Fashionista Afternoon Tea - Dubai style

In the spirit of looking to find different things to do whilst in Dubai, I was made aware of the delightful Manolo Blahnik Collection Fashion Afternoon Tea at Raffles Salon. 

London is typically synonymous with the traditional afternoon tea so it seemed like a great idea to sample it elsewhere .. and where better than Raffles in Dubai. 

For a starting price of AED 249 for two (approx £50) you can have tea or coffee and the full menu on offer. If you would like a glass of champagne instead the cost escalates to AED 449 for two (approx £90).
 

The sandwiches, scones and cakes were beautifully presented and absolutely delicious and there was a wide range of different teas available. Of course we could not finish everything so they offer a take home pack so you can continue your feast at home. You do have to sign a disclaimer if you choose this option.

Every month they raffle off (no pun intended) a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes for one lucky diner. I wonder if I will win this month? This offer lasts until the end of September 2016.

The Manolo Blahnik Collection is offered every day in Raffles Salon, located in the lobby, from 2pm to 7pm.

Raffles is situated near Dubai Airport and like most of the hotels has a valet service so you don't need to worry about car parking if you are driving.

#rafflesfashiontea
#whileatraffles




 

A Jewel in the Desert

I've been to Dubai in the UAE a few times and wanted to get a slightly different perspective this visit. There's loads of things to do and it really depends on what you like. Literally everything is on offer from sky diving to snow skiing! A whole new world created from nothing in the desert. 

I had no interest in shopping this trip although I did visit the Marina Mall as it was a few minutes away from where I was staying but basically I really fancied a desert experience that didn't involve camel trekking or dune bashing or a safari. A quiet, remote retreat was in my mind - with maybe a spa and swimming pool, fabulous Arabian decor and delicious authentic food. Having said that, there is also the opportunity to do all of the above .. it really just depends on your personal desire. I think if I had the time I would have liked to have tried the archery.

I had heard of Bab Al Shams through a friend and really wanted to give it a try. Having limited time meant that I could only do one night but 2 or 3 would have been infinitely better! I also picked the most perfect time of year to go - 30C during the day and lovely cool evenings. I would imagine that during high summer it would be unbearably hot and uncomfortable so I would definitely avoid July and August unless you like those kinds of temperatures!

We arrived around 2pm and checked into our beautiful room. I've always loved traditional Arabic decor - give me that any day over a neutral, minimalist room as lovely as it can sometimes be. I grabbed a quick coffee from the Nespresso machine and we headed down to the pool for a swim and some lunch. We could have taken the offer of a free camel ride and falconry displays in the late afternoon but we chose to chill out by the pool and take advantage of an evening cocktail whilst viewing the spectacular sunset from the roof top bar. As the live music played and the sun went down the full moon rose on the opposite side. A perfectly magical romantic vision in the quietness of the surroundings of this desert oasis. 

Dinner was reserved at the Al Hadheerah restaurant which is a short walk from the resort through a winding flame lit path. As you get closer the quietness is soon taken over by the bustling of a desert banquet. 

Imagine a feast within a small fortress with carpets spread out over the ground and a vast selection of different foods being cooked and served as much as you can eat. Candle lit tables covered with heavy cloths with chairs or cushioned couches. "There is also no mistaking the mouth-watering aroma of Arabic cuisine as it drifts from the live cooking stations, wood-fired ovens and spit roasts."  

Included in the cost of AED495 (about £100) is a show with dancers, musicians and the story of the camel caravan - with live camels and horses on the periphery of the fort. There is a fireworks display on Thursdays and Fridays so we were lucky enough to experience that too. I also tried Arabic coffee for the first time which has the unmistakable flavour of cardamom .. not my favourite so I'll stick with my regular espresso!

I intended to be up early the next day to see the sunrise but sadly I slept in! I did manage a walk around the resort after breakfast and dipped my toes in the fine sands of the surrounding desert before we left. I would love to go back .. and next time spend a minimum of 3 days there to really relax and chill out.

A special mention to Boules Fam the outlet manager for seating us in a prime location at the roof top bar and all the staff who could not do enough for us. Shukraan! 

