A Harry Potter moment

Charlie enjoying lunch at Lucano's Kitchen near Grassmarket, Edinburgh, opposite the Elephant House cafe where J K Rowling penned the Harry Potter books..

The Old College

A significant spot for both Jack and Gordon - both graduates of Edinburgh University!

Colonel Sir John Hepburn

Reputedly a Hepburn ancestor, Sir John Hepburn's regiment, (who fell at the Siege of Saverne), belonged to the French army from 1633 to 1661, and then formed the First Regiment of the Line in the British Army, under the title the Royal Regiment, and subsequently the Royal Scots Regiment.

Mons Meg

Charlie the human cannonball at Edinburgh Castle - in Mons Meg! (Photo courtesy of Anna)..

A Rainy Day

Visiting Edinburgh, the University's New College was a must see - entering Rainy Hall, dedicated to Kate's Great Grandfather, who was Principal at the College from 1874 to 1906

Found the Tatnells!

In beautiful Callander, we found the Tatnells, Andy, Kay, Gordon and Anna, who brought together the Clans Hamilton, Tatnell and Whelan for a memorable night in Bridge of Allan
connecting cousins and speculating on the result of the Scottish referendum.

Barrel jellyfish

Rhizostoma octopus. Not an octopus but a jellyfish with eight thick frilly arms below. Rising numbers of these large jellyfish are appearing in British waters - nice to cuddle when you're swimming ?

In a few months, they may be in British and Scottish waters! 

On the estate

Duncan Lofts and Charlie surveying the Bacary Estate.

Bacary Tower, Near Dalbeattie, Dumfries

Arriving with Ann and Duncan at Bacary Tower, their well fortified splendid house on the Solway Firth in south west Scotland.

The best place

Charlie said, when settling into his seat on the next leg flight to Glasgow, "I think I'm in the best place I can be !"

Colourful Kate

Kate in cool mode despite the 45 degrees at Al Jahili Fort.

UAE University

Rob Whelan, Vice Provost, showing us around the Al Ain-based UAE University.

Aussie exports

Good to see Australian trade flourishing in Al Ain market !

With Wilfred Thesiger

Rob and Charlie Whelan picturing themselves with Wilfred Thesiger, at the new exhibition at Al Jahili fort in Al Ain. Thesiger, explorer and author of Arabian Sands, said 'The more possessions you have the more you are robbed of your freedom'.

Charley found a friend

At the United Arab Emirates University ...

43 degrees proof

We have been out in the morning to avoid the burning hot afternoon - here is the proof, as we wait for the comfort of mid 30's in the evening. 48 degrees in Muscat tomorrow !

Alex's challenge - eating an ice cream in 43 degrees!

With the mercury nudging 44, Alex is keen to test the protective qualities of a chocolate fountain coating to delay the rapid melting of his ice cream!

It's Mickey Mouse!

It's Mickey - I must be in Disneyland ! All part of the amazing unlimited meal deal at the Rotana.

I feel like I'm not here!

Charlie is having an out of body experience, and not just because his first spectacle after walking to the shopping mall in 43 degree heat was a kids ice hockey game! He says he feels like he's in a dream, because he's not really here...

It's a sign!

After the 14 hour flight from Sydney, Rob's driver , Rafi, met us at Dubai airport with a 'Charlie Whelan' sign, and Alex Harper joined us from Beirut. Then a 90 minute drive across the desert to the inland city of Al Ain, where Rob and Chris live near the UAE University.

Europe 2014 is sick !

The Whelans are on tour, again. This time is it desert overland ? Is it sailing ? Is it skiing ? What adventures await these intrepid travelers ? Three weeks to come in Italy, Scotland, London and Paris are sure to 'throw up' their share of thrills and spills .... And it all started with gastro-lyte...