Catlady | ExpatWoman.com
 

Catlady

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 22:45
To be honest I can't imagine why anyone would go and stay with someone else and not pay their way. I wouldn't dream of heading off to my 'friends in Dubai' for my accommodation free holiday and not paying my way. It's just basic manners. Most people with any manners would surely offer to split the bill for any activities you're doing together? I've never had to worry about asking people for money because they're falling over themselves to offer it. We often say 'no, it's our shout' but they'll usually pay for something else later on. If it was parents we'd treat them to meals but I know for a fact, neither of our parents would sit back and expect us to pay for everything. I guess there are lots of cultural differences for families though but for friends I would say they should be coughing up the money for their own daily tourist excursions!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 21:08
I just remembered about Breakslow at The Fairmont on the Palm. That was also lovely and you get beach access there for an extra payment. Again, I can't remember how much it was as we went last December. When I rang up I told them I wanted the deal where you get brunch and beach access. The brunch was great as they bring it to your table. We went for around 11am and had it as an actual brunch! It worked out cheaper as we chose the non alcoholic option as we were planning to lay in the sun for the rest of the day so we drank the lovely fresh juices and had tea and coffee like a proper breakfast. I might go myself now I've re reminded myself - yum!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 14:42
Have you tried the Maya brunch? We loved it. You get beach/pool access all day, food was fab and brought to the table and then later on in the evening it's a nice place for drinks. I can't remember how much it was though - sorry!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 00:10
I think if you do a search on here for colonoscopy or 'best doctor for' type search there was a thread where lots of people recommended a certain doctor. Hope you find someone!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 July 2014 - 13:56
Thanks!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 July 2014 - 13:56
Wow! What a negative article. Like everyone else, I can agree with most of these points but really, there are bad things about all places. I'm not so fond of certain things about the UK, my home country, either but what can you do?! I get the feeling the author of the article had a bad experience somewhere along the line and is feeling a little bit bitter!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 08:54
And you and I, Catlady, have generated lots of thumbs for our posts! Exactly! However, I'd like to hope that it was people being ironic/humorous due to the nature of the post?! There's been some great replies on here - glad to see there's still reasonable and supportive forum users out there!! Thanks ladies :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2014 - 08:22
Ok thanks. My parents are calling their insurance company but if they say no then does that mean I'm stuck being able to drive anywhere for 4 weeks?? It's so frustrating!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 17:16
Hi! There are at least 2 shops in Dubai mall that sell these. I found them by chance on a day where I decided to do each floor of the mall shop by shop!!! One if the shops looks just like a jewellery shop but had some gorgeous head pieces. There's a stand somewhere too, well it's like an open fronted shop. Try debenhams as well as they've got loads in their jewellery department. Cant help eith the flats but hou could always trail the mall, shop by shop, floor by floor one day like I did!!! Good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 15:43
Ladies - how annoying are the AC systems?! I thought I was going a bit mad as my friend told me she leaves hers on auto and it turns itself on and off when it gets the room to temperature. She said it's more economical to leave it on auto permanently as then it never has to work too hard to cool a heated room. I tried this and I don't know why but my AC just stays on. Auto does nothing. I have to keep turning it on and off through the day as I get too cold then too hot...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 15:40
If anyone lives on the ranches and has access to a proper set of instructions on how to use the timer on the wall units for the air conditioning units then I would be very interested in trying to get hold of a copy! We desperately want to be able to set the timer to make the air conditioning come on and then go off again so we can leave our cats in the house while we are away for the summer. I am worried the house will get too hot for them while we're away if we leave the AC off for 10 days. All we have managed to achieve so far is to lock out the control pad and be without AC for 4 days!! That would be great thanks. I am not sure what the policy on putting emails on here is though?! Hi, we live in arabian ranches, I know this now for going through the damn same thing, they cant be set on auto or time setter option is there but it can set. My husband also some how locked it and the room got so hot. We have now had our landlord replace two of the mother boards in the motors only upstairs and replaced the panels with new ones that are on auto, so when the temperature rises it goes on automatically and it is great. I have the LG manual if you would like to try for yourself, I can email you the pages on this, if you would like
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 15:39
Admin - how do we provide emails to each other? Are we allowed to put them on here? Also I guess I don't really want my email on an open forum!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 11:24
