Located in the mountains of the Caucasus region, the Gelati Monastery is a significant historical site in Georgia. Founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia, also known as David the Builder, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage.… Read the rest
Ibu Rai
Ibu Rai, along one of Ubud’s main streets, is a perfect spot to grab a sundowner and await the towns nightlife.
Having come from among the Kajang rice fields, we’re not overly hungry after a late lunch at Sweet Orange Warung, nor are we quite ready to head back to the hotel.… Read the rest
Kodra Restaurant
An early morning walk and then a visit, en route, to the delightful Ardenica Monastery, sees us arrive in Gjirokaster for a late lunch at Kodra Restaurant. Perched high on the hill in the old town, it is currently raining and so, a lazy lunch seems the perfect way to await finer weather.… Read the rest
Alpeta Winery
A short drive through the countryside from Berat, after a morning at Berat Castle and the Onunfri Museum, and we come to the tiny village of Roshnik where the Alpeta Winery makes a big impression.
Wine Tasting
We’re here for wine tasting, a tour of the Vineyard and a hearty lunch sourced from local produce.… Read the rest
Friendly House
It is nice to know that there is a Friendly House just around the corner. Arriving in Berat it is already evening. We have travelled all day and now, having checked into our hotel, we are keen to stretch our legs and explore.… Read the rest
Blue Jade
The Saigon Social at Blue Jade is a delightful way to celebrate the beginning of the weekend. This Friday night brunch at Dubai’s Ritz Carlton, JBR is picture perfect from arrival to the last sip.
I am swept away before we even get to Blue Jade.… Read the rest
Fi’lia
Fi’lia. As if the view isn’t spectacular enough, this new Italian offering based on the 70th floor of the newly opened SLS hotel is also rather spectacular.
Fi’lia, meaning daughter, is touted as taking a front row seat as the region’s first female led team.… Read the rest
Beautiful People, Reunited
It has been a rough few years. COVID, jobs lost, friends leaving and lives changing without really moving forwards. Such is the nature of an expat life at the best of times. Yet despite all of it, there is still life and friendship to celebrate.… Read the rest
Mimi Kakushi
Lunch at Mimi Kakushi’s is the best I have ever had.
Some meals are memorable for different reasons. It might be the atmosphere, the service, view, a particular ingredient or indeed an entire dish that stands out. Mimi Kakushi brings all of these elements together to provide a very, very memorable meal for all the right reasons.… Read the rest
Shaw Vineyard Estate
Tucked in behind the little town of Murrumbateman is Shaw Vineyard, an award winning vineyard where you can ”expect the unexpected”.
The Vineyard
This is a family owned, cool climate vineyard producing Riesling, Semillon, Merlot, Malbec, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with around 70 acres of vines.… Read the rest