norak | ExpatWoman.com
 

norak

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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 21:03
May seem like a silly question, but do these doctors also do the botox for excess sweating. I am looking into that now -- does anyone have an idea how much is costs and recommendations.
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Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 20:51
I'm with pollydxb, I'd do it in a nanosecond as well. I am from the US as well, but I'd give anything to go back now - years older and wiser -- and do something. I am so over Dubai--20 years is enough. Personally, go and don't look back.
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Latest post on 04 March 2014 - 03:31
I am no expert on Rome, but I was fortunate to travel there last month for 3 1/2 days as my husband had some business meeting there. There was no way he was going alone. So, while he was out, I pretty much walked around the entire old city. I was able to see the things I wanted to see but, I got to tell you, I was exhausted and I did not have to cart around a little one. That said, I would never let that stop me either. I am replying because I was a bit surprised at how long the lines were to get in the major sites in February and cold and rainy days. St. Peter's was the fastest, probably 25 minutes or so. The Colosseum was at least a good 1 hour line. The Vatican Museum (a good walk from St. Peter's by the way) was pretty much straight in put I did not do any type of tours -- just wondered around myself. My first day in I took one of those tour buses which allows you to jump on or off at the major sites to just get a feel for the city etc. There were children on with strollers I believe. As kfn219 said, there are tour groups that can apparently get you past all the lines etc. if you can afford it All I can say is that you will walk a lot which I enjoyed very much. Wear very comfortable shoes. Also, try to locate a local grocery to keep snacks, water etc for yourself and little one as purchasing at convenient vendors is expensive. There are not that many actual groceries in the inner city. I hope you enjoy the city as much as I did. I fell in love with it.
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Latest post on 27 January 2014 - 14:41
We have a Springs home as well that developed a water leak from a broken pipe just in front of the carport/sidewalk line. Because it did not effect our water meter, we were not aware until it started to saturate and then started sinking and, by then, the carport developed many cracks. Worst of all, the carport itself cracked where it attaches to the house. We now have plates which keep the carport attached to the house. The problem we had was that Emaar did not want to take responsibility (just new) and said it was a DEWA problem, and DEWA said it was an Emaar problem. We went round and round forever - literally. The leak was fixed but no one would take responsibility for the carport cracks being fixed except for the plates that were installed. If it is definitely under the carport then it sounds like a landlord's responsibility. I agree about sending pictures to landlord -- start documenting phone calls to landlord, dates, etc. in the event you need to force his hand with the rent committee. Good luck.
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Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 12:31
My second favorite name for a girl is Maleck or Malek which is the female version of angel. The male version is malik. My first is Amirah which is what I named by DD and already mentioned.
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Latest post on 10 January 2014 - 09:38
I wholeheartedly agree. I just received my statement the other day. I was forced into purchasing a couple of vouchers because of expiration of my hard earned points, and ended up donating about 10,000 because of little choice. It was hard to earn what I had. Frustrating.
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Latest post on 18 November 2013 - 23:57
Ladies, I don't think you will be able to find Butterball Turkeys anymore. A good while back, one of the posters mentioned that Butterball would no longer produce Halal turkeys and, therefore, they would no longer be on the market . Once the remainder stocks were out , the Jennie-O's were brought in to replace. I could be wrong, but I specifically remember this thread. Has anyone tried a Miramar turkey as I don't care for their other products. The Jennie-O'ls are ok.
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Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 14:15
I've looked myself but I think you'll need to order them online. I've yet to find anything usable. I've not bought anything myself -- but I will one day when I am ready!! I just love this site: http://www.stencil-library.com.
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Latest post on 13 November 2013 - 14:10
Whoopsies FrizzyBusy! My bad. Yes, I meant Bath and Body Works. I have found the ones with cinnamon seem to be the strongest (without being overpowering), those with apple are great too, or the Christmas(y) type are good. They had some a couple of years ago that were winter scented woody, spruce tree etc. that were so lovely. Reminded me so much of home. I'll have to send my daughter over to see if they have any new scents for the coming season/winter. My daughter is partial to the berry/orange/citrus types. <em>edited by norak on 13/11/2013</em>
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 23:04
I love, love, love the candles or wallflowers (plug ins) from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I keep the wallflowers plugged in all the time in all my bathrooms, and they smell wonderful. That said, if you want candles, their selection is great also. When on sale, I stock up on everything.
