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Bird

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Latest post on 23 October 2012 - 11:07
[b'>As for those ladies on here who advocate holding the maid's passport so that she can't leave, frankly I am shocked! Are you from the dark ages?[/b'> Maids are employees, not chattels and ask yourself this, whatever the rights and wrongs and she may do this, she may do that about the situation, do you really want to be that type of person? The type of person who forces another human being to do something against her will? If you want to look in the mirror and see that sort of cruelty in yourself, go ahead, but think long and hard about it first. Someone much wiser than me once advocated doing unto others as you would have done unto you and I would suggest that is still sage advice. I didn't use to believe in holding a maids passport.....until we had one abscond. It was an absolute nightmare, along with all stress, the money we lost and the wondering if she'd be back to rob us, I felt awful that a 19 year old who we were responsible for was goodness knows where, working illegally and potentially getting herself in to a nasty situation. If we had held her passport then chances are we could have put her on a plane and avoided all that. When you have a maid, living in your home, around your children (if you have any) and with access to your belongings, holding their passport is a way of lessening the risk to yourself. So yes, our maid's passport is kept with ours, she doesn't have it. If she ever needed it or wanted to leave (by the proper channels) then of course it would be returned to her and we would follow the correct procedure for her to leave. Us holding it simply means that it is harder for her to leave by improper channels. I agree. As long as your intentions are just that she doesn't need it. I tell my lady that I'll keep it safe. Unless she's travelling she doesn't need it.
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Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 16:07
Organic supermarket?
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Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 14:15
I would ring Moorfields again and push it, see what happens. They came to our school years ago to do eye tests and Dr.Keith(he's not there now) identified my daughter's lazy eye which we wouldn't have known about otherwise as the other eye compensates. We went to Moorfields where she had to have patching of the good eye to strengthen the lazy eye. By age 8/9 it gets as good as it's going to get, but left it won't improve, and she wears glasses.
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 17:49
Ahh that explains why a facebook friend just posted this... The BBC News channel just displayed images of the three women who claimed that Jimmy Savile interfered with them sexually. They showed a current picture of each of the women and a picture taken of each of them from the 1970s. The caption read: Now, then. Now, then. Now, then Lol
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 11:47
I roast cut into chunks with olive oil, salt, pepper, a bit of red chilli flake and rosemary, with some whole garlic cloves. It's delish, takes about 20 - 30 mins. The sweetened recipes are likely to be American as I find they serve a lot of sweet sides with their meals (bacon with maple syrup anyone?? :S) Yes and they do add syrup etc. to already sweet things. Marshmallows on top of cooked swede then baked in the oven? Was thrilled and intrigued as a 9 year old when my Canadian uncle served this up! America is the land of the sweet.
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 11:42
Here is one of my favorite recipes using roasted butternut squash! Looks really long, but it is simple and ultra delicious! Always a hit with guests. [b'>Spiced Butternut Squash and French Bean Salad [/b'> [i'>[b'>INGREDIENTS[/b'>[/i'> [b'>pumpkin[/b'> 1 kg butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes 3 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp cumin powder [b'>dressing[/b'> 3 tsp dijon 2 tbsp white wine vinegar 7 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 medium shallot, finely diced sea salt and fresh ground pepper 1 tbsp capers 1/2 clove garlic, finely grated [b'> Salad[/b'> 4 handfulls of French beans, ends removed 10 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (optional) several tbsp of canola oil for frying 150 g Feta, crumbled [i'>[b'>DIRECTIONS[/b'>[/i'> Preheat oven to 220 C. [b'>Butternut Squash[/b'> In a large bowl, mix olive oil, cumin and cayenne pepper. Add squash cubes and toss till fully coated. Place squash in a roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes or until soft. [b'>Dressing[/b'> Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake. [b'>Salad[/b'> Bring a pot of water to boil, blanch French beans for 5 minutes until slightly tender (or as soft or crunchy as you like). Remove from heat, drain and return to pot. Mix in dressing and toss. (optional) Heat oil in a frying pan, and add garlic slices. Fry until crispy and golden (think bacon bits). Remove garlic bits to paper towel to remove excess oil. [b'>Assemble[/b'> Place the French beans on a large serving plate. Top with squash pieces. Top those with Feta cheese (Optional) top with crispy garlic bits. Will definitely be making this thank you. Love green beans, pumpkin and feta. Could eat cold or warm.
