Gibran Museum

Gibran Museum

On the other side of the Kadisha Valley to the St. Simon Monastery where we have just come from visiting the tiny hermit’s cave, is the Gibran Museum in Bsharri.

Once a monastery, the building was bought by Gibran’s benefactor after the Lebanese – American writer, poet and artist, expressed his wishes to be buried in Lebanon.… 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

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

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) to see the Pre Raphaelites exhibition – Love & Desire. I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… 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