EmilyG220 | ExpatWoman.com
 

EmilyG220

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Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 20:22
I left my old building due to this sort of 'caring' culture. Even when families had one maid per child they never seemed to get properly looked after and it just depressed me :-( I did intervene a few times, but, interestingly, some mothers preferred to stick their heads in the sand in denial.
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Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 20:18
Hmmmm.... warming to the Sorento :-)
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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 17:10
Asha's at Wafi Was about to type same thing!
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Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 14:34
Great - thanks for all the responses! Will check those out. Just got back from showroom and saw Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. Any experience/views on those? TIA!
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Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 08:04
Hi am now wondering whether we should buy a new car now as know nothing about used car dealers and don't want to get ripped off! Any idea which is the best value crossover that can fit 3 car seats? Cheers x
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Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 07:54
I once went to the brunch at the Shangri-la with a coeliac friend and she said the staff were v helpful pointing out different gf options. But if you have any questions, ask Purple as she is the gf expert :-)
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Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 07:46
Hi I don't have actual exp of any of these schools, but I did look at them all a couple of years ago for my dd. They are all 'good' schools and I don't think you can really go wrong with any of them. But if I had to choose I think it would be Horizon as it is the most established. Star: V nice and approachable head. Small classes and better facilities (now pool completed). Safa: V progressive and nurturing environment (although this may change now they have expanded and moved to new premises). Horizon: Similar to Safa but more established and have not expanded as quickly. Location also better. Good luck x
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Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 17:33
Hi I have 3 kids and each time I have shed all the baby weight (and a bit more) through: 1. Breastfeeding 2 Not having a maid 3. More breastfeeding. Oh and don't go to brunch or drink alcohol. That's it :-)
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Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 22:11
Lunches done night before Awake 6.30 Up 6.45 Kids up 7.00 Breakfast Kids dressed Out door 7.30 In car 7.40 At school 7.55 Dd1 in class 8.00 Dd2 in class 8.10
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Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 22:05
Thanks for all the replies! @FebruarySnow: thanks for the tip, checked out the Kia Sportage which is lovely but unfortunately I need to fit 3 car seats in the back so it's not ideal. @Irooni: really surprised re: lack of AC in back of CX-9! Does it bother your kids? Not sure re: budget (lol) but don't want to spend a fortune... so I guess around 80-90k. @RT: Thanks, will check out Odyssey and Carnival.
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Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 21:58
Repton appears to have a very good ethnic mix, as do many of the other schools listed below. As far as I am aware, the only ones which are predominantly 'western' are some of the very established not-for-profit BC schools (although DESS does seem quite mixed, as PP says). Some smaller BC schools are also quite 'European' in their intake, although these appear to be expanding now which should make them more diverse. Tbh I would be very surprised if your son were made to feel 'different' at any of the main BC schools.
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Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 16:59
If anyone could recommend any alternative family cars - big enough for family of 5 but not huge - that would be great too. Oh and any tips on buying a 2nd hand car here would be much appreciated :-) Cheers x
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 14:08
I asked about having a version at Latifa when dd2 was breech, but they told me that no-one was authorised to do it at the hospital. Not sure why.
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 14:06
Hi I tried to have vbac 3 years ago but unfortuanately dd happened to be breech so it wasn't possible. I had been planning to give birth with a doula at Latifa as they have the highest success rate (65-70%) when it comes to vbac births. Previously I had seen a European private doctor recommended on this board and had walked out sorely disappointed. Although she was supposed to be *the* vbac specialist, she stressed that she was 'not a magician' and flatly refused to disclose her cs rate saying that she simply 'hadn't been keeping track'. Lol.
