Halloween

Crazy pumpkin doughnuts and coffin cakes

It’s Halloween.  The kids are excited and the ghosts and ghouls are out.  Despite the popularity of Halloween these days a couple of things strike me as rather ironic tonight.

Firstly, the fact that most people don’t even really know what Halloween is.… Read the rest

The Green Planet

#The Green Plant

It’s funny how we (I) can live our lives in such a bubble.  Opened in 2016, The Green Planet, like most things in Dubai, is relatively new.  However, it still surprises me that I didn’t know about it until a birthday party there a few weeks ago.… Read the rest

Lake Zürich & Rapperswil

Lake Zürich from Grossmünster

I board the boat for Rapperswil with an expectation of a lake Zürich cruise and the vague promise of a Schloss (castle) at the end.  It’s not like me.  Usually I have my days planned to the ‘n’th degree but, apart from today being an unexpected bonus, I think I’m mellowing a little in my holiday expectations.… Read the rest

Copenhagen and the Round Tower

Copenhagen and the Round Tower

We have spent the morning at Christiansborg Palace a former royal palace on the island of Slotsholmen and today the seat of the Danish Parliament and the Supreme Court of Denmark. After exploring the delights of the palace, we head outside to explore the equally delightful streets of the city – Copenhagen and the Round Tower.… Read the rest

Tivoli Gardens

The Star Flyer

Contrary to most amusement parks these days, Tivoli Gardens is both an amusement park and magical adventure wonderland.  In fact, it is described as an amusement park and pleasure garden.  And that it is.

Tivoli Gardens Main Entrance
Excitement barely contained

Originally opened in August 1843, Tivoli is a fairytale wonderland fun fair.… Read the rest

Celebrating in Copenhagen

Night in Nyhavn

It’s my birthday and I am celebrating in Copenhagen.  We have spent the morning on a boat tour of Copenhagen’s canals, after I have been spoiled with some lovely gifts first thing.  Now it’s time for lunch and we’ve landed in Nyhavn, one of the most recognizable and perhaps one of the most picturesque spots of the city.… Read the rest

Copenhagen by Canal

Christianshavn Canal

It’s my birthday and I am out to explore Copenhagen by canal.  

I wake up feeling better than yesterday.  I haven’t been well and despite being rather desperate to get out and explore Copenhagen, I spent the previous day in bed, somewhat resigned to the fact that today may be spent the same way.… Read the rest

Helsinki

Helsinki Cathedral on Senate Square

Finland’s capital, Helsinki, sits on a southern peninsula in the Gulf of Finland.  We have arrived at the port and I’m itching to get into the city but as usual, it’s a bit chaotic getting five people ready and out the door in the morning.  … Read the rest

Venice Of The North

Venice of the North

Today we get to experience St. Petersburg’s canals.  Alexander the Great founded this city as his own and had a vision to turn it into the Venice of the North, criss-crossing the city with canals to provide a means of transport as well as beauty.… Read the rest

A Taste Of St. Petersburg

A taste of old Russia at Eliseyev Emporium

After a day of exploring Peterhof and the Catherine Palace at Pushkin, I’m ready to delve into St. Petersburg proper.  After dropping the rest of the tour group back at the port, mum and I are taken to the metro at Primorskaya where we are handed over to another guide for the evening. … Read the rest