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Al Qudra Road, PO Box 8168
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 8096100
Fax: +971 4 8326698
BAS.Info@meydanhotels.com
 

 

Doing your make up on the go -

I wrote this blog post almost 2 years ago and was reminded of it today as I travelled to work on the tube. I watched yet another young woman apply her make up as she sat there surrounded by commuters. She seemed oblivious to them but I wonder what makes people want to do this in front of complete strangers? Even as a professional I wouldn't dream of it and find it unsettling to have people stare at me while I work, unless of course it's for demonstration purposes.
 
But if you must ...

Yesterday I was on the Tube and almost directly in front of me was a young woman in the process of applying her make up in the dim energy-saving half light. Hidden behind my sunglasses I discreetly watched as she applied her foundation rather heavily that was at least 3-4 shades darker than her beautiful young flawless skin. If she had blended it along her jawline down to her neck she would not have had a tide line which made her make up look like a mask. I watched as it went from bad to worse.  Lip liner next .. she took it all the way around her lips and went over and over it .. I have to say it was a beautifully drawn line! Then came the lipstick .. paler than the lip line. Bronzer next .. meticulously applied with a kabuki brush all over her face. Yikes .. truly tangoed! Nothing on her eyes, no mascara, no brows .. and the whole deal took her about 15 minutes. I'm glad I didn't have to see her in the cruel light of the sunny day outside!
Even though it's strangely fascinating, I don't particularly want to see people doing their make up on the bus, train and definitely not in the car whilst driving (I have seen it more than once)! Each to their own, but if you can't get up a few minutes earlier it got me thinking about a few tips for applying make up (if you really have to) on the run.
Firstly, it's really important to match your foundation with your skin tone. At least that way if you are in a hurry you're already in with a chance. You can always warm it up afterwards with a little bronzer if it's a darker shade you're after. Only put it on areas the sun would catch your face .. not all over. If you are on a bus or train, sit next to the window so you can get some natural light. 
Try using a cream blush instead of a powder one .. it's easier to blend and no loose dusting of powder to worry about .. remember to be considerate of your fellow commuters too. A friend of mine was showered with loose powder recently much to her annoyance! Use a latex applicator (like the ones that come in compacts) instead of a brush.
Be careful when applying eye make up as sudden jolts, swerves, bumps etc could be a problem. This is particularly true of liquid eyeliner or mascara.  Nothing worse than having to clean up a smudge or worse still poking a mascara wand in your eye!

I'm also horrified at the state of some people's personal make up bags and if it were up to me I would chuck out most of it and start again! Grubby, old and definitely unhygienic! Spring is here so treat yourself to some fresh make up and a new bag! I'm coveting an Anya Hindmarch one (left) - I'd better start saving up!

Be beautiful and wear a smile!

Revisiting Barbados ... again!

It could be said that Barbados is my favourite island, and I've been to a few, not only in the Caribbean but in the Mediterranean. I'm not sure what it has over the others but for me I guess it's all about the guaranteed warmth, the great food, the ease of getting around and the wonderful hospitality of the people, ... and best of all the warm turquoise sea as clear as crystal on most days. Even when it rains it's warm and beautiful.

This trip my original flip flops were looking a tad tired and worn so they have finally been retired and a new pair purchased in Barbados have taken their place. So in keeping with the tropical trend I chose turquoise blue, which incidentally is one of my favourite colours!

Every morning around 4.30am I was woken by a rooster crowing (I'm a light sleeper) which I actually didn't mind. I was always able to snooze and wake again around 6am .. I love rising early on holiday. It's a quiet time and perfect for watching the sun rise and enjoying a cup of coffee on the terrace. I shared this time with the bugs/mosquito's who had me for breakfast most mornings! Despite my trying to be proactive with repellent and citronella candles they got me anyway so I had to live with them. The best bug repellent I ever tried was one I bought in France a few years ago. I could see the bugs rebounding off my invisible force shield. Once it had run out I tried to find it again but haven't been able to. I don't know what was in it but it was the only thing that worked for me. If any of you have any suggestions I would be most grateful as it's an ongoing problem.

Each morning and evening a mother hen and her chicks could be heard cheeping away and they would pass by the terrace in a little group. Other visitors were geckos (they love insects but clearly didn't catch enough!), and a couple of cats who never seemed to mind or bother the chicks much to my surprise. They must be too well fed!

