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

Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield

A day out at Tyntesfield is one for the whole family. This exquisite Victorian Gothic Revival estate includes a grand home, complete with its own chapel on a sprawling estate. Here you can watch the children play hide and seek between the trees, climb around the playground and explore the hothouse plants.… Read the rest

Kings Weston

Heading to the start line at Kings Weston Park Run

It’s a beautiful, if a little crisp, Bristol morning.  We’re off to Kings Western for the junior park run.  My friend Alison used to run these in Brisbane when Miranda and Jasper were little, now it’s the children’s turn.… Read the rest

Balloons Over Bristol

Balloons Over Bristol

“Come to Bristol in August when the Balloon Festival is on” my friend, Alison invites.  At least I hope she did because we’re here now.  It’s early morning and the household is still quiet.  I stir Jasper & Miranda awake and we dress as quietly as we can.… Read the rest

Bribie Island

Bribie Island is the northernmost and most populated of the three sand islands that form Moreton Bay in Queensland, Australia.  Being accessible to the mainland by road, Bribie Island is also the easiest to get to by far.

Travelling to Bribie

On a good day, you can be here in 45 minutes (from Brisbane), although those that commute know that’s not realistic at 8am on a Monday morning, or perhaps more importantly, 5pm on a Friday afternoon.… Read the rest

Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach

Our Rainbow Beach adventure begins. The car is packed, the kids strapped in and snacks at the ready for the long drive. We have the Easter long weekend stretching out ahead of us and spirits are high as we head up the highway, leaving the city behind us.… Read the rest

Troyes

Troyes

Heading to Troyes after our beautiful stay in Auxerre, but at the same time having been overwhelmed by all the old towns and historic sights, we spot an Outlet Centre on the way into town. Stopping for a quick rest and a stretch of the legs our mornings’ shopping quickly turns into the best part of the day.… Read the rest

Marché des Halles

Marché des Halles

Troyes’ Marché des Halles is a historic local produce market located in the heart of Troyes old town, a picturesque city in the Champagne region of northeastern France. The markets are well known for their vibrant atmosphere and role as a central hub for local commerce.… Read the rest

Highlights of Auxerre

Highlights of Auxerre

Auxerre. The name comes out in a sigh of awed appreciation of such a beautiful city and indeed the highlights of Auxerre are the embodiment of French delight. Of all the picturesque places that we have visited across the Haute-Savoie, Côte-d’Or and Burgundy regions of France, this is one of the best.… Read the rest