Cádiz

Cádiz Cathedral

Cádiz is an ancient port dating back to Phoenician (Gadir) and Roman (Gadas) times although what exists of the historic centre today primarily dates from between the 17th and 19th centuries as this was a prosperous time for trade, particularly with the Americas.… Read the rest

Valencia

Valencia

Valencia is a city with an old soul and a modern heart. The centre is a typical Medieval gem with a towering cathedral, Spanish and Roman historic architecture and museums to fulfill those intellectual yearnings. However, if you venture a little further, you’ll discover that developers have transformed the old moat into sprawling parklands.… Read the rest

Ibiza Blue

Ibiza Blue

Ibiza Blue. It just goes together. Ibiza is one of the Balearic islands, an archipelago of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. Although it is well known for the lively nightlife in Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni, where major European nightclubs have summer outposts, it is also home to quiet villages, yoga retreats and beaches for swimming, sun baking, dining and water sports.… Read the rest

Going Ape

At the pinnacle in Gibraltar

We are going ape in Gibraltar. This tiny tip of land sits with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Strait of Gibraltar, opening out to the vast Atlantic Ocean, on the other. The divide does not refer just to the waters.… Read the rest

Gibraltar

Gibraltar from the Bay

It is hard to believe that less than a month ago I was in Lebanon, at the far eastern end of the Mediterranean. Today, I stand on the Rock of Gibraltar, gazing at the azure sea on the westernmost point of this vast world.… 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