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 13:55
Hi there are plenty of good hospitals in Dubai and I'm sure you will find one to suit your needs. Everyone is different and only you can make this decision. Personally, I had 3 babies at Latifa (despite having private insurance) as I wanted to be in *the* high risk maternity hospital. I was very happy every time. But most ppl in my posiiton would probably have chosen AH, Welcare or City. The only places I would specifically *not* go to are smaller hospitals like Medcare and IMH which do not have good nicus. Hth x
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 13:48
I'm looking to get insurance for our maid. What do you think is best?? Is Iranian better because it's private?? I'm a bit clueless!!Iranian is better because the cost of the dr visit will also include medication. The rates charged for the dr visit, any medical tests tend to be lower than what Govt clinics and hospitals charge. Iranian Hospital have a medium-sized, new clinic in Al Quoz (behind the Bowling Centre) that's less hassle... DH and I have used Iranian hosp for personal healthcare and recovered well. Sorry to crash this thread, but have you (or anyone else) used Iranian in case of an emergency? We have private health insurance but given that we live v v close to IH I was wondering whether that would be a better place to go if time were of the essence (e.g. accident with one of my kids)?
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 13:39
I feel for you and will watch this with interest. I need to have some surgery at some point in the near future and will be pretty much incapacitated for at least six weeks. I teach high school four days a week, have three children under seven and my husband works away three weeks every month. I have NO idea how on earth I will manage. Hi Green-ish Well done for going back to work, I had no idea you'd started teaching again! Good for you. Will your employer give you sufficient sick leave? Is there any way your sister or a close relative/friend could come to stay with you to help out? Sorry I haven't got much advice (other than what I wrote to littleoldme).. other than to say that if you're managing to juggle so much on your own most of the time, you're in a much better position than most other women to handle I'm sure you'll step up the challenge. Hugs x
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 13:33
I recently had major surgery. I am able to drive again, but walking, pushing a trolley etc are all still a major issue. Hubby helps when he can, but is understandably struggling to help AND keep up with his own full time job. Doing the school pick up each day and trying to do the shopping is a nightmare. I don't have a maid, and cannot sponsor one, so am running out of ideas! Anyone got any creative ideas? I basically need a spare set of legs! Hi littleoldme, Sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds as though you're doing quite a lot as it is. Does your kids' school provide a bus service? I started using ours when I was in hospital after a cs and it was an absolute lifesaver. I had been reticent to begin with but as it happened my dd loved it and it was soooo easy and convenient (if expensive). She ended up taking it until the end of the school year. Re: shopping: where do you live? For a long time I had all my shopping delivered by Al Maya supermarket. It's about the same price as Spinneys and v v convenient. Re: cleaning: I agree with PP re: part-time cleaner. You can also send your ironing out (if you're not already doing so). Hth xx
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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 08:54
Hi afternoon tea (or just coffee) in the area just past the lobby in Al Qasr is fab. Gorgeous setting with beautiful sea views.
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Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 08:39
Lucky you, Betty! My dd2 is about to start school but of course I've just gone and had a 3rd sprog so won't be in your situation for at least another 2 years - unless I go back to work before then as an excuse to put ds in nursery ;-) During the hols I learned to quilt which is challenging and fun - they do classes at Craftland at Town Centre or the quilting shop at Jumeira Plaza. Plus plenty of great suggestions below. Alternatively, do you think you could get a job at your ds's school (if you can place him in a late class or something)?
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Latest post on 25 August 2012 - 23:00
My dd does RG at the Ballet Centre in Jumeira 1 and so far we are v happy with it. Although she is only a beginner, I believe they go up to quite a high level and get involved in competitions etc. Her teacher is called Angel and is vg. Hth x
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Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 20:56
Hi my 5 yo dd is not at RIS but many schools' bus services are run by large private companies. She took the the bus last year for 2 terms and it went really well. The 'nanny' in charge was very nice, as was the driver. I had been apprehensive about putting her on it but it turned out really well and she made some new friends too :-)
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Latest post on 22 August 2012 - 20:49
Hi not sure but you could try Safa - they are also expanding due to larger new premises.