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 22:12
We are sort of going through that ourselves at the moment. My husband's niece was killed instantly in a car accident here in Libya a few days ago. In general, Muslims (I am assuming they are arabic speaking Muslims) do not believe in drawn out grief etc. The day you are destined to die is written for you before you were born, and to interfere or prolong burial and extensive grieving -- this is to sort of questioning God\s plan.. That said, allowances are made for close family in that they can grieve longer, but even then it s frowned upon. Just remind them that this is part of God's plan for each of us, and we must accept his will. Best advice is to remind them to make dua'h for the deceased and be strong for the rest of the family. I hope this helps in some small way.
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Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 21:45
I've bought two digital scales (two households) from Tchibo, and they both continue to work great. I don't think I paid over 50 Dhs for either of them. If you check a few different stores, you should be able to find one. Off the top of my head, they have stores at Ibn Battuta, Oasis Center, Mirdiff City Center, and then there are the Brands for Less which stock the Tchibo products as well. Good luck.
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Latest post on 15 October 2013 - 22:01
Thanks so much everyone. I'll swing by a Zoom on way to airport! I'll be gone for about 5 months - but will log on when I can to keep up. Best wishes to everyone.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2013 - 16:54
Hi again AnonDubai. Just to let you know I just finished doing my third visa run and had no problem -- so Im sure 4 months will be ok.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 October 2013 - 23:08
I popped in there on Friday to pick up something very quickly and it was reasonably busy then. It was humid that night and did not stay long and left as it was getting dark, and it was getting busier. Most of the stalls to the 7 or 8 pavilions I saw were open -- some where stlll setting up.
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Latest post on 14 October 2013 - 17:57
Thanks for the link for the future -- for me. I should say that I found some myself at the papershop upstairs at the Town Center in Um Suqeem. Its to the left of the shop that sells sewing machines and has sewing classes, sponsors the quilting exhibition. It's the Martha Stewart brand. Hope this helps also. Wow, all of a sudden we have a choice!!
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Latest post on 12 October 2013 - 01:25
Hi AnonDubai. Massachusetts has very little requirements for a Will to be valid. You just need to make sure it is typed and signed in the presence of two disinterested witnesses. No need for notarization. All signing should be done at the same time or in the presence of each other. That's basically it. I have prepared a very basic draft for a simple Will that will work, that I would be happy to send to you if you give me your email. I will be out most of tomorrow (Sat.), so perhaps we can connect over the board on Sunday as I don't want to leave your email exposed. Hope this helps.
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Latest post on 11 October 2013 - 03:41
When my kids were younger, I used to take glossy pictures from fan magazines and sports magazines and even cd covers to Desco and have them blow them up to I think it was A3. My kids really loved them. Hope this helps; otherwise, you might try the larger bookshops such as Dubai Mall.
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 20:53
EmmaRitz: Interesting concept, and I understand what you are suggesting, but I don't think it would hold up based on past lectures I have attended from attorneys/Muslims in the States. Because the asset (any) has not actually been received, it is not a completed gift. In the States, any gifts done in contemplation of death can and are usually challenged by the Courts for tax purposes. Most has to do with the time of gifting and the date of death. A person can gift but if done to avoid probate taxes will be scrutinized. AnonDubai: What state are you from or where do you believe your husband and/or family would file probate papers?
