Abu Dhabi

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

Danny Bhoy, Dubai Opera

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

The Emirati cuisine

“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

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

Santa Chiara

Courtyard

The Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara is incredible.  Like a little walled world of its own, it must have been even more so, a haven from the outside world, during periods of Napoli’s unsettled past.

Santa Chiara Basilica from the side entrance

It’s another stunning day of our summer holidays and we’re exploring Naples. … Read the rest

Napoli

Sweeping views of Naples

It still astounds me to wake up in a new city!  To step out and behold Napoli at my feet!  It has been a long time but I still remember the taste of the pizza, the chill of the cobbled streets under the weight of the grey sky and drizzling rain, not to mention the noise from the morning markets in the piazza below from my last visit. … Read the rest

Messina

Sweeping views of Messina

Messina.  Another glorious day, another glorious port.  After feeling that I missed out in Valetta yesterday, I am well equipped for today and have a trail planned out.  This pivots around being in the city’s main square at midday to see the clock chime 12pm and the mechanical performance that enshews.… Read the rest

Valetta, Malta

The Grand Harbor and Fort St. Angelo

I am utterly unprepared for the delights that Valetta, the capital of Malta, has to offer.  I have heard of the beauty of the Greek Islands, the party scene and endless nights that Ibiza has to offer but I seem to have missed Malta altogether. … Read the rest