ccdoha | ExpatWoman.com
 

ccdoha

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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 15:15
Just stick to calling them charity shops. Almost anywhere you go in the UK there will be a strip of charity shops and anyone will know where to direct you. Just say, "where are all the charity shops around here" and they will know. If you google charity shops, you will get a ton, like oxfam, uk cancer research. I would also suggest portobello market maybe? http://www.portobellomarket.org/secondhandgoods.htm Mind you, at the charity shops they will be more like a salvation army or goodwill, as in, they won't be very hip and your teen will have to sift through it all. I have heard that now days, charity shops are wise to the game and they employ staff that go through the donations and they send the "good stuff' somewhere else or sell online. Goodwill is like that now in the states and has quite an online shopping stash. I think "high street" these days (to most people) simply refers to the main street in the town where all the shops, pharmacies, etc., are. Kind of like how we might have said 'main street' in the states.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 15:00
at this point, I'd settle for WALMART!!! But what I really miss is Old Navy :( <em>edited by ccdoha on 26/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 14:54
you're at Carrefour and you ask for a supervisor!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 13:38
I would think it would be wise to buy somewhere that you like to visit so that you can at least enjoy it regardless of the financial gains :) It's super cheap to buy in Orlando right now :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 13:19
Mmmmm-maybe I am odd but I would almost rather have no card from my children rather than receiving a computer generated one-there is something about a hand-written and even hand made card tht simply can't be beaten. I guess these sites have a purpose if you have totally forgotten to post your card in time-but that in itself is a bit sad isn't it............ edited by wuffles on 25/03/2011 hmmmm, I am sure that my mother is not this same type of [i'>odd[/i'>. In any case, I'm pretty sure she prefers a Skype video call any day of the year over a card! as for hand made - I once read online somewhere, "Just because you're thrifty doesn't mean you're creative". Not the same meaning here but I realised then that some people are good at some things...but for me, nothing handmade/homemade, etc. Sending my mother a hand made card would just be wrong :( WOW!!! this just made me think - what she would REALLY love is an engraved iPhone so that we can Skype even more!!! <em>edited by ccdoha on 26/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 10:50
I am wondering if anyone is using a SMS app or something of the sort to send text messages/chat messages over 3G or wifi? I am looking for something like Skype where I can use it iphone-computer or ipad-computer, computer-computer, etc. Skype is the perfect solution but because it is so battery intensive, not a lot of people like to leave it running on a mobile device or turn on the push notifications. I've downloaded whatsapp but you can only chat with other whatsapp users and from what I can tell, only mobile-mobile. But the good thing is at least it works across different platforms, i.e. iphone, android, blackberry and nokia. MAIN ISSUES: I send too many SMS messages and there is not an affordable SMS plan here on Qtel or Vodafone AND I want to be able to SMS overseas tia If anyone has any other app or solution to share I would like to hear
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 10:46
I have both but to be honest, I really don't find having an iphone that useful here. In the UK I used it for everything, gps/maps walking around London, train routes, tube maps, real time bus times at my stop, ipod on the train, email on the go, etc etc. here, I'm just not that important! I don't need my email in my purse, I only use the ipod feature in car of which I could just use my ipod, and I have my GPS in the car as I never walk further than I can see from my starting point :( If you are only buying 1 - I would definitely say buy the ipad. I don't even enjoy reading but it is great when you are sitting around waiting in say the DR office or having a quiet coffee on your own. I just recently went back to work last week and I used my ipad in a meeting because we needed to reference an email and it was so much quicker than getting out our laptops but you would not have been able to properly see the layout on a small phone screen. ispearing - 1-yes 2-not sure I have not had this issue 3-when you sync your ipad. itunes should open on your laptop. There is a tab in there for photos. You should be able to choose an album or folder that you want to sync, just like you do your music. You can tell it all of your photos or just certain ones, again, just like when you do your music on your ipod. Bowbells - just get a portable mifi device. I have 3G but it is much more cost effective to use a mifi device and use it for all of your devices at once!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 10:28
IMHO -I would advise to be very careful of recruiters in this region... [i'>I tried to stay polite there[/i'> My experience has been that the better schools do not need to use them and hire directly or use reputable sites like TES but the [i'>not so nice[/i'> schools use recruiters. Good luck - Have you considered Qatar?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 10:19
already here in Festival City in Electronics shop on top floor (can't remember name) @ Dhs 5500. The old one is now down to Dhs 1500...only difference being new one slimmer and camera back and front. longer battery life, HD video, faster processor... :) I think I will survive with the original and [i'>skip[/i'> a generation and wait for the iPad 3 :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 09:30
