Foyer of the Museum of Islamic Art
I am in Doha for the day. I spent the morning at Souq Waqif and The Pearl and much of the afternoon walking the sights after a dhow ride (see Doha by Dhow). … Read the rest
Museum of Islamic Art
The Kingdom of Bahrain
Of all our cruising destinations for this trip, I am most excited about exploring the Kingdom of Bahrain. It’s also the place I feel I need to make the most of as this is the least likely port that I’ll get a chance to return to, at least in the foreseeable future.… Read the rest
Bahrain National Museum
The Bahrain National Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts organised into various galleries (rooms). We make our way there along Government Avenue after exploring some of the other sights of The Kingdom of Bahrain for the morning. … Read the rest
Abu Dhabi
Finally! I have now lived in Dubai just shy of a year and this is my first visit to the capital. I am consciously shelving the mosque and the new Louvre in order to do the Corniche and some of the historic sights properly and have been anticipating this since we booked our holiday. … Read the rest
Danny Bhoy
Tonight, and Danny Bhoy, is a little surprise, an early anniversary celebration. It’s not a big one – the anniversary of our first date – but we like to mark the occasion. Except I couldn’t find anything on for that night, so tonight it is.… Read the rest
Al Hadheerah
“Alright” I think. It’s been suggested that we do a girl’s night at Al Hadheerah restaurant. I’ve been here once before for an anniversary six months ago. It was an experience then, the desert location, the open air, tantalising buffet and restaurant sunken into the sand. … Read the rest
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
Villa d’Este
The alarm rouses me from sleep for a day at Villa d’Este and the first thing I feel is my aching feet, sore from a couple of weeks of walking. Not that I don’t like walking, I do, I like it a lot, especially when exploring new and wonderful places.… Read the rest
St Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Basilica transcends sightseeing. It is a place so deeply woven into history, art and faith that it becomes an experience, rather than an attraction. For centuries, pilgrims have travelled from every corner of the world to stand beneath the soaring dome of St Peter’s Basilica, while artists, architects and historians have marvelled at what many consider the greatest church ever built.… Read the rest
Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo is an impressive building. From its perch on the entrance to Naploli, it stands guard over the Gulf of Naples almost as impressive as Mount Vesuvius on the other side of the city. Certainly as proud, almost as formidable. … Read the rest