As always the food was amazing. Most of my favourite restaurants are on the west side of the island and within easy reach of my base, The Beach View which is situated between Sandy Lane and Crystal Cove. I love it there as it has a home-from-home feel about it. Everything you could want from a self-catering apartment with a pool and a gorgeous beach on your doorstep. I couldn't ask for anything better. I prefer it to being waited on hand and foot at a luxury hotel although I'm not knocking it - it certainly has it's time and place! 

All of the restaurants I like are situated on the water's edge and are al fresco. It's always best to book in advance of your trip if you want to get in and get a table right on the sea side. 

They all have a great list of pre-dinner cocktails with a good wine selection too and most encourage you to get there early to sample these. The service is impeccable and they really make you feel like you are important to them.


Every Thursday the manager at The Beach View has a drinks party at his private residence and invites everyone staying there to attend. He has a stunningly beautiful house on the cliff edge and in the 2 hours you spend there you can drink rum punch, eat canapes and watch the sun set over the spectacular infinity pool and terraced gardens. He provides transportation to and from the hotel (all for free) but it's only a few minutes walk away if you want to take your life in your hands and walk the narrow pavements!

I'd like to think of Barbados and The Beach View as my second home now (after New York that is!) and will definitely be going back there as often as I can. When I need a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of work and city life, it's the only place I like to be. Ironically I have been reading about Ian Fleming and his writing about James Bond at Golden Eye in Jamaica .. maybe just maybe, that could be me ...

Beautiful sunsets ... the first and last of the week

The Beach View run a free golf buggy shuttle every day at 9.30 and 10.30 into Holetown where there is a large supermarket and shops. It's fun to sit on the rear facing seat and enjoy the 10 minute ride! To get back you can get a cab or ride the bus for B$2 each (US$1 or £0.70) - another fun option.

Recommended restaurants on the west coast - 
Cin Cin
Tides
Lone Star
Fish Pot
The Beach Club
The Beach House
The Cliff

My holiday reading also included my friend Nigel May's latest novel "Deadly Obsession" which I loved!

#Barbados #travel #blogger #BeachView #sunsets

What do you wear when you travel?

This question occurred to me whilst waiting for a delayed flight in the international arrivals hall the other day. There was such an array of different outfits on display, it was a bit of a challenge trying to work out where they had arrived from.  

Bearing in mind it was 7.30am and around zero degrees celsius outside it made me chuckle to myself to see a guy dressed for the beach in board shorts, tee shirt and flip flops. Clearly he had come from somewhere hot but it gets cold on those aircraft! I only hope he was going to change into more appropriate clothes in the washrooms or someone was picking him up! Or maybe he just didn't feel the cold!

Whatever the reason, I thought I'd put some travel tips together from my personal 'rule' book .. but there are no real rules and what you do is up to you - it's really about personal preference.

I like to be comfortable and still look relatively stylish - no need for standards to slip just because you're going to be confined to a seat for a few hours. (And you never know when that upgrade will come!)

These are things I avoid - tight clothing and high heels - you can always change before you land if you want to do the glam thing, and God forbid if something goes wrong and you have to go down a slide, you'll have to leave behind those heels! If I'm flying somewhere hot from a cold climate, I usually take sandals or flip flops in my carry on and wear stretch trousers/leggings and layers (e.g. tee shirt, sweatshirt, jacket all in natural fibres) which can be peeled off and stashed away. Remember too that going through security these days means that shoes may have to be taken off so simple slip-on shoes are a good bet, and be aware that it can get quite cold in the cabin too.

Take as little as you have to on board. A carry-on case will sit in the overhead locker but your hand bag/briefcase goes under the seat. If it's a large one it will limit your leg room and foot space so bear that in mind. I notice that people tend to take far too much on board. I take my kindle, ipad and noise cancelling headphones out of my carry-on bag and then stash them in the seat pocket during the flight. I always have a pashmina scarf with me which doubles up as blanket and folds away nicely when you don't need it. I have a memory foam neck pillow as well which I only bring out when I intend to try and sleep. I find it better than the ones filled with polystyrene beads as it can be molded and folded to suit. An eye mask is a good bet too to block out light if it bothers you.

