RuthM | ExpatWoman.com
 

RuthM

RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 09:29
As the responsible owner of two Labradors that lives in Alvorada I am furious about the amount of dog poo in the area. Do these morons not realise they not only ruin the area for everybody but also create a negative perception of all dogs in a country where dogs are already not viewed favourably. For those that are stupid and lazy enough that they don't understand the bonding experience that comes with walking your own dog and they have the maid do it then make sure she knows how to pick it up as well. In summary CLEAN YOUR **** UP. I may find the time to stake out certain spots, follow you home and smear it all over your front door. On another note, if you were the lady in national dress and a blue Lincoln Navigator in the centre carpark that nearly drove into us as you blasted the horn, waved your arms aggressively and sped off you were going the WRONG WAY! Todays rant is complete, thankyou for reading, apologies if you are not guilty of the above offences.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 23:19
aww the guys are really getting it here lol.....so. on the other side, Women wearing 4" heels but cannot walk in them...they take tiny baby steps and lean forward like a comedy show. or Women buying a lovely classy dress that should look great but, they buy it 1 or 2 sizes too small!!!!! not a good look,certainly not posh,rather the other way..... Now I will take the jeans and a great jacket anyday with a fab Tshirt :)...... There's a trick to nice classy fitted dresses, wear a basque, suddenly you have a perfect waist and hips and no one (except your husband) will ever know!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 17:16
One look I never got used to was men going to work in Brisbane wearing knee socks, shoes and shorts. I wonder if they still do that? I don't know about Brisbane but that is standard business attire in Bermuda. My cousin (who lives there) tried to convince me it was because of the heat and humidity but I've been there in August and it's no excuse! http://www.bermuda-online.org/shorts.htm
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 12:25
Hey, I like the jeans and jacket look! No tie though, that's just wrong. Actually there are a few jackets that look okay with jeans. DH has a couple, they're quite a different style to sports coats, more fitted and a bit more scuffed up looking. Generally he wears jackets with trousers though.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 12:23
Hi. Is the cat still there? If it is, could you take it over to the vet to see if it has a microchip? Also you could post on the following FB pages. Lost and Found cats in Dubai; Women of Arabian Ranches. It's gone now. We brought the dogs home from kennels in the morning and it didn't come back. Hopefully it found it's way home.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 12:05
So I just phoned them and now it is polo shirt and jeans. Standards are clearly slipping there!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 21:30
I just sponge wash mine with a rough sponge then spray it with a jet hose before applying teak (in the UK I used linseed) oil using a lint free cloth (much easier than a brush). Little and often is key with teak oil, out here at least every six months.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 21:30
Please where exactly is it?
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 19:10
We had the same problem with a piece of furniture form Marina. We haven't bought anything else from there and now only buy from US/UK brands like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Ethan Allen and And So To Bed... I hope the rest of our furniture hasn't been infected but so far it's been okay (3 years since we brought in the infected piece from Marina). It may not be termites, it could be any number of wood boring beetles. <em>edited by RuthM on 27/04/2013</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 08:42
This is correct NHS is not a right as a British Citizen it is as a UK Resident. If they were both Japanese and resident in the UK they would have more right to NHS treatment than if they were both British and resident in Dubai. Therefore she will need to go private in the UK, so needs to ensure her insurance will cover both her and the baby in the UK. <em>edited by RuthM on 27/04/2013</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 08:38
