The Abu Dhabi Louvre, the ‘new’ Louvre, has been on my list since before it opened in November 2017. Knowing it would be a day best enjoyed with another enthusiast I have delayed my visit more than once. … Read the rest
The New Louvre
International Day
International Day – I remember the excitement of the Multicultural Festival in Canberra when I was growing up – the sights, the music, the colors and tastes but most of all the smells – pungent Indian aromas, popcorn and kebabs and the mouthwatering smell of the kranskys (German sausages) cooking were always a favorite of mine. … Read the rest
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
After my somewhat disappointing first taste of Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Eve, I decide to revisit with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque firmly in my sights. I drive in Dubai, but it has taken me a long time to get used to it and I can’t say that I’m entirely comfortable with it. … Read the rest
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
I arrive at the SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) early and have time to wander around the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood before my cultural breakfast begins.
My real quest, heading into the quiet streets, is for a karak tea – that lovely, strong, sweet tea flavoured with cardamom (or sometimes other flavours if you’re lucky, like at Global Village). … Read the rest
Museum of Islamic Art
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
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