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 18:59
In my opinion and based on your comments, it sounds as though they are looking for a reason to fire you -- perhaps because your pregnant and don't want to be obvious. I could be wrong.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 18:38
I would be interested in learning more about this (shariah) gifting as I was under the impression that it could only be done when you are alive and, therefore, transaction must be complete before death, i.e. transfer of title, etc. What would be the purpose of filling out a form to be used upon death then as that is essentially the same as putting it into a Will. I can't understand how it could hold up under Court - just does not make sense to me. Islamically, we can gift anything while we are alive. Shariah only allows for charity gifting up to a certain percentage within the Will itself. As a paralegal for many years in my past life, I urge you to at least prepare a simple Will for the purposes of US assets. Go online and you will find many easy forms that conform to your original State (each State has different requirements). Without a Will the estate would be eaten up by taxes and legal fees and help cut down on processing time. If you need some help, let me know. I want to mention something about Power of Attorneys here. My husband and I prepared them last year and filed with the Dubai Courts. I attempted to use it recently with a local bank a couple of weeks ago and they refused. Wanted an additional letter signed by the party (my husband) authorizing such a thing -- totally insane -- as that Is the purpose of the POA ! Then, even after letter, they refused because they played with the wording. The POA said "to open ..." but this account was dormant -- so they said "open" is not the same thing as "reactivating" and again refused the POA. When I took it up with the typing place at the Court, they said that this is the wording that has been approved by the Courts and, of course, they could not include every nuance of wording to please everyone. Also, there is now talk about POA's having to be renewed every year --- again totally insane as defeats the purpose for which they were created. I'm not saying this will happen at other banks but it does make me fearful for future use should it be needed.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 17:40
Pumpkin pie is very easy to make. Just buy a can of LIbby's Pumpkin and follow the recipe on back. Buy a frozen crust if you can't make them, but they are pretty easy as well. Thousands of crust recipes on internet. Just a note - don't buy any other brand of pumpkin as I have found the flavor is not as good as Libby's brand. Otherwise, as suggested, buy a frozen one. Usually Choithram's, Safeway or, possibly, Park and Shop carry Sarah Lee. Choithram's would be my first place to look.
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Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 16:06
The last time I was at Dragon Mart (a week or so ago), there happened to be a new life plant souk set up outside in the parking lot. If I remember correctly, it was on the back end around the HB entrance if I remember correctly. Maybe they have them there. I only noticed it as I was leaving in my car so did not get a chance to look around.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 16:04
Dwell has good ones and fairly reasonable when on sale. I bought some on sale recently at The Museum as well -- the one at Festival City across from Ikea.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 16:04
Dwell has good ones and fairly reasonable when on sale. I bought some on sale recently at The Museum as well -- the one at Festival City across from Ikea.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 15:59
Just saw at least 3 Jenni O frozen turkeys at the Choithram\s at Safa Park about an hour ago. Was looking at them myself for November. They were of decent size. Hope this helps.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 September 2013 - 16:44
I have no idea of it is feasible, but you might consider trying to sell directly (probably need license) to sell at Global Village or possibly sell B2B to stalls at the Global Village which is scheduled to open soon. That you would be a great place for your product! <em>edited by norak on 21/09/2013</em>
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Latest post on 21 September 2013 - 16:38
I think saw some Liederhosen (those are the men's short's right?) at Tchibo . I'm thinking the one at Ibn Battuta but you might call first. I know I saw some at one of their shops the other day. Don't know about the other == might as well ask.
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Latest post on 13 September 2013 - 22:09
Hi Blossy: My husband is Libyan. I'll be heading back there for the next few months in a couple of weeks and, if I can help, let me know. I'm not sure what information you are looking for specifically.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2013 - 19:02
I would be happy to as I gather the info. What I have been able to do preliminarily is to determine who has annual events (especially around xmas). So far: Expat Woman - New expat one coming up Sept 23 as well as xmas fair usually in November. JESS School - usually in November. DESS School - usually in early December British School Festival - Usually in November I believe there are some community fairs (but don't know if you can participate if you live outside the community) as well as charity fairs. If anyone knows of any other groups or shopping centers themselves that are hosting or knows the scheduled dates for the upcoming season, I would appreciate the info. When I get more definitive dates etc. I will be happy to share..
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Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 01:28
Puffinlunde, believe me when I say I have tried a few of these recipes -- especially when they went mysteriously off the market a few years ago. They are not bad -- of course not the same -- but I may try them again. Thanks.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 00:34
Doubting Thomas, I understand your comment and somewhat agree. However, I checked the price online at amazon to make sure I was right in feeling robbed, and the price online is $2.99 or app. 11 Dhs. Even if you add tax, it does not justify going from double to triple the retail price -- again knowing they are buying wholesale. As I have been here for almost 20 years, I have bought many items purely for convenience and because I wanted it. I guess this has just pushed me to draw the line. If no one knows a contact number, I will definitely follow up with them early this week directly in store. I don't know if I will go as far as taking it to the Municipality, however, it may just depend on how sympathetic they are to my complaint or how I am treated. I'm sorry if I sound petty, but this just got under my skin and I don't want to just let it go without at least complaining.
