Tivoli Gardens

The Star Flyer

Contrary to most amusement parks these days, Tivoli Gardens is both an amusement park and magical adventure wonderland.  In fact, it is described as an amusement park and pleasure garden.  And that it is.

Tivoli Gardens Main Entrance
Excitement barely contained

Originally opened in August 1843, Tivoli is a fairytale wonderland fun fair.… Read the rest

Celebrating in Copenhagen

Night in Nyhavn

It’s my birthday and I am celebrating in Copenhagen.  We have spent the morning on a boat tour of Copenhagen’s canals, after I have been spoiled with some lovely gifts first thing.  Now it’s time for lunch and we’ve landed in Nyhavn, one of the most recognizable and perhaps one of the most picturesque spots of the city.… Read the rest

Brad’s Brunchology

Yalumba’s Brunchology

All good parties have a serious side that goes along with the fun.  Today’s party for Brad’s 40th has a good deal of both! Let’s Brunchology!

My friend Diana (wife of said birthday boy), has given up a girls’ weekend, organised a surprise birthday party with 33 guests, plus other weekend surprises (a mini break at the Burj Al Arab no less) as well as having coordinated a house move in the last week. … Read the rest

Lebanese Hospitality

Cafe CentreVille (downstairs from Al-Sultan Brahim) with the Al Majidieh Mosque lit up in the background

Lebanon. The history! The culture! The food!  Oh, the food.  But nothing brings this all together to be so delightful, so delectable, so enjoyable than the hospitality. … Read the rest

Jeita Grotto and Harissa

Lower Grotto – photo from the Ministry of Tourism brochure of Jeita Grotto

My tour is booked and I wake up early in anticipation. Earlier than I would wish, given how busy the week has been.  I am ready in the lobby on the dot of 8am for my 8-8:30am pick up. … Read the rest

Khachapuri, Khinkhali and Calories

Fruit & cognac, anytime

Georgia is not a good place to be counting calories. Luckily as I begin my long weekend getaway in Tbilisi, I have no such illusions of a diet.  As I walk down the streets of the old town on my first night here, the restaurants and cafes are full.… Read the rest

Asia Asia

Asia Asia

Asia Asia, 7:30pm: “This could be mistaken for a Miss Universe pageant with all these beautiful ladies from around the world…. But no, it’s just a lovely night out with all my beautiful friends in Dubai”.  My friend, Melissa, posts this message, along with photos from the evening on Facebook the day after. … Read the rest

China Grill

The outdoor terrace at China Grill

China Grill: Ladies’ Night in Dubai.  Something that can’t be fathomed anywhere else is alive and well right here.   When I first heard about ladies’ nights – which consist of anything from a free drink or two to all out free flowing bubbles and a 50% discount on food (for tables with ladies only), I thought it was a bit of a gimmick. … Read the rest

Al Hadheerah

The Emirati cuisine

“Alright” I think.  It’s been suggested that we do a girl’s night at Al Hadheerah restaurant.  I’ve been here once before for an anniversary six months ago.  It was an experience then, the desert location, the open air, tantalising buffet and restaurant sunken into the sand. … Read the rest