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pinks

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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 08:10
Hi Perces - I haven't found any coffee shops etc that do camel milk, but if I want a latte type drink (not that often), then most chains will do you a soya-based one. Tastes fine as they use the soya mild with sugar in it (the reason they use this is that non-sweetened soya milks will curdle as soon as they hit hot liquid). If you can tolerate camel milk, then have you tried goat's milk too? That also has incredibly low lactose. The Organic shop in the Greens stocks a good range of goats and soya ice creams, and Waitrose and Lulus have a super range of goat's cheeses most of the time.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2013 - 18:45
I wouldn't even ask him for the Ejari - make him work it out himself! Keep it as simple as possible - tell him you want to renew and offer the 5% increase as per the rent calculator. Then, if/when he refuses, state again that you want to stay, again offer the 5%, and if it goes to a third round, calmly tell him to take you to the RC. Make sure all communications are written (email preferably then it's times and dated) as you may need to use these if and when it comes to the RC. You will have shown to be willing to offer him the going rent :) I've just been through all of this (actually signed a new contract today) and ended up paying more than the rent calculator, but didn't get taken to the rent committee, have a now happy landlord who's paid for all my apartment outgoings to fix things, and it's been MUCH cheaper than me moving! <em>edited by pinks on 03/11/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2013 - 18:05
Don't stress! You don't need it in writing and you probably won't find in black and white on the government website what you want to quote, BUT, as long as you have given him the 90+days' notice, it's up to [b'>him [/b'>to take [b'>you [/b'>to the Rent Committee if he wants you out, and prove a genuine 'why'. He will have to have registered your contract with Ejari (that will cost him money), and then if and when you get called to the RC (your previous calm manner in sitting tight may call his bluff anyway - it did with mine!) he then has to prove to the RC why he wants you out, and I don't know anyone who's been through the RC process who has had to leave. I've been through this three times now - twice with the RC involved and the last time without. It's not nice, I know, but it's one gov't institution that really seems to be on the side of the tenant. Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 October 2013 - 08:38
Loving your suggestions Emma ;) I have to say it's the gold flakes in the pane of glass separating the lanes that really appealed to me. OR THEY COULD PUT A RAILWAY IN!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 October 2013 - 14:22
Instead of waiting (and paying) for someone to come out to you, why not buy and download some good anti-virus software such as Norton 360 (my personal favourite for many years now)?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 15:15
Their crumble is divine, plus you've got a view to die for from the upper terraces :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 13:07
I can second Pacific Prime brokers - I used them when I came here five years ago and there were slightly different visa options, as I had one that allowed me to work, but wasn't a resident, and they gave me lots of good options for cover and have never been pushy.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 13:06
Can't think of a bad place for desserts in Madinat/Al Qasr/Mina Salam! Do you want buffet style? Or a la carte? <em>edited by pinks on 26/09/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 14:16
You can get companies to do this for you, and in fact I think a lot of insurance companies do this for a fee, but in all the years I've been doing it, I just pop into the Barsha centre (next to Gold & Diamond park), and smile nicely, use the ladies queues, and I'v never taken more than 30 minutes start to finish.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 11:30
Yes, you can pay as you go. I think you're right re AED 45 per class (I live in the Greens but use the Lakes one but haven't been for a few months).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 08:25
I believe it's a brand new hotel (but correct me someone if I'm wrong) - it was featured earlier in the year on the UK Apprentice, so I had a look for it online as it seemed so strange to have such a hotel in that location, and there were photos of it 'under development'.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 21:01
KINS - I've been through this in the past so feel your pain :( You might also like to try chamomile. I discovered this some years ago after having done masses of research to try and get some relief, and discovered that it actually acts as an antiseptic for the urinary tract, and I can say from personal experience, it really works! I know not everyone likes the taste, but it can even fend off an attack of cystitis if you make strong mugs of tea if you don't have access to any drugs or a doctor immediately. I find cranberry irritates my bladder, and some of the preparations contain sugar which can make the problem worse, so be careful!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 09:25
As MrsMozz said, Waitrose stock their own and Duchy eggs, and Choitrams generally have one choice each week of free range organic eggs. Just check the sell by dates - most eggs here have been irradiated, and hence have a horrendous shelf life of up to three months! (even the organic local or French eggs). The eggs listed above, have a week to 10 days - as they should.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 11:02
I generally go to a few of the tyre places on the Um Sequim road (between SZR and Al Khail). Pop in, ask them for a quote, and compare a few. just make sure you see the tyres they are going to fit - check the manufacture date, and make sure it's very recent. Don't risk your life with cheap or old tyres in this region.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 13:00