In my hand bag I have my favorite Kiehl's lip balm, hand sanitiser, hand cream, toothpicks and mints and a few make up items to freshen up with prior to landing. (Remember to keep liquids and gels under 100ml)

Fill in your landing card when you get a moment on the flight. I always see people struggling to write whilst waiting in the line at immigration. Nothing wrong with that, but take the stress out of your experience by being prepared. 


Another thing to avoid is perfume as this can be irritating to other passengers. More than once I have had an allergic reaction to someone spraying an overpowering scent into the air. And not everyone will like your taste either!

One of the best ever travel wallets I have come across is the Bellroy wallet. It keeps everything you need including your passport to hand. It really is amazing how much you can put in it. It's the best investment I've made! 

I hope some of these tips have helped .. I'm looking forward to my next holiday and long haul flight in just 2 weeks time and I can't wait! 

Happy travels!

http://www.wikihow.com/Look-Good-when-Traveling

Beat the heat and humidity and stay cool

Whether you are on holiday or live in a climate that is hot and humid, these  products and tips will come in handy during the day or specially in the evening when you are more likely to wear more make-up.

Make your face an oil-free zone with the best shine-fighting wonder products, writes international make-up artist and my guest blogger Heidi Scarlett King.

"Have you spent the last few weeks fighting shine? With these extremely muggy conditions (we're talking Australian summer here), even the driest of skins can turn into oil slicks! Yes, having an oily complexion is great for anti-ageing in the long term, but in the short term, no one wants their make-up sliding off before it's even lunchtime. The solution? The best anti-shine products below - and they won't make your make-up look cakey, promise!

 

1. M.A.C Matte texture cream, £16

The velvety, creamy texture of this silicone-based primer ensures a perfect application and mattifying finish to your foundation, without looking too powdery. Apply just to the areas of the face you want to keep matte, then add foundation on top. It's great to use lightly in the oil zones for touch-ups instead of powder, as it looks like a second skin.

2. Guerlain Illuminating Matte Powder, £37.50

A newcomer to the opulent Guerlain collection is this incredible invisible setting powder. Until you try it you will not believe just how flawless and transparent it is, making it perfect for all day touch-ups. The imperfection-blurring feature, as well as the decadent packaging, makes this the It-powder of the minute.

3. Studio 10 Prime and Perfect Refining Powder Silk, £28

Cult UK brand Studio 10 are all about multi-tasking, and this compact has your complexion problems covered. On the left of the pack is an incredibly sheer and translucent setting powder, to the right is a stunning powder highlight. With these two forces combined, you can highlight and powder your face in different parts perfectly. Great for on-the-go beauty.

4. By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder, £42

My all time favourite loose powder does everything in one - except look cakey. The hyaluronic acid helps by filling in fine lines and smoothing over pores while mattifying the skin. After foundation, set in areas of the face that need to stay matte by lightly patting with a small sized blush brush.

5. Beautyblender Blotterazzi, £16

What a genius idea - an oil blotting tool for those who don't want any extra product on their face! An ergonomically shaped compact, it works to lift off oil without disturbing make-up, all thanks to the iconic Beautyblender material inside. Great for the natural make-up lovers out there."

Where to buy -

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/

http://www.guerlain.com/uk/en-uk

https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/studio-10

http://www.harrods.com/product/hyaluronic-hydra-powder/by-terry/000000000003677219?cat1=bc-by-terry&cat2=bc-by-terry-makeup

http://www.beautyblender.co.uk/product/beautyblender_blotterazzi/

Heidi's website http://www.heidiscarlettking.com/


 

Dry January? January Blues? .. looking forward to brighter days

Winter sun

January can be so dull and miserable but I choose for it not to be. The daylight may be limited but as each dawn comes, the days get that little bit longer and it's great to look forward to what's possible in the coming months. 

I actually like seasons and the odd day on the couch by the fire watching a good movie on TV is always welcome.

 
Down here in the south of the country thankfully we have been spared from the cold and rain during the darkest days and only now with the temperatures hovering around zero Celsius does it feel like a real winter. Can't complain as we have had some stunningly beautiful days so far. If I was a pessimist I'd say the worst is still yet to come. Or perhaps that's just the reality ..

Holiday Hound

HQ is in planning mode. As spring approaches the Caribbean beckons again, and another holiday with the girls has just been booked to Ibiza for June! So excited for that one - an island I have never been to will be ticked off the bucket list. Can't wait to plan an adventure that includes the holiday hound too .. he's a big boy now!

