Yesterday my travel companion Diana and I escaped the city to explore the Kakheti Region for the day. Today, far from being finished with Tbilisi, there is so much yet to explore before Diana’s flight home this afternoon.… Read the rest
Sighnaghi
Sighnaghi, a tiny town in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region, is an attractive town perched high on a hilltop with sweeping views across the Alazani Valley laid out below. Known affectionately as Georgia’s City of Love, the restored 18th and 19th century architecture of the centre gives the town a relaxed, easy charm focused around its tourist attractions.… Read the rest
Pyramids and Plans
That first taste. That first glimpse. It’s never enough. It only serves to whet the appetite, as the saying goes. Likewise my first glimpses of Cairo. Plans are swirling.
This is a business trip and, despite knowing that there will most likely not be time to take in the sights, I plan in spite of myself, hopes soaring. … Read the rest
The Heart of Sharjah
Sharjah doesn’t have the mega malls of Dubai and can’t boast a mosque quite as grand as Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque but culturally and historically, it is every bit as good as a day spent around Bur Dubai (Dubai’s old town) or the Al Fahidi Historic District and in some respects, it is even better. … Read the rest
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
I arrive at the SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) early and have time to wander around the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood before my cultural breakfast begins.
My real quest, heading into the quiet streets, is for a karak tea – that lovely, strong, sweet tea flavoured with cardamom (or sometimes other flavours if you’re lucky, like at Global Village). … Read the rest
The Kingdom of Bahrain
Of all our cruising destinations for this trip, I am most excited about exploring the Kingdom of Bahrain. It’s also the place I feel I need to make the most of as this is the least likely port that I’ll get a chance to return to, at least in the foreseeable future.… Read the rest
Villa d’Este
The alarm rouses me from sleep for a day at Villa d’Este and the first thing I feel is my aching feet, sore from a couple of weeks of walking. Not that I don’t like walking, I do, I like it a lot, especially when exploring new and wonderful places.… Read the rest
Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo is an impressive building. From its perch on the entrance to Naploli, it stands guard over the Gulf of Naples almost as impressive as Mount Vesuvius on the other side of the city. Certainly as proud, almost as formidable. … Read the rest
Santa Chiara
The Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara is incredible. Like a little walled world of its own, it must have been even more so, a haven from the outside world, during periods of Napoli’s unsettled past.
It’s another stunning day of our summer holidays and we’re exploring Naples. … Read the rest
Messina
Messina. Another glorious day, another glorious port. After feeling that I missed out in Valetta yesterday, I am well equipped for today and have a trail planned out. This pivots around being in the city’s main square at midday to see the clock chime 12pm and the mechanical performance that enshews.… Read the rest