Travel, life, loves and laughs.
It is hard to believe that less than a month ago I was in Lebanon, at the far eastern end of the Mediterranean, and today, I stand on the Rock of Gibraltar, gazing out at the azure sea at the westernmost point of this vast world, considering what it would be like to think the world stops here.… Read the rest
This stunning tower, the Torre de Belém, stands on the banks of the Targus river in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It is a landmark dating from the 16th Century. It is a ceremonial gateway to the city and officially a fortification that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers.… Read the rest
The hop on, hop off tourist bus operators practically mob us as we emerge into Lisbon from the cruise terminal along Av. Infante Don Henrique. However, we have our day more or less mapped out and we grab a taxi and head straight for the Tower of Belém.… Read the rest
Today we are in Vigo, Spain, in the Provence of Galicia on the northwest coast. There has been a port here since the Middle Ages and there is a colorful if not rather violent history of attacks by Vikings, the English and the Turks, not to mention a period of French rule during the Napoleonic era.… Read the rest
The day started out frosty but the sun is shining and mum and I are headed to lunch. We have chosen the Garden Pavillions at Pialligo Estate for a little mother daughter indulgence.
I remember coming to Pialligo as a child.… Read the rest
We find our way to the Al Ain Oasis from the Al Jahili Fort, only a 5 minute drive away. It is rather incredible to come across an oasis such as this in the middle of a city. However, it also makes sense that an oasis such as this is at the heart of the city.… Read the rest
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
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.
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
A visit to the Al Ain Zoo seems like a good idea. We have been chilling out by the pool for the best part of the day, I even snuck in a massage at the spa. The zoo is advertised for Ramadan hours which means that it is open late for when things get going after iftar. … Read the rest
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