Sabrina H | ExpatWoman.com
 

Sabrina H

Sabrina H
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 11:38
Definitly the best time to go! Not only will it be a smoother ride, but the desert will be green. A few years ago we saw a flash flood in the desert, the water came past us like a raging river from the mountains. It was an amazing experience and one we will probably never see again. We always head out camping when the weather is like this.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 23:13
I always fly KLM to Amsterdam and then on to Hannover in Germany, the cost for both flights is usually around 2500dhs, so only to Amsterdam I would say will be 2 grand or just under.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 April 2011 - 18:55
Anyone know where I can find one in Dubai?
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 22:32
When I did mine I had an AUH visa which also proved to be a problem, but once I had all the right letters and signatures all went smoothly. Hang in there :)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 22:23
Finally! I've been doing the rain dance for weeks now :)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 22:21
There is a leather cleaning specialist in Al quoz....I will find out for you.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 19:26
You can try Max Garage by the Lulu Traffic lights, or AAA service center, they are both reputable gararges who will do a good job, as for the cost, I dont know. If you want to do it on the cheap, you can try the garages in Satwa.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 23:14
hmmmmm, I have seen them somewhere but I cant remember...I think it may have been in Carrefour. (The aisles with tools and car accessories and light bulbs etc)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 23:03
Oh no...don't get me started! Unfortunately we dont even have the choice, we have to go with DU :(
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 12:02
I find sending things from Dubai is usually not a problem, however sending things to Dubai is the problem. I've had loads of things go missing :(
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 11:46
Don't forget the mosque alarm clocks :)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 16:47
Ours is pretty quick...unlike the general DU service ;)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 16:40
I heard there is a bus that will transfer you between terminals so you wont be leaving the airport. Alternatively, if you have a British passport, or one that doesn't require a visa, then you should be free to leave the airport at terminal 3 and go to terminal 2. You can try calling Dnata, the should be able to tell you for sure.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 16:38
You can call tool time on 800 88. They charge a call out fee and then an hourly fee but we found them to be quite reasonable.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 16:35
I am outraged and incensed that I paid 750 dhs to be in the Golden Circle only then be invaded by the drunken General Admission lot. Who's idiotic decision was it to take away the barriers??!! Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the odd 'upgrade' but if I wanted to go into the General Admission centre I would have paid the 200-300dhs. Personally, I feel ripped off and it completely ruined my evening. I would like a refund please! Im glad Im not the only one who thought that! We were quite happy at the front until the flood gates opened and we were crowded like sardines. The security did try to send a few people back, but there were too many of them. I had one lady who kept appearing out of no where, trying to push me out of the way, then literally sticking her nose in my ear saying "I'm fed up of being pushed around in the back" YEAH WELL, Im fed up of you trying to push me around, get away from me! I agree, we should all write to the organisers and try get our money back. Next time I'll know to pay for the cheap seats and then invade the golden circle. What a joke!
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 16:28
I think there are tours every weekday until the lunchtime prayer. Even though you will be given an Abaya to wear, make sure you dont wear short sleeved tops or shorts. Also, you might want to take your own pashmina or scarf for your head...you dont know where theirs have been ;)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 16:07
If you have a booking at one of the restaurants they will have your name at the gate and you will be let in. I think its a minimum of 200dhs spend per person though. Then again, at those prices, thats 2 cocktails :)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 12:22
Have seen this before, its brilliant! Imagine how much time and patience went it to it!
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 11:54
I just booked with Fly Dubai too, it was 883dhs return. When I looked initially 3 weeks ago it was 820dhs, and was the cheapest of all the airlines I checked.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 11:51
I had no idea this kind of thing existed, Thanks for posting! I will make it my mission to find them :)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 11:43
I saw some kangaroo and australia shaped cookie cutters in Lulu's. They were about 8 dhs for 3. They had a few different shaped ones too. Daiso is also a good one to try, they will be the cheapest. (2nd floor Oasis mall on SZ road)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 11:40
If they are the very tiny ants that Im thinking of, (the ones tha smell weird when you squash them) then the only way to get rid of them is to get rid of food scraps/crumbs. Because they are so tiny, they creep through even the tiniest holes in the window frames etc. There's no way of stopping them really, however if you do find where they come from you can try to plug the hole with blue tak. I have done this before and it seemed to work.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 11:37
I dont think you can reply, you can only call back. Call 101 and try to get on to an operator. They should be able to tell you how to listen to it again. HTH
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 11:35
Depends where you live, but the Ranches and the Springs have a bulky rubbish collection area, Not sure if you can drop it off there yourself, or if thats where they put it when they have collected it from your house. When we lived in Umm suqeem we used to put things like that out but the bin and see how long it took for someone to take it away. Usually it was no more than 5 minutes before someone on a bicycle stopped, got on his phone and called his friend with a pick up to collect it. The 'finder' would then stand there and guard it until the pick up arrived. Its great for entertainment value, and that way you know it will be fixed and re used. There are also scrap collectors that roam Jumeirah and Umm Suqeem and pick up such things to sell on to scrap dealers. All you have to do is put it out by the bin.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 23:01
Zighy bay resort in Oman looks gorgeous too. You can get a private villa with your own pool...
