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. . . 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 ‘street 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‘s
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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