A Whirlwind Tour

Global Village

A long anticipated visit has come to fruition resulting in a whirlwind tour.  We had a wonderful time staying with Ricky & Clare in Buckinghamshire last year and it was the very next day after we left them that we heard they’d booked for a trip with a stopover to visit us in Dubai.… Read the rest

Emirates Park Zoo

White Tiger – lick, lick

Emirates Park Zoo is a great day out for the family.  We were invited along for the day by our friends, Brad & Diana, who were entertaining little Kenny over the Christmas break.  My two boys had been at home all week while I prepared for (and then cleaned up after) Christmas for 40 people, so I figured they deserved a day out too.… Read the rest

Energy Drinks

Harley‘s quote of the day:

Red Bull: “Did you know that energy drinks are real?  I thought they were just pretend but Irene has one and it’s real!  Energy drinks are made from bulls.  Because bulls are strong!”

Thankfully he’s not allowed to drink Red Bull because, well, he’s 4 and has way more energy than he (or I, for that matter) know what to do with.… Read the rest

Swimming With Dolphins

I’m still buzzing from the incredible experience of swimming with dolphins at the Dubai Dolphinarium.  We had set the day aside early last month after birthday ‘season’ in our household (our two boys as well as my birthday, and incidentally father’s day, all fall in the same week). … Read the rest

Kite Beach

Kite Beach

Kite Beach, just north of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, is a great day out and there is something to do for everyone.  We started out at the skateboard park just across the road from the beach.  It’s a hot day (40 degrees Celsius) but the kids don’t care and are off around the ramps, jumps and bowls doing things that I can’t watch for fear of a fall and a trip to the hospital.  … Read the rest

Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile

Arc de Triomphe with the Le Départ sculpture visible on the right hand facade.

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile (Triumphal Arch of the Star) is a must see in Paris.  Even if you don’t climb the 284 steps to the top, strolling up the Champs-Élysées as the 50 meter high French Revolutionary and Napoleonic War memorial comes into ever greater focus is memorable.    … 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