mpp_jl | ExpatWoman.com
 

mpp_jl

438
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 10:28
any supermarket, they always look for change, but at the end of the day or afternoon :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 12:10
Also I don't know if you are aware that in UAE the driving licence is different for man & auto cars, so this is also something to consider when choosing a new car. I am puzzled by this - what is the difference on the licence? I was never asked what I drove at home - which was both - but I can't see anything on my licence that states that I can only drive one type. I am afraid it's not on your DL card, but in your RTA file. Here even the drive tests are different for man or auto. Go figure why..... back home there is no difference too, but.... I found this out when we were selling our old car in Jan. Our car was auto, but the DL of the purchaser was man :\: big mess.... had to find other person, the guy was very unhappy ...... and so on. had to do the whole thing 2 times. Not nice. <em>edited by mpp_jl on 29/08/2011</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 10:57
Yes, here it's really complicated. Maybe if the house belongs to you. I guess it's up to personal trust :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 10:42
oo..... just remembered.... you have to consider also if the car is a model made for the Gulf, because if it's not, than you will have A/C problem. I love Dodge :) I got Durango 4x4 and because the 4x4 is not available even now in UAE and the Gulf, I got it from US :) Then I had to change the A/C :( Not strong enough for this weather. Fortunately Dodge parts here are not expensive and all available from the dealer for all brands and models. Also I don't know if you are aware that in UAE the driving licence is different for man & auto cars, so this is also something to consider when choosing a new car.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 10:34
:D I am sure all will be just fine. O...one more idea... you can take some instant dry porridge packets. They are very easy to use and all ages love them :) Just don't forget that you will need some cup or something and spoon to put the porridge in :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 10:07
Hi, you can take your food frozen, but not in plastic containers as there are no microwaves on board, just ovens. if you use one time use tins, than you will be fine, but again it depends on the service you will have :) All the food on the plane is also frozen and the ovens are made to defrost and reheat. If this is the method you will use I suggest you start the preparation for the food 20min more than usual in case they heat up the food too much and then you will have to wait for it to cool. If you are carrying just veggies, than you can use very hot water to heat the food up. In this case you can use plastic containers. Other option is for you to ask the airline for special meal for your child during the flight. Most have 3-4 options. If this is ok for you than it's hustle free. You ca just carry some snacks :) Hope this helps. Cheers <em>edited by mpp_jl on 29/08/2011</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 09:50
Actually i was researching it. The problem is that in UAE a company to provide services legally it needs to employ people and the idea of the house sitting is that anyone can do it without employment. :( As for the guarantee in some countries like Kenya where I was house sitting a passport and ID copies are provided in case of anything, plus you always have a contract signed by both parties. Actually in UAE the contract is more than enough as it is valid in Court - same as your tenancy contract, it's still valid even if not registered with RERA.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 09:12
try dubizzle.com they have lots of distress sales. be careful though, as if you like something you need to check it with mechanic to make sure it's what they say it is. you will find some 4x4 there :) o... and don't go for Alfa Romeo as the parts are too expensive. it's a second hand car after all :) cheers
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 09:04
Hi, we rent Nissan Tida too, but with Thrifty for 1935/m.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 09:16
There are a few websites in housesitting. Perhaps they could tide over their difficult times sitting different houses / apartments? Can you please give me some of these websites? Thanks :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 14:06
Yes, the splitting of villas for differen families is illegal, it's for safety reasons. If the authorities do chose to bust them, as they did several years ago, it results in mass evictions and fines - not fun. As they are a young family they may very well weigh this option to be the lessor of two issues compared to breaking employment contracts and absconding, with now attracts an irreversible lifetime ban, and I know which I'd rather live with. The person with whom they stay also runs a risk -'technically' at law there is no such thing as free work, legally she would be working illegally by offering this free service, and the tenant would be hiring someone working illegally. I don't wish to be the gremlin, but it's best they weigh their options with all possibilities in mind - eyes wide open. What language does she speak? If she is willing to work under the table she may make a few hundred dirhams a week teaching a language to people as a tutor at their home - particularly if she speaks French. That's very good idea. I'll talk to her, she speaks French :D thanks
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 13:45
I am sorry to say, but it may not be from your machine. Where do you live? Some areas have bad water and when the machine starts heating it up the smell goes to your clothes. :(
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 13:31
Call RERA, they should know what you can do and what you can't do. You can just file a complaint and then inform your LL - usually this works :) good luck
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 13:25
it was on Gulf news that all government will be off that week. http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/eid-al-fitr-holidays-announced-for-all-sectors-in-uae-1.853595