I have seen the ipad 2 in shops here in Qatar already. Must have come from the US?? @smartie the 3G works anywhere. You would just want to get a sim card (and plan) for the country you are in and swap them when you travel. In the UK they have a great plan on 02 where you take the free microsim card and put it in the ipad and then you can pay by the day whenever you want to use it or you can pay monthly. I have no idea what the 02 roaming charges are if you use it outside the UK but probably too expensive. In Dubai, yes you would have to see what plans the local carriers offer. Here is what I do though...I bought a mifi from Qtel in Qatar, I am sure that Du or etisalat have them. The one I have if portable and about the size of powder compact. This creates a wireless hotspot for me and ANY of my devices, wherever I am at, as long as I can get a 3G signal. SO I can use multiple iPads, laptops, phones, etc (at the same time) and pay for one data plan to share. The data plan was the same regardless if I put the sim card in my iPad or in the mifi device. Also, I can swap the sim in the mifi so the mifi device is good anywhere in world too. <em>edited by ccdoha on 26/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 09:08
I'm trying to visualize what you are describing but I am not sure...have you tried the 'computer souk'? It's over by the old souk by the r/a with the boat in the middle of it. There are all kinds of things related to electronics and office supplies.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 10:05
Not to be negative but matter of fact- As for security guards - the men at my last job were "afraid" of any confrontation with "locals" so not really sure what "use" they are :(
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 09:13
Maybe you could try calling is something different...Like if you "mail slot #"?? Or just "#" and then the pobox. Like my Dh can have mail sent to him at work so if he put: DH DH Company Name #1111 Doha Qatar I'd be pretty confident that it would get here...maybe I'm just in an optimistic mood this morning :-)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 09:08
I think that when they ask you for a figure - work out what you're willing to accept and let them know that is your minimum and be willing to walk away! (recently received this advice and it worked wonders) Have something to base it on - as in "this is what I am on now" or "this is what a marktg person is paid in Dubai" etc.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 09:04
It's been on for over a week, you would think they would have figured out a system by now... :(
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 21:10
I've used bunches.co.uk for years because of ease of use of the www and the reminder calendar. They have been very reliable. I don't know that they are fantastic but when you are living abroad sometimes you have to sacrifice a little. They have a very easy to use www and I can store all of DH's family in there and just click a few buttons. I like that I get "posy points" and can use them for money off the next order and I like that they email me to tell me it's my MIL's bday ;) If you only have a US credit card, you can order them through amazon.com :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 21:03
"uzzz" instead of "us" that one really bothers me
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 20:37
I know a doula here in Qatar and if had a baby, I can't imagine not having a doula. Seems much more useful than DH! She explained that she will make sure your wishes are all seen to i.e. birthing plan, etc. at a time when you might not be thinking too clearly and you are vulnerable. I think it is the best idea ever to have someone who is level headed and clear thinking at the most important time of your life.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 20:26
Back in the day...I too did the live in pub thing and a few nanny gigs in the UK and I never would have had any illusion that my "room" or flat would not be open to inspection at their discretion. As in, it was there property and I was an employee. Just as a parent has the right... I didn't expect them to go through my chest of drawers or my wardrobe but I do not see anything wrong with having a look in the room on a weekly basis or whenever you want! Not that it has to be "perfectly clean" upon each inspection but just for you to have a look. You didn't say whether or not there were children in your house but if so, I would DEFINITELY say you would check it weekly, even if just a peek. <em>edited by ccdoha on 21/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 16:34
this is the one i was waiting on - What I am saying is that...back home, I wouldn't work for less than xxx amount of dollars because I know that I'll just be disgruntled and miserable and work too hard for it. SO what I am saying is that am I unrealistic to say to them they need to pay me xxx amount of dollars and the car allowance - well thats just extra for my trouble!! No end of serv gratuity - I guess because its a local contract now I feel like I'm whining now but what they have offered is the same I made back in the USA in 2005 with only 3 years experience in the field and no MA degree. Come on! I almost feel insulted! <em>edited by ccdoha on 21/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 15:48
just found this thread roflmao at "britishers" can't wait to tell DH that one! As for "Tell me" I don't really get my panties in a twist when non-native english speakers say something I find odd. Maybe they are translating literally. In Miami, a lot of spanish speakers answer the phone "dime" which means tell me so I can see where this could happen - I am more impressed that others are making the effort to speak english in the first place ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 15:38
Thursday, March 31 at 8:00pm - April 1 at 2:00am https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133054273429613&ref=ts
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 14:40
