Tsarevets Fortress

Tsarevets Fortress – the Gate at sunset

Arriving through the cobbled streets of Veliko Tărnovo the first site we behold as we check into our accommodation at the Yantra Grand Hotel is Tsarevets Fortress. Tsarevets, the hillside fortress of this medieval capital, spans the horizon, across the river and over the green gorge, laid out before our eyes.… 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

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

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, Muscat

Cruising Again, Muscat

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. Actuall, will be working and there is some concern over the current COVID-19 pandemic but, here we are, decision made and ready to cruise again.… Read the rest

Highlights From The Wallace Collection: European Armoury III

Cannon barrel, Giovanni Mazzarioli, Italian, Venice, 1688

Ah, The Wallace Collection! Even as I contemplate only tackling the highlights, including the European Armoury III, the vastness of this collection overwhelms me and I know that it is a practically impossible task.… Read the rest

Highlights From The Wallace Collection: The Smoking Room

Pair of Incense Burners, China, late 18th Century, sheet copper, cloisonné enamel and gilt copper

Ah, The Wallace Collection! Even as I contemplate only tackling the highlights, the vastness of this collection overwhelms me and I know that it is a practically impossible task.… Read the rest