It's such a shame National Dress is not really worn to the races in the UK as it looks very smart. You may need to check which event he is going to as many of the pre Ascot races are themed and costumes can be worn (i.e. Ascot is doing a Grease theme for one this year). For a formal race event then Morning Jacket is often compulsory in certain seating areas. For the pre formal races a lounge suit is probably suitable. A lounge suit is really just a business suit but I would be inclined to avoid pinstripes (except eccentric bold stripes) as this is more focused on a business setting, however blocked suits can be worn, and three piece suits. Personally I prefer a plain suit with a plain light solid shirt but you will see polka dot shirts and checked shirts. If sticking to a plain suit and shirt a flamboyant tie and pocket square can spice it up a bit. A linen suit if worn well can look fantastic (my DH unfortunately can't pull one off). Depending on the course and where he's sitting a sport coat with trousers could be worn. Hats are always welcomed, I love Panama hats, obviously a top hat must be worn with a Morning Coat. If it is an evening event a DJ may be acceptable, I've never attended an evening race. It may be an idea to check what others are wearing.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 07:11
I assume by tuxedo you mean Dinner Jacket? (that's the UK version). If the races are taking place by day then please note that in the UK he would be ill advised to wear a DJ before 6pm. A Morning Coat would be more suitable or a lounge suit, just don't forget a colourful pocket square. Where to buy a Morning Coat in Dubai? No idea sorry.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 April 2013 - 11:30
Firstly HEK (Human Embryonic Kidney) Cells are not actually put into the drink, they are used to test flavours and additives. They are also used for thousands of other applications in test laboratories all over the world. Applications include the creation of vaccines such as MMR, Chickenpox, Polio, Hepatitis A and B, Shingles and Rabies as well as medication used for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cystic Fibrosis. Secondly they are cultured cells. The original cells did come from a legally aborted fetus back in the early 70s, but no more fetuses have been aborted since. It seems these labs can't win, test on animals, get criticised, test on cultured cells that originated from an aborted fetus, get criticised, test on people get criticised and sued! Anyway everyone can be assured Pepsi are not making soft drinks out of aborted babies! But Coke still tastes better anyway so clearly this aborted fetus testing is not very good, oh but Coke also use Senomyx for testing, so perhaps it's best to just avoid diet drinks (they taste like gross chemicals anyway) and stick to real sugar. However there's another flaw, other brands such as Maggi soups, stock cubes and seasoning also use HEK cells for testing, the boycott list is getting longer. Really this was just an anti Obama campaign. The media targeted Pepsi because Pepsi had an Obama like logo on their cans. The Pro Lifers made a big campaign implying that Pepsi were killing babies, stealing their fetuses and putting them in your soft drinks and Obama (who a large proportion of pro lifers are anti) was allowing them to do it! http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewherper/2012/01/27/fetal-cells-in-soda-not-quite-the-discomfort-behind-the-controversy/ <em>edited by RuthM on 27/04/2013</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 17:14
Have a look at Homely Petz. If you get a job there you can pet sit and earn money and it's legal!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 16:30
I flew with BA in January with a Kenwood food mixer. My mum brought over a KitchenAid food processor for me in March, also BA and a friend brought a KitchenAid toaster for me last April on Emirates. All arrived undamaged. I mail ordered them all in the UK from Selfridges and John Lewis (so I could still get the tax back) and packaged them in the box they arrived in from mail order as well as keeping the brand box (inside). I also got them wrapped at the airport and had them stick a fragile sticker on all six sides of the box and put it through the fragile route. <em>edited by RuthM on 25/04/2013</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 23:58
Yes DH used to run a project there, some of the guys he worked with flew home every Thursday and back every Sunday very early. One guy is still doing it, for over a year now. However the client paid for flights to and from Muscat and hotel accommodation in Muscat.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 10:12
I'm in AR and Caroline comes to my home for classes with my husband and I. She does Yoga with my husband and pilates with me, I have a back injury and she has been great with that. Once my back is stronger we want to do Yoga together. She also runs pilates teacher training courses. She works out of Exhale (in Motor City), if you contact them they will be able to put you in touch with her. They also have a number of other teachers too I think. http://exhaledubai.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67:caroline-leon-pilates-instructor&catid=41:instructors&Itemid=62
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 09:43
Thanks for all your responses. I factored in DEWA and it's now 22% (DEWA is a lot!). Looking at other responses I don't think it is too high really. But I think we will look around this year anyway. The only thing is that we are hoping for a family soon and my main concern is we will downgrade then regret it when we have kids and need the extra space/nice local amenities.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 23:45