Yes and no. My license expired last year, so I contacted the DVLA regarding where I stood for applying for a new one. They advised me that I could not apply for a renewal until I was a full time resident of the UK. However, the person I spoke to asked if I have a registered address in the UK (which I do), choosing his words carefully (as they are recorded) he said as long as you have a registered address and bills and bank letters are sent there, then I could. But, whilst living outside the EU, I could not drive on my UK license until I permanently move back to UK/EU. He explained this was illegal and would invalidate any insurance. So even if you can get a renewal UK license, you cannot use it so technically it is invalid for driving, but for ID purposes it's obviously valid. This person was very informative and did confirm this is a grey area, and you should technically give up you UK license while being a non-resident of the EU, even if you do have a registered address, so depends on who you speak to there I suppose. I feel that even the DVLA are not 100% sure what they're saying! The person you spoke to has clearly indicated that there is a loophole in applying for a new licence if you still have a registered address there (which we do too) but that even though you can get one, you can't drive on it. However, the guy that spoke to my dad said that I could use my UK licence if it was still in date!! Then there are some people saying you can drive on it if you've not been living away for a full year yet. I'm just totally confused as I don't want to break the law (which I would have done unknowingly and I'm sure 100's of people probably do!) All I wanted to do was drive my parents car as they were going to add me onto their insurance so I could get around and see friends while back in the UK. Now I have no idea what to do as I am not hiring a car, I just want to use a family member's car.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 07:55
Yes sorry about that. I put my post on but someone else put the same thing on a few hours later so all the replies went on that!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 19:35
Thanks Daza for your advice!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 19:02
Thanks!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 18:48
Hi ladies - thanks for your replies - that's quite informative. I was a little confused as to why the thumbs down on my comment?! I genuinely wanted to know what the correct thing to do is as I wouldn't want to do the wrong thing and upset anyone. Like you Daza, I am on the Ranches so although there is a mix of cultures here it does tend to lend itself to being more western. I wanted to keep my exercising up hence the question about swimwear. I have to say I am still a little confused now as to whether I will be offending anyone or not. I am very much in the camp of respecting that this is a Muslim country and I definitely don't role my eyes at their customs or beliefs.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 17:59
Thanks for sharing. I know David Cameron is a love/hate figure but I think it's good that he does this kind of message because Britain is a multicultural place and it helps spread education rather than ignorance.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 17:56
I guess it depends on whether you're leaving any pets inside or whether you have a timer facility. I wouldn't want to leave mine on all the time as it's just too expensive!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 22:14
Clarins hand and nail treatment cream is lovely and not greasy. Unfortunately there's no SPF in it otherwise it would be perfect! Maybe they do an anti aging one?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 23:41
I do understand that it's not nice to be looked at it stared at inappropriately. None of us would actively choose it but my point was it can happen anywhere, not just here and it's unfairly worrying for people who have not noticed/experienced it to unduly worry them. I saw someone earlier posted that they were starting to feel paranoid! I'd hate to think even one woman was put off going out on their own or using a cab (as other thread). I think we just need to be aware of cultural differences like people have pointed out and also be aware of how we dress as again, like others have pointed out in various threads, some people do wear very scanty clothing here! Men are men the world over and do look however, there is obviously a difference between looking and perverted staring or indeed following a woman. I am in no means condoning any behaviour from a man that is perceived as threatening as that is something totally different and totally unacceptable. Anywhere.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 21:54
Exactly! I meant to say that about gross and rude blokes in the UK!!! Don't think it matters where you are, some men can act hideously.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 21:48
I do wonder whether some people are being super sensitive. I understand that it is horrible to be stared at and that it does happen but from what I keep reading on here it seems we are all being harassed and stared at on a daily basis. I sure this isn't the case. I often worry that people who read this forum to help them settle in or help them decide whether to move here will be totally put off! There is a cultural difference between what western woman experience at home and what can happen here. I walk around where I live and I know full well that gardeners are looking sometimes but I just ignore them and think "enjoy"! Either that or I look them in the eye and smile or say thanks when they stop their bikes to let me past. I just act normally and as if it doesn't bother me that they may be looking. Also, I can honestly say that no matter what I have ever worn to the malls (sometimes dresses knee length and other times trousers) I've never been followed round or felt harassed. Maybe I'm not worth a look?!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2014 - 17:07
I think what has happened is that they charge 150 dhs mimimum spend per person for a non window table and 250 dhs for a window table as long as it is BEFORE 5.30pm. I discovered this to my dismay when booking recently. I wanted to watch the sunset but when I booked it was suddenly 300 dhs for a non window table and 500 for a window!!!! I told them to cancel it and we went somewhere else!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2014 - 17:01
We had the ants quite badly. Once it was the tiny ones you can barely see (sugar ants or maybe pharaoh ants? Not sure!) Then once it was the black 'outside' type ants. The spraying did work but yes they do come back eventually!! We used Lahej and Sultan but made sure we directed them and told them where to spray, inside and out in the garden.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 19:09
