Travel – Page 3 – Ruth Badley

It’s beginning to look a little like Christmas

Post author:RuthBadley
Post published:14th December 2015
Post category:Culture Dubai entertainment Expat Living Food Middle East Shopping Travel
Post comments:6 Comments

It was about this time last year that we had a conversation about what our Christmas in Dubai might look like. Should we take the Christmas decorations with us? Surely not. Likewise, the oversized fake tree that comes down from the loft every year? No, that would be ridiculous too. Wise decisions. Without all the familiar festive paraphernalia to hand it is easier to break away from convention and adopt a fresh approach. Deep down, I think the attempt to simply replicate what we usually do in this very different location would make me feel a bit sad.
(more…)

Remembering Rose

Post author:RuthBadley
Post published:19th November 2015
Post category:Culture Dubai Expat Living Travel UAE
Post comments:3 Comments

The lovely young woman looking so confidently into the camera only had a few more years left to live when this photograph was taken. I am guessing this formal, studio portrait marks a milestone age, maybe a 21st birthday. Her name is Rose De Haan and her death certificate states that she died at the age of 25. Three days earlier she had given birth to a daughter. The baby was my mother, Sylvia Rose. (more…)

Working to enhance my experience

Post author:RuthBadley
Post published:11th November 2015
Post category:Culture Dubai entertainment Expat Living Middle East Travel UAE
Post comments:2 Comments

Refurbishment, fit out or maintenance works in Dubai invariably carry explanatory signage declaring: ‘We are working to enhance your experience’, suggesting that the temporary inconvenience to the general public is for the greater good. This charming phrase suggests that behind the hoardings, persons unseen are labouring night and day to get things back on track as soon as possible.

Whether this is actually true or not is questionable as some of these ‘enhancements’ to existing premises can go on for months, with no discernible difference to the décor or layout when the grand reopening occurs! Leaving that to one side, the idea continues to resonate with me and is one I am taking to heart. (more…)

Home to sound and fury

Post author:RuthBadley
Post published:11th October 2015
Post category:Culture Dubai entertainment Expat Living Food Middle East Travel UAE
Post comments:2 Comments

When does living in a new location really feel like home? Returning to Dubai after a holiday it now seems less like a fantastic experiment and much more like real life. What has caused this subtle shift in thinking? The occupants of the flat above ours and their home improvements mostly but more of that later. (more…)

Jordan’s hidden wonder

Post author:RuthBadley
Post published:16th August 2015
Post category:Culture Food Middle East Travel
Post comments:4 Comments

‘You are welcome’. This simple phrase, usually just a reflex response to thanks, when used at all, doesn’t usually catch my attention. It took a journey to Jordan for me to appreciate the real meaning of these words when spoken by a Jordanian. Everywhere we went it seemed that ordinary people were genuinely delighted to know that visitors were in their midst and this oft repeated greeting was their way of communicating their pleasure. (more…)