km. It’s a really pleasant walk (even in the heat), along a bay through the old city Gate (also a museum) and down through the old town.… Read the rest
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
Step into Mutrah Souq and let a whirlwind of color, sound, and scent envelop you. The air hums with chatter, the clinking of brass lamps and the warm aroma of frankincense and spices. Enter from the Corniche near the traffic lights where pedestrians cross and wander up the main covered corridor.… Read the rest
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.… Read the rest
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
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!
Appearing as a bonus in the fine print, we have completely underestimated the value and enjoyment of this activity. … Read the rest
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, 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
“Did you know that ours is the only Parliament House in the world that you can get clearance to fly over [in a hot air balloon]?”. I think about this for a moment and I’m not sure whether to be proud of, or concerned by, this fact.… Read the rest
Frolicking in the surf on Kurrawa Beach it’s hard to take this sparkling May day for granted. I know that soon, Queensland’s long summer will give way to chilly nights and cooler days but for now, winter still seems out of sight.… Read the rest