Omega Dubai Ladies Classic

Ripe Organic Markets Pop-Up

The Ripe Organic Markets popped up at the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic this weekend at Emirates Golf Club.  In truth it is a bit of an accident that we ended up here.  My husband is playing golf (again) although not at this club and I had been on the look out for some local Christmas markets to take the kids to – partly to get us out of the house and partly so that we could get in for the all important Santa visit this year.… Read the rest

Kite Beach

Kite Beach

Kite Beach, just north of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, is a great day out and there is something to do for everyone.  We started out at the skateboard park just across the road from the beach.  It’s a hot day (40 degrees Celsius) but the kids don’t care and are off around the ramps, jumps and bowls doing things that I can’t watch for fear of a fall and a trip to the hospital.  … Read the rest

Champs Élysées

Laduree

I almost missed a stroll down this famous boulevard Champs Élysées when I was recently in Paris.  It was only a short trip and I had my two boys in tow (3yrs & 6yrs), not exactly how I dreamed of promenading around the city of love.… Read the rest

Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile

Arc de Triomphe with the Le Départ sculpture visible on the right hand facade.

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (Triumphal Arch of the Star) is a must see in Paris.  Even if you don’t climb the 284 steps to the top, strolling up the Champs-Élysées as the 50 meter high French Revolutionary and Napoleonic War memorial comes into ever greater focus is memorable.    … Read the rest

Latin Quarter

Restaurant Au Port du Salut, Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques

The Latin Quarter in Paris is an area that takes in parts of the 5th and 6th Arrondissements on the Left Bank.  It is home to several higher learning entities, including the Sorbonne (the University of Paris), as well as lively bistros, shopping and of course the Pantheon.… Read the rest

La Tour Eiffel

La Tour Eiffel

Sigh!! My first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel) in Pairs.  We arrived in Paris yesterday and had an early night last night in anticipation of getting to the Eiffel Tower early this morning.  It’s a bit of a Metro ride but we’ve made it. … Read the rest

15th Arrondissement

Max Poilâne patisserie & boulangerie

Our 10am booking for the Eurostar to Paris was a sensible choice.  We are staying with Claire in the 15th Arrondissement and as I rise to my 6:30am alarm and rouse the boys from the cartoon channel, which has likely been on for a while already, I’m resigned to a long day ahead. … Read the rest

Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield

A day out at Tyntesfield is one for the whole family. This exquisite Victorian Gothic Revival estate includes a grand home, complete with its own chapel on a sprawling estate. Here you can watch the children play hide and seek between the trees, climb around the playground and explore the hothouse plants.… Read the rest

Kings Weston

Heading to the start line at Kings Weston Park Run

It’s a beautiful, if a little crisp, Bristol morning.  We’re off to Kings Western for the junior park run.  My friend Alison used to run these in Brisbane when Miranda and Jasper were little, now it’s the children’s turn.… Read the rest

Balloons Over Bristol

Balloons Over Bristol

“Come to Bristol in August when the Balloon Festival is on” my friend, Alison invites.  At least I hope she did because we’re here now.  It’s early morning and the household is still quiet.  I stir Jasper & Miranda awake and we dress as quietly as we can.… Read the rest