Bonjour France!
We flew in to Nice (with our two dogs and tabby cat) plus a few suitcases.
Now it’s time to switch on the sat nav and head to our rental accommodation in Aix en Provence.
More updates are on the way…
Street cafes: editors pick
Tom & Serg, Dubai, UAE
Tucked away on the outskirts of the Al Quoz, Tom & Serg was established in Dubai in 2013 by Tom Arnel and Sergio Lopez. The space is an expansive industrial warehouse with exposed ceiling pipework and high ceilings. The open kitchen and white subway tiles provide a trendy, open and inclusive environment to sip coffee while you work, lunch/brunch/brekkie or catch up with friends. The on-brand menu ranges from locally influenced dishes like Shakshouka baked eggs, Baghdad scramble, Quinoa and falafel wrap or there’s the morning after wrap made up of scrambled egg, beef bacon, roast chicken, mozzarella, crushed avocado, tomato, black bean & lime salsa.
A magnet for Dubai hipsters and the thirty-something crowd, this joint would work well in any city. I’m sure we will see this successful blueprint pave the way for future editions.
Al-Joud Centre, Al Quoz, Dubai near Ace Hardware Shk Zayed Road Tel: +971 (0)56 474 6812 www.tomandserg.com
I’m not lost, I’m taking a selfie with a llama
On my return from a mother-daughter volunteer trip to Cusco, Peru, I was scrolling through the hundreds of pictures trying to find ‘the one’. It’s a challenge I set myself following a family trip to distract me from the fact I have taken far too many pictures, again! The only rule is that it has to capture the spirit of the adventure.
This is it. It’s my 10 year old daughter, Sadie lost on Machu Picchu, one of the world’s best known archaeological sites which is also the home to a herd of llamas. We were visiting during our time-off from working in a conservation zoo.
While I was taking the obligatory been-there-done-that picture with the stunning Machu Picchu background, Sadie asked if she could go up to the watchman’s hut a few metres above us on the next level. I apparently mumbled “yes”. A few minutes later she was out of sight. After a short but traumatic hunt around the area, that included a compact panic attack and random screeching at strangers, I found her near the hut, relaxed and smiling with camera in-hand.
It wasn’t until I was going through her memory card that I came across these photographs and realised what she was doing while she was “lost”. Says it all really.
Deal of the week – Exclusive room & suite packages with complimentary dining – 5*
6 months of offers: luxury, decadence and style
Starting in June, Madinat Jumeirah, the Arabian Resort of Dubai is set to mark its 10th anniversary with 6 months of incredible events, offers and initiatives.
Choose one of the 3 exclusive room and suite stay packages, Deluxe Decadence, Stylish Suites or Villa Retreats to enjoy complimentary dining across a choice of 50 restaurants, afternoon tea in your private villa, luxurious spa treatments and club lounge access.
Starting from AED 1010 plus local and hotel fees per night, applicable on rooms and suites across Mina A’Salam and Al Qasr Hotels, Dar Al Masyaf summerhouses or the private Malakiya Villas, valid until 31 August 2014.
Wish I was: in Reykjavik, Iceland
A country filled with sand, lava fields, mountains and glaciers, Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe.
On most people’s bucket list, the Aurora Borealis is one of the most beautiful light dances performed over the Icelandic landscape.
Not only does the capital, Reykjavik have a reputation of the ‘nightlife capital of the north’ but it’s also one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. I’m in.
Good Housekeeping – June 2014 – The Best Life Lessons
The editor of Good Housekeeping was kind enough to invite me to write the ‘Last Thought’ piece for the June issue. I chose to write about my imminent trip to Peru with my daughter where we will be volunteering in a conservation zoo in Cusco.
The Best Life Lessons by Zoe Cooper-Clark
Let the packing begin!
In a few weeks my daughter and I will be boarding the plane for Peru. Well, I say for Peru. I mean a 30 hour trip via London Heathrow, Madrid, Lima and then onto Cusco.
So, looking down the Global Volunteer Network check list, that means it’s time to get packing!
According to GVN the key to packing for a trip to Peru, and Cusco more specifically, is to pack for a variety of conditions. Cusco is truly a land of extremes with intense sun during the day and cold mountain nights to remind you that you are 11,200 ft/3,400 mtrs.
We intend to travel outside of Cusco to Machu Picchu so we need to be ready for the heat and humidity there too. I’m hoping our experience of seven summers in Dubai will give us a head start.
Apparently, dressing in layers is the answer. Here is the suggested packing list:
- 7 Pair of underwear
- Daypack
- Shampoo
- 7 Pairs of socks
- Water Bottle
- Towel
- 5 T‐shirts
- Camera
- Sun block
- 3 Long‐sleeved shirts
- Laptop (optional)
- Soap
- 4 Pairs of pants
- Umbrella
- Toothpaste
- 2 Pairs of shorts
- Razor
- Swim wear
- Jacket
- Rain gear
- Athletic/walking shoes
- Hiking Boots
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Hat
Doesn’t seem much, does it? I notice there is no mention of chargers!
