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

Fairmont, The Palm

Flow Kitchen at Fairmont, The Palm presents a buffet that is worthy of a few extra courses.  The setting is spacious and nicely appointed and the staff are polite and attentive, as you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre.

It’s date night and we order a couple of drinks.  … Read the rest

Spice Den

Sweet Potato Doughnuts

I wanted to visit Santai Retreat.  Jason wanted to go to Spice Den, a restaurant that had been recommended to him. Thankfully it turned out to be one and the same!  Spice Den at Santai Retreat near Kingscliff spruiks itself as ‘modern Thai fusion’ food. … Read the rest

Cesky Krumlov Castle

Cesky Krumlov Castle

The centerpiece of the stunning medieval town of Cesky Krumlov (Český Krumlov) is its magnificent castle complex. The castle, founded by the Vítkovci family in the 13th Century, is one of the largest in Central Europe. The castle reflects a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles shaped by centuries of expansion and renovation.… Read the rest