La Perle at Al Habtoor Palace

La Perle at Al Habtoor Palace

The Habtoor Palace at Al Habtoor City in Dubai, is part of a grand complex associated with the Hilton hotels chain. With over 1,000 rooms, an array of restaurants, meeting and conference facilities and on-site entertainment like La Perle, this really is a City unto itself.… Read the rest

The Little Things, Reflections on Life in Lockdown

We are okay. I keep telling myself this. And we are. I hope things can stay this way. No, I do not mean our life in lockdown with restrictions on everything from gatherings to travel. And don’t even get me started on the schools.… Read the rest

Easter Surprises

Easter Surprises^

A time for family, reflection, celebration, new beginnings. Easter has a different flavor this year. Although being based in Dubai has its up side, one of the cons is being away from family during an occasion when family time defines the celebration.… 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, 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

La Mer

Sunset over La Mer

It is the UAE National Day long weekend and while many friends are out of town or on local staycations, given the five days of celebrations made possible by the 3 days of declared public holidays, we have elected for a quiet extended weekend at home with a little La Mer celebration.… Read the rest

Al Ain Palace Museum

Al Ain Palace Museum

We arrive at the Al Ain Palace Museum in the afternoon. It is a hot day, summer is finally encroaching on the long and lovely weather we have been experiencing. It is also the middle of Ramadan so there is no relief for my parched and dry lips as we enter the Al Ain Palace Museum (Qasr Al Ain) this sunny afternoon.… Read the rest

Al Jahili Fort

Al Jahili Fort

After a day by the pool at the Mercure Jebal Hafeet followed by a not-so-successful trip to the Al Ain Zoo last night, I am keen to get out this morning and do some proper exploring.

Enjoying breakfast

First stop is breakfast and the pancakes are a hit, but shortly after that we are on our way to the top of Jebal Hafeet for some excellent views across Al Ain and more desert views over the border to Oman and into the empty quarter.… Read the rest