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 10:19
Mine reckons she's the only one in year 7 without a blackberry lol She might be right on that one. Going by the number of friends on DS's BBM, it would suggest that he has the entire class. She's not the only one! My daughter is now more irritated by how unsociable they can be than not having one. Yay!
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 10:16
I usually peel and cut it up and add in some whole shallots, whole garlic and whole chillies, toss with Olive oil salt and pepper and roast like that . Delicious! I sprinkle cumin on it and season plus olive oil.
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Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 16:31
Wait until they start secondary!!
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Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 16:28
We were always cursed when it came to printers, always HP. We've switched to Canon 3 in 1 and so far so good!
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Latest post on 28 September 2012 - 15:50
On a completely different tack, went to a friends recently and there were some ladies there I'd never met before, all very nice. But one lady just would not let anyone get a word in edgeways. Even when others were taking their turn to talk, she just had to butt in with HER experience - I literally wanted to 'hush' her and say when other people are talking, she needs to listen and not butt in. Some people are just pure attention hoggers. Unbelievable! Think we must have been at the same gathering! I do think that sometimes it's nerves or a sign of insecurity with some people nevertheless it can be frustrating and exhausting!
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 17:47
Before you go putting your child through a bunch of tests, have you considered that your child is perfectly fine but really is in the wrong age group at school? My son is in year three and just about to turn 8. Many studies have shown that the eldest children in the class thrive - and are more likely to be professionals like doctors and lawyers. The youngest are more likely to never have finished university. I would avoid at all costs getting my child assessed for learning difficulties. The stigma of being diagnosed with ADD or learning difficulties can follow a child for life - and make it difficult for children to change schools. I've seen first hand how children diagnosed with ADD are suddenly "cured" when put with a more age-appropriate class. edited by karabalta on 25/09/2012 An official diagnosis can give the child more time in exams to allow for the attention deficit.
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 10:34
Great, thank you!
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 10:11
My son age 8 has to be circumcised. It's not optional. Does anyone have any experience of this? I'm dreading it.
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Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 16:17
Thanks. iCloud was off but I put it on and they've come back!?
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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 22:51
Agree with Arch. Singapore is so easy but Hong Kong is way more interesting. Depends what you're looking for and what you plan to do with your little one. And the weather is lovely in HK in December. <em>edited by Bird on 20/09/2012</em>
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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 14:20
The Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffernegger is one of the best books I have ever read, and quite different from the normal 'love story'. Even if you have seen the movie I would still recommend it as its far better than the movie version (as are most books that become movies) Agreed. Amazing book. Yes but terrible movie! With regards to 50 Shades, you can only judge if you read it yourself and each to their own. It's not very well written and doesn't claim to be. That's not why people read it! It says it will stay with you forever or something but it's pretty forgettable in my opinion.
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Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 13:23
Also as a side note, I've previously ordered a custom two tier anniversary cake...and getting a profiterole tower birthday cake this week - both at short notice and with home delivery - through Brunetti (dubai mall). Has worked out well so thought I'd mention it in case you were short of time and had problems getting a hold of your preferred home based bakery options :) How much for the profiterole tower Sarah?
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 17:14
Completely unethical to tip a nurse but as others have said a token of appreciation after is nice but not cash. I'm sure in Eastern Europe it's the norm OP, bribery and corruption. Also hate the tipping system in the US. We actually had a waitress come back to us and tell us we hadn't tipped enough as we were a party of 8 or 10 I think. The Americans thought that was acceptable but the others couldn't believe the audacity. Generally though the device is efficient in the US albeit robotic style and too fast, starters and mains arriving simultaneously and clearing plates while others are still eating! We knew someone whose daughter was studying and she was raking it in as a waitress.
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 16:26
Thanks for this ladies. Looks great and reasonable for quality chicken, duck breasts and fish. Will definitely be using them.
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Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 21:06
Where can I get one?