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 14:16
This should put you in the mood: If I try to take you there, would you come with me? The reason flies, the fear is scare, the ocean loves the sea If I try to take you there, would you come with me? The reason flies, the fear is scare, the ocean loves the sea Rhythm is love And heaven is just another world For the feelin called Musical, hey yeah And color is lust Because all of the sexual "thangs" you do In my mind I trust you make em all colorful, hey yeah I'd like to put you In such a romance Take you down To Paris, France Leave the caf¨¦ and the bars Walk the wintry boulevards, hey yeah Is that a smile I see ? Well, maybe your not even Looking at me So if you smile for no reason The season is lost And if your love is the rhythm The rhythm is love, Baby, the rhythm is love... I'd like to put you In such a romance Take you down To Paris, France Leave the caf¨¦ and the bars Walk the wintry boulevards, hey yeah The rhythm is love...
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 14:09
I lived in Paris as a teenager and spent many a Feb afternoon walking those wintry boulevards (as the song goes). Weather similar to London at that time of the year tbh. So pack a winter coat and umbrella and you should be fine. Enjoy... :-)
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 14:05
Thanks EmilyG :) I want to ask her but they're both hectic with planning and I'd feel bad taking up her time with my questions... Is Mumbai Se the shop in MOE, Marina Mall etc. which sells brightly coloured dresses and pashminas and things? I've never been in so thanks for the tip about dresses - a fusion type dress should be perfect! Do you know what kind of price range they are? Thanks Yes there are a few Mumbai Se stores - incl a big one at DM which is where I bought my dress. They don't always have the style I got but it's def worth a look. Sorry I can't remember how much it was - around AED1000 I think (on sale). The salwar was much cheaper - around AED400 - but that may be because I was shopping with a British Asian friend of mine and she was buying a total of 11 outfits for her own wedding! Alternatively, you could try Monsoon where they tend to have bright colours too, and some fusion-like styles. Finally, there is Ekaterina & Maria in Lamcy and Mazaya Centre for more arabic-style evening dresses. Many look OTT at first sight but if you take the time to dig around you can find some real gems. I got a prom-style evening dress there for another mixed wedding a few years ago for AED490!
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 13:57
Hi trilogygirls Unfortunately there is a lot of contradictory info on this. When I first came here for work (8 years ago) my dh had a one way ticket to fly out and join me (but no residence visa). At the *BA* counter at LHR the lady told him that it was against the rules to fly into the UAE on a one way ticket and made him buy a fully refundable business class return ticket! Thankfully he managed to get his money back when he got here. Having said that, ppl do visa runs (e.g. via Muscat or Doha) all the time, using return tickets, the last leg of which is flying back into dxb - you could say this is similar to a one-way into Dubai as there is no onward journey - and they have no issues at all. So I guess you could just try your luck and see what they say when you get to immigration - or else just purchase a return ticket for peace of mind. Good luck x
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 13:44
Hi I attended a British/Pakistani wedding a couple of years ago. For the henna do (all women), I wore a very dressy, red salwar kameez made to measure from Mina Bazaar. Then for the formal mixed event a couple of days later, I had a fusion-style evening dress from Mumbai Se - corset with long skirt and a shawl. If you're unsure, best to ask the bride for advice. I was worried about wearing red but as it happened she was wearing white so it didn't matter :-) Have fun shopping :-)
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 11:59
Hi you could try Al Murooj Rotana (nr Dubai Mall and DIFC), Towers Rotana (across footbridge from Financial Centre metro), Four Points Sheraton (same), Rose Rayhaan (short walk from DIFC), Trade Centre Apts (older and next to trade centre), Park Place (across SZR from trade centre). Good luck x <em>edited by EmilyG on 18/08/2012</em>
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Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 10:35
So nice to see even Spinneys stocking so much locally grown organic veg! :) And not expensive either. Brilliant & supporting our local farmers! Yes, I agree it's much better to buy locally grown food. But it's worth noting that local regulations re: 'organic' produce are rather relaxed (if at all existant)... so not sure how organic they really are.
