Catawba KSE | ExpatWoman.com
 

Catawba KSE

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Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 07:48
As guinness says, you just have to lie very still. For me it took only about a minute so not bad. Afterwards I had to lay in one of their rooms for a bit - can't remember exactly how long but 30 minutes to an hour. Then you are good to go.
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Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 20:24
No matter what anyone says you are going to be nervous but for what it is worth.....Dr Mirza did my CVS. We had a very positive experience - he was knowledgeable and professional. The procedure was over much quicker than I thought and although uncomfortable was in no way painful. Baby was laying in a good position though so that may have affected the experience. There are some who have found Dr Mirza's bedside manner to be lacking. My own ob-gyn said that some people do not take to his personality but that he is far and away the best in Dubai for CVS with lots of experience. Going in thinking he might be abrasive we found no such thing but I'm sure this depends on each individual (for instance, I asked him how long the procedure might take and he said 'you don't want to know'......I know this might really upset some but for me I took it as he just wanted me to concentrate on what I had to do and not get caught up in how long/short it might be to get the outcome we needed). Personally, I can put up with a lack of bedside manner if I'm seeing someone skilled at what they do; some people need the whole package. Initial results for a limited number of conditions come back within 3 days (eg downs syndrome and a couple others) and I believe the whole panel of results looking at all the chromosomes for abnormalities came back in 2 weeks. They called me immediately with results and then e-mailed me the reports. Only thing I would say is be prepared to wait for your appointment. They were well over an hour late for our appointment. I think that is par for the course so better to be prepared so you don't stress. Best of luck tomorrow. <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 11/10/2011</em>
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Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 20:09
Just had a baby this summer in American Hospital and we had a great experience. Our midwife was [b'>excellent[/b'>. Everyone was professional, friendly and competent down to the people who delivered food to the room. We ended up in the ER about 5 days after the baby was discharged and were re-admitted for 3 days while they tried to figure out what was wrong with him. Again, top notch care in a very stressful time. If you have an ob-gyn you trust then I would say you will get good care at AH.
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Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 19:53
My daughter knocked out a tooth when she was 9 months old. Teeth can be re-inserted; hers was not as she was too young to risk she might choke on it but the dentist said for older children they can be put back in and will re-root. I would think it is very normal not to be able to eat (when our daughter knocked hers out they told us she might not eat for quite awhile) and to be on antibiotics to prevent infection. Sounds to me like he did the right thing and you should leave them be until Sat as recommended. If not, it is too late anyway as we were told if not reinserted quite quickly the tooth dies (interesting hint -- out dentist told us if your child knocks one out, put it in milk immediately until you can get to the dentist as this preserves it). If you're worried, maybe seek a second opinion? It feels terrible as a parent when an accident like this happens. I was sick to my stomach for days after our daughter knocked hers out (she only had 2!). Take heart in the fact that it happens alot; when I told others what happened I could not believe how many said they lost teeth when they were young or their children had.
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 18:47
What exactly are you looking for? Recipe for crust? Something different for toppings? I have a crust recipe. Also have great recipes with prawns, bbq chicken or vege depending on which you prefer. Homemade crust is great but it is a bit of a pain so given frozen crusts are readily available here.......I often buy them rather than make them if it is for family rather than guests as not worth the additional effort (especially since you really need pizza pan). <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 10/10/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 17:57
SLM, parties are always worth it! I agree -- just rather make my own than contend with the behaviour of some of the kids (parents!) here at the public ones!
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 17:15
My personal opinion is no - at least not for us. We went to a free members one at Royal Meridian last year run by the kids' club. They did an excellent job and I can't fault them but the lack of supervision/behaviour of some of the kids there made the event really disappointing. For example, when the food came out, we were amongst the first in line. As we were trying to navigate the buffet other kids (and even parents!) swarmed, cut the line, pushed and shoved and loaded plates full of stuff leaving nothing for those waiting patiently. My youngest was getting lost in the pushing crowd and crying. We took our food outside and ditched the rest of the event. Such a Dubai moment with rude, unsupervised kids. Can't imagine how'd I'd have felt if I'd paid! I think it is so much nicer to organise something at home with friends. We always have friends over early - the kids get all excited, have a really simple dinner together (something healthy before the onset of the sweets!), Halloween cupcakes and then out trick or treating. Adults can relax and have a drink and chat without worrying about running interference for their kids!