So, don't let the January blues bring down February .. appreciate your life while you can - you only have one.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2016

Wow, a year goes by so quickly .. I can hardly keep up! It's been a busy one again with lots of trips revisiting old haunts and discovering new ones.

The Holiday Hound has been a new addition and although he hasn't ventured far from home yet, my wish is that he will get out and about more in 2016. I know he loves the water and any chance he gets he'll just plunge in. I have yet to introduce him to the beach so can't wait to see his reaction when he dives into the sea!

Next year is sure to bring at least another trip to the Caribbean plus the usual jaunts to Milan, Dubai and New York. Ibiza is part of the plan too and the year hasn't even begun yet so I'll be working hard in the day job to make it all happen.

Highlights from 2015 .. 

 


All that's left for me to do is wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the very best for the coming year! Health and happiness high on the list. I'll be back very soon!

"Limits exist only in the mind"

Aristotle

#travel #blogger #nolimits #adventure

Barbados - the perfect place to relax and unwind

If I lived in Barbados I would like to think that I would appreciate it as much as I do when I visit. It's always warm with the same temperatures throughout the year so you know exactly what you're going to get - even if it rains! The pace of life there is just how I would like mine to be - relaxed- but not tardy. The locals are friendly and welcoming.  
I like a morning swim before breakfast, reading on the sun lounger, and enjoying an afternoon swim and watching the sun set. Then back to the hotel for a shower and a cocktail or two before dinner .. my idea of a near perfect day. That's what vacations are about .. a break away from normal working life.


Sunset at Payne's Bay

The sunrises give a wonderful morning light and the sunsets are different every day and quite simply beautiful. I never get bored of them. Would I though if I had them every day? I'd like to think I would enjoy every single one. In England we have some stunningly gorgeous days but also a lot of dull grey ones. So when we do see a sunset on those seemingly rare evenings we marvel at the sight of it.



Ready for a morning swim

I have written about Barbados before and also had my friend Nigel's guest posting a few months ago, so if you have been following this blog you will already have a sense of what it's like. You will know that the island is relatively small (you can get around it in a day) and there is lots to see and do if you want. There's also the pale sands of the beaches and the warmth and beauty in the colours of the Caribbean Sea.
Shades of turquoise gradually darkening to indigo blue on the horizon, contrasted with the clear blue sky dotted with occasional white fluffy clouds.

I'm reminiscing while I sit here writing looking out from a 15th floor window as the rain clouds build up in the distance ... sigh.


Lunch at the Beach Club

If you are a foodie like I am, my recommendation is that you book your restaurants well in advance. That way you always get priority seating which is usually on the beach/sea side. If you don't book it doesn't necessarily mean you wont get in but it's definitely worth the effort of a little planning to avoid disappointment. I booked all of mine a few weeks before I went and left one night free at the end of the week just in case we wanted to revisit one or find a completely new one. Most reservations can be made by email except at The Cliff. They require a credit card to secure the booking so you need to phone them directly. Bear in mind that if you do not turn up they will charge you for the full amount - that would be an expensive mistake!

Fortunately, a new restaurant 'The Cliff Beach Club', right next door to The Cliff restaurant, opened back in June and was less than a five minute stroll from our hotel. We walked in at lunchtime on the day and managed to get a reservation for that night - at the owner's table (as we kept being told by the staff)!! It was the best table, set on an upper terrace out of the way of everyone else, so you never know your luck. Their aim is to turn it into a bit of a nightclub after 11pm and they are trialing it with DJ's, singers and bands. I hope it works out .. it's a great venue for it and somewhere to go after dinner.
We enjoyed it there so much we went back for lunch on our last day. It was such a delight sitting at a rail side table with the waves crashing against the cliff edge, the sun twinkling on the ocean, watching the boats sail by and listening to smooth afternoon jazz .. I felt like I'd been transported to the 1930's! It had that retro kind of feel.

