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.… 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

Champs Élysées

Laduree

I almost missed a stroll down this famous boulevard Champs Élysées when I was recently in Paris.  It was only a short trip and I had my two boys in tow (3yrs & 6yrs), not exactly how I dreamed of promenading around the city of love.… 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

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

Athens

Parthenon

The sun beats down on Athens and the temperature rises although I’m too preoccupied to notice.  Still high from the delights of Mykonos and keen to start exploring an entirely new city, I haven’t given much thought to the realities of today. … Read the rest