Francoise, my tour guide, along with Patrick, our driver, pick me up from my hotel for a visit to the Kadisha Valley. We have agreed on an 8am start and I am taken by surprise a little after 7:30am.… Read the rest
The Kadisha Valley
Pialligo Estate
The day started out frosty but the sun is shining and mum and I are headed to lunch. We have chosen the Garden Pavillions at Pialligo Estate for a little mother daughter indulgence.
I remember coming to Pialligo as a child.… Read the rest
Al Ain Oasis
We find our way to the Al Ain Oasis from the Al Jahili Fort, only a 5 minute drive away. It is rather incredible to come across an oasis such as this in the middle of a city.… Read the rest
Al Ain Palace Museum
We arrive at the Al Ain Palace Museum in the afternoon. It is a hot day, summer is finally encroaching on the long and lovely weather we have been experiencing. It is also the middle of Ramadan so there is no relief for my parched and dry lips as we enter the Al Ain Palace Museum (Qasr Al Ain) this sunny afternoon.… Read the rest
Al Jahili Fort
After a day by the pool at the Mercure Jebal Hafeet followed by a not-so-successful trip to the Al Ain Zoo last night, I am keen to get out this morning and do some proper exploring.
First stop is breakfast and the pancakes are a hit, but shortly after that we are on our way to the top of Jebal Hafeet for some excellent views across Al Ain and more desert views over the border to Oman and into the empty quarter.… Read the rest
Al Ain Zoo
A visit to the Al Ain Zoo seems like a good idea. We have been chilling out by the pool for the best part of the day, I even snuck in a massage at the spa. The zoo is advertised for Ramadan hours which means that it is open late for when things get going after iftar. … Read the rest
Painted Desert Serenade
I can’t help but have the tune of Joshua Kadison’s 1993 release, Painted Desert Serenade, going through my head as we drive out of Dubai and into the changing colors of the desert landscape as we leave the city behind for a weekend away.… Read the rest
Mushrif Park Trail Ride
Another Adventure Club outing. Today I’m headed to Mushrif Park, a huge (1300 acre) green space in Dubai that I have never really heard of before now. The park presents 13 models of Arabic and English houses as well as a cycle track, football fields and theatre screenings and I find that there are barbecues and picnic areas for the whole family to enjoy.… Read the rest
Al Jazirat Al Hamra – The Red Island
I wake before the alarm, shivering, barely remembering that I am awake to visit Al Jazirat Al Hamra – The Red Fort. The blankets have been kicked off in the night and the air conditioning is too cold.… Read the rest
Stairway To Heaven
I am completely out of my league here the Stairway To Heaven. I realise this much too late though and have no choice but to plough on. One foot in front of the other, one step at a time.… Read the rest