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

Going Ape

At the pinnacle in Gibraltar

We are going ape in Gibraltar, that tiny tip of land that sits with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Strait of Gibraltar, opening out to the vast Atlantic Ocean on the other. The divide does not refer just to the waters.… 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

Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo

A visit to the Al Ain Zoo seems like a good idea.  We have been chilling out by the pool for the best part of the day, I even snuck in a massage at the spa.  The zoo is advertised for Ramadan hours which means that it is open late for when things get going after iftar.  … Read the rest

Painted Desert Serenade

Painted Desert Serenade

I can’t help but have the tune of Joshua Kadison’s 1993 release, Painted Desert Serenade, going through my head as we drive out of Dubai and into the changing colors of the desert landscape as we leave the city behind for a weekend away.… Read the rest

Happy Holi

Jasper

The Hindu festival of colors, Holi, is a spring harvest festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It can also symbolize love, forgiveness and new life.

Today we head to Holi at the Greens Community in Dubai. Although I know that officially Holi doesn’t kick off until the full moon (likely Wednesday of the coming week) the celebrations start early here today.… Read the rest