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COOKING
VACATIONS |
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A
TASTE OF ADVENTURE WITH COOK EAST
. . . inspirational holidays with "hands on"
cooking classes
One of the delights of a holiday abroad can be experiencing
the real cuisine of the region in the actual cultural
setting. Somehow the traditional "fully inclusive"
holidays with their buffet meals don't capitalise on
the culinary opportunities available to sample new tastes
and foods.
For many of us the cuisine of a region can be just
as novel and interesting as the landscape or the guilded
temples. Even the most casual cook can be intrigued
by the selection of ingredients, preparation and cooking
of the meals, particularly when the results can be so
satisfying.
At Cook East we have taken this a bit further and put
together a range of informal classes with cooking schools
in various parts of the world. The programme is not
for serious professional chefs - it is as well suited
for complete beginners as it is for people who view
cooking as a satisfying hobby. We believe that a hands-on
exploration into the cuisine of a culture is an ideal
way to gain insight and greater immersion into that
destination.
We don't expect you to spend all your time in the
kitchen, far from it - these classes are as much entertainment
as they are education! We simply want to provide you
with a social activity that allows you to meet other
travellers, as well as local residents in a fun and
memorable setting. Think of it as an alternative to
a local excursion but one in which you will have more
real contact with your hosts in the country and the
people travelling with you.
You will have more than enough time to see the sights,
relax in your hotel and pick up any souvenirs you wish
to take home, but we truly believe that your holiday
will be better for the experience you shared learning
about the food and culture of your destination. Even
through a simple look at where the ingredients are sourced,
how local people interact with food in their lives and
to what extent local regions differ, you will be gaining
a grassroots understanding of a place far beyond what
a quick look at a historic timeline or an overcrowded
museum could tell you. Once you return home you may
even want to impress your friends with your new-found
skills!
FOR
FULL CONTACT DETAILS < click here
>
- Experienced
We
are a small group of people with over 50 years tour
operating experience between us. We have operated
travel projects to almost every part of the world
and we know the good parts and the pitfalls. We like
what we do and we think we are very good at it. Our
experience has ranged from small groups through to
weekly departures on full charter flights and one-off
projects with groups of over 800 passengers.
- Specialised
Cook-East have joined with a carefully selected
range of cooking schools in exciting holiday destinations
throughout the world to offer cooking classes as a
unique introduction to the local cuisine. The best
way to learn, of course, is to create some of the
dishes yourself and all our courses are "hands on";
immersing you in the culture and styles of the country.
Very often you will even join your teacher for a trip
to the local market to obtain the ingredients for
the day's meal.
- Personalised
Your Cook-East adventure will offer everything
you would expect from a "normal" holiday to your
chosen destination together with entertaining and
inspiring cooking classes with an experienced local
chef. Don't worry about a thing - we will make all
the arrangements for your holiday, from your flights,
transfers, hotels and of course, your culinary adventure!
 ATOL
- Cook East flight inclusive tour programmes are
all protected by our ATOL Licence. Under the government
backed ATOL scheme you are guaranteed that you can
continue your holiday and will not be stranded abroad
in the event of the failure of your tour operator,
or you will receive a refund of any payments you
have made if you have not started your holiday.
When you book with us we will issue you with a formal
ATOL receipt which you should retain carefully as
it is your guarantee. Our ATOL number is 10412. |
 ABTOT
- The ATOL scheme is not available to you if you
wish to arrange your own flights, therefore we have
made special arrangements with ABTOT to provide
a similar guarantee. This is an insurance backed
scheme, which was set up to cover non-flight inclusive
holidays. It ensures all resort and travelling costs
are covered by the policy and will be paid in the
event of failure of the operator or you will be
provided with a refund if you have not started your
holiday. The ABTOT guarantee does not provide cover
against the failure of an airline with which you
have booked your flights. Our ABTOT number is 5178. |
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COOKING
HOLIDAYS SOUTH AMERICA |
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The recipe for South America requires untamed wilds
in abundance, cosmopolitan cities, mystical ruins,
cultural fusion, vast coastlines and every climate
you can imagine. Mix these ingredients well, let them
marinade for centuries and present them alongside
a Latin soundtrack and a game of futbol.
South America can feel as though it was specifically
created for travelling with its host of mountain ranges,
rivers and hidden gems, and these natural features
are the major motivation for many visitors. The more
vivid impression you will likely have however is the
reckless abandon with which its denizens embrace their
lives and the passion they display even when faced
with poverty and little opportunity.
This joie de vivre is infectious and you will feel
your state of mind changing the longer you spend interacting
with South Americans and taking in the wonders that
their continent has to offer. The transcendent ruins
of the indigenous tribes make further sense of your
changing mindset, as these once glorious civilizations
leave behind their secrets from another time. Whether
it's the natural landscape, the people, the Samba
or the Tango, you will likely leave South America
dancing to a different tune.