OMG. I'm on my iPad in a car park right no but I could write for days on this... depending on what is important to you... Def check the curr as like the other poster said, I see slot schools in Qatar say British curriculum like the school I taught at but no Britsih school I'd ever been in in the UK ever taught that!!! I think that it is important to know as much info about the teachers. A good school should be proud to share teachers credentials and experiences. Ive said this before. One has to wonder what brings a great teacher to the M.E.? Just because a school has lots of after school activities doesn't mean the teachers enjoy the extra work at the end of their day. Ask about teacher breaks/lunch breaks/planning time/professional developments. Like the other poster said, happy teachers are a good thing. I cannot tell you the shock I had working at a "british" curriculum school here in Qatar after teaching in both the us and UK. It has put me off teaching here all together. I think it's important to ask how they assess your child and how the determine if your child will be promoted. You'd be surprised. I would also ask to be put in contact with or look on the website for the PTA. Those parents usually know the good, the bad, and the ugly but obviously want to make a difference so can be quite informative and give you an overall picture. When you're dealing with a FOR Profit organisation, don't expect to get the real story on the tour :(
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 14:25
If you have to wonder then I'm afraid you'll probably always wonder so it will wind up driving you crazy. The fact is that the trust has been broken and that itself is enough to end a relationship IMHO
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 14:01
Have you tried wedding expos? Ive never been to one but there have been 2 in Qatar this month. Not sure if they would have dresses to try on and order?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 13:59
Have you had a look on the embassy page? I know that on the Uk Qatar one they have a section "when things go wrong" (no pun intended) and they list attorneys :) HTH
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 13:52
Is this a maid or a maid/nanny? I find it interesting that people in Oz do not approve of the concept of having a maid (in oz) when there are plenty of them in the UK that have a nanny - and no offense but, treat them like maids! :) I also knew someone from Perth that went to a nanny school to be a nanny in the UK. So I find the idea that people would be so anti-maid a bit weird. Start calling her a nanny, au air or personal assistant so you can be [i'>acceptable[/i'> :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 10:34
I found the post http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=124258
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 10:31
It only affects the area that you get the shots in. What they do is they [i'>dust[/i'> your under arms and then wait a min, you sweat for a min and then the DR can see the ducts to put the shots in. In the US, it is only approved for underarms. <em>edited by ccdoha on 21/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 10:16
I remember a post being on here last year about someone who lives in - I want to say either The Pearl or Zig Zag - and they said that they get charged a flat 500 (maybe) fee for the [i'>privilege[/i'> of having the ac in their building. I don't remember if it was extra to actually use it
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 10:02
We were told that if you take a car out of its region, i.e. buy in Dubai or US then ship to Qatar, the warranty is no longer valid.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 09:58
Well, since technically tutoring is illegal, I don't think you will get many responses here :( I suggest you ask someone at the school and they will know someone. Be prepared for extortionist rates!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 09:53
Can I just say...I had botox for sweating and it was absolutely fabulous!!!!! Gotta love the US, it was covered by my health insurance! I hate needles and pain but it's not so bad, it actually just feels like getting a little bee sting...OK about 50 bee stings but it is over so quick! I would say that it is less painful then waxing. I was told that it would last a few months but I'm thinking that I had it done twice in a 2 year period and then I felt that I didn't need it again. :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 20:12
Thanks ladies! I'm much better now. Once I get my exit plan all mapped out I always feel better knowing we have options! :) (not that we'll actually utilise them or anything) Found some pimms and had a little BBQ by the pool. I'll probably spend all day tomorrow applying for jobs back home for September just to make myself feel better/empowered :) @deb - yes valid reason #1 my wife is miserable #2 your company is FUBAR (google it). Besides a close friend nearby, I miss RETAIL THERAPY, as in when I am most upset here, all I can think about is [i'>saving[/i'> my money to leave. Back home I would just go buy myself something! ;) Thanks for your support <em>edited by ccdoha on 20/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 19:40
thanks for the info. I will ask about all these at the dr ofc. So far I am finding the drs to be friendly and helpful.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 16:12
I'm in just the right mood today to agree with the others and let you know that this is the most ignorant thing... EVEN BACK HOME...to want to breed a cat would be borderline ridiculous in this economy and present state of animal shelters all over the WORLD. I certainly have not heard of a country that doesn't have issues with animals that need help!!! Good grief! I am slowly losing faith in mankind today - I am however glad to see that other posters had the courage to speak up about it!!!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 15:18