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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 18:09
I always say this, but Zuma is my favorite. Great atmosphere and food. I also usually see at least one or two tables with kids there as well, and I think they have a kids play room set up in behind the reception area as well to help keep the kids entertained during the brunch. Could you give more info please. Thanks!
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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 17:41
Mrs Mozz, is that where you would recommend to sit? What is there to do for kids? Have been without the kids years ago so didn't really pay any attention. Thanks.
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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 17:41
I like this one and we have taken lots of guests to it although I don't think it's any more or less boozy than Al Qasr (the food is more varied at the latter in my view). For seafood though, our default choice is Westin and we;ve taken lots of guest there too (it's always either Westin or Mina a Salam actually...we're a pretty predicatable family!!). Is that Bubbalicious Suz?
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Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 11:28
Thanks so much for that as that was where I probably would have gone!
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Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 14:17
So apparently "freedom of speech" ends at the Olympics. Can't believe there are people arguing that people should be forced to sing an anthem. Fine - stand up to your convictions. If you do not believe that there should be a Great Briton; don't be a member of the team. If you do decide to play for the Great Briton team - sing the anthem. Agree! It's so obvious I can't believe people don't get it. Some people just have no respect. Singing the anthem is about your Country and your team being united. Not singing shows that they think they are better than the other team members and they dont give a **** about thier country. They dont even deserve to be on the team. Those that dont understand that are equally as bad and I expect they dont sing Happy Birthday at a party for their kids because " Freedom of Speech" means they dont have to edited by madolecow on 31/07/2012 Finally! So happy I'm not on my own here!
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Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 14:11
So apparently "freedom of speech" ends at the Olympics. Can't believe there are people arguing that people should be forced to sing an anthem. Fine - stand up to your convictions. If you do not believe that there should be a Great Briton; don't be a member of the team. If you do decide to play for the Great Briton team - sing the anthem. Agree! It's so obvious I can't believe people don't get it.
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Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 14:10
I agree 'God Save the Queen' is the British National Anthem Maybe, the reluctance comes from in football and Rugby competitions the England team sing the British National anthem when representing England (not Britain) whereas the other home nations sing their own country anthems. Maybe England should have their own country anthem too? or when England play Scotland should the same British anthem be played for both teams? Thoughts? Land of hope and glory! A much better song :-) Agree!
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Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 14:10
I agree 'God Save the Queen' is the British National Anthem Maybe, the reluctance comes from in football and Rugby competitions the England team sing the British National anthem when representing England (not Britain) whereas the other home nations sing their own country anthems. Maybe England should have their own country anthem too? or when England play Scotland should the same British anthem be played for both teams? Thoughts? Land of hope and glory! A much better song :-) Agree!
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Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 12:58
When I first arrived in August 15 years ago I was nervous about what to wear. When I left the apartment building I was shocked to see women walking about in halter necks and shorts etc. I was told that they were probably cabin crew. Nothing has changed really there are just a lot more people now. This issue gets debated to death every now and then often during Ramadan and I understand people have very strong opinions. I think for Dubai trying to change things now is a bit like locking the stable door after the horse has bolted. Unless they make it law (and even then people will break it) there will always be people who dress how others deem inappropriately/disrespectfully. You just have to get on with your life and live according to your set of values. You can't change people.
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Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 12:47
It's not about you singining it Marroosh. It's about athletes representing their team and country. Certain non English members of the GB team have refused, they made a point of not singing it. People are missing the point. What I am trying to say, is that you can represent your country without the national anthem. They are there to compete in their sport aren't they? I really don't understand what the fuss is about.. It's not about you singining it Marroosh. It's about athletes representing their team and country. Certain non English members of the GB team have refused, they made a point of not singing it. People are missing the point. What I am trying to say, is that you can represent your country without the national anthem. They are there to compete in their sport aren't they? I really don't understand what the fuss is about.. They are there to represent their country/team first and foremost. You can compete in sports on an individual basis but the Olympics is about representing your country! You win the medal for your country. Check the headlines and you will see so and so won a medal for team GB. If you don't see what the fuss is about then you don't understand, no offence! Well, can they compete as Ireland, Wales, Scotland? No they can't. So if they want to participate in the Olympics they have to participate under the UK, don't they? Saying I don't understand because I don't see the fuss of someone not wanting to sing the national anthem, I am entitled to my opinion about this and not agreeing doesn't mean someone doesn't understand. Then they shouldn't compete for that team! There are plenty of others who would be more than happy to represent team GB and not because it's the only way of getting into the Olympics that would be selfish. They ARE British and the British national anthem like it or not is God Save the Queen. If someone Welsh/Scottish wins a medal they win it for GB. Again, you are not representing yourself you are representing your team. It's not about your opinion or my opinion it's fact.