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Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 23:41
Busybee, I wholeheartedly agree with you that we will pay the premium for the goods. But I had bought them before (they ran out awhile back) at 24 Dhs the last time they were in. That was double the price then (not happy but a price I was willing to pay). But jumping from 24 to 36 in a matter of months is ridiculous by any standard and, no I did not buy them. Also, this is not a special order just for me. Cheese It's used to be available here a few years ago at a much cheaper price at Carrefour and even the Co-Op but was discontinued because I believe there was an issue with the cheese or something like that. Again, I'm willing to pay more but not to be the point of insanity which I believe is. As far as I am concerned, they have earned their nickname of Park and Rob. <em>edited by norak on 06/09/2013</em>
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Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 23:31
I can maybe suggest a doctor I saw at the American Hospital a few years ago, but I will have to go through my paperwork to find out her title as she was not an attending physician but someone who specializes in this very thing. My story: Approximately 12+ years ago (we have been here almost 20), I started getting what I now refer to as an "episode". After a perfectly normal day and sleep, I would wake up fine, feeling normal. However, usually within 2 to 3 hours or less after rising, I would start to get chills -- so cold that my teeth would chatter and no matter what I would do -- I could not get warm -- even middle of summer. I would then get very tired and, at the beginning, I would also develop a nasty headache. The only thing I could do was go back to bed with tons of blankets and hope to fall asleep. After a few hours, I would wake up and go the complete opposite direction --- extreme fever, still tired, and headache stlll there. Also, every muscle in my entire body would ache to where just to walk the few feet to the bathroom was exhausting and painful. In general and during the first few years this happened, I would start to recover late in the evening -- usually around 7 to 10 p.m. This whole time is doing nothing but in bed. After the episode would wear off in the late evening, I usually go to bed normal, and wake up the next day -- completely normal and like it never happened. This happened rather frequently, probably 1 day every 2 to 3 months or so. Sometimes, it would be 4 to 5 months. When I would go to the doctor on normal checkups, I would mention this to physician but since it was past and no idea when it would occur again, not much would be done. After doing this like clockwork for a few years (no kidding), my doctor told me that I should have someone bring me in while I am in the middle of one of these episodes to see if they can get a handle on it. I did on three different episodes and, after ton's of blood being taken and tested for everything under the sun, they could not find a cause. I know this does not bode well for my recommendation, but I did find the specialist very attentive and determined to get to the bottom of this, but it was not meant to be I guess. I don't have these episodes nearly as frequently as I did before but they have not gone away. They seem to be fewer now each year and don't last as long (meaning I recover earlier in the day around 5 pm or so) and the headaches are less harsh, but the cold extreme and hot extreme and muscle aches still persists. My last episode was a few months ago -- which means I am due one I suppose fairly soon I suppose. Again, don't know if this helps you much, and I can empathize with you as it must be horrible to be helpless when this is happening to your child. I hope someone here will have a recommendation for you. All I remember of this woman is that her specialty was handling these types of cases. Perhaps you are a patient there you could speak with your doctor and get a referral.
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Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 22:27
I stopped into Park and Shop this evening to pick up a couple of things for convenience sake when I happened by a favorite cracker of mine from the States called Cheese It. Upon reaching for the box I noticed the price at 35 Dhs. !!!!! This is over triple the retail price back home, and I am so fed up. I don't like to over pay for products like anyone else and understand I need to pay more because it is being shipped over here -- but this is robbery. I'd have to choke them down because I would not enjoy them at this price. They're not particularly weighty and there is no refrigeration involved and have reasonable shelf life. On top of that, they buy in bulk and at wholesale price so there is no justification except greed. I have cut down my shopping from them more and more over the years but now I cannot even afford the one-offs that cannot be found elsewhere. I want to complain but can't find anything on google for head office details. I know it won't do any good, but I will feel better if I send them a letter of complaint.
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Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 18:35
I have, on occasion, bought Bazooka at Safestway. I have not been there in awhile, so not sure if they still have it I think they bring it in around Halloween. Not seen any other brands anywhere.