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Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 15:39
I'm kinda surprised by all the people saying ignore it/don't return it. Whether it is a pittance to your employer or not, it was paid in error and is not your money. If you have legitimate outstanding expenses then by all means claim them. But keeping money that is not yours because you feel it is a drop in the bucket to him doesn't sit right with me. It might be a small sum but it is HIS money. If you felt you weren't paid fairly or due a bonus etc the time to address that would have been when you were employed - not by keeping this amount.
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Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 12:23
Thanks very much Wild Mint. I've got a recipe for an edamame dip that sounded delicious -- it calls for brown miso. I don't know much about the different kinds so I'll just take what I can get!
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Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 10:34
Laban works well. Or make your own (1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to each cup milk - it will curdle after 5/10 minutes).
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Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 17:39
Has anyone seen miso lately (not the dried version)? Searched and saw a few recommendations but some were up to 2 years old so wondering whether anyone has bought it somewhere recently? Thanks very much in advance.
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Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 09:54
The kids in year 2 (so 7 this school year) at our school that made the swim squad are doing 25m in about 28 seconds average. There were loads that were not nearly as fast so no, it is not just your son. My daughter is in the 'advanced' swim class at school and a very competent swimmer and yet is about 10 seconds slower than the girls that made the squad. There are some fast kids out there!
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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 08:23
Sri Lanka is lovely but getting to the best beaches requires several hours of travel once you get there. I wouldn't let that put me off but requires some planning ahead. We took a day flight and in hindsight a night flight that arrives early morning would have been better as we could have gotten out of Colombo before traffic got bad - shaves an hour or more off drive time. Book a driver in advance and ensure that the vehicle has seatbelts (and that they work!). Alternatively Sri Lankan airways runs a commuter flight from Colombo to down south.
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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 08:10
Have never had a problem getting a turkey (frozen) for Thanksgiving. Spinneys always has them. Carrefour had loads and the biggest last year. Some of the other stuff can be hard to get ahold of so if you see it now, buy it. For instance, canned pumpkin was nowhere to be seen last year and fresh cranberries only showed up in the nick of time. I always buy extra for the following year just in case.
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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 09:00
We've just booked to go to Prague for the Christmas markets. If you don't mind flying out of AD airport, prices on Ethiad are about half of those to anywhere else we checked in Europe (Copenhagen, Munich, Geneva...). <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 25/09/2011</em>
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 16:38
What do you eat with your black bean soup? I like a swirl of plain yoghurt, and if I can make the time, some cornbread alongside. Yes, plain yoghurt or sour cream mixed inane, squirt of sriracha and crushed tortilla chips on top. love cornbread with it; we always had cornbread muffins with chili, bean or lentil soup etc growing up.
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Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 09:01
We stayed here and it was gorgeous with excellent service. http://www.southpointvilla.com/spAbbey.htm
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Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 20:05
Apricot, thanks so much. I only just saw your reply. Thanks for the offer....yesterday I finally found (and bought the entire stock) canned black beans at Green Community Choithrams which I had never been to before. So black bean soup tomorrow! Thanks so much for your offer and if you go through your stock of beans I'll be happy to share!
