TRAVEL

7 Days Around the Entire Country of Iceland

No Comments

7 day Iceland Itinerary

Flight

Iceland is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations for 2017. Its known for its natural waterfalls, volcanoes, geysirs, hot springs, lush farmlands, and one of the best places to see the northern lights. Flights to Iceland are also very affordable from North America. Round-trip flights from Toronto to Iceland as low as $200 CAD (WOW Air & Iceland Air). There are also free layover options in Iceland when going over-seas too.  If you managed to snag a flight deal to Iceland, Read on below for our 7 days around the entire country of Iceland.

icelandmap

Weather

Iceland is as the name suggests, a cold-climated country. Remember to pack lots of layers as the temperature can vary from the morning to night. We went during the month of June where it was one of the warmest months in Iceland. The highest it went was around 11°C. There was daylight 20 hours a day! During the winter months,  October – March, is where night falls most hours of the day. Expect temperatures at 0°C and below but you will be able to see the Northern Lights! Be prepared to pack warm clothes, a good waterproof wind-breaker and waterproof hiking shoes.

7-day Itinerary 

Continue Reading

EXPAT LIFE

Relocating with your Pet to UAE

No Comments

Guide to Relocation with your Pet

Meet Dexter, he is a 3 year old chiweenie (chihuahua-wiener-dog). He is so happy to be reunited with us and enjoy the warmer weather! Relocating with your pet can be quite stressful for not only you but also your pet. It also takes a lot of planning prior to ensure your pet is healthy to travel and meet the import requirements.

Here is quick guide for those worrisome pet owners like me. Keep in mind Dexter is from Canada, so the requirements and costs from your home-country may be different.

3+ months prior to relocation:

(1) Research import-requirements from UAE – please go to Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to get the latest up to date copy of the requirements. These can change up to the day you import your pet and can impact whether your pet is eligible. There are a large list of breeds that are restricted from import to UAE. Also ensure your pet meets the age requirements.
(2)Meet with home-country veterinary to discuss relocation and schedule visits accordingly
(3) Get the required vaccinations (rabies vaccinations must be 1-year), (DHPP – 1 vaccine), (Lepto – 1 vaccine), (rabies blood titre test – ensure this is done 12 weeks prior to flight). COST $800 CAD Again, please check the MOCCOE Pet Package again on the required vaccinations as they may have changed.
(4) Research quotes on relocations. You can hire a service to help you with port to port (deliver your pet from your home to airport and from there to your home in UAE). The quotes for this service was at $4661, does not include vaccination fees, just import fees and flight. If you do not need this service you CAN do this yourself no matter what they tell you- ie deliver your pet to the airport, book the flight, pick up your pet from the Abu Dhabi Airport. Read on below for the cost associated for this and process to relocate your pet without a Hired Relocation Service.

Continue Reading

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

Molecular Gastronomy | Castle

No Comments

Castle Restaurant, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Welcome

Castle Restaurant is located in Khalifa City A. It is a 30 minute drive from the Abu Dhabi downtown, but well worth the drive. Ample free parking available outside the large gates of “Castle”. They recently undergone management change in mid October, revamping their menu and improving the look/feel of their restaurant. I was lucky enough to be invited for their new menu tasting event. If you have paid a visit in the past, I highly suggest a return to see and experience for yourself.
The “Welcome” of the guests itself was a grand gesture that I have not experienced anywhere else before. Large watermelons were carried in, to mark the beginning of our meal. The servers then poured nitrogen gas into the watermelons to create steaming effects coming out of the watermelons. Our party became largely amused and the servers were accommodating enough to keep pouring gas into the watermelons so that we could capture all the photos and videos. This is the only restaurant in Abu Dhabi that uses molecular gastronomy. The smoking watermelon is brought to all the tables at Castle complimentary! Unfortunately, this is not an edible item due to the amount of gas that is used. I did have a huge craving for watermelons after so I ordered myself a freshly squeezed watermelon juice. That hit the spot! Read on for recommended dishes and a numbing must-have dessert.

Continue Reading