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Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 09:19
mannikat, it's funny you should post this as I actually bought one of those for his office -- and he did not like it. Thought it was too juvenile -- but I really liked it. Go figure.
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Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 02:08
mks, funny you should mention voxlon. When I first contacted three.ae about my particular battery, I got a reply from someone at voxlon. When responded again to their quotation, I mentioned that I had received a reply from this other company -- but their further reply did not address it. I will try voxlon directly and see what happens. May I ask if you bought the originals or the generics. The three I was quoted was for the original and two generics -- all were given 1 year warranty. After research, I thought I would try the more expensive of the two generics. I'll give them a try - can't lose anything at this point.
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Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 23:26
Thanks so much for the suggestions. I did not think of Kinokuniya or Magrudy's - both places I would normally frequent often - LOL. I am trying to avoid ordering online as I have found many sites in the states which have good quality maps suitable for framing or hanging more because of time issues. Thanks everyone.
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Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 23:17
Just following up on this post. I have not heard from this company since I ordered the battery. My last correspondence with them said it would be delivered after 6:30 -- but no date and I have not gotten a reply when inquiring further for more specifics. I have not put out any money at this point so have not lost anything but time. Any ideas as to where to purchase a laptop battery for an older model lenovo 701ds more locally. I can find on amazon but with weights involved etc. it could get even more expensive.
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Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 16:18
My internet explorer 8 is not working also. At first it was just so slow (unnormal), and now it is not hardly loading. I don't know what it is up as have used this for so long. I have now switched to Firefox as I don't want to deal with it at this time but, maybe when I have more patience, I will try to figure out what is going on.
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Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 16:15
Funny you should bring this up. I just ordered a replacement battery last week and am waiting on its delivery. I've done COD so it's no loss at this point -- will keep you informed.
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Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 16:13
I'd love to look at the Wusthof knives -- which shop do you find them here. I popped into Waitrose today in Um Squeim (purely by accident and didn't even know it was there! - LOL). They had a couple of brands that seemed reasonable.
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Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 13:19
Ladies, to sort of piggyback on the cooking pots thread, I am in the market for a new knife and have done searches, but threads only discuss sharpening. I don't need a full set, but mainly a good chopping knife that is reasonable in price. Any recommendations of what brand, where, and approximate price?
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Latest post on 17 August 2013 - 17:43
I bought some office furniture for my husband at Dragon Mart and, frankly, I thought it was decent quality for the money you pay. Look around and compare qualities though. We are happy with it.
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Latest post on 14 August 2013 - 14:52
pollydxb 1 thanks so much. Last time we contacted Du they still did not know which channel was going to cover it. We have al Jazeera thru Du so we should be ok. I will pick up Sports 360 tomorrow and save it for him. Thanks again.
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Latest post on 14 August 2013 - 14:35
Ladies, I don't have a clue about soccer but I do know that this league was to start in August according to my son. Does anyone know which station secured the viewing rights as my search turned up nothing recent or definitive other than it looked like Al Jazeera "was expected" to win rights. I need to get this sorted before I travel as accounts are in my name and don't want son freaking out when he returns from his vacation.
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Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 13:25
I took mine once before to an electrical shop in Karama/Bur Dubai/Satwa. Easier and much cheaper. <em>edited by norak on 12/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 00:44
I am not l00% sure but are in same sort of boat. I was told at our Bank that they would have to switch the account over to a non-resident status -- but don't know if that would allow us to still keep current account. I got the distinct impression that we would get a whole new number and the old account number would be closed -- which I don't want as I do all my banking online and have some checks being held on the account. We have had this account for almost 20 years. It would be such a hassle to have to redo everything when there is sufficient money in account to keep operating and want to continue as normal as we own home here as well. I was afraid to ask and did not want to let on that we no longer have a resident visa. I can say that we have been on non resident status for months now and they are not aware. edited by norak on 31/07/2013 <em>edited by norak on 31/07/2013</em>
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Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 00:37
Apricot - do appreciate it. I plan on purchasing one tomorrow. These smart TV's are everywhere also. Don't know if they are "worth it" as afraid the technology will not be used and, therefore, wasted. So confusing sometimes.