I bought a skirt in M&S in the UK over Christmas, brought it back and then found it still had the tag! M&S here don't tag anything so they couldn't do it, and I went round lots of shops in MoE and explained the problem, and it was then I found out all the shops tend to have different shaped tags and removal machines, so you may have to go all the way back... like I did with my skirt to the UK! They were VERY apologetic...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2013 - 09:49
Really depends on how much time you want to spend in the car! I commute from AD airport each day back to the Greens - the traffic really backs up after that so I would personally rule out anything further north, and stick to the Lakes, Meadows, Springs and the other areas closer to AD - although Um Sequim isn't that much further mileage wise, you'll spend a long time in traffic in SZR to go that little bit further. A couple of my colleagues commute from Arabian Ranches and Motor City and find that do-able.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 11:37
Having been one of the 400 tenants on the receiving end of the Shamyana scam previously, I would NEVER trust what an agent says again - they are on the sides of the LLs, as each time we get booted out, they get a chance for more money, so there's no incentive for them to keep you happy and in one place. As Krebik says, it's a Rent Committee issue, not RERA - and they are very fair from previous experience :) <em>edited by pinks on 20/08/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 09:05
Are you sure you can't do anything about it? Most contracts say non-negotiable, and even say renewal is at the discretion of the LL, but you'll find plenty of threads on here where people have stood their ground and stayed in the property. I'm in the same position, technically, asking to renew for a third year, and the LL says he wants me out so he can move in (never heard that one before!). I'm paying 10k less than the RERA calculator says the lowest current rent is, but that I'm not due a rent increase, so I can see why he wants me out when he can get another 30k for the place, so I'd do the same if I were him TBH. But, I've gone back and told him I want to stay, and so far so good, and I'll sit tight until the Rent Committee says I have to move out, and from previous experience, I'm expecting to stay for another year.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 13:38
If it's National Pest Control I'd give it a go! They were the ones that sorted my problem our before, plus told me lots of tips and tricks not to get them again (from visitors!!). Carrefour have clothes steamers that are very reasonable and much, much easier to steam your mattress and bed legs and frame than using a steam iron, and it produces much more steam too. NPC said it's the best thing you can do as a self preventative measure if they can't come straight away. Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 07:59
Having become a bit of a bed bug expert having had an infestation a couple of years ago, as far as I am aware you'll need more than one round of spraying. Heat (above 60 degrees) does kill them, but all the major pest control companies come and do three sprays of the infected area over about a week to 10 days (and they are very good at knowing where the blighters will be depending on how long you've had them). Personally, unless it's a proven and highly rated method, I'd use one of the recommended pest control companies on here and get the three sprays, and get rid of them. It's a truly miserable experience and hence you want to know they are gone. I do feel for you! Good luck.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 August 2013 - 14:04
Will a shop and ship UK address be sufficient?. Not if it's a PO box or similar. If you do an OU course, you need to sign a declaration that you are a UK resident. They do support residents in some others countries (for a much higher fee), but sadly not those of us in the UK.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2013 - 11:23
I've been doing OU courses here for a couple of years. You have to realise that sadly they do not support study in the UAE, and therefore you either have to lie on the form stating that you are resident elsewhere or come up with some other excuse! The people I know that do use them get materials sent to an address in the UK, and then get someone to ship them out here. I've always found that material (all sent before your course starts) arrives in plenty of time, and I get it sent here using the Post Office's "International Signed For" service, that takes about a week, but is much cheaper than using a courier. Some courses just have one book and one CD - my last one had 9 books that cost me GBP100 to post here. Well worth it though! With regards to tutorials - I've managed to make it back for a couple, and they've been great, though not a necessity. Though you do have to plan you holidays/trips back to the UK around any exams that may need to sit - again, this varies from course to course whether you get a proper 'sit down' exam on top of the computer marked and tutor-marked assessments.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 July 2013 - 10:17
Hi Reva As you're going to London you should be ok for suppliers. Obviously this isn't produced on a huge scale, so you'll get different suppliers in different regions, and your best bet is to contact them direct and ask where their products are stocked. I've definitely seen Laverstock Park buffalo milk in London. If your son can tolerate goat's milk (that's what I use when I'm back in the UK), the St Helen's does a huge range of dairy products that are very well tolerated. I know they are definitely in most supermarkets, and Waitrose does it's own goat's milk. The semi skimmed one has no after-taste, which I know puts a lot of people off the full fat one. Hope that helps. www.laverstokepark.co.uk/water-buffalo.aspx http://buffalomilk.co.uk/about-us/ www.sthelensfarm.co.uk/ <em>edited by pinks on 26/07/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 20:03
