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 Jazirat Al Hamra – The Red Island

Al Jazirah al Hamra Fort

I wake before the alarm, shivering, barely remembering that I am awake to visit Al Jazirat Al Hamra – The Red Fort. The blankets have been kicked off in the night and the air conditioning is too cold.… 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

Questacon

Questacon – boy vs machine, Jasper takes on the robot at air hockey

Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre is a science and learning centre in Canberra. Located along Lake Burley Griffin between the National Library and the High Court, it’s for big and small kids alike and can easily amuse the little ones for a day’s outing.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Portraits and Romance

Portrait – Aurelia (Fazio’s mistress), Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1863-73

A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). We’re here to experience the Pre Raphaelites exhibition – Love & Desire.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Faith

The shadow of death, William Holman Hunt, 1870-73

A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) to discover Faith, part of the Love & Desire exhibition. I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Truth to Nature

Anstey’s Cove, Devon, John William Inchbold, 1854

A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Modern Life

Work, oil on canvas, Ford Madox Brown, 1852-65

Modern Life: Love & Desire. A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest

Love & Desire

The Lady of Shallot, John William Waterhouse, 1888

Love & Desire. A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest