Francoise, my tour guide, along with Patrick, our driver, pick me up from my hotel for a visit to the Kadisha Valley. We have agreed on an 8am start and I am taken by surprise a little after 7:30am.… Read the rest
Al Ain Oasis
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
Al Ain Palace Museum
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
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.
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
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
Al Jazirat Al Hamra – The Red Island
I wake before the alarm, shivering, barely remembering that I am awake to visit Al Jazirat Al Hamra – The Red Fort. The blankets have been kicked off in the night and the air conditioning is too cold.… Read the rest
Love & Desire – Portraits and Romance
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
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
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
Love & Desire – Modern Life
Modern Life: Love & Desire. 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