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 19:10
Thank you French fries. How does it work ? do the children seat on inflatable in the pool or do they seat around the pool ? My youngest is only 4 so that's why I am interested. Cheers I think how much you enjoy it depends on age/swimming ability of your kids. We have been twice - once last summer and once this summer. Last year our youngest was 3 and didn't swim well. The pool gets crowded and it is dark so I felt on edge the entire time trying to keep track of the kids - if they don't swim well you need to be with them in the water the whole time. This summer we went when most people were gone for the summer and our now 4 year old is an able swimmer. It was a much more enjoyable experience because it was not at all crowded and we could keep track of the kids without being in the water. They don't provide inflatables - you'd need to take your own. If you don't mind being in the water the entire time with your 4 year old or they are happy to sit in the pool in one of the little shallow areas near the edge to watch then def worth a visit. I think it is a great idea I just wish it wasn't so popular and crowded! If you intend to buy food, buy it early as they run out and the lines get long! We waited ages for popcorn for the kids because we went halfway through the movie instead of at the beginning.
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Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 21:45
CK1, Have sent you an email with list of the clothes I have if you are interested. Thanks.
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Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 09:10
Your DD is at JESS if I remember. So our mine and I send flip flops instead of crocs. Maybe you could get the flip flops with strap across back to make them a bit more secure? They basically just wear them to the pool and back. If you go with crocs, the plain colored ones are on sale now at the Croc shop at MMC. I won't buy them if they aren't on sale because I think they are outrageously expensive. ETA I hate crocs as I think they are clunky as you say and unattractive but kids love them and whenever we tell them to put their comfortable shoes on for walking they choose crocs so your daughter might really take to them. <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 07/09/2011</em>
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Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 18:27
Anyone seen black beans anywhere recently - dried or canned? I haven't been able to find them for ages. Thought I had today at Le Marche so bought 8 cans only to get them home and see they are fermented which I can't use for the black bean soup I've been craving. Thank you.
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Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 08:40
CK1, I've got your email if you want to remove it. I'll try and put a list together of all my stuff today/tomorrow and send it to you.
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Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 22:54
I have an entire wardrobe and then some of lovely maternity clothes - mostly sundresses but also tops, skirts etc. I have been meaning to sell them but have not yet gotten around to cataloging everything since the baby arrived. If you are interested, I will get my act in gear and send you a list of what I have - I will have time now that the older kids are back in school tomorrow! It is all from shops in the US, UK, France and Australia.
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Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 22:50
Our daughter was potty trained at 2 years. We had our second child when she was 2.5 years and she started peeing on the floor. As she'd been trained for 6 months I knew she could do it and that it was a reaction to the new baby. I went to a shop and bought lots of small gifts which I wrapped and put in a big basket. I told her that each day she went without an accident she could pick one of the gifts before bed. It only took 3 or 4 days before everything was back to normal. Before I had kids I always said I'd never bribe them but sometimes it works! Good luck.
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Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 22:27
Try Ikea they have a range of cast iron like le creuset but cheaper and others. http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/search/?query=casserole Second Ikea......nice heavy cast iron for half the price of expensive brands. Use mine all the time.
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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 20:21
Since you don't really have a full day, I'd stay a bit closer than going somewhere like the east coast b/c you'll eat up an hour and a half just getting there. There is definitely a passport checkpoint on the Hatta Road now....not a full fledged border post but they check passports. You could go to the Sharjah Wildlife Centre. Besides the petting zoo bit it is all indoors which is a plus this time of year. We think it is really well done and have taken guests with kids who agree. It is close to Dubai so shouldn't take more than an hour to get there depending on where you are. The food in the cafe while limited is surprisingly ok and has big windows overlooking animals.
