zoe cooper-clark

Our not-so-relaxing holiday!

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When looking for a suitable trip to keep my 13 year old twins entertained last summer I came across the world of multi activity holidays.

After researching a number of options I finally booked with Undiscovered Mountains and we stayed in Les Olivades hotel in Gap, southeastern France. The activities were less than 45 mins away which gave us ample opportunity to explore the area. 

We selected to try:

  • High ropes/zip line
  • Paddle boarding
  • Rock climbing
  • Giant Tyrolean
  • River kayaking
  • River/water rafting
  • Canyoning (loved this)
  • Horse riding in the Alps

The nearby Lac de Serre-Poncon was a definite favourite where we used our inflatable canoe and the kids enjoyed playing on the Wibit.

Oh…and on the way home we nipped into a local donkey sanctuary.

Loved it!

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Let the packing begin!

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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…

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Deal of the week – 40% summer discount with breakfast – Dubai 4*

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Novotel Dubai

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.

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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.

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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

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Police check. Check.

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Police check New Year's Eve revellers in cars in Queen St, Brisbane

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

 

 

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