It’s been a while since I last posted here — December holidays happened, and I disappeared into the comforting chaos of being home. You know the kind… where time stops existing, days blend into one another, and suddenly it’s January and you’re back in “real life” again wondering what just happened.

As soon as the holiday dust settled, it was straight back to school and into the swing of Term 2… and let me tell you, it has been hectic. Lots of class visits, lots of preparation, and the kind of schedule that makes you stare at your calendar and think, “Surely this is someone else’s life?”

Still, I did manage to steal a little time for myself — and I decided it was finally time to visit the Natural History Museum here in Abu Dhabi, which recently reopened. And honestly… it was absolutely fascinating. The displays, the architecture — it was out of this world. Or maybe I should say, from much earlier in this world. Either way, it was spectacular.

The exhibitions were incredibly detailed, and as you’ll see in the photos (yes, I took them — evidence included), there was a lot to take in. Dinosaurs? Of course. A brilliant section on the beginning of the Earth and how it changed across the ages? Definitely. Rocks and meteor fragments on display? Naturally. Nothing says “relaxing afternoon” like standing in front of a piece of space rock and quietly questioning your own significance.

From there, the museum takes you deep into the world of prehistoric creatures — and this was easily one of my favourite parts. But what made the visit even better was that one of the galleries was also showcasing the World Wildlife Photography Award winners, along with other stunning images. That exhibition alone was worth the trip — absolutely breathtaking.

And then, as if dinosaurs, meteor fragments, and award-winning wildlife photography weren’t enough excitement for one day, there was a special exhibition called the March of the Triceratops. Picture it: a whole line of Triceratops skeletons arranged as if they’re marching together… presumably off to feed, migrate, or start a very organised prehistoric protest. It was brilliant.

But the adventure didn’t stop there.

That Monday evening we went cycling around the Yas Marina Circuit — yes… that Yas Marina Circuit, where the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 takes place. Only this time there were no roaring engines or flying pit crews… just a crowd of ordinary humans, some slightly ambitious fitness intentions, and a lot of excitement.

It’s part of a fitness drive, and if you register you can rent a bicycle for free, helmet included. Now, I will say this… the bike and I were not perfectly matched. I was slightly bigger than my bicycle, and the bicycle was doing its very best to pretend this was a fair partnership.

Still, once you’re actually on the track, it’s hard not to feel a bit amazed. The circuit looks enormous in real life — those long straights and sweeping corners go on forever — and cycling it at ground level gives you a completely different appreciation for just how intense Formula 1 must be.

I made a solid effort… and at one point I even walked a very short stint. Not because I was tired, obviously. No no. The bicycle needed a break. I was simply being considerate.

All in all, it was a fantastic little burst of adventure — one of those “I can’t believe I actually did that” moments. And yes, I’ve added the photos below… because if you cycle an F1 circuit, you absolutely document it.

Well… let me get back to my lesson planning. I’ve got an important visit on Tuesday, and I just nipped in here to let family and friends know that I’m still alive.