Sand Boarding UAE

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

Aquaventure

Aquaventure – the Leap of Faith

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

Al Corniche, 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

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

Cruising Again, Dubai

Dubai on our doorstep

And here we go! Again. A little week long interlude for mid term break has seen us escaping from Dubai on the Costa Diadema for some R&R. Actually, I will be working and there is some concern over the current COVID-19 pandemic but, here we are, decision made and ready to go cruising Dubai again.… Read the rest

Highlights From The Wallace Collection: The East Gallery II

Fruit and Flowers, Jan van Huysum

Ah, The Wallace Collection! Even as I contemplate only tackling the highlights, the vastness of this collection overwhelms me and I know that it is a practically impossible task.

Still, today I am in London and, after a long, long time, have returned to my favorite museum.… Read the rest

Highlights From The Wallace Collection: The Back Stateroom

Flowers on a Fountain with a Peacock, c.1700 – 1710, Jan Weenix (1642 – 1719)

Ah, The Wallace Collection! Even knowing I’ll focus only on the highlights, the vastness of this treasure trove feels almost overwhelming. Every room promises discoveries at every turn and I know taking it all in in one visit is nearly impossible.… Read the rest

Highlights From The Wallace Collection: The Dining Room

Mademoiselle de Chateau-Renaud, 1755, by Jean-Marc Nattier (1685 – 1766)

Ah, The Wallace Collection! Even as I contemplate only tackling the highlights, the vastness of this collection overwhelms me and I know that it is a practically impossible task.

Still, today I am in London and, after a long, long time, have returned to my favorite museum.… Read the rest

Highlights From The Wallace Collection: Oriental Armoury

Khula Khud, 19th century helmet, Persia, steel, iron, gold, brass, textile

Ah, The Wallace Collection! Even as I contemplate only tackling the highlights, the vastness of this collection overwhelms me and I know that it is a practically impossible task.

Still, today I am in London and, after a long, long time, have returned to my favorite museum.… Read the rest