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Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 15:33
And yes, in Ramadan, women especially need to be more cautious. A man can break his fast over a scantily clad woman. edited by Marroosh on 29/07/2012 You seriously believe that if a man, looks at a scantily dressed woman and breaks his fast, that is HER fault, thats a shame. He should be able to look at a scantilly dressed woman and continue his fast by feeling nothing - thats fasting, its facing temptation, or howsoever one would describe it, and be able to keep one's mind pure. If you have to remove all temptation then its not really fasting is it? I agree that people should respect the rules, but the rules are not clear and the messages are mixed, which goes back to the original point about things needing to be clarified. Actually, he shouldn't be looking at all, he should be lowering his gaze no matter how covered or how naked she is. HE should lower his gaze and WOMEN should wear appropriate clothing. IMO women tend to dress scantily here because they WANT the attention. Both men and women are responsible for keeping things pure. Women think they can parade around half naked and then expect men just not to look? That's just absolute nonsense. Wear normal clothing and have a bit of self respect. A lot of these women are used to dressing that way and it's perfectly normal to them and the men where they come from. Some definitely want the attention. If they don't have self respect it's their problem.
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Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 15:20
Ditto that! Again some of you are missing the point. The thread isnt about not knowing the words or singing in your heart it's about certain Olympians representing GB making the decision NOT to sing to try and make a point. How can we be United Kingdom if we're not united. But that's the problem the UK is not united anymore ?
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Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 15:10
What kind of food are you looking for Pepito?
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Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 15:06
It's not about you singining it Marroosh. It's about athletes representing their team and country. Certain non English members of the GB team have refused, they made a point of not singing it. People are missing the point. What I am trying to say, is that you can represent your country without the national anthem. They are there to compete in their sport aren't they? I really don't understand what the fuss is about.. It's not about you singining it Marroosh. It's about athletes representing their team and country. Certain non English members of the GB team have refused, they made a point of not singing it. People are missing the point. What I am trying to say, is that you can represent your country without the national anthem. They are there to compete in their sport aren't they? I really don't understand what the fuss is about.. They are there to represent their country/team first and foremost. You can compete in sports on an individual basis but the Olympics is about representing your country! You win the medal for your country. Check the headlines and you will see so and so won a medal for team GB. If you don't see what the fuss is about then you don't understand, no offence!
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Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 14:51
Surely everyone has the freedom to choose whether or not they wish to participate in singing a national anthem, I still don't get the basis on which they should be compelled to do so? Sure, they are competing as part of the GB team, but that doesn't mean they have forfeited their freedom of opinion, why should they forsake the values just to please the masses? Are they not entitled to believe in an independent Scotland/Wales, and if they do, why should they sing along to an anthem that pledges allegiance to another? [b'>I think that it was a brave decision which took alot of conviction[/b'>, especially in the wake of all the slating that has followed. Like another poster said, there is alot of history behind this and everyone has a different opinion, the point is that they had a right to theirs. Patriotism is a great quality, but it shouldn't take away another person's freedom (of opinion, or otherwise) - honestly, who are they hurting by not singing a few notes? But surely a braver decision which would really have said they stand behind their convictions would be to choose not to represent GB? To accept a place on the GB Olympic team but then refuse to sing the anthem doesn't say brave to me. It says petty, mean and without the guts to [i'>truly[/i'> stand up for what they believe in. Ditto that! Again some of you are missing the point. The thread isnt about not knowing the words or singing in your heart it's about certain Olympians representing GB making the decision NOT to sing to try and make a point. How can we be United Kingdom if we're not united.