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 22:54
How about some kind of scrap book of his life, or one of those canvas's with a collage of pictures of him, you, the kids from then to now. There is a stall outside Ikea that does this kind of thing. If he's a smoker, maybe an engraved Zippo lighter, or get a nice beer glass and get that engraved.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 15:59
Travel bug, you have mail :)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 13:35
I've seen one of those in an apartment in the Marina too, I was just going in to feed the cats, but I did wonder. I thought surely no one would live with that in their house if it is a fully functioning camera so I assumed it was just for show, but maybe not. Its a bit big brother...and surely highly illegal! I would insist on having it removed as its violating your privacy rights!
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 20:31
You can try the lebanese bakery on Al Wasl road by safa park. They have a selection of samosas and sausage rolls etc. They also usually have large amounts, and they are open 24 hours :)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 20:25
For the last hen do I organised, we did a 'cooking class' at Le meridien. It was a great laugh, it includes several glasses of wine and some champagne. First we did cake decorating ( They gave us a slab of sponge and we had to carve and decorate it..our theme was naughty men's bits ;) ) then we learned how to make real mojitos which we also got to drink, and finally some chicken and some salmon something...cant remember by this stage, but we got to eat that too... From there we went on a 2 hour cruise around the palm on a yacht (got a good deal from a friend) and then to Nasimi beach for the rest of the evening. We had loads of other idea's , but as Dubai is quite limited on what you can get away with, you have to make the most out of the games and dress up factor. (The boys on the Stag do almost got themselves arrested for trying to get into Ski Dubai with the stag wearing a bright red morph suit) One of the other hen do's involved the beach butler boys followed by a limo drive to and all you can eat buffet followed by CHI. Also, there is the budget issue...if you have a big budget, your options are unlimited. *Dinner in the sky at JBR *A weekend/night away *A girly afternoon including manicure, pedicure, massage, Sauna etc *Dinner and drinks ending the night with some dancing. *A day out on the boat at Mussandam *www.thedoubledecker.com (maybe they can suggest something, we used them once for a 40th birthday) Hope this inspires some ideas :)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:18
Definitly dont do Dubai Zoo....its horrible! Al Ain Zoo on the other hand is great. Its quite easy to find, just head towards al Ain, then follow the brown signs for Al Ain Wildlife park. You can spend a good 4-5 hours there, but I would say get there early as most of the big cats take afternoon naps so you wont see them. Alternatively there is the Sharjah animal wildlife park which has a petting zoo which would be great for the children. Also Posh paws have a petting zoo I believe. The there is also the desert ranch that has lots of animals such as camels, horses, donkeys, goats etc. They have quite a few activities for kids and adults...www.desert-ranch.com Hope this helps.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 13:46
We live in Layan and couldnt be happier. Most people are put off by the fact its 'so far out' but you get used to it quite quickly. The pool is open, and the Gym is opening tomorrow (finally) We are expecting Choithrams's to open soon, and also a laundy service and a nail spa/salon. There are many young families here, there is a very friendly vibe here, everyone says hello to everyone. We have a 3 bedroom villa, the average DEWA bill is about 600dhs a month. The build quality of the house i find is quite good, better than some others I've seen, and we havent had any major problems. If there is a problem, the maintainence people are here within an hour of calling them.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 13:24
The best is definitly the Kaercher which I have seen upstairs in the Co-op opposite safa park. I would image out of all the places that sell them, co-op is most likely to be the cheapest. Ace hardware will probably have them too, but a bit more expensive. You can get chinese ones in Dragon mart, but I dont know how long they will last.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 13:21
At a petrol station, I was about to get out the car to get a coffee when the coffee delivery man came up to my window and offered to get it for me, he said I should try the new flat white. I didnt want the flat white, I wanted a latte, so he said 'just try it, its the same price, I promise you will like it' Eventually I agreed and said I would come in to get it. He insisted I wait in the car, he would get it for me. I wanted a large latte (18dhs) , and the flat white only comes in small (14dhs). Eventually he handed me the coffee and as I was handing over a 20dhs note, he said 'and something for me' I left him with the 20dhs note, but I was really annoyed because I ended up with a small coffee when I wanted a large, and I ended up paying MORE for it than I would have if I had got what I wanted in the first place...