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 13:16
My first thoughts when I saw the OP, was of course, young girl, bit of a struggle...what harm in putting her up for a bit temporarily while she got back on her feet. Sort of thing wouldnt hesitate doing for a friend in an instant. But, she is not my friend, nor anyone known to me (and hubby would have kittens) and how temporary is temporary? Then I started to think, well shouldnt her friends help out? Been times in our lives as youngsters we've had someone living in our lounge while they sort themselves, you just muck in and get on with it. It is after all temporary. Now theres a kid and a hubby in the mix, child in daycare, hubby working full time. Does your friend work too? Is she planning on doing the childminding/housework around her work hours? If she is fully employed and yet they find themselves in what is obviously a dire financial situation where they cannot even afford to pay for a room for the 3 of them, then the kindest thing I suggest, is that they get themselves out and back to their home country where they will have the family support and possible financial assistance from the govt. I would hate to see a young family get ground down by debt here, or find themselves futher in a mire they can't get themselves out of. Do they have an exit strategy? Is there perhaps a way some of us could help them with tickets out of here? Obviously, not knowing their full circumstances, all of this could be way off. Yes, you are right and I understand the point made very well. They are a yang family and both working full time, the child is on daycare full time too. Their finances are not that bad, just lots of bad things came at the same time and they need just some break to coop with this. The temporary is 2 – max 3 months, so it is temporary. I can say that she is a person of her word and this was proven to be over the years, so if someone is able to help, there will be no extensions, etc. As for the leaving the country, I subjected that too, but they are very honest people and running away is out of the question, plus as I mentioned it’s not that bad. Unfortunately most of our friends are gone home due to similar reasons as most people that left last and this year, me and my hubby live in apartment so no space, she has no other family here and on top of that her family back home is not so good too….. You get the picture. As for the legal part – I did not know that it’s illegal to stay in someone’s home if you are on residence visa. To be honest it’s not making much sense to me. How about all these people renting together villas? They have different residence visas and live under the same roof. Most of them are families. Yes, most are not Europeans, but it is the same thing. This is common practice in Rashidia. The house is even sub-sub-leased. Is this also illegal? And if yes, then maybe I should be asking if someone is ready to rent her a space for reasonable price plus help? Would that be ok? I am sure she would not like to create a problem of any kind to anyone.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 11:44
Does she need accommodation for just herself? Or child too.and DH? Yes, sorry, I was not very clear on that :) She needs for DH and child too, but as I mentioned they all are now in one room so if it is another room it will be fine for them. Her husband is Master of Operations and works all day, very nice guy. Her child is 3 now and goes to daycare, so again - not home all day.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 11:04
sorry, no. all government is closed from 28/o8 to 03/09, including.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 11:00
Thanks Natalie :) She is looking for temp only and most people are looking for nanny to keep. That's why I decided to post it here. She is European Bachelor graduate with 13+ years of business and corporate experience and if it is on part-time maybe she can do this for longer, but otherwise I don't think she would like to be a maid. When my son was born she was helping me and I don't know how I would survived without her, but this was just 2-3h per day as she is working and has her own child :) I was thinking that someone needs really professional help and don't mind getting it for free in exchange of one room. My friend and her family now are in a studio that is the size of a small room, so it will not make much of a difference for them on the leaving space, but it will be very big help on their finances as they will not pay rent. I don't know, maybe I am just dreaming, but it's worth a try.. :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 08:45
Yes, that's the good thing with agencies :) Just need to push them. Good luck :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 August 2011 - 08:41
That's what I was trying to imply mpp - guess I didn't do a very good job!;) :D but someone need to tell them and push them in the right direction :) I guess I didn't do a very good job too :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 12:46
MOE, Virgin :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 12:42
Even so, it has to pass the RTA inspection, and if such a practice is brought to their attention - guess who the police/relevant govt. dept. is going to go after.....???? true, but deceiving RTA is also a crime punishable by prison time and this will be followed :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 12:38
Hi, so sorry that this has happened to you :( If the car is from a dealer than the first step is to talk to them, but in most cases will be to no avail :/ Next step is to file a complaint against the dealer with the Customer protection department at the municipality (not sure about the exact name, but they are there for such things and are good). You are the customer and you are deceived about what you are purchasing so this will be under their jurisdiction. They can tell you if police report needs to be filed too. I had a case with spoiled food and it turned out good :) I know it's not the same, but according to the law here everything about your car needs to disclosed, so since it was not, you have the right. good luck :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 12:27