We use Helping Hand and have previously been very happy with them. We get the same lady twice a week and she has been coming for 18 months now so we have even given her a key. Unfortunately she's off sick for a month (had to go home) and her substitute is no where near as good. She just washed the dishes in the kitchen and mopped the floor with rinse aid (the stuff for the dishwasher) which was deeply concerning. But generally others we have had from Helping Hand have been very good.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 23:37
No idea about Kruger sorry, I've only done the luxury safari, arrived by plane and it was an adult only lodge. I think 6 days is going to be tight. Kruger is about 500km from Jo'burg so I imagine it will take at least a day to get there and a day to get back so you would only get at the most four days in the park. My cousin often drives from Cape Town to Namibia and has visited Etosha with her son which is a great family trip, although it takes a few days to get all the way to the park, they camp etc. on the way, there's a river campsite the kids love enroute. I can get more information on this if it interests you. October is a great time to travel to Kruger though.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 22:09
I doubt they'll stay okay even if they did get home safely. Falcons are prized possessions out here and I can't imagine the police looking too kindly on dogs that killed one. That said I am surprised they attacked it. Our gundog, who instinctively chases birds and 'was' well trained in the UK never showed the blindest bit of interest to falcons (there were about 15 the first time she went to the vet here), but yet if a pigeon is on the lawn it lasts about 3 seconds (unfortunately she seems frustrated as she's not working now). However she did work flushing game for hawks in the UK for two months. I asked my dads gamekeeper and he said birds of prey don't smell like prey, so most dogs are not interested, so I'm surprised at this.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 April 2013 - 17:10
Agrhhh just saw EYE are influenced by Tool and NIN - my two favourite bands, damn DH may have to suffer!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 April 2013 - 15:38
I'm just trying to find out the same thing. Google not being helpful! There is a support band called EYE. They are doing a 45 min set. edited by Gibberish on 19/04/2013 edited by Gibberish on 19/04/2013 Thanks so much! Think I'm going to aim for 830pm then. Guessing support will come on at 730pm earliest and it will still take 30 mins for Metallica to set up. No way DH will watch two bands!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 April 2013 - 15:12
DH is reluctantly accompanying me to Metallica tonight (he'd much rather be going to the ROH to see Wagner's complete Ring Cycle for 15 hours back to back). Does anyone know if there is any support on before Metallica? What time do the main bands generally come on here? (in UK it's normally safe to turn up at 8pm or even 9pm for the main band). And what sort of time events at Yas normally finish? TIA for any information!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 April 2013 - 00:41
Cannot say for certain but I'm sure you can check the gold price online before buying. I would imagine you may be best off buying through a broker though.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 23:11
Assuming you have not seen a doctor about this already then I would recommend starting with a General Practitioner/Family Doctor or maybe an Internist? Hyperhidrosis can be a symptom of numerous underlying causes. Really the cause should be investigated first rather than trying to treat a symptom, especially if this is something new that has suddenly developed. If no cause if found then the GP should be able to refer you to a specialist to try and help with the problem.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 21:30
My first mothers day came, and i made it clear, its special, its my first....shruged his shoulders and walks out the door. But to my surprise i get a knock on the door and a delivery from Edibles....fruit dipped in chocolate, (my worst kind on treat, as i am super picky with fruit), he thought he was helping me to try more fruit but needless to say he got me something he would enjoy. Turns out they wern't so great and they rotted away lol But its the thought that counts....right??? Is it bad I just looked up Edibles and am thinking of ordering some for DH anniversary secretly knowing he probably won't be here so I can eat them?!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 21:15
