Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo

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

Painted Desert Serenade

Painted Desert Serenade

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

Happy Holi

Jasper

The Hindu festival of colors, Holi, is a spring harvest festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It can also symbolize love, forgiveness and new life.

Today we head to Holi at the Greens Community in Dubai. Although I know that officially Holi doesn’t kick off until the full moon (likely Wednesday of the coming week) the celebrations start early here today.… Read the rest

Questacon

Questacon – boy vs machine, Jasper takes on the robot at air hockey

Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre is a science and learning centre in Canberra. Located along Lake Burley Griffin between the National Library and the High Court, it’s for big and small kids alike and can easily amuse the little ones for a day’s outing.… Read the rest

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

The Tidbinbilla landscape is real bush. At the foot of the Brindabella mountain range on the outskirts of Canberra, the Nation’s Capital, this area is on the brink of the Australian highlands, leading to the snowy mountains.

Today, however, it is the hight of summer.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Portraits and Romance

Portrait – Aurelia (Fazio’s mistress), Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1863-73

A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) to see the Pre Raphaelites exhibition – Love & Desire. I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Faith

The shadow of death, William Holman Hunt, 1870-73

A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) to discover Faith, part of the Love & Desire exhibition. I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Truth to Nature

Anstey’s Cove, Devon, John William Inchbold, 1854

A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest