Usually a fan of beautiful rather than bizarre, this Russian Soviet monument, looks more like something from Space Jam than from Bulgaria’s Communist past. Locally referred to as simply as the Socialism Monument, even ‘bizarre’ does not quite describe what stands before me.… Read the rest
Shipka
The Shipka Memorial Church is a Bulgarian Orthodox Church located in the city of the same name. We are middle of Bulgaria both figuratively and literally, having just crossed the picturesque Balkan Mountains from north to south. We are on our way from Veliko Tărnovo and the Etar Ethnographic Outdoor Museum to the Kazinlak Tomb.… Read the rest
Veliko Tǎrnovo
Arriving in Veliko Tarnovo is like stepping back in time. Arriving in the early evening at the end of a long travel day, my travel companion Charlotte and I are keen to get a little exploring done before the day is out.… Read the rest
Al Marjan Island
Double Tree by Hilton, Al Marjan Island. We return. After visiting last September and quickly figuring out how to lose time doing very little and yet a lot, we return to Al Marjan Island for some R&R.
Setting out on our road trip I have work calls to attend so the screens are permitted in the back of the car.… Read the rest
Camels In The Desert
We head out to the Bedouin Oasis in Ras Al Khaimah for the weekend with camels in mind. I am looking forward to riding a camel but before we even arrive we encounter a couple of friendly ones along the road.… Read the rest
Sand Boarding UAE
We head out to the Bedouin Oasis in Ras Al Khaimah for the weekend with sand boarding high on the list of activities. The boys are excited and so are we! The weather is still nice, we have a group of friends and some fun things lined up – quad biking, camel rides and dinner under the stars, plus a marshmallow or two around the campfire.… Read the rest
Desert Quad Biking
Quad biking is rather exhilarating. In the desert it is even more so. Not much of an adrenaline junkie by nature, I prefer to get my kicks from a great historical site, a particularly good meal or a beautiful view.… Read the rest
Aquaventure
Aquaventure, at Atlantis, The Palm, is a 42 acre water park attached to the Atlantis hotel. Both have been developed around a lost city theme. As we arrive for the day, to celebrate the boy’s birthdays this week, we can see both the Tower of Neptune and the Tower of Poseidon looming across the park.… Read the rest
Cruising Again, Abu Dhabi
And here we go! Again. A little week long interlude for mid term break has seen us escaping from Dubai on the Costa Diadema. We are in for some R&R. Actually, I will be working and there is some concern over the current COVID-19 pandemic but, here we are.… Read the rest
Cruising Again, Doha
And here we go! Again. A little week long interlude for mid term break has seen us escaping from Dubai on the Costa Diadema. We are in for some R&R. Actually, I will be working and there is some concern over the current COVID-19 pandemic but, here we are.… Read the rest