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Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 09:15
that's an oxymoron if ever there was ....... edited by ishehere on 11/08/2012 Lol - true. Maybe title should read 'Least bad driving school in Dubai'. Did you learn to drive out here? Yes. How did you guess? ;-)
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Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 08:26
Hi I recommend the Maclaren Twin Techno. I'm using it for the 2nd time now - initially with newborn and 2.5 yo, now with 8mo and 3.5 yo (mainly due to heat and need for dd2 to nap in middle of day). It's great - much lighter than others (e.g. P&T) and plenty of room for shopping. Also reclines fully. Good luck x
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Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 22:39
By others maybe-but not by me-it was an individual question and this is my answer-is that a problem for you? Believe me when two very ill premature babies with multiple problems survive it is a gift that surpasses any present Truly, healthy children are far more precious than material goods, and personally my MIL psychologically abused me for years because she failed to grasp that DH and I couldn't conceive in spite of our varied efforts. She assumed that by not producing kids I was acting immature and wasn't truly cut out for marriage to her son. In that light, our first baby was truly the gift that we had prayed for. Our second baby was all the more precious because he became severely ill after we celebrated his seventh day of life, and the doctors suggested that he wouldn't survive. In the past year, each of my kids has had a very scary illness, and the experience truly puts what we value in perspective. Sorry to hear that, Apricot. I hope your two lovely children are ok now.
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Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 22:33
Le Grand Chateau is a great building with ultimate fixtures and amazing lobby..Has a pool and gym too.Its nnear gate#10..1 bed is around 48K there so Im sure 2 bed wil also be within ur budget. HTH :) Interesting... that's v cheap! A bit far out though I guess. Do they have 3 beds?
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Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 22:30
Neither, but what a strange question !! True... and rather ironic given the PP's sign-on! Oh well... I guess everyone enjoys superficial things every so often :-) In answer to the question - neither are v important to me, although I do enjoy having both.
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Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 22:28
that's an oxymoron if ever there was ....... edited by ishehere on 11/08/2012 Lol - true. Maybe title should read 'Least bad driving school in Dubai'.
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Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 22:25
Hi Chams, sorry to hear you're finding it frustrating. Have you tried approaching your dd's nursery? If you already have a relationship with them, you could build on that and explain your situation to them. Nurseries and schools often hire mums who have taken a career break. Alternatively, you could try volunteering e.g. for Old library or a charity. That would give you something to put on your CV, increase your confidence and expand your network. It's true that it's all about networking. Since having kids I have done 2 stints of part time (freelance) work - both for either ex-colleagues or acquaintances. Best of luck and keep trying - you'll get there eventually :-) <em>edited by EmilyG on 11/08/2012</em>
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Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 22:18
I would also recommend Belhasa. They're not perfect but my experience was positive. I also know ppl who learned at Dubai Driving Center and Al Ahli, and based on what they said the standards there appear a good bit lower.
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 16:30
Hi my favourite arabic girls' names are Noor/Noora Leila (means starry night) Zeina Marjane (may be Persian) Tamara Yasmine Hth x
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 16:15
Hi kateh Sorry to hear you're finding it tough. I also gained a bit of weight when I first came out here, but, ironically since having children I've lost it and manage to keep my weight down by: Breastfeeding (obviously only if you have a new baby lol) Not having a maid (just part-time cleaner) Walking wherever I can (preferably with a double buggy) Always eating breakfast (to avoid snacking on muffins) Ordering skinny lattes instead of full fat Not drinking alcohol (full of sugar and makes me eat twice as much) Not baking cakes at home (unless kids insist on it!) Not eating out too much (brunch = gluttony) Not serving myself a plate if I pick at kids' leftovers. Other than that, I don't follow any form of diet or exercise plan. Just try to go run either in gym or outside when I have time (not much atm as kids off), or swim a few lengths in pool. That's about it! Hth and don't give up hope, you'll get there in the end. Em xx <em>edited by EmilyG on 09/08/2012</em>
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Latest post on 02 August 2012 - 08:38
Hi Nadiya, BMWs are great cars *but* I wouldn't buy one new here as AGMC (who appear to have a monopoly in dxb) are awful.