Well, its a govt contract and it definitely says that if the employee term before the end of the contract date the employee is responsible to repay "installation, repatriation and all other costs..." I was just wondering what "all other costs" might include?? @Rachel -hmm, smart girl!! ARGGHHH I hate being negative!!! I have been so pro doha for weeks! Anyone know what time the QDC is open til tonight? <em>edited by ccdoha on 19/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 15:06
Also, I don't know if they do this here but in the US they will give adults a prescription to help the chicken pox go faster. In the UK they don't seem to believe in this method and like to let you suffer :) but it may be worth taking the maid to the DR if you haven't already. Chicken Pox Treatment - Acyclovir Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an anti-viral drug that may be used to treat chicken pox. In uncomplicated cases acyclovir taken 5 times a day has been shown to cause shorter periods of new lesion formation, fewer lesions, and more rapid healing but only if started within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of the rash.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 12:50
would crocs be ok for beach shoes? They have so many different styles to choose from these days. I think Toys r us have some.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 12:45
I think you can count on them getting it. The infectious period and incubation period are such that once you see the sores it's too late. My experience is that I organised a neighborhood christmas carolling once and the last child broke out on Dec 25 and I did not get it until Feb!!! I would be concerned about your help because getting chicken pox as an adult is absolutely debilitating. I was bed ridden for days and delirious. I found this post on a message board reference your LO: If the mother has had chicken pox and continues to produce high levels of antibodies against the virus , the baby is probably immune and may escape this exposure . This passive immunity ( from mom )tends to gradually disappear by 6-12 months of age. good luck
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 12:26
If you don't find someone on here...there is a place you can go in the computer souk that will translate documents. They charge 120QR per page and take about 2 days. The place is by the souq waqif by the r/a with the big wooden boat. I can give you directions if you need them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 12:11
I'm not sure if you could find something at the computer souk, it's over by the souq waqif, I have it saved in my GPS. Not sure though, might be dodgy but would be fun to look :) <em>edited by ccdoha on 19/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 12:01
just saw this posted on http://www.teachanywhere.com/ 26 March London - Interviews for jobs in Qatar - Primary teachers especially needed with 2+ years of teaching experience. Salaries of 9000-11000 QR / month (US$2250 -2700/mo) and 1-2br furnished apartment near to the school. :( :( :( :( FYI - To put things into perspective...Orlando Florida has a relatively very low cost of living with no state tax, low property tax and only federal tax. A first year teacher in Orlando makes 11120QR with a BA and 12318QR if they hold a MA. Also, they are given a no contribution needed 401k of about $4000 US per year plus FREE private medical insurance. <em>edited by ccdoha on 19/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 11:42
thx ladies - ok, I'll unpack for now ;) just kidding
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 10:05
I agree, I tell DH all the time, just like the commercial - "...me being happy, priceless, for everything else, there's mastercard" :) I feel like I am being petty but I am so tired of being controlled by The Company. It's every little thing and I feel like, when does it stop. When do you draw the line. edited by ccdoha on 19/03/2011 <em>edited by ccdoha on 19/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 09:48
:)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 09:46
Does anyone know... In the contract it says that if you do not stay for one year that you will have to pay back the costs associated with coming out here... I am assuming the flights out here and the RP/visa, etc Does anyone know how much the visa/RP was? Mine and DH? Does anyone know of other costs that might be associated. I'm having one of those days...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 09:43
(again) I do not have a volvo and I do not know Trevor but...good luck with your car search -my advice, if you find what you want, just buy it because it is a pain to drive around this town and look AND I'm not sure they bargain much here. We got 10000qar off ours BUT that was a month of driving around and no car and rentals are expensive so I am not so sure it was worth it! VOLVO INFO - Trevor Fletcher Sales & Marketing Manager - Volvo Doha Marketing Services Company W.L.L. P.O. Box: 1427, Markhiya Mall,Khalifa Street, Doha-Qatar. Tel: +974 4424 6860, Dir No:+974 4424 6855 Mob: +974 5582 7460,Fax: +974 4458 1579 [email protected] www.domasco.com
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 14:09
This is my second Jeep and my parents had a Jeep and I would imagine that the Volvo is going to be far more comfortable and reliable. The fact that Jeep basically went under in the USA should tell you it's not that great :( We only bought the Unlimited here because it is "fun". I would bet that the overall quality and satisfaction with the Volvo would be far superior than the Jeep. For instance, the "options" on the lowest spec Volvo are probably all extra on the Jeep!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 13:04
I had thought about this as the DH did get me a bottle of lotion and hair gel that I wanted but I wasn't sure how they "saw" them so the sticker thingy makes sense. They never told him what they were after - could also have been his suitcase was full of gadget type things from the conference he had been at! All the freebies they give away. He did not have to pay any customs charges - down to the fact he didn't bring me anything else!!!! ;) <em>edited by ccdoha on 15/03/2011</em>