I got cold called from them last week too - I've had a spate of cold calls from 'advisory' companies recently, and I'm not sure if it's anything to do with the other company you referred to having been buying up other assets and therefore they are all sharing their contact lists... I hope not!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2013 - 14:38
have you looked at tripadvisor? http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotels-g186394-Newcastle_upon_Tyne_Tyne_and_Wear_England-Hotels.html Sometimes locals are not the best to ask about hotels, as they won't necessarily have stayed there... <em>edited by pinks on 21/07/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2013 - 13:05
Ooo, thanks, I do like her! (Just sat and watched all 8 episodes of Broadchurch back to back yesterday!)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2013 - 18:36
We went through a real estate agent, and we told her we were aware of the rental scams, especially in the Greens. [b'>She was completely oblivious to it[/b'>, never heard of that happening before. . Yes, they all denied knowledge after the event - [b'>never trust them[/b'>! The RERA registered estate agent based in the Greens that I used swore she didn't know anything about it, but had rented apartments in my block to over 10 of us (that I know of) through Shamyana. They are only interested in the cash, and as we found out, there's absolutely nothing any of us can do when they rip us off. Their RERA registration counts for nothing. I will not be using an estate agent again here - I'll go direct to landlords.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2013 - 09:31
Littlepinkpig I feel your pain, even though I've been on the tenants' side - this is exactly what happened with the Shamyana scam in the Greens 18 months ago where 400+ of us tenants were illegally sublet to. My 'real' landlord and I agreed to split the losses... (ouch). Until the banking system comes into the 21st century here and allows direct debits, or as you said you get a cheque up front for a year, it will continue to happen. If you do end up needing a (good!) tenant in 3-4 months time, let me know as I may well be looking!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2013 - 14:13
I love her Sister Rowan ( Celia Imrie is hilarious) although the FF Brother would get on my last nerve!!! Rowan is my new role model for growing old (reasonably) disgracefully! FF - yes, seriously want to slap him (his wife is a saint) <em>edited by pinks on 10/07/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2013 - 13:30
It's fantastic! A real laugh out loud, so true to life comedy. It's on ITV on Wednesday nights so it's the first thing I stream on Thursday evening with my supper :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 July 2013 - 08:00
I get things sent from the UK using the Royal Mail's "International Signed For" service every six months or so to a PO Box here, and have never had a problem... (so far!) <em>edited by pinks on 09/07/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 14:23
If you like your current job, why don't you try the commute for a while and see how it goes? A few years ago I was looking for a new job and got offered one in DXB and one in AD - ended up taking the one in AD (admittedly by the airport), thinking the commute would be horrendous, but two and half years later I'm still doing it, and actually enjoying it!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 10:15
Cara at the Gold & Diamond Park are great for this - they'll do it while you wait too, and for free. <em>edited by pinks on 11/06/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 10:14
If you don't want to haggle, in shops with 'fixed' prices it's still worth asking if that's their "best price". We got 5% off my engagement ring in Tiffanys, just by asking a simple question. I always ask - at the airport in London last weekend when I bought sunglasses, as they were the last ones on the shelf (hence I couldn't have an 'untouched' pair), even thought the ones I bought were perfect and came with the box, etc, I asked for a discount and got £5 off and a free cleaning kit worth £5.99. They can only say no!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 19:54
I don't tip the (western) girls who cut and colour my hair, but I always tip the girls AED 20-30 who wash it and give me a fab head massage! May I ask why you dont tip ' the western' girls that colour your hair and cut ? Mainly because they get paid more than the hairwashers/floorsweepers; I'm an incredibly regular client and couldn't afford to tip 10% each time I go (every two to three weeks), but I do give the girls that colour and cut my hair quite a generous cash Christmas present each year.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 09:16
I don't tip the (western) girls who cut and colour my hair, but I always tip the girls AED 20-30 who wash it and give me a fab head massage!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 May 2013 - 13:41
Get some arnica (tablets or cream) from the pharmacy - super effective at getting rid of bruises quickly.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 May 2013 - 10:08
I can't help, but just wanted to say thank you for transporting me back to my childhood! My sister and I had Meccano Set #5 (no electrics or anything) and spent hours and HOURS building things. :) <em>edited by pinks on 25/05/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 11:32
It's probably residency in the UK they are asking for, i.e. the right to be treated free on the NHS. My Mum works in a GP's practice, and they are really cracking down on health 'tourists'. Rather the proof of where she is renting, she could ask if they'll take another piece of documentation (I'm not sure what - passport / NI number or similar so they can check?) If not, then she can still see an NHS doctor anywhere as a private patient - about GBP 60 if I remember rightly, but could be higher, and any drugs at cost, plus a charge for writing a prescription. Hope that helps.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 12:32