Yes, there is such a thing :) I am doing this for 2 years now and found out that it is difficult to find someone good, but there are people that are very good at this. Most are actually fully booked If you are interested or you need some advice on how it works and what are the traps you need to look for, please let me know. Will be happy to help :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 09:31
I am not sure there is one. also most Nurseries do not except kids below 2 years..... If nothing comes up you can check the ones in Int. City, it's very close + they have transport most of the times. Kids World is the best there. They have a branch in JLT too :) Good luck :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 August 2011 - 09:27
Hey, congrats first and second - most doctors here are not so good if I may say or at least my exp. was like that. When I was pregnant after some exp. like yours I found Dr. Galia in Belhoul. She was great, very gentle and helped me a lot. She is Bulgarian I think. Hope this is some help :) Good luck to you and don't stress
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 15:42
Yes, me too. I have in office Etisalat and at home is DU - not working ether way :( Missed my EW...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 15:33
I totally understand what you mean :) Do you know where you will be in Dubai? My son goes to daycare full time and it's not that much. There are some good places on low price. Monthly is like 400 pnds. Let me know if you are interested, I can help you to book a place as it's not easy. :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 15:23
Just to mention that A/C chiller free does not mean anything and you still are going to pay for your A/C, just in different terms. Also you can negotiate the deposit to be less with the agent and if it was me, I would try to find the owner and make the deal with him and not pay the agent at all. Dealing with agents always leads to problems and also as you mentioned for 1 year it is too much money just for shifting from one place to other. Hope this helps. Cheers :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 15:02
Yes, you can do this, but that will be part-time work and it's more complicated legally. Part-time workers are not on your visa, so the control is not there, plus if something happens you have no rights to go after the worker. I am a nanny here on part-time and have heard so many stories from the parents.... your hair goes up. My advice is to go for it, but be more than usual suspicious and check absolutely everything about the person. If this is not successful you can send them to preschool and daycare. There you have guarantees as it is a company. Good luck :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 14:56
Yes, it a standard since the credit crunch :) But, depending on the post you are taking you can negotiate the terms. My DH had them change it to "may be amended or changed after a period of 1 year" or something like that. The point is that at least for 1 year they can't take anything out and in the meantime you can decide if this is the place for you. Hope this helps. Cheers :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 14:46
Traveling of staying in any GCC country with your UAE reg. is not a problem. You do not need to export the car. Only if you are going to other country than you will have to. A friend of mine had this issue and spoke to Emirates NBD (his car loan bank) and as they have lots of branches all over GCC there was no problem to shift and take his car. The bank issued him a letter and he continued to pay his loan from Qatar. I suggest you talk with your bank and see if they are doing the same. Good luck :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 14:25
Complaint can be made to the Labor Department, but it will not do any good. Sorry :( teh company will be fined and made to close ...... only if there is written proof, E-mail, something...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 14:24
question my employer (private western-owned company) has said that we aren't doing ramadan hours for non-muslims, and 'of course we are going by the labour law - non-muslims are choosing to work a full day' the insinuation is that you could request to work ramadan hours, but this will be frowned upon, and if you can do your normal work in 6 hours by requesting ramadan hours, then you can take on additional work as clearly you have 2 hours a day spare.. any thoughts or suggestions on how to tackle this? or do we put up and shut-up Ask them to put it in writing yes :) this will look very nice in the Labor Dept. :) even E-mail is ok. you can make anonymous complaint, so not to have any work problems :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 14:22
According to the law in UAE all privet companies Muslim or non-Muslim are to reduce their working hours to 6. One hour can be added as to cover lunch break. Only if you work in a business like mall shops, etc. the working hours can stay as they are, but the extra hours should be paid 2,5 times + extra off should be given to the employees after the Ramadan sales, etc. That is the law. Now, some companies are playing smart and want to make their employees work more, but this is not regulated by the law, so you must know your rights. Complaint can be made to the Labor Department, but it will not do any good. Sorry :(
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 16:53
lol, this can be not nice, very not nice... you should go to your GP just to check it. I learned sometime back that you can do great damage on your toes just by uncomfortable and tight shoes. you will feel it only after. if this is the case your nail might fall off :( sorry, hope this is not the case, but just check with a GP to be sure.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 16:39