The way that I planned out the restaurants was to start off earlyish (i.e. 7ish) to get into the swing of the time difference and build from there. Also a good idea to bear in mind the locations so you know how far you have to go and how long it will take to get there. The first night we opted to stay at the hotel and get a few snacks and drinks from the local supermarket and stock up our fridge. If you already have an idea of what you'll be doing during the day whether it be lazing by the pool or on the beach, or taking a trip somewhere you'll know if you want to make the effort to go out to eat or stay in and relax. Of course the reservations you make can always be cancelled last minute (apart from The Cliff) so nothing is set in stone - you can do what you want.

These are the restaurants we went to this time and the contact details - I'd love you to try them yourself - they were all fantastic. Lone Star is my new favourite .. exceptional service and great food with an extensive wine list.

Cin Cin by the Sea https://www.cincinbythesea.com/contact-us/
Lone Star http://www.thelonestar.com/contact.html
The Cliff http://www.thecliffbarbados.com/CR/Public/Reservations.asp
Tides http://www.tidesbarbados.com/contactUs.php
Sandy Lane (for afternoon tea) http://www.sandylane.com/st-james-private-dining.php
Fish Pot http://www.littlegoodharbourbarbados.com/Contact/
The Cliff Beach Club https://www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk/media-room/blog/2015/june/the-cliff-beach-club-opens-in-barbados#.Vmht6Msnzct

We flew there direct with British Airways from London Gatwick. The return flight was delayed by two and a half hours but they let us know in good time meaning we didn't have to go to the airport and wait around. We were able to enjoy a few more hours by the beach .. win-win all round! 

I can't wait until next time.

What's in my suitcase? Wouldn't you like to know!

Crane Beach, Barbados

It's that time of year again .. in less than 2 days time I'll be heading off for some early winter sun in Barbados. I can't wait to get on that plane, catch up on some movies I've not had time to see, and arrive safe at the other end - stepping out of the aircraft and into the warm Caribbean sea air. It's a brief encounter initially because customs and immigration is indoors and there is usually a long line of people waiting to get through. After baggage collection you can buy local rum and other goodies at the duty free shop, so a good time to stock up if you're that way inclined.

Barbados has some fabulous places to eat - it's strongly recommended to book ahead with all the good ones if you want to make sure you can get in - so I've reserved most nights in advance. Most good restuarants have a dress code - smart casual, no shorts or flip flops which I quite like although each to his/her own, but there's nothing more offputting than someone sitting in your eyeline not suitably dressed i.e. straight off the beach. There's a time and place for everything. 

With this in mind I like to take a few little dresses (nothing too dressy) with a splash of jewellery .. there's no point taking high heeled shoes as there could be cobbles, decking or even sand to walk on. I like strappy sandals, ballerinas or low wedges. My flip flops are purely for the pool and beach.

During the day it's swimsuits and cover ups. Again there's no point taking too much as you end up wearing pretty much the same few things all the time. I have a few different swimsuits which I alternate. Who would want to wear the exact same thing every day in normal life? It may be useful to take some good walking shoes too just in case there's a day trip involved.

Make up wise, less is more and so my personal kit is as small as I can make it. No need for foundation although I've found it's always worth taking some or tinted moisturiser in a small bottle just in case you need to cover up a blemish, bite or dare I say a little sunburn! I concentrate on my eyes for evening so a bit of my favourite shadow, some eyeliner, khol and mascara and a couple of lip glosses and I'm good to go. Hopefully the healthy natural glow from being outdoors will suffice. I also try to remember to throw in a nail varnish to match my fingers and toenails just in case any chips need patching up. And not to forget that all important sun screen and perhaps some insect repellent just in case.

I never really trust the toiletries at hotels (although some do provide high end brands) so I always take my own. Shampoo, conditioner, hair oil (to stop frizz) and shower gel all dispensed in travel sized containers. Sometimes I treat myself to some duty free Jo Malone body wash and body cream at the airport. A real treat after a day on the beach. My usual cleanser, toner, moisturiser and lip balm come with me too - at the moment I'm using the Indeed brand which I quite like. I don't bother taking a hair dryer - I air dry my hair and restyle with my GHD heat stylers if I have to.

Of course it goes without saying that you need your passport and travel documents, hotel vouchers etc. local currency and I highly recommend a currency card which you load before you go - saves carrying cash and you don't pay exchange fees. Remember to pack chargers for your all your electronic devices - and a universal power adaptor.

Oh, and a hat!

Now you know what's going in my bag .. I hope I haven't forgotten anything!