Well, the aim is to travel light (background noise: husband choking on a cup of tea) with only one rucksack and a small day backpack. Accordingly, I’m expecting my daughter to treat me as her walking coat hanger and so I’m staying one step ahead of her and limiting the day bag to one.
The return luggage will be a different story altogether…
Deal of the week – 40% summer discount with breakfast – Dubai 4*
Novotel Dubai
Perfect for visitors to Dubai or the family staycation.
Both UAE residents and tourists can unwind in comfort and luxury this summer at Novotel Dubai Al Barsha. The four-star property is offering guests a fantastic summer discount of up to 40% on their stay (complimentary breakfast included) until 19 August. Room rates start at AED 325.
Guests will receive a complimentary $10 credit voucher per day to spend in the hotel’s food and beverage outlets. In addition, Le Club Accor members will receive thrice the number of loyalty points along with exclusive benefits.
Every evening throughout the holy month of Ramadan, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha is hosting an authentic Iftar buffet in their main restaurant, located to the right of the lobby. The renowned Cravin’ Cajun restaurant will host Iftar but no Cajun food will be served during this period. The restaurant provides an enclosed space, which allows guests to enjoy a traditional feast in a comfortable environment.
From sunset to 11pm and for as little as AED 110 per person, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha is offering a delectable family-friendly Iftar buffet complete with live cooking station. The offerings include Middle East specialities and international cuisine to cater for every taste.
In addition, guests can relax in the hotel’s swimming pool or get pampered with exotic therapeutic massages, facials and treatments at In Balance Spa. For the health conscious, gym membership rates have been revised. Membership starts at AED 280 per month with facilities such as latest technogym equipment, locker rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and Kids’ Club.
The hotel is located within walking distance of Sharaf DG Metro Station and close to the Mall of the Emirates providing easy access to major business hubs and popular tourist attractions.
Bookings can be made via www.novotel.com or for reservations call +971 (04) 304 90 00
Police check. Check.
In July, I will be travelling with my daughter (aged 10) to Peru to assist with duties at the Cusco Conservation Zoo. All adult volunteers taking part in the GVN volunteer program are required to have a police check. We are British citizens living in Dubai so I was expecting this to be a difficult process. Thankfully, this was not the case.
After waiting for my new passport to arrive from the UK, applying for a new visa and then finding time to drive to the other side of Dubai, I finally have my Certificate of good conduct aka Police Check.
Here are the 5 steps to getting your Police Check in Dubai, UAE:
1. Check your passport (and visa) is up-to-date.
2. Arrange for x 2 passport photographs and photocopy your passport.
3. Take your ID, passport, photographs and passport copy to the CID building between 7.30 and 2.30 (map below).
4. Take a number and sit in the respective area (there is a female seating area to your left) and watch the digital board for your counter number. The cost is AED 110 for expats. You will be asked for the items above and to come back in 3-4 working days.
5. Return to the same building, look for the desk with a sign showing ‘pick up certificates’ – number 17 when I was there – where you will be given an A4 envelope with your certificate inside. Done.
The process is very straightforward, especially if you already have an up-to-date passport!
This of course is assuming you have a clean record (parking fines are not taken into account).
Dubai Police General Headquarters,
Near Al Mulla Plaza, Dubai.
Timings from 7.30 am to 2.30 pm
Phone: 700040000
Map: http://bit.ly/TOsIoE
60 hot summer holiday deals – worldwide
I’m always on the look out for a good excuse to take another trip, whether it’s here in the UAE or further afield. One sure way to tip the balance and convince my husband is a good old-fashioned discount.
The Entertainer, a Dubai-based international company offering a portfolio of worldwide ‘buy one get one free’ incentives, has recently launched its ‘Hot Summer Nights’ travel promotion, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy their holiday for longer with amazing hotel offers. The offers are so good this year, I decided to share. All you have to do is become a member, download the app and voila!
The promotion features over 60 hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, Doha, Lebanon, Turkey, Maldives, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Some of the participating partners include Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Oman, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Fairmont The Palm in the UAE, plus properties across Asia and Indian Ocean including Banyan Tree Phuket, Conrad Hong Kong, Vivanta By Taj – Coral Reef Maldives, Lux* resorts and many more.
So, from the 1st of June to 31st August 2014, Entertainer Members can book one night, get one free; book two nights, get two free or even book three nights and get three free!
So how do you become an Entertainer Member?
Simply go to www.theentertainerme.com/hotsummernights and registered as an Entertainer Member.
Yes, it’s a global offer! So anyone who’s purchased any Entertainer product can access these offers.
Even better, you can win a free travel app here on The Apple & Cart!
To celebrate the launch of the new travel app The Apple & Cart readers are being given the chance to win the travel app worth AED 450/$122.
Answer the following question and the first 3 entries will get a complimentary travel app:
Where and what would be your ideal family holiday?
Good luck!
The first three entries will be will contacted by The Entertainer group. This gives the winner access to the Hot Summer Nights offer, but also access to 800 Buy One Night Get One Free offers for hotels across Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe that are all valid until December 2014.