Vouves

Another tiny village in the hills behind Maleme, Vouves boasts the world’s oldest olive tree.

The Olympic Olive Tree

The Olive Tree of Vouves

This millennia old olive tree with its twisting, gnarled trunk still bears fruit. It is estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old.… Read the rest

Marathokefala

Views at Marathokefala

Marathokefala

A short way up into the hills we arrive at the traditional village of Marathokefala where time seems to stand still. Here, the pace of life takes the slow road, with many daily rituals continuing as they have done for centuries.… Read the rest

The Little Fun Train

The Little Fun Train – Traditional olive and orange groves near Spilia

We are taking the Little Fun Train for a bit of sightseeing in Crete. What better way to get around than an open aired train that lets us see some of Cretes’ more out of the way places.… Read the rest

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

Desert Quad Biking

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

Waterfront Markets

Waterfront Markets

Make no mistake, these look like modern markets from the outside but they have a traditional waterfront food market inside. From spices to fruits and vegetables, fish, seafood and meats. They have it all.

Christmas is coming and so it’s the season for seafood.… Read the rest

Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm, one of the many landmarks of Dubai. We have driven past, dined in, looked over, sailed past and photographed it many times and yet, after 4 years here, we have not stayed. This week, that changes.… Read the rest

Love Lakes

Love Lakes, image: Google Earth

Only in Dubai could you imagine heart shaped lakes and then create them. The Love Lakes, located near the Al Qudra lakes and Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa, are just that.

Getting There

In need of a break from the hustle and bustle, we have the Love Lakes as our destination this afternoon.… Read the rest