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Latest post on 31 July 2012 - 19:24
I was there a lot this year and last and so many stories of banks refusing credit so it may be very difficult. The best source of information is http://www.askaboutmoney.com/ where I got a lot of advice on my own mortgage. On the other hand if I had cash to spare I would definitely be investing in Ireland now as the prices are rock bottom. I saw apartments in the best parts of Dublin for 100k which would have changed hands for around 500k back in 2007. Eventually the prices will have to improve. It's true that prices are very low... but we don't yet know whether they have hit the bottom. It's worth noting that they are *still* 5 times what they were in 1993. The house I grew up in was worth GBP100k in 1991, GBP1.2m in 2006 and is now at GBP500k. Assuming that prices cannot fall any further is often the worst basis on which to make an investment decision as you can never be sure that the bottom has been hit until they beging to climb back up. I would be *extremely* wary of the Dublin property market!
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Latest post on 26 July 2012 - 17:29
Hello Mrs Orchid I had British birth certs drawn up by the consulate for all of my kids as at the time I thought that it was standard procedure. It's not necessary though. Nowadays, people tend to favour doing this as it means not having to send off as many documents to Dusseldorf with the child's passport application. But if you already have a passport for him, that is irrelevant. I guess the only other advantage is that when asked for their birth cert in future, a child can produce a 'British-looking' one as opposed to a foreign-looking one - not that that is important though! Hth
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Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 15:12
Thanks for all your responses! Great to hear that mothercare may have rear-facing seats for the next stage. Hope they can also fit in my car when facing fwd. If not, may just keep Max I cosi cabrio for a bit longer and then move to a fwd facing seat with a narrow back. Will try to dig up old thread about these.
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Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 14:57
Is it just my impression, or is Ramadan becoming stricter?
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Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 14:55
Wow. Another one bites the dust.
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Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 22:50
Is there anywhere child-friendly (e.g. with adjoining play area) open? I have been traipsing around Jumeira 1 with my double buggy to no avail. All the coffee shops around here are closed, as is Peekaboo until 3pm! Only possibility is Safeplay in JP and that was heaving this am. Please help :-( Not sure if this helps, but the Make Business Hub has a separate company childcare neighbouring outlet which looks after kiddies by the hour whilst mums have lunch. Both are on the first floor and enclosed so its safe and they are open during Ramadan. It has quite cafe-laptop vibe about it but lots of folk just sit and have lunch or read a book, without necessarily doing business. Great healthy food like avo on toast with tomato juice, coconut bread, trout salad, poached salmon on bruschetta. They will also give you a laptop if you want to check your emails!! Ive had ladies lunches there. Thanks hilsbils. Where is it located?
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Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 22:22
Is there anywhere child-friendly (e.g. with adjoining play area) open? I have been traipsing around Jumeira 1 with my double buggy to no avail. All the coffee shops around here are closed, as is Peekaboo until 3pm! Only possibility is Safeplay in JP and that was heaving this am. Please help :-(
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Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 22:12
Profuse apologies, Lilypad! I tried to find this thread yesterday using the search function but it didn't come up, so I thought you had deleted it (lol). I'm not an expert on the insurance side, but I was with Alico for dd1 and they reimbursed everything, plus some private appts too. I just paid upfront and then submitted the receipts to my employer for processing. That was in 2006 though. Re: antenatal package, I would just pay the 5k upfront and claim the amount back from Alico. Even if you eventually decide to deliver in your home country, it's worth securing yourself a place at Latifa just in case you go into premature labour. You can email me. Happy to chat :-) Sorry again for the delayed response. Emily <em>edited by EmilyG on 24/07/2012</em>
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Latest post on 22 July 2012 - 21:56
This is the second time I have heard this about Organics at DM. How ridiculous! As PP says, we used to meet there for bf meets. I have bfed my 3 kids all over Dubai and not had any problems at all. If I were you ai would *definitely* complain to the management - preferably Nils, the GM.