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Peru
and the Food of the Andes |
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Unique
scenery and fascinating culture for this 14 day
comprehensive tour of the country. |
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For
further information and prices visit www.cook-east.com |
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The
Vineyards of Chile |
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A
10 day tour exploring Santiago, Colchagua and Vina
Del Mar. |
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For
further information and prices visit www.cook-east.com |
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COOKING
HOLIDAYS INDONESIA |
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Indonesia is a maze of over 17,000 entwined islands
that encompass a huge array of ethnicities, languages,
landscapes and biodiversity. The national motto is
"Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" which translates
as "Unity in Diversity" or more literally
"many, yet one" displaying how this diverse
landscape and population can all feel unified and
like citizens. This is no small achievement in the
world's fourth most populous nation!
As you can imagine, a trip to one part of Indonesia
can be very different from another. The hustle and
bustle of Jakarta, the city powering the largest economy
in South East Asia, and on the world's most populous
island of Java, is a world away from some of the more
relaxed and beach or surf oriented islands. Similarly,
being pampered in a five star tourist resort amongst
a thoroughly modern city feels like light years from
watching local farmers plough their rice paddies with
the tried and tested water buffalo ploughs.
The mention of Greece conjures images of sun-drenched
hillsides, lazy afternoon strolls though the local
olive groves and beaches so postcard-worthy you can't
quite believe they're real. The climate, geography
and diverse territory of modern Greece encapsulates
why these daydreams aren't too far from the truth.
You could travel for months in Greece and still not
have seen everything there is to see in this Mediterranean
hotspot. There are party islands, hill towns, romantic
boat rides and fine dining in equal measure, all just
waiting to be experienced.
For all the talk of the location, weather and lifestyle
in Greece, it simply wouldn't be the same without
the famous hospitality of the Greek people. Five minutes
in Greece is all it will take for the friendly and
proud locals to remind you of the far reaching influence
that the ancient Greeks have had on the modern world.
Indeed, Greece has been called home by some of the
most influential and revered figures in human existence,
and much of what Westerners lay claim to is of Greek
origin.
Away from the Greek mainland, there are innumerable
exciting destinations and regional differences that
have all contributed to our romantic notion of life
on the Mediterranean waters. For our cooking experience
here we have selected the island of Santorini and
Crete.
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COOKING
HOLIDAYS MALAYSIA |
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Combining and incorporating is what Malaysia specialises
in and you can enjoy a full kaleidoscope of cultures,
foods and settings in this melting pot of South East
Asia. The country is made up of three major ethnicities;
the Malay, the Chinese and Indian, as well as smaller
groups of indigenous peoples. What's more, the boundaries
of the country itself are made up of two distinct
and separate halves.
The first half is just South of Thailand making up
the end of a peninsular and the other half North of
Borneo on the opposite side of the South China Sea.
Colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch and finally
the British, Malaysia has served as an important trading
post, and has attracted a diverse array of visitors
throughout both its colonial and independent history.
This exhausting list of colours in the Malaysian palette
is reflected in the modern dynamism of Kuala Lumpur's
expansive skyline, as well as the unusual combination
of architecture, culture and natural romanticism prevalent
throughout the country.
Malaysia is praised for its ethnic and religious
pluralism and the 'treet of harmony' in Georgetown
featuring religious buildings of all kinds is why
the country is often cited as a shining example of
tolerance and cooperation. As you would expect from
Malaysia's divergent geography and history, the country
is extremely versatile for visitors and even the food
is a wonderful microcosm of food types seamlessly
contributing to a single distinct cuisine.
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COOKING
HOLIDAYS INDOCHINA |
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Well known for its perfect beaches, cheap prices
and tasty cuisine, this part of South East Asia is
the exotic paradise you may well recognise from Hollywood,
postcards and travel brochures. The clear waters,
predictably brilliant climate and laid-back lifestyle
have tempted countless visitors to see what the fuss
is about, and then enchanted just as many into second
or third or even more trips back. From the moment
you step off the plane and are greeted with palm trees,
a gust of tropical warm air and vivid colours everywhere
you look, you are under the regions bewitching spell.
Though much of the region has endured the hardships
of conflict, both domestic and from abroad, there
is finally a turnaround in the region's fortunes and
the investment necessary to both preserve and allow
others to see the magnificent temples, monuments and
coastlines has arrived. Whether it's floating down
a peaceful river, enjoying a meal in the warm evening
air or perhaps visiting one of the countless sacred
places of worship; your ideal holiday is here.
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COOKING
HOLIDAYS THAILAND |
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The steady rise of visitors to Thailand is fuelled
by the country managing to accommodate tens of millions
of foreign visitors while still maintaining its traditional
values and integrity. Over half the people who now
travel to Thailand are return visitors, so what is
it that brings them back? Both the culture and outlook
of the Thai population are governed by the concept
of "sanuk"", an effervescent desire to achieve
great joy in everything you do in life.