Try buying the ant poison in the little packs that you leave down for them to take back to the nest. Put ALL open food in sealed containers and preferably in the fridge. However, speaking from experience and without sounding negative, you really need to call a pest company as they can get really out of hand and it can get really upsetting coming down every morning to ants running all round your kitchen. They'll ask you to empty every single cupboard in the kitchen so they can gel your hinges and spray. It's a royal pain in the proverbial but well worth it. We've had to do it twice now but I'd rather that than put up with living with ants in my house. They're bad enough in the garden but no way do I want them in my house :-( After being sprayed you need to leave it 24 hours before cleaning up. If any pets in the house you'll need to keep them locked in another room for that long too. After 24 hours just use dry kitchen roll to rub off the white powder, not wet washing as that gets rid of it. It's not poisonous to humans or pets once dry. I was a little bit perturbed the first time but we've done it twice and it's not killed me yet!!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 19:01
I think the concept of 'above the knee' vs on or under it is difficult as personally I have lots of dresses that come slightly above the knee rather than below it as, like you, I am tall and find that unless I wear a maxi nothing really covers my whole knee. I have always felt slightly 'more' covered than a lot of people I see walking around though! However, I think like other posters have said, you need to be mindful of where you are. In very tourist heavy/expat areas you're probably fine to be a little more relaxed but if going to the malls or souks it's better to be more conservative!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 18:55
Hello OP! I would definitely say bring them. I brought both of my 11 year old cats last August as there was just no way on in the world that I could have been separated from them. I went through every worry that you are going through about the stress and the journey, how they'd settle etc. In the end we used a professional pet relocation company and they were so helpful. It took all the stress away from us. It wasn't the cheapest but it was nothing compared to the end result of us not being separated from each other. We also used Dubai Kennels and cattery here to deal with things at this end. The cats flew in on a flight after us so we were here in the villa ready to welcome them. We got a call that morning saying they were on their way and 30 minutes later they arrived at our house safe and well! When we moved we shipped all our furniture too. Therefore, the familiar was here for the cats. I was advised to spray their bedding with feliway. I put puppy pads under towels that the cats had been allowed to sleep on before the move so they had absorbent bedding that smelled familiar too. The specially made crates had water bottles a bit like you have on hutches so they could have water. I was worried they'd be upset on the plane but I'm pretty convinced that once they're on the plane they just settle down and sleep. My cats were in separate crates but I stuck instructions on the top to say to put them in facing each other if possible (no idea if that happened!) I also put their names on so people could call them by name too. It took my cats a good month to properly regain their true personalities but they were acting pretty settled after about a week. They didn't seem too fussed by the heat either and I was worrying they'd be too hot but I often find them laying against the patio doors in the sun! Plus they go out in the garden and love it. I would go so far as to say they actually seem happier here than they were in the UK!! They are proper 'Dubai' cats now and LOVE chilling out in my garden. Plus I have found no end of comfort having them here as it is lovely when the hubby goes away on business to have them around. Definitely do it - good luck!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 00:16
Oh wow!!! I'm so happy for you. What a huge relief. You must have been over the moon to see him. Hope he stays close to home from now on!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 23:58
I'm so sorry to hear you've still not had any luck. My cat was missing for around 24 hours. She got lost as I think she got chased by another cat and couldn't remember how to get back. Have you lived in Palmera 1 long? Could he have got disorientated? I know they're digging all the paths up behind Palmera and I've seen some big holes. Is it worth checking he's not got stuck? I know that sounds awful but I'm just trying to think of options for searching. What about asking around at the site office next to Al Mahra as the workers there could maybe have seen him wandering? It's quite near Palmera 1. If you haven't already have you checked at the vets at the polo club? I contacted a few cat organizations too and they were really helpful in saying they'd keep an eye and ear out. One other thought - no one on your little cluster of villas has recently moved out? Could he have climbed in any vans? I don't know if I'm helping or adding to the worry but it's just possible avenues to peruse. I really hope you have some luck soon x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2014 - 23:17
I think Maybury in the Marina may sell them as my friend has bought them from there before.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2014 - 23:15
Just to carry on the thread a little longer, I went for my haircut today and I do not have ruined hair - yay! It was all in all a fine experience. However, I did not tip. I know some people are of the opinion that this is possibly the worst thing ever. However, I am a tight northerner!!!!! I have spent my life in small towns in the UK. People do not tip hairdressers etc. Therefore, I actually have no experience of doing so. When I moved here I had only experienced tipping in posh restaurants so I am on a whole new learning curve here! Can someone who tips hairdressers please tell me what you do? Do you just give it to them and say "lovely haircut, I've just paid for it but here's a load more for you personally" ?!! Or if tipping a hair washer do you take money in your hand to the sink so you can pass it over to them as they towel dry your hair? Sorry but in all seriousness I would have felt very awkward doing this. I couldn't see an opportunity to tip the hair washer as she disappeared after washing my hair and I have no idea what her name was. I watched someone else leave the washing basins to see if they passed money over but didn't see it. I may sound a bit dense but new experiences and all that!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2014 - 23:01