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Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 11:03
Slightly off topic but I wonder what will happen in the case of the Saudi woman competing in the Olympics. She refuses to compete unless she can wear hijab but IOC are saying its against regulations. Her father says she will not compete without it. Would be such a shame as its a huge breakthrough that she is competing as a woman from a Muslim country.
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Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 10:23
I just wonder if it was all the English players who wouldn't sign it would this thread have been started... Absolutely! Why would you think otherwise? Personally I don't really like the national anthem and I'm not a royalist but if you're representing your team you should sing it, it's your face to the world, it shows you're proud of where you're from and who you're representing. If you're not you shouldn't take part.
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Latest post on 30 July 2012 - 07:00
It's not about you singining it Marroosh. It's about athletes representing their team and country. Certain non English members of the GB team have refused, they made a point of not singing it. People are missing the point.
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Latest post on 29 July 2012 - 23:05
Because they are representing the UK so they should sing the national anthem as daily said. It's not the platform for snubbing countries within the UK. They're not representing Scotland, England, Northern Ireland or Wales but team GB!
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Latest post on 29 July 2012 - 19:23
Strange I just got back from Spinneys in Mirdiff and was approached by a local lady - she said I wish all expats dressed like you look at that woman... This woman was dressed in Fitness gear - a small top and sprayed on pants terrible where is your respect!!! FINE THEM thats what I say ;-) I never go out to malls with bare shoulders or anything above the knee, however I am 'guilty' of going for a workout then straight to spinney's in fitness gear. I do put on a zip up long sleeved top but it doesn't cover my fitted long pants. People will always do what they want. Whilst I'm gobsmacked at some micro outfits I don't see the point in getting too upset. It's their issue not mine. As for fining, I'd rather see real criminals brought to justice including reckless drivers than someone showing what others believe is too much flesh.
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Latest post on 29 July 2012 - 18:04
Each of these countries have their own national anthems as was shown in the opening ceremony so why be expected to sing the English anthem? Scotland has its own religon, eductaion, money and law, and also its own anthem so can totally understand why they didnt feel the need to sing the English anthem. On the subject i have noticed the commentators speak of the athletes as doing their part for England regardless of the athlete coming from Scotland, Wales or NI. There i thought it was the british games and not the English games,oops silly me. Well, refusing to acknowledge the British National Anthem will do nothing to convince the commentators that it is a British event.. But actually....................the constituent countries of UK DON'T have their own national anthems. The national anthem of the UNITED KINGDOM is God Save the Queen. Flower of Scotland etc are songs adopted by the rugby fraternity and sung with full heart by the Scots and the Welsh at rugby games. If a Scot/Welshman/Northern Irish person cannot sing the national anthem of GB at the Olympics, then they should have the decency to step down and allow a proud BRIT to represent the Union. After all, it was UK taxpayers money which paid for the Olympics..........and the training and facilities which allowed them to perfect their skills. Rule Britannia...............and God save the Queen. (And before anyone asks.................I am a very proud Scot..........and an even prouder BRIT) Oh, and can we forget about the verse which is rude about the Scots? It was written a very long time ago........................ Well said Livelytrish! I'm proud to be British, born in England to an English mum and Irish dad with Scottish roots! Viking before that no doubt.
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Latest post on 27 July 2012 - 17:53
Is it ladies only? Would like to get a massage with my husband.
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Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 15:35
Thanks!
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Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 15:29
Where is Make?
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Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 15:19
Anything open in MOE?
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Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 14:37
That's so bad BCS. I love Vietnamese food but that's put me off. Not the way to treat customers. Good to hear that it's being addressed at least by the municipality.
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Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 14:34
Thanks DB. It's always the same in Ramadan.
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Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 14:06
Ooooo which MORE cafes are open? Gold and Diamond Park for one.... Are they doing Friday brunch still?
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Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 14:04
Does anyone know if there will be anywhere on saturday morning to get a coffee in Arabian Ranches with it being Ramadan? We are newbies and my husband is meeting with our new landlord I figured it would be best to try and take the kids out of the way? Thankyou The ranches golf club behind alma :) I called Shakespeare and they are open, they will have the upstairs section open for dine in. I actually called in yesterday and they told me it was take away only. I would double check before you make the trip. Sometimes depends who you're talking to and how bright they are!