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 18:36
There are 2 really close clinics to AR. One is at the community centre and is rather new (maybe 6 months?). The other is just across the road at Motor City and is called Medi Centre (they had offices in the Ranches for several years before moving to Motor City). Haven't had experience with the clinic at the community center but we have always gone to Medi Centre. Until recently, they didn't have a pediatrician, only 'family' doctors. However, a few months back a new peditrician started who I am very happy with. She is US trained and certified and has been great with my kids. We have a newborn that recently ended up in hospital; she went above and beyond for us and followed up to ensure he was ok when she didn't need to. Her name is Dr Omaima. Also, Medi Centre has a free Well Baby Clinic on Wednesday mornings if you want to take your 5 month old for checks. ETA: regarding insurance covering vaccinations, our last insurance did but it was a German policy that covered EVERYTHING. Our current one does not and I spoke to both the pedicatrician at Medi Centre as well as one at American Hospital and it seems it is not the norm for vaccinations to be covered (which is criminal in my opinion). <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 15/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 13:23
Suzy, I was in the exact same boat as you. My husband wanted 3rd but I wasn't so sure and could have been very happy with just two (mine are the same ages as yours). Like you I really just DIDN'T KNOW whether I wanted another. I decided to let nature decide. I told my husband we could try for 5 months and whatever happened happened and then that was it as I couldn't stand the indecision and like you felt the clock was ticking as I was 41. We had our third child 6 weeks ago and I cannot imagine not having him. We are finding it so much easier this time around.....older kids are besotted and are a big help, we are more confident, calm and generally more chilled, we have help with the housework etc. The older two happily entertain each other if I need to lay down for an hour and when school starts again in Sept they will be at school for a good part of the day so I can sleep when baby does if needs be. Our lives have completely changed going back to pushchairs and nappies but the entire family is loving it. Good luck with your decision.
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Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 19:13
We just got one for ours via Amazon.
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Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 18:41
We stayed at the GH with our two young kids for about a month when we first relocated to Dubai. It is a gorgeous hotel and we had a lovely stay. I don't think you could ask for a nicer place to park temporarily. We had a 2 bed/2 bath apartment which was nice and spacious. Great service. Staff treat the kids like royalty and our daughter was in heaven when they came round each afternoon to give a bowl of fruit and a treat for tea time (for the treat of course, not the fruit). There is a shuttle that will take you to Royal Meridien any time you want to use the facilities (3 pools, beach, great kids club that they have just refurbished); although it is only across the street it is not really possible to walk with kids given construction, lack of crosswalks/sidewalks. We loved the Meridien so much we joined the beach club. Happy to answer any specific questions you might have just post or leave your email. I'm from US as well but detoured in London before Dubai. <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 30/07/2011</em>
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Latest post on 28 July 2011 - 07:38
I've never seen it here and have had to have my mom bring it from the US (that and Desitin as together they clear anything up!).
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Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 20:29
It's pretty straightforward as far as paperwork....Fariycakeyumm's link looks pretty up to date as of 4 weeks ago when we went through the process for our newborn. It is more whether Dad has the time to do the running around. My husband didn't want to take a day off work so we used Medi Express (04 272 7772) to do it for us. If you are time poor, it was worth it; they charged Dhs 250 for their services, collected the paperwork the same day we called from our home and delivered the birth certificate 2 days later. Not that it matters re: procedure.... but I'm American and DH is English as well. <em>edited by Catawba KSE on 21/07/2011</em>
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 22:08
You can buy one from Jumeirah hotels that can be used in any restaurant in the group in Dubai which would give your friend great choice. Not only is it good at any restaurant but also for hotel stays and spa services across the group. I just bought one from the gift shop in the Emirates Towers hotel and have a friend who bought one at Al Qasr gift shop, so assume they have at all gift shops. Make sure you get the right one if you want it for across all hotels as originally they tried to sell one just for the individual hotel; initial person helping me didn't know they had a group wide one.
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Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 15:56
I have lots of maternity clothes that I would like to sell, including suits. Have only just had baby so not organized it all but can certainly dig out suits/work clothes if you are interested.
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 16:05
Antykazza, thank you so much. I've heard from Muurtje and am going to pick hers up soon - she's just a block or two from me. Would it be ok to put you on standby if I need a second one? If so, if you text me on 055 951 3646 I'll have your number and can text you if I need it (I'll know in the next 2 hours)? Thanks again. It is so nice people are willing to help out others they don't know!
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 15:03
Just in case I'm not able to connect with Muurtje, is there anyone else please? Thanks very much!