Pandabeer did you find your cat? It breaks my heart when people lose their pets. I lost my cat from Palmera 3 when we first moved and I was devastated. We put notices through every door on Palmera 3 and 2 I think and looked everywhere. People were really good at ringing us to say that they thought they'd seen her. Plus we walked around the pools in the day giving leaflets out. We also walked around and around shaking her biscuits and calling her. It wasn't until we did another round very late at night (around midnight) that she appeared. She had been too scared during the heat and noise of the day to appear. We actually found her along the perimeter path. Have you walked around there? I'm sure you probably have but it's worth a try again late at night in case she's scared like my cat was. I will keep a look out and keep my fingers crossed for you.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 18:14
I have made an appointment for my first ever Dubai haircut. However, I would like to ask people's opinions on tipping. Are you meant to do this here or do you just pay and go as in the UK? I don't want to make a faux pas here! Hairdressers in U.K. usually expect a tip! I am more inclined to tip the hair washer, as I presume they will be working for peanuts. Really?! I have never been to a hairdresser in the UK that expects a tip so I am very surprised by that. I have equally never seen anyone in my hairdressers tipping anyone or know anyone that has tipped a hairdresser at home (unless it's Christmas and you're feeling generous!) I'm not inclined to pay anyone any extra when they charge a fortune in the first place although I can see your point about the ladies who wash hair over here.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 14:04
50AEd for hair stylist and 10 for the one who washes my hair... Really? That's another 60 dhs on top of what is already an expensive trim at 280dhs! I'm going to assume no one will be hideously offended if I don't tip :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 13:00
I agree with you - I don't want to tip. I just wanted to know if I had to!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 23:24
Thanks ladies. I've also been recommended Salon Ink although I've been told it's more expensive. I'm going to take a punt and choose one of these suggestions. Hope I don't hate my new haircut - think I'll save my highlights for my trip back home in the summer though!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 11:38
Hi ladies, I still haven't been to a hairdressers here as I've managed to get it cut on my trips back home. However, there is no way it can wait until the summer but I am too scared to get it cut after hearing so many horror stories about bodged haircuts/colours! Please can anyone recommend somewhere reliable and not stupidly expensive please? I just want a cut and am not used to paying more than 30GBP for a wet cut at home (I know I'll never find anywhere cheap here though!!) I'd quite like to find somewhere near Arabian Ranches too if possible. I was given a contact for a place called Essa in JLT but when I looked it appeared this is just a beauty salon not a hairdressers. Argh! Thanks in anticipation!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 11:29
Gaucho do them. Here's the link: http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/dubai/masterclasses.php
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 18:46
I have a visitor coming soon and was considering taking him to this bar rather than to 'At the top' as I have been told that you can go up at sunset and sit and watch the sun go down and it's lovely. Does anyone have any advice on whether this is a good idea or would you say it's better to go to the viewing platform? I'm aware that there is a minimum spend of 200dhs in the bar but I've also heard that if you want a table at the window it's even more! Also, is there a dress code? If any knows the lowdown on this place I'd be really glad to hear your points of view thanks.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 16:32
I'm not sure we'd do a good enough job doing it ourselves!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 16:31
Thanks - I'll try giving Jim'll Fix It a call :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2014 - 15:31
Hello Does anyone know of a good company to use to replace the nets on fly screens? Ours are rubbish and just keep popping out of the side seals and also getting ripped easily. They are essentially doing nothing and I'm fed up of being bitten! Thanks!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2014 - 08:31
In response to highlighting concerns in the press, would it be worth contacting 7Days?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 14:57
Just an addition to the earlier question - any recommendations for which company to use for desert safaris please?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 19:51
Well I hope there's no nest. One orange wasp thing seems to have suspended itself by a black liquid from the ceiling. We also had the huge black things coming in and out from the ends of the canes that form a trellis in the garden. The husband came home and sprayed the orange wasp and said he'll block up the holes at the end of the trellis.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 19:47
Really? I'm slightly worried now as they seemed ok when they were doing the work. I'm concerned it's all going to go wrong now!! Ignore my recommendation then!!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 17:26
Gosh - thanks. I was a little bit (well a lot!) scared when one appeared in my house this morning and then I noticed one seems to have taken up residence on my veranda. I haven't been able to go out all day as it just keeps flying around there :-(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 February 2014 - 14:55
I've recently used Hewitt and Son 0566588126 and they were good.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 22:28
Hello! We really like kite surfing beach off Jumeirah Beach Road. The water is really shallow there and less rough. It has some loos there too near the volleyball/tennis courts. It can be a lot quieter there in the week too. They are doing some upgrading there at the moment though. JBR beach is good as there are plenty of amenities and it's a nice walk down JBR for first time visitors.