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:34
I went last month, and although I had printed out the map from their website, it was useless. Drive towards Al Ain, keep going straight at all the round about's until you see a brown sign for it. Its quite well sign posted. I think it took about 1 hour and 15 minutes. A bit of Advice....take you're own food if you are planning to stay for lunch. They have Hardees and KFC in the Zoo, but its not made there, they order delivery so the food is luke warm and soggy. Also, the large cats tend to go for an afternoon nap so the earlier you go to see them, the higher the chances of seeing them. Have a great time :)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:25
Heart worm is not an issue here which is why you cant buy it. You can try o get some friends from th states to bring it out for you, however its pointless giving him the medication if it's not required.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:45
I know you mentioned Nespresso but have you considered a Lavazzo? I bought one for my husband and he adores it. It was only 399 dhs, pods are 60 dhs for 24 or 30 I think and it produces amazing coffee, hot chocolate and even tea. Comes in a variety of colours and although the shop to get stuff from is in an awkward location, they deliver pods to your house. They also offer free 'workshops' to make the perfect cuppa and are so lovely. My mate has a Nespresso which she loves but paid over 2k for it and it doesn't even have a frother! Where did you buy the Lavazzo?
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 22:19
I went along with my OH on Wednesday for a Hatta Visa run, it was quick and easy. Don't forget your passport ;)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 20:19
I havent been actually, but I do want to go. I have heard good things about it, and I think it would be a great day out with kids.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 19:23
A few years ago my parents were selling some furniture....a second hand furniture guy came round and bought the lot, only he was 700dhs short. My mum also had faith in him and agreed to let him bring the remaining money the next day...of course he didnt show up, so she called him and he always had an excuse. Eventually she had enough and called the police. The police told her she did the right thing in calling them as he has basically stolen. They said no matter how small the amount, its still theft. They were very helpfull, they called him, and with in the hour he was round with the money. Its worth a try with the police if you have their phone number.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 19:09
The Market is on the Marina walk, which I would say its about a 15 minute walk from the Metro station. If you're going there tonight the metro will probably be quicker, even with the 15 minute walk as traffic will be terrible, and parking will be even worse.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 14:39
Most Gp's can test for it as its just a blood test for Uric acid levels. They will then most likely refer you to a bone and joint specialist for further treatment, so its probably best to go straight there. He went to the Bone and Joint center who have now moved to healthcare city. After seeing countless doctors, hoping one of them would finally find something that would provide some releif, the B&J center were the only ones who have found the right combination and dosage of medication that keeps the attack under control. I hope this helps, and I hope the pain goes away soon, I know how awful it can be, especially if it's gout. (which I hope it isnt)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 12:40
A combination or condroitin, MSM and Glucosamine helps. It maintans the cartilage and joints and if often used by people suffering from Arthritis. Of course the pain could be all number of things, but has he been tested for gout? My OH suffers from gout and he says an attack is the most excruciating thing. A simple blood test can determine if it is gout, and if it is, there are a number of medictions that can help control it, but it will never go away :(
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 23:40
I would definitly say go for it, just make sure you dont eat before the lesson as you'll get quite dizzy from all the 8's. Also I would recommend you bring your own helmet. In hindsight it was worth it (I can say that now because it was so long ago that I had almost forgotton about it until your post ;) There is nothing quite like riding a bike through the Hatta mountains on a friday morning, followed by breakfast at Hatta fort Hotel.... If you already know how to ride a bike then you're halfway there. The bikes they use for lessons are CD 200's, so nothing powerfull. (Its quite an art riding one as they are so under powered) Let me know when you get your license and we can go for a girly ride to Hatta! :)
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 22:58
I did mine about 6 years ago, with Al Ahli in Al Quoz. I only did about 6 lessons, I think they just wanted to get rid of me, because I was complaining so much about doing nothing but figure of 8's for 40 minutes each day. When they finally put me forward for the test, I had a test date in about 5 days. The test consisted of me doing another figure of 8, and showing that I can use the indicator and look over my shoulder....it was an absolute joke. The examiner was sitting in his air conditioned car, barely able to make himself look up from his news paper. I didnt have to do a road test 'because I already have a car liscence and should know the road rules' Needless to say I didnt learn a thing, and as soon as I bought my bike I did the California Bike school at the autodrome which is taught by people that actually know bikes, not a bunch of muppets. Shortly after I got my liscence I heard that women were no longer allowed to get bike liscences, but I think this may have now changed.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 22:35
I would definitly do it just in case, because without it, it could mean they are not legally married in the UAE.
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 23:39
wow, at that price i would be interessted...are you sure its transferrable?
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 16:29
No point in repeating everything that was just said about a cat looking to be bred, so maybe you can pass this link on to your friend....hopefully she will think twice. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=141592
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 17:19
Im looking at going to Jordan at the end of April for a week...my 3 girlfriends that initially showed interest are now not so keen, but I really want to go....you keen on Jordan?
Sabrina H
490
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 17:13
Petrol stations now sell them too, think you will have to take a passport copy in with you, but they should be able to issue the chip then and there. Ooops, just realised you want a post paid chip, in which case you have to go directly to the DU or Etisalat office. Mobile phone shops and Petrol stations can only issue pre paid chips. <em>edited by Sabrina H on 18/03/2011</em>
 
 
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