La Dolce Far Niente

Captain at the helm

La dolce far niente, a fabulous Italian saying for just mooching around.  But this is far from wasting time.  This is the art of doing nothing.   In fact, we’re not quite doing nothing.  We’re on Lady Pinto with Candida for a boat trip and day out in Antarctica. … Read the rest

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Al Fahidi wind tower

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.

Doorway

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

The Santa Experience

Centre Court Christmas Tree

We arrive at 10:22am.  We visited Santa yesterday but I’m fussy and not satisfied with the Santa “experience” or the photo.  Yes, we’re in Dubai.  Yes, I’m grateful that we can visit Santa here.  As I said, I’m being fussy. … Read the rest

China Grill

The outdoor terrace at China Grill

China Grill: Ladies’ Night in Dubai.  Something that can’t be fathomed anywhere else is alive and well right here.   When I first heard about ladies’ nights – which consist of anything from a free drink or two to all out free flowing bubbles and a 50% discount on food (for tables with ladies only), I thought it was a bit of a gimmick. … 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

Omega Dubai Ladies Classic

Ripe Organic Markets Pop-Up

The Ripe Organic Markets popped up at the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic this weekend at Emirates Golf Club.  In truth it is a bit of an accident that we ended up here.  My husband is playing golf (again) although not at this club and I had been on the look out for some local Christmas markets to take the kids to – partly to get us out of the house and partly so that we could get in for the all important Santa visit this year.… Read the rest

UAE National Day

Dubai skyline the Dubai Water Canal

National Day has been on my radar for about a month.  I knew it was coming, having looked into the background for a street being called “2nd December Street” earlier on in the year, the next sign came on the 1st of November when all the Halloween decorations came down and flags went up everywhere – on buildings, schools, in the shops, on houses and on people – in the form of scarves, pins and t-shirts. … Read the rest

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Dubai Creek Golf

This is the second year my husband & I have been lucky enough to receive an invitation to dinner a the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.  Earlier in the day, the men (yes, all the men!) played a round at one of the most beautiful courses in Dubai (that’s saying something given Dubai’s high standard of courses) and now I arrive with a couple of the other wives for dinner and, importantly (I’m told), the presentations.… Read the rest

Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity.  I’d heard the words before, heard about Dubai brunches, the partying and excesses of the well-to-do generation of Dubai inhabitants that live for the weekend.  Nothing has really prepared me for this.

My husband has asked me here on a date. … Read the rest

Jersey Boys

Dubai Opera

A new dress can be a catalyst for many things.  In this case, it was the reason that I finally found my motivation to lock in a night at Dubai Opera to see Jersey Boys.

Now, having only lived in Dubai for a short time, I think I’m a bit above par, given that this will be my third visit. … Read the rest