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 12:26
Remembered your thread b/c I have been looking for several months myself. Found them: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=145138
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 12:09
Used to be able to get the 4oz cans of Old El Paso diced green chilies most of the time but I haven't seen them now for about 6 months. Finally today I found exactly the same only [b'>whole[/b'> (eg Old El Paso 4oz cans) at Carrefour Mirdif City Centre with the Mexican food items. I bought out half the stock so hurry to get the other half!
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 11:33
I'll email you right now. Thanks!
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 10:03
Does anyone in or near the Ranches have a hanging clothes rail on wheels (like you see at a coat check) that they wouldn't mind lending for a day? I could pick up today at your convenience and return tomorrow afternoon. It would be very much appreciated! Thanks in advance.
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 18:52
Me too! I bought half dozen on Sunday and thought they were unusually 'long' when I put them away. When I used 2 last night they both had double yolks.
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Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 10:51
I am ok for tops just need some pants :) Maariyah, what sort of trousers are you looking for and approx what size? I have at least a dozen pairs, some of which I'm ashamed to say have never even been worn. They are different sizes as I was a different size from the first baby to the second but if you let me know what you are looking for I can tell you what I have if you are interested.
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Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 08:45
Royal Meridian. Lovely staff at the Kids Club and they've just spent loads remodeling the indoor facility.
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 18:26
Starts at 7am, finishes around 6pm with a 3 hour break in the middle of the day. I suspect that is fairly 'light' as well in comparison to some but she gets done everything I'd expect, is around during her break if I need her, babysits whenever we need in the evenings and always puts in extra time when we ask without giving it a second thought so it works for us.
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Latest post on 26 April 2011 - 10:57
I have one that we bought in the UK and would sell if you are interested. Also have matching car seat which was only used a few times. We loved it. It was great for us because it could accommodate new baby from birth as well as older toddler whereas many other brands couldn't take baby from birth. If you are interested leave your email and I can send details.
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 17:06
We were just quoted Dhs 350 per unit.
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 08:29
Sterlizers: like DR1958 said, you can just boil bottles in water to sterilize. But if that is not good enough for her, then microwave sterilizers are fine and you don't need to spring for an electric one. Nappies: She'll have to take what you can get. You never know here what brand you'll find in what size and when so often have to resort to second or third choice at any given time. Don't know where your sister-in-law is coming from but in general, but I found the quality of all nappies here to be lower than UK/US regardless if they were the same brand and 'model.' Highchair: I would not spring for a highchair. We rarely used it for our first and never for our second. If you have a sturdy table or breakfast bar something like this works great (and you can take it with you if you travel anywhere): http://www.mothercare.com/Chicco-360-Degree-Table-Seat/dp/B004PFPU9M?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_85&nodeId=42862041&sr=1-85&qid=1303187144 This one is expensive probably because it rotates but there will be ones for alot less - better yet get a used one (they can be thrown in the washing machine).
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Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 08:23
Most of the stuff I have brought over is cooking related. I second the chili powder. Sriacha sauce, specific types of paprika (sweet or smoked) and ground chilies (chipolte, habanero etc), stuff for the kids to decorate cookies/cupcakes. I order lots of stuff for the kids - clothes/shoes for them are so much cheaper and so much more variety from the US. I order my bathing suits on line to be brought (the ones here are not attractive or only big enough to cover one half of rear ends bigger than a size 2) as well as sandals (yes, there is such a thing as a heel between a flip flop and a stiletto).
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 12:37
We done the Sheesa beach and dhow cruise the other week in Dibba, although you go through a security check all you need for Dibba is passport or id card. Very beautiful place and the dhow cruise was a wonderful experience, great fun, my DS was very impressed, only downfall was on the campsite they only have cold water showers, so not very pleasant this time of year. Does anyone else have experience with Sheesa Beach Tours? We’re thinking to do the Dibba camping trip with them. Or any other tour companies to recommend for an overnight stay in Musandam? Thanks! We did not camp with Sheesa Beach but did do a private day dhow cruise. We had a very good experience. They were very professional and organised. Dhow was clean and well equipped. Food was prepared on board and very good. We would use them again.