Whatever you do don't use one of those debt companies that consolidate your debts, be very very careful of any company that offers to 'deal' with your debts. They often 'buy' the debt for a percentage of the amount owed then take money off you forever. They are also free to up their interest rate however they like so you could find yourself in an even worse situation in years to come. The lowest percentage you can realistically get your creditors to reduce the debt to is a 20% lump sum, 30% is more likely. Credit companies are more willing to make good deals when you are not paying them. It sounds silly but the best way to enter negotiations with them is to stop paying altogether for a few months. Also if you have a third party (perhaps another family member) who can enter the scene and offer to clear the debt with a lump sum (even if this money is yours and they are just doing it in name) this can help. If you or your husband want to clear the debt with a lump sum they may question where it has come from. If you do make a deal you must ensure you state in writing that this is a 'Full and Final Settlement'. Otherwise bankruptcy is your other option. On another note cards he has taken out in your name should not be legally valid being that you have presumably not signed anything for them. Legally this is fraud, but on the other hand this is criminal and you may not wish criminal charges against your DH. Before you make any kind of deals though you need to get a hold on your DH spending as there is no point in dealing with this debt if he is just going to do it again. I would suggest the first thing to do is create a spreadsheet of spending and work out your finances now and once the debt is gone, to ensure that you will not still be in a negative situation. This website is actually quite informative. You can also call them to discuss. http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk Their page on Full and Final Settlement Offers http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=24_full_and_final_settlement_offers Good luck. edited by RuthM on 16/04/2013 <em>edited by RuthM on 16/04/2013</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 18:55
I agree with RuthM in going in person. But start with the PO Box that you and your DH's mail goes to (his company PO box, unless you have a personal one too.) It may be with one of the other larger ones, but the post office staff are very helpful and should be able to point you in the right direction. :) Yes the first time we had a parcel disappear we tried Karama but they just told us to start with our local post office. If the PO Box number was on the parcel it will be wherever your local post office sends parcels. But if there was no PO Box number on it then it will be at Karama.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 17:46
Hmm DH is flying home tonight, heres to hoping he can get in if the airport is full of panicked people trying to leave.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 17:35
We had this problem. We didn't receive a slip or anything but Royal Mail said the parcel was with Empost. We went to the post office in Al Barsha and they checked something. Then they sent us to another post office who sent us to another post office, finally at the fourth post office we found our parcel! It took an entire day but we found it eventually. I would recommend visiting your local post office in person. Good luck.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 16:14
We seem to have a problem in our villa. Since moving in I have seen a few cockroaches in the garage pretty gross but they were kind of outside. But now they are inside, I find one alive on it's back every few days near the back door or the front door. It's revolting. Fortunately they are nowhere near the kitchen but it is still seriously gross. We were in our last villa (about 50m away) for three years and I never saw a single cockroach, so I really don't get it. Thing is there is no food or anything lying around, everything is in the fridge or in sealed tubs. In any case they are not near the kitchen. Is it possible they are coming through the aircon? I think the same vent runs along the hall from the front door to the back door. Or could they be coming under the door. Most importantly who can we call to try and find out where they are coming from and nuke them?
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 14:59
and another report... http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/breaking-news-earthquake-shakes-uae-other-countries-buildings-hospitals-evacuated-2013-04-16-1.502866
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 14:56
http://gulfbusiness.com/2013/04/breaking-earthquake-in-dubai-no-official-details-yet/#.UW0uR6V63ww
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 14:50
Glad it wasn't just me going nuts - definitely felt something move!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 10:06
Mine seems to have succeeded in never being here for our anniversary. But I recently may have figured out why. Some friends celebrated their anniversary whilst visiting us and his friend asked him when his anniversary was '17th September', I looked at him 'really?', he tried again '18th September?' and again and again until eventually he got to 28th September! So now he knows when it actually is maybe fifth time lucky he can actually be here!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 19:59
