norak

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EW GURU

Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 19:42

My son just asked me where he could find some, and I drew a blank. Don't think he cares what design is on the back -- just a normal pack of playing cards. Any ideas? Thanks.

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norak

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EW GURU

Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 11:51

She must have been on her period when she said it. (Shakes head.)

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norak

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EW GURU

Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 05:28

Fairy Dust, glad everything went smoothly. Just want to weigh in on the insurance debate. I have done numerous runs and have not once been asked about insurance. I have it, but have never been asked.

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norak

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EW GURU

Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 05:50

xN: I just my visa run yesterday. It is even more easier now with the new gates and building open -- though a bit confusing since it was my first time since they opened. They operate 24/7. I am not aware of having to "apply" for a visa run--I just go (US passport). From the Springs, it take me approximately 4 hours to drive back and forth to Hatta -- start to finish. I set my cruise to 110 mph in the 120 zones. Don't think it is necessary to bring your sponsor but, if anyone goes with you, make sure they bring their passport or Emirates ID. Beebers gives a great detail of your procedure once you reach the border, but I wanted to just add that you may not be aware that there is a short section of your drive to Hatta that is actually owned by Oman. What I mean is that the continuous road you take to Hatta from Dubai passes through an area owned by Oman. As a result, before you get to Hatta, you will pass through a gate operated by Omani personnel where they will look at your passport and do a visual inspection of your car -- usually just pop your trunk etc. Just tell them you are doing a visa run -- they will understand. Once inside that short area, you will see Omani owned gas stations, etc., and you will come out on the other side where you will pass through another gate (passport check - tell them visa run, etc.), and you are back again in UAE territory. Proceed with Beeber's instructions when you eventually reach the border. It's a bit confusing if this is your first time. If possible, especially since it is your first time, you might want to consider taking a visa service operator who will guide you through the whole process for your first time. I know there was a British owned service doing this which was reasonably priced and there was a van in front of me with "Go Tour" operators on the door which was taking a group of 6 through yesterday. Those you will need to book in short advance to make sure you get a seat for the day you want to go. To drive myself it cost almost a full tank of gas (100 Dhs) , the 50 Dhs. Oman fee, and any drinks/snacks if you choose. I think I may book these services myself next month if they are competitively priced. I think if you follow Beeber's response, you should not have any problems. Those who control the gates etc. have always been courteous and fairly friendly each time I have gone. Hope this helps a bit. <em>edited by norak on 15/09/2014</em>

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norak

711

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EW GURU

Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 05:50

xN: I just my visa run yesterday. It is even more easier now with the new gates and building open -- though a bit confusing since it was my first time since they opened. They operate 24/7. I am not aware of having to "apply" for a visa run--I just go (US passport). From the Springs, it take me approximately 4 hours to drive back and forth to Hatta -- start to finish. I set my cruise to 110 mph in the 120 zones. Don't think it is necessary to bring your sponsor but, if anyone goes with you, make sure they bring their passport or Emirates ID. Beebers gives a great detail of your procedure once you reach the border, but I wanted to just add that you may not be aware that there is a short section of your drive to Hatta that is actually owned by Oman. What I mean is that the continuous road you take to Hatta from Dubai passes through an area owned by Oman. As a result, before you get to Hatta, you will pass through a gate operated by Omani personnel where they will look your passport and do a visual inspection of your car -- usually just pop your trunk etc. Just tell them you are doing a visa run -- they will understand. Once inside that short area, you will see Omani owned gas stations, etc., and you will come out on the other side where you will pass through another gate (passport check - tell them visa run, etc.), and you are back again in UAE territory. Proceed with Beeber's instructions when you eventually reach the border. It's a bit confusing if this is your first time. If possible, especially since it is your first time, you might want to consider taking a visa service operator who will guide you through the whole process for your first time. I know there was a British owned service doing this which was reasonably priced and there was a van in front of me with "Go Tour" operators on the door which was taking a group of 6 through yesterday. Those you will need to book in short advance to make sure you get a seat for the day you want to go. To drive myself it cost almost a full tank of gas (100 Dhs) , the 50 Dhs. Oman fee, and any drinks/snacks if you choose. I think I may book these services myself next month if they are competitively priced. I think if you follow Beeber's response, you should not have any problems. Those who control the gates etc. have always been courteous and fairly friendly each time I have gone. Hope this helps a bit. <em>edited by norak on 15/09/2014</em>

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norak

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EW GURU

Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 23:09

My daughter went and said "she was amazing." She really enjoyed the concert, was great "live", performance a bit toned down but still herself. She had no regrets. On my part, I was able to drive and drop her off close to her gate and picked her up afterwards at same place fairly easily. Access was pretty impressive. She said the security was generally "clueless" but adequate. Got a tee shirt for 40 Dhs (I think that was good). I don't know about radio today cause I was home all day, but there was an on-radio after party on Virgin where they interviewed people who attended to get their reaction, play some of her music etc. People were gushing about it. The only question she really had was the venue itself --- seating versus placement of seats -- don't know how people would have been able to see decently in the grandstands for the price of tickets etc. Oh, and it was really sticky "hot". Overall, very glad she went.

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norak

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EW GURU

Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 16:30

Saw some at Creative Minds in Barsha/MOE. I usually get general sewing supplies at Lulu. They usually have the basics.

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norak

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EW GURU

Latest post on 05 September 2014 - 20:36

I agree with Rosselina, I was at Creative Minds today. They had all sorts of letter stencils and in different sizes. Thought of this post when I saw them.

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norak

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EW GURU

Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 23:10

Thanks for your replies. I never thought to ask for a discount at the time when registering -- that is usually when I pay them anyways -- but will give it a go. What could it hurt? Thank you again.

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norak

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EW GURU

Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 20:54

I was there in February and, unfortunately for you, stayed at a hotel ( it's name: NH Collection Roma Vittorio Veneto) just outside the old "wall" and it did not have a pool - although hotel was very nice, clean and adequate and just down the road from the designer district and upscale hotels. The old roman sites are mostly contained within the City and can be reached by a tour bus -- on and off. It's actually not that big (in my opinion) and I walked a great deal but with small children would be difficult to manage. I would suggest any hotel around Via Veneto and/or Spagna area. Now the Veneto area is very upmarket with all the name brand hotels and shops -- but if you were to find an off the main street hotel at a reasonable price the area is good. Spagna is another area very close to Veneto. Personally, we were out during the day and night walking and had no problems safety wise. There were always people around and fairly busy. I was out by myself (hijab wearing lady) the whole day walking, tour sites, bus tours even the trains and had no problems but do take normal bag/purse safety measures as would do anywhere. My only suggestion is if you are with kids in particular, make sure to take adequate supplies for kids as food/drinks tend to be very pricey everywhere. Supermarkets within the City central are hard to come by (although there was a Carrefore near our hotel), but there are convenient stores everywhere but a bit more expensive than a grocery. I loved Rome. I wish I could help you more with specific hotels.

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