Unless you need a 'luxury' vehicle, why not just get a normal Dubai taxi? It's an incredibly easy journey, well signposted, and will cost you AED 180 door to door.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 09:34
http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic197770-52-eating-plan.aspx Lots of people doing it here too! I love it - so user friendly, so flexible. It doesn't work for everyone - you have to remember that weigh-loss is a SIDE EFFECT of this eating plan to reduce your IGF-1. There are a couple of incredibly supportive FB groups too which help: https://www.facebook.com/groups/187492001383720/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/52FastingDiet/ Useful links, courtesy of the FB group above: The original BBC Horizon programme http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xvdbtt_eat-fast-live-longer-hd_shortfilms#.UX6cau3U10d A free calorie counting website http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ Dr Michael Mosley’s website www.thefastdiet.co.uk To purchase Dr Michael Mosley’s book http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Fast-Diet-Intermittent-Fasting/dp/1780721676/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357825031&sr=8-1 Basically, you eat normally (but not binging) on any 5 days of the week and then fast on the other 2 days. On the fast days, you should have water, green tea, herbal tea, black tea, black coffee etc and (if you wish) up to 500 cals for women and up to 600 cals for men, i.e 25% of your normal calorie intake <em>edited by pinks on 18/05/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 11:53
This reminds of of the lady who posted a year or two ago now (and apologies if she's still here) desperately asking for ready meals, as she'd just moved to Dubai and although she had been married for a while, she said she'd been serving up ready meals as home made and her husband had no idea she couldn't cook, and he was about to get a shock!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 10:09
She's still very much there - I saw her two weeks ago as I found another lump (biopsy was fine though!). She's just VERY popular because she's so good, so you do need to book in advance sadly for routine check-ups. If it's a new lump, then tell the receptionists and they will speak to her to get your friend in asap.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 16:02
Completely agree - look at Well Woman Clinic where you'll find Dr Houriya Kazim. She's a specialist breast surgeon, and if your search for her on EW, you'll find many recommendations for her. She's been looking after me for a couple of years, and I can't recommend her highly enough. She works with Dr Alex at City Hospital (she's the specialist breast radiologist). Both fabulous ladies you'll feel safe and very well looked after with.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 09:47
Hi Laura If you do a search you'll find this question has been asked many times, and the general answer is do NOT come here without getting a job first! It's an expensive place to live without an income, and if you don't have contacts out here (and even if you do), it can take many months to find a job, and then when you do, sort all the paperwork out before you actually start. Finding somewhere to stay short term will be expensive, plus you'll need health insurance, plus monthly visa runs too. Not sure where you are from but rents are similar to London for an apartment in a 'nice' area, but you can of course live much more cheaply in less desirable areas (I'm single so have no experience of villa prices). Check out websites like dubizzle.com for prices of apartments, cars, etc. You'll may also compete in the market with highly qualified and experienced people from non-western nationalities who will be paid much less than you may be expecting. Highly recommend you get your CV up on monstergulf and other such websites (the recruiters do use these here to search for candidates), promote yourself on LinkedIn, and call anyone you might fancy working for (and call, and call). Recruitment agencies are not the best solution here - you won't get the same level of service being a candidate as you would back home. Be prepared for a long slog! Saying that, lifestyle is fantastic, and I still love living and working here after nearly 5 years, so give it a go!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 07:15
And to you! *waves flag* :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 10:04
OK, I'm thinking of Cleopatra or a greek goddess as I have a dress I can wear. So any ideas where I could get a gold head band with leaves etc on it? Long shot I know!! Why not try the three options you've been given below?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 08:15
Quite a few places to get outfits from here - Mr Ben's and PartyZone.ae are two. Several locations if you google them. Are you sure there's no theme? I've been invited to one this weekend with the theme of come as someone from the movies - lots of scope there!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 13:12
Fitness First in the Lakes and Meadows have classes you can pay as you go - I've been spinning in the Meadows, but this was some time ago - not sure if they do that class in the Lakes as well. I've found the class timetable on their website unreliable in the past (I'm sure others have more recent experiences), so I normally pop in and pick one up AND ask reception if there going to be any changes!
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Latest post on 17 April 2013 - 14:09
Hi FSenergy I'm in Turia (the low rise building with Nandos at one end) and we have literally 10s of empty parking spaces, so if you end up in that building I think you'd be able to rent one off someone quite easily. I get home at about 5-5.30pm and there's generally a space or two on the street at that time - some areas of the Greens are worse than others for parking.