http://www.dubai.ae/en/Lists/HowToGuide/DispForm.aspx?ID=5 Criteria UAE expatriates, holding valid resident visas having a minimum salary of AED 6,000 with accommodation or AED 7,000 without accommodation can get one year renewable resident visas for their parents or parents-in-law. As per new regulations, you have to sponsor both your mother and father together and show proof that you are their sole provider and that there is no one to take care of them in your home country. However, if your parents are divorced or one is deceased, you should carry documentary proof, when visiting DNRD to obtain the entry permit visa, which is the first stage before you can apply for a residence visa. You also need to obtain a medical insurance policy for each parent with minimum coverage of AED 600 per year.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 19:48
I have to say if he wants a long lasting shoe not too clunky then look at British traditional shoe makers. Church's as mentioned are a great solid starting point and probably one of the most popular brands. My Grandads on both sides of my family, one in Yorkshire and one in Cape Town wore Church's so their reputation is longstanding and worldwide! Although I personally prefer Crockett and Jones which to me have a more modern look. For the best look leather soles are very sleek and not clunky (the clunkiness is normally due to thick rubber soles). Northampton shoes like Church's do, as LadyBee stated, last and last. They are real shoes from traditional shoemakers as opposed to fashion shoes and there is a good reason why British gentleman shoe manufacturing is one of the few remaining industries in the UK!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 15:56
DH has given me the glorified title of 'Kitchen Engineer' it makes me proud.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 15:45
I sometimes wonder if my husband is the most inconsiderate man alive :) I love him to bits of course but the other night something happened which I can't stop thinking about and i'm actually laughing now but it just made me think of other stupid/careless/inconsiderate things he and all men do! He was in the kitchen, i heard something fall and smash. He came out and said "sorry i broke a bowl, but i swept it all into a corner for you so it's easier to hoover up or pick up, whatever is most convenient :)" bear in mind i'm due a baby next week so bending down at all is near impossible. And my husband actually felt so proud for gathering all the shards of glass together to make my life easy :) Other examples? :) I'm just impressed he was in the kitchen in the first place! <em>edited by RuthM on 15/04/2013</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 15:43
Don't know about Vibram soles but I have been wearing Salomon hikers since about 1994. I wore them working on a ski slope for about six years, took them hiking in Scotland and also to the desert and mountains in the Middle East. There is a Salomon section in the sports shop next to Ski Dubai. Also North Face (Dubai Mall/Mirdif) do some reasonable shoes and I have a few of their pairs of hiking socks which seem pretty solid. I got some Merrells in the UK that are good. As mentioned Adventure HQ may be a good place to try as well), my problem in Dubai is no where seems to do a US Womens 9.5.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 15:38
Probably the amount of empty villas doesn't help... Interesting as people have been saying rents are going up... I wonder if landlords and agents are pushing their luck and then finding they can't fill villas. The park at our bit seems to be quiet recently too.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 15:07
[b'>Work Shoes[/b'> For work shoes DH always goes to Crockett and Jones. He's had shoes from them for about 10 years. His main ones have been resoled by them a few times. He likes classic oxfords but also has a few pairs of loafers from there. He's a bit of a traditionalist (I use other less pleasant words to describe his fashion trends) and will only wear oxfords with a suit, loafers are for trousers/chinos (apparently). I don't know if anywhere out here sells them but he just calls the shop in London gives his name and what he wants and they send us a pair that fit in his words 'like slippers'. They have his fit on file and always know which ones will be comfortable. Even though we only go in there every few years they still recognise him when we do pop in and greet him by name, their customer service is fantastic. Crockett and Jones are made in the UK in Northampton the heart of British shoemaking. They still use traditional shoemaking techniques which DH loves. Barker's, Church's, Loakes, Cheaney (owned by Church's), Trickers, John Lobb, Edward Green, New & Lingwood and Alfred Sargent are other brands to consider. [b'>Casual Shoes[/b'> For casual shoes DH buys Quoddy or Sebago, he's a bit preppy and a fan of the boat shoe look. Tod's do some moccs I think, it's the only brand I can think of similar to Ted's. They are however best known for their 'driving' shoes. But I buy his casual shoes (I'm allowed) and I prefer Quoddy for casual wear (they're still hand sewn in Maine).