Furthermore, one of the original meanings of 'Tai'
from which the modern name of the country stems from
is "freedom", expressing not only a great pride
in being the only country in the area to avoid colonization,
but to a legacy of Buddhist doctrine and a distinctive
lifestyle. The Buddhist belief in finding individual
truths, rather than relying on the teaching of others
fits with the Western secular ideal of "living in
the moment"¯ and unsurprisingly Thailand has
become a staple of the backpacker trail. Even the
more casual holidaymaker however, will find it hard
not to leave Thailand with a deep impression of having
experienced an optimism and peace like nowhere else.
The unspoilt natural splendour of most of Thailand
is the icing on the cake. Encapsulated by pristine
beaches, shimmering bays and glorious year-round climate
Thailand is awash with beautiful ways to spend a lazy
day. If you fancy venturing out, Buddhist temples,
jungle treks, elephant rides or perhaps seeing the
bridge over the River Kwai offer alternatives. The
feeling of de ja vu may well set in when you realise
how many of your surroundings have appeared in some
of your favourite Hollywood movies over the years.
However you choose to spend your time in Thailand
however, you may not get past the most simple of observations;
just how great the food tastes, and the decision over
which beach party or impossibly trendy night spot
to end your day with.
China is seemingly on everyone's lips today, be it
economists, journalists or holiday-makers and for
good reason; there has never been a more exciting
time to visit this fascinating part of the world.
The pragmatic policies employed by the Chinese government
over the past few decades of economic reform and steady
liberalization have contributed to the meteoric renaissance
of China on the world stage.
China is well and truly open for business, and they
are proud enough to want to share it with you. Indeed,
tourists are voting with their feet and granting China
consistent status amongst the world's most visited
destinations year after year. The allure and majesty
of China lies in its unimaginable scale, unthinkable
diversity, iconic ancient sites, storied cuisine and
conversely it's pioneering outlook for the future.
Visiting China today, you can't help but feel you
are at the heart of where history is being made.
If you bore witness to the incredible spectacle that
was the 2008 Olympics, then you have your first clue
as to the direction in which China is headed. The
Olympics demonstrated China's unrivalled ability to
reconcile the ancient world and the contemporary.
World class athletes competing minutes away from the
Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the beautiful
Imperial Gardens of Beijing. This dichotomy between
old and new is typical of the modern experience of
China, remote Tibetan temples and monasteries cast
against bustling skyscrapers, rural life versus that
of the thriving metropolis, and the pulsing energy
of continuous growth opposed to the absolute tranquillity
of a boat-ride down a forgotten waterscape.
China's distinguished history surrounds you as a
proud forbearer to the expansion occurring now. Vast
and sprawling empires, innovative cutting-edge architecture
and huge regional diversity are directly mirrored
in its modern counterpart. The epic adventures that
China has to offer certainly don't end with the cities,
but they are the best way for travellers to quickly
find their feet and have the necessary amenities nearby.
To study Morocco is very much to examine the wider
North African experience of territorial contest, cultural
fusion and provides a perfect example of East meeting
West. Indeed, since the beginning of recorded history,
with its commanding Atlantic coastline and strategic
position on the Southern side of the strait of Gibraltar,
Morocco has been viewed as an important asset by imperial
forces. Power has passed from local Berbers, to Arabic
and then European powers, who even after Morocco secured
independence as a constitutional monarchy in 1956
have all left their marks on the country' geography,
architecture and system of government.
However, while there are legacies to be discovered
from the Roman, French, Spanish and Portuguese occupiers,
the undercurrent that really unifies modern Moroccan
culture and identity is undoubtedly their Islamic
tradition. Many visitors report their favourite memory
of Morocco being that even in the most cosmopolitan
parts of the country you never stray too far from
ancient practices and bona fide adventure.
With a little bit of knowledge and research prior
to arriving in India, you might feel confident of
understanding the country and its culture. Indeed,
you may appreciate that you will see a number of diverse
ethnicities, a strong degree of religious fervour
and of course the cricket and Bollywood obsessions
come as no surprise. Upon arrival in India however,
you will witness these same things you already thought
you understood first-hand and quickly realise you
are not in England anymore! There is something so
immediate about India's eclectic streets filled with
people of every possible faith, jostling amongst sun-beaten
bazaars and narrow streets, dodging tuk tuks and trying
to come to terms with the sights, smells and sounds
that manhandle your senses into action at any opportunity.
More than one billion people currently live in India,
and based on predicted birth rates India may well
soon overtake China as the world's most populous country.
With India developing into one of the world's biggest
economies, there is a buzz driving India indomitably
forward that many believe will finally provide a means
of rescuing the poorest sectors of Indian society.
The Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are
among the most travelled routes, and offer a dizzying
Wurlitzer ride through Indian culture along with some
of India's best known sites and some unmistakable
echoes of the British Raj. For those seeking more
spiritual fulfilment, there is an endless number of
temples and holy sites of all major religions for
discovery. In terms of geography; from the frozen
tips of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of
Kerala, and from the sacred Ganges to the sands of
the Thar Desert, the boundaries of India incorporate
incredible variety. The scale, the enthusiasm and
the traditions of India are not easily imagined before
you go there, but equally are not easily forgotten
once you leave.
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