Souk Madinat Jumeirah Dubai

Here are my last few photos from our time in Dubai.  Unfortunately, I never made it to the beach but I did manage to get a view of the fabulous Burj Al Arab hotel.  I enjoyed my time at the old souks so much, I thought it would be fun to visit one of the modern versions.  The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a posh version of a middle eastern marketplace offering shopping, restaurants and entertainment.  You can even ride in a traditional abra along the waterways. 

Souks of Old Dubai - Wander with Nada

I've been eager to visit the Middle East and I finally got my chance.  I tagged along with Matt on a work trip to Dubai.  He was working all day and I was happy to enjoy the hotel pool or walk around the famous Dubai Malls by myself.  But I also wanted to see a bit more of the city.  I was reluctant to set out on my own so I booked a morning tour with Wander with Nada.  It was the perfect way to explore beyond the skyscrapers and shopping.  This tour was the highlight of my time in Dubai.  I came away from it buzzing with information and a new appreciation for a different side of the city. 

Fisherman's Village in Koh Samui

My final post about our week in Thailand and I'm now convinced that we need to go back.  And this time we need to stay even longer.  While we were in Koh Samui we mostly just relaxed and enjoyed the beach.  But we did venture a little bit further one evening to experience the Friday Market at Fisherman's Village. 

Bangkok Lotus Farm

While we were at the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market our guide Nina asked if we would like to take a boat ride along the canals.  Of course we did.  We eyed the line of people waiting to fill one of the colourful flat bottomed canal boats.  But Nina had other plans for us.  Smart girl.

Easter Markets of Prague

Last December we were scheduled to visit the Christmas Markets in Budapest.  However, a hospital stay meant that we had to cancel.  When I heard about the Easter markets in Prague, I knew we had to go.  I'm a bit embarrassed to be posting about Easter Markets when everyone is getting geared up for the Christmas Markets.  But, maybe you'll add it to your travel plans for next year.  Because the Easter Markets in Prague are delightful.

Duke of York Square

Time just goes by so fast, doesn’t it?  We’ve been in our new apartment now for over a month and I really love this place.  Yes, it’s small and we’ve had to be pretty creative with storage.  The kitchen is the size of a small closet.  But, these big open windows with a rooftop view of London make up for all of it.  Not to mention the location. 
 

Every Saturday since we’ve moved here we’ve walked over to the Duke of York Square for the farmers market.  It’s right between Partridges and the Saatchi Gallery on King’s Road and the food is fabulous.   

The market takes place every Saturday.  And I’ve heard a rumor that Santa will be hanging out in his very own grotto in Duke of York Square this upcoming holiday season.

Have you been to the Duke of York Square Food Market?

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L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market

I'm really hoping that there are at least one or two of you

who've texted your girlfriends and exclaimed "We're going to Provence!"

So, this is what you must to do on Sunday in Provence.

Hop on a train and visit the L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market.

Its just a short journey from Avignon and a perfect way to spend the day.

Each Sunday the town is taken over by the largest outdoor market in the Luberon area of Provence.

The backdrop of the Sorgue River and several moss covered waterwheels,

amidst a massive food, antique and flea market.

Not to mention cafes, shops and restaurants.  It's all of Provence laid out before you.

Food, wine, bread, olive oil, antiques, cheese, textiles, architecture.  Seriously wonderful.

 

Even a bit of rain couldn't put a damper on this day, although there was one slight altercation.

I mentioned that we walked out of one French restaurant in Avignon.

In Sorgue, we were actually asked to leave a restaurant!

It was time for lunch so we found a restaurant, sat down, ordered wine (priorities)

and began perusing the menu.  About the time the waitress slammed the closed bottle

down onto the table and walked away, we started to question our choice.

We opened the wine and poured (again, priorities),

only to realize that the menu wasn't going to work for a variety of reasons.

We eventually got the attention of the waitress to let her know

that we weren't going to be eating after all.  Major faux pas.

 We weren't welcome unless we were going to eat.

 Sharing a plate of fries between us was also not an option.

We asked if we could at least finish our wine before leaving which led to a visit

from the big burly chef who encouraged our immediate departure.

 We all stood up and grabbed our glasses.  

You've never seen four women chug down a bottle of wine so fast.

This was followed by 45 minutes of giggling (remember, we hadn't eaten yet)

as we searched for another dining option.

Can't take these girls anywhere.  Trouble in Provence.

 

Thankfully, Gina is fluent in French or there is no telling how it would have played out.

It actually turned out for the best, because we ended up sitting outside and having the

most wonderful crepes for about half the price.

 Not to mention a titch more wine.  This time enjoyed at a much more leisurely pace.

And sitting down.

I realize that this post has a ridiculous number of photos,

but seriously, Provence is just gorgeous.  I can't help myself.

Throughout our day at the market, we each purchased a bit of food.

Cheese, baguettes, fruit, meats, spreads, sweets and wine.

We ended our day with a massive feast under the stars back at our B&B.

Perfection.

So, there's your Sunday in Provence sorted.

Have you been kicked out of a restaurant before?

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