RuthM
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Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 09:16
Anything from £300 - £700 (no idea of local price sorry). Some vacuum some mop, not sure about the efficiency of the mopping ones. LG do one the Hom-Bot and Samsung do the Navibot but the big producer is iRobot (Roomba and Scooba), which is better seems to be a matter of debate. http://www.irobot.com/global/en/store.aspx http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/home-appliances/vacuum-cleaner/robot/VCR8855L4B/XEU http://www.lg.com/us/vacuum-cleaners/lg-LrV590S-robot-vacuum They are all somewhat bigger than a frisbee though. <em>edited by RuthM on 09/04/2013</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 08:58
My family are all mostly in Cape Town. I have a few others around SA but predominantly CT. Personally I would not move to Joburg, before moving to Dubai we were offered Joburg as an alternative and we decided against it (DH travels 50% of the time). But DH would move to CT in a heartbeat. He went there for the first time when we got married and fell in love with the place. It's laid back and with less of the pretension you can sometimes see in Dubai. As for places to live my cousin lives in Constantia which is beautiful although a little far away from the centre and my family came from Rondebosch which also nice and a little closer. One of my other cousins lives in Pinelands which is a bit cheaper and quite a number of retired people (although she likes the school there). My parents lived in Seapoint before moving to the UK but that is mostly high rise. It's not going to be as safe as Dubai. But really in Dubai generally you get in your car, out your home, drive to the mall, go shopping, back in the car and drive home. If you do this in CT you shouldn't have any problems. However you can actually walk around CT (they have pavements and streets!). Just ensure that until you know the nice busy and safe areas you don't wander round too much on your own - much like I would imagine Chicago or New York. I can't say I'm not a little envious it is such a beautiful place in such a beautiful country.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 07:57
My thoughts exactly, and I keep on saying to our guests over from the UK for some sun 'it will come tomorrow' now I just see doubt in their eyes!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 10:16
My family have been buying and driving Land Rovers and Range Rovers since the 1960s. We had a Series IIA, a Series III followed by several Range Rover Classics. In the mid 90s Land Rover went through a very bad patch of creating notoriously bad cars. The Range Rover was not updated for a long time, the introduction of the Disco and Freelander was a flop and the new Range Rover (Metrocab) was a heap of junk. Like many people that needed a proper 4x4 we stuck through those times with an old Range Rover Classic, our friend had a Series III and another even ventured into Jeep territory (he had Labradors, we had Spaniels, you can't put a nice British dog in a Jeep) but no one touched the Metrocab. They were sold to BMW and then Ford and eventually got back on track. Now Jaguar-Land Rover is reunited under TATA and they are making great cars. The new Range Rovers, LR2, LR4 (and Jaguars) cannot be compared to the Landrovers a decade ago. In Europe they have won many awards Jaguar XF for executive car, the LR2 for compact 4x4 and more. Personally I love Range Rovers but I hate the pretentious direction they have gone in so if I could have any car would probably go with an LR4. Although and Overfinch Holland and Holland is a tempting option! As for repairs and parts cost, I cannot comment, ours in the UK never had a problem except a flat battery and a recall on the sunroof. My 1998 Defender 90 V8 50LE has a small oil leak and the air con needs some gas, the sun roof leaks but it is otherwise still going strong. I can say a friend of ours who had a Toyota Rav4 was completely ripped off in the Toyota garage when they damaged something and wanted AED 25k to repair it! So really it's my belief the garages here try and get away with anything they can regardless of brand. Still someone who has actually owned or owns a recent model Land Rover in the UAE would be best placed to comment on that rather than speculation for myself or others.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2013 - 22:34
you may be able to get a servicing plan from Land Rover? SWK says that the one they are thinking of buying is only a year old, so it should come with the balance of the free service contract the original owner got when they bought it. There ought to be at least two years of free servicing left. Once that's run out, then parts *will* be expensive if you get them from the dealer. Typical markups here are anything from 400-700%. That's how they pay for the free service contracts, after all. edited by Madge_Gustard on 03/04/2013 Land Rover don't as standard offer free servicing contracts. In fact in the three years we have been looking this year is the first time we've known them to have such an offer. As Land Rovers come with a five year warranty then technically no major parts except for perhaps, tyres, filters, timing belts, general wear and tear things should need to be paid for for five years. I'm not convinced the mark up on parts has anything to do with servicing agreements, it is far more likely it is to do with Dubai's uncanny ability to mark up a price on anything they can get away with marking up. For example Land Rovers are about 20% cheaper than the UK price but Range Rovers are pretty much the same price simply because they can get away with it. Anyway I'm sure someone who actually has a Land Rover can advise on how expensive repairs have been for them.
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2013 - 18:09
We had one in the UK. It was DH favourite car. The visibility is fantastic especially for a 4x4. It doesn't quite have the clearance for any proper offroading but manages fairly well and has very good on road manners, it handles like a much smaller car when driving. Passengers commented they found the seats more comfortable than the Range Rover Sport. It has a bit of roll on corners (to be expected as it's not a sports car but otherwise drives very nicely. We're seriously considering getting one here, although the boot is perhaps a little small as we have two Labradors so leaning a bit more towards the LR4. As for servicing, no idea sorry but I think all Land Rovers come with a 5 year warranty and you may be able to get a servicing plan from Land Rover?
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2013 - 17:58
Anyone been to the one at the Fairmont?
 
 
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