Hi, First question is does your contract mention that if notice is not given the contract will be automatically renewed? If yes, than I am afraid you will have to pay penalty. If no, than you have no problem as long as you don't sing new contract - the contract is finished, no new agreement, no new contract.... you are free :) Second, if you are going on vacation during the time the contract is expiring, than if you don't have new contract how and where you will go, your things from your house will be where? If you find new place than you are ok, but if not? If your contract is expired and there is no new agreement on the rent with your LL by then, you can try and extend the contract with 2 -3 months for the same rent to give you time to find something as per your DH requirements :) after you come back from your leave. But this is only if your contract is not automatically renewed. I hope this helps :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 16:29
This is quite strange as RTA do not have your place of work, they have no reason to. I was interested to check these machines and guess what, they give all sorts of info just by you putting in a car number plate :\: I use AXA, so my info is safe, but is this even legal here? This should be confidential information. Very strange I have to say. I think I'll avoid this machines too. thanks for sharing
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 16:21
31 700 :( hum, I'll have to learn some more
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 11:40
sorry to hear that :( unfortunately this is quite common here. if in the contract is mentioning that the building is only for families, than you can even call the police and complain that too many people are staying together in this or that place as they are the ones that will come and check if more than the allowed number of people are in one apartment. we had similar problem with the apartment above us - I think 10 people in 1 bedroom. police came and fined the people there or if they work for the same company the fine will be for the company, and also gave them a notice to vacate the premises. now we have a family and it's much better. one more tip is never take any place from agent without knowing the name of the LL and his/her contact details. also if the contract is on the name of the agency, please make sure to ask for ownership papers and permission letter from the LL to the agent to rent the place as re-renting is not legal and you will be in problem too. hope all goes well. cheers
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 July 2011 - 11:29
to make it legal don't make it as lower salary, but as deduction for something that you are providing for her and she needs to sign this as a contract between you and her.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 17:19
I haven't heard of that book. Did it work for you? still working on it :D but everything is explained very nice and simple. mail me on my name at hotmail and I can send you the soft copy :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 10:37
You definitely need to see a doctor. It might be something small and simple, but if not taken care of can become big... Good luck to you 2 :)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 10:30
http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=153818 check this one too :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 10:26
Potty training in one week by Gina Ford. The book is simple and step-by-step :) If you can't find it, let me know :D One amazing lady from EW gave it to me and I think it is the perfect help for someone like me that have tried and failed 3 time already :) oo, and 3 1/2 is not that old for potty training, so don't stress yourself. I'm training my DS and one thing I have to tell you for sure - you need lots of patience :) Follow his lead and everything will be ok :D I know how you feel, but.... when it's done you'll forget all and you will not have to do it again. <em>edited by mpp_jl on 18/07/2011</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 13:44
Go to Organic Cafe at Dubai Mall, LG level. Lots of choices and all clean and no sugar :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 13:18
:D :D :D Congrats! It is so great when you can see your child having fun even without you, right? :) I am so happy for you TwoKids :) Keep doing what you feel is right for you and your DD and be happy :D Cheers
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 12:15
Dear TwoKids, First I would like to say that it is entirely up to you and your child what age is appropriate for camp. My DS went to summer camp when hi was 1,8 and loved it. Since then he is going every year during summer and winter. I believe that if your child is mentally ready for something you should encourage it, that includes school. If your child is ready for school at 4 or even 3, why would you stop him/her from going to school?! All kids are very different and some are very fast in their development, especially girls. My DS is 2,5 now and he is almost ready for school, so whenever he reaches this stage, we will send him to school. For me it's up to him when he is ready. I don't want to impose someone else rules about what age he should be doing this or that. As for your DD not in the mood of going to the camp, I think you should spend a day with her in the camp. I know it's not easy, but it can be super fun and if the reason why she doesn't like it is because she feels alone and left there, you can actually show her that this is fun and there is nothing to be afraid of :) At the same time you can see what the camp is all about and if there is something that affects your child negatively. If that is the reason just stop taking her there and look for other camp. I spend 3 days with my DS the first time, it was super cool and fun :) He was next to me and not doing anything the first hour and then ..... no mama, no nothing :D having fun by himself and forgot about me :D I hope this helps. Just follow your child steps in development and don't listen too much what you should or shouldn't do. Your DD know better what she is ready for and what she is not :) Good luck and hope soon you and your DD will have lots of fun together at the camp :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 16:34
I agree with adoz, don't panic yet. Have in mind that boys are slower on the talking than the girls, they use only one part of the brain for that and it takes more time :) Also all kids are different, so yes, go for the tests, but don't panic and just wait a little. Cheers and good luck :D
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 16:29
I would suggest also Nairobi as there the weather is always good :D If you want Europe, than maybe Prague :)