Saharagypsyrose | ExpatWoman.com
 

Saharagypsyrose

Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 09:13
Hi, just in case you didn't know. Color tinting and UV coating are two different process. So be sure to ask for UV protection as well since tinting alone without the UV shield will be more damaging to the eyes.
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 15:27
ok guys ... im new to this expat site .. how do u post a question .. managed to answer some but need to post a question .. how do I join ? If you are sign in, you will see the "new thread" on the upper left hand corner right above the forum rules threads and below "Home".
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 20:08
For Century 21, best to go on weekdays as weekends can get really crowded. Go first thing in the morning as it's still tidy and you have the energy to rummage through all the items. Great place to look for Men's suits too. Macy's is my favorite though, every Wednesday has a special sales usually. Be sure to get the visitor 10% off pass like one poster suggested, but also look at newspaper that morning ie New York Post, they sometimes have special coupons in there ie get $10 off for every $25 purchase. Check out their website right before as sometimes you can print out the coupons from there :-) For souvenirs, Canal Street in Chinatown is great to browse around. If you like or want to try Malaysian food, Nyonya on Grand Street has the best food outside of Malaysia IMO :) Trader Joe has got lots of good stuff, that's where I usually stock up on honey and good quality maple syrups among other things (a bit heavy to lug back, but I can't resist) Have a fantastic time! I am so envious :) <em>edited by Saharagypsyrose on 13/07/2011</em>
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 19:34
Ok. Sounds like a good plan! I need to get my act together. The AC filters are changed every 3 months. The maintenance staff overall is pretty good with everything else, I guess I just can't get through to the "top" guys. I will look into getting a proper company to get the AC vent cleaned, while doing what you suggest on a monthly basis. Thanks again! :)
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 17:53
It is frustrating to deal with these people because we are not on the same page and they look at me like I had sprouted two heads! I haven't really noticed the correlation between the leak and the mold. The leak isn't frequent, but my humidity can yo-yo from day to day. I have thought of opening up the door to ventilate the clothes on a daily basis. But I am hesitant because I had seen the mold in the vent duct before, and I am just paranoid because it's almost like inviting the mold spores and the yucky dust to sit on my clothes unobstructed. The dehumidifier is literally sitting right in front of my closed closet doors and every time I clean the filter I feel so gross. I still keep the dry boxes inside on the top and bottom shelves too and have to replace them but not as often as before since I have got the machine on. I know...it's a lost cause! :( Thanks again H.A.K.!
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 17:03
Thanks H.A.K. for your helpful response! The other side of the wall has the very small tiles and they don't seem to be wet, and are not loose or crooked. I went to knock on them, they sound homogenous all around and the wall next to it as well. No mold in the bathroom at all. There is some water leakage at the corner by that wall, this happens at least once a year. They blame it on the floor above and they can't tell what's causing it. They told me it's dry now *shrug shrug* :( I will call them immediately the next time it's wet. As far as they are concerned, everything is in perfect order when they stick their heads up above the ceiling into the vent. We do have a very powerful extractor in the bathroom ceiling which is lining the side of the wall that is shared with my closet. I have tested that, when my bathroom door is closed, I can feel the draft coming in from under the door into the bathroom. When I put a tissue by the extractor, it is gently sucked in, so I know it's working. I am renting. That's why the management sent in the in-house maintenance team to do the "investigating". I guess what is most frustrating is that these people don't listen (it really confirmed my suspicion after I read the report) and acted like they had never seen or smell mold before! This darn problem aside, I really like my place :) Thanks again!
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 16:02
Looks like it may be the route to take from this point on. derien, I so know what you mean. They look at your with a blank face or like you had sprouted two horns by the end of the discussion lol Thanks very much ladies! Appreciated it :)
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 14:52
I agree with Saltire - you need to get ACTUAL management to have a look, this is bad, and a serious health issue for you and your DH. You are absolutely right! That is my biggest concern as well. But I get the sense that they don't think there is an issue to begin with. I even showed them the pictures I had taken previously when I had the worst attack and I even got mold rash on my skin when I tried to clean up the "mess". I didn't know if I should laugh or shoot myself when one asked me if I hung wet clothes inside the closet. (seriously! do people do that?) :\: Yet, they came to the conclusion that my clothes were the culprit!
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 14:45
Thanks for your response, Saltire. These people were sent by the management, they are in-house as they overlook everything within the building :( I wish they could just think it through and make the proper conclusion. It could possibly be the way the system works (not an AC expert as you can tell) and unfortunately my unit seem to have the most problem instead of blaming it on something that is illogical to me. :D
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 17:33
You could try booking.com. I have been using this site for a long time now and never run into any problems with them (knock on wood). You do need to give your cc to "guarantee" the booking, and you can cancel at anytime (usually 24 -48 hours prior) without any hassles. Of course, always check cancellation policy before you book. If you do use this site, just register and sign on. Then when you are ready to cancel, sign in and cancel and they will send you a cancellation email. Really easy.
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 17:08
The sands have rolled into Bur Dubai now...and windy. I can't see anything out of the windows, and heard some roaring too...not sure if that was the plane, thunder or my upstairs neighbor rearranging her furnitures again :)
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 11:18
That is so not cool. I hope your parking garage has CCTV. Depending on the size and location of it, you may need to get professional help to have it removed. I was told by a car mechanic to use a dap of gasoline to remove the paint left by someone else's car. It works every time but of course it's usually only a small area. Check out the link below. http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Spray-Paint-off-a-Car
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 19:01
Yes but those aren't for 'cosmetic' purposes are they. Coloured contacts - yes I've had them in the past, aren't just wear and throw away and they're not too cheap either. Why don't you go to an optician that does them and ask. There are plenty of colored disposable contacts out there that are cheaper nowadays. And yes, where I come from they do give new free trials to patients to try, sometimes up to a few pairs because patients couldn't decide on the color.
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 18:54
Nowhere will let you try contacts! It's unhygienic, plus they'd go through tonnes of them as they'd have to throw them away after people have tried them. It's pot luck I'm afraid. Go to an optician to select the right shape and colour for you. To be honest the thought of trying something like that is just gross! I am sorry, when you say nowhere, do you mean here in Dubai? or anywhere else in the world? Since disposable is the most common type of contacts nowadays, the samples are given out easily. Even if they were the daily wear of the expensive type (good for one year), as long as they were sterilized properly, they could be used as trials again. I know from personal experience that an optical store in Dubai Mall will give samples (they are new disposbles and are not recycled) to their patients if they want to try a new brand. That's part of the business, nobody is going to buy unless they were given a free pair to try for both fit and comfort evaluation (in a paid consultation).
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 16:42
nope, no such message, it's been working fine......
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 16:41
The first year car insurance is usually issued for 13 months. I think you still need to register your car by its expiration date to avoid penalty (however small) as I don't believe there is a grace period anymore. Talk to your insurance company for the renewal, it's a been a long while for me to remember exactly, someone here might be able to clarify. It's best not to drive with an expired registration if you can help it. Just my 2C :D
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 11:52
I thought they changed it to 1pm now on Fridays? Saw the doors opened and people rushing in while passing by the station at Deiry City Center last Friday.
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 10:27
(in the beginning, I got about 10L of water a day!) I do not think it is normal, i lived in at least 5 different flats/ villas and it was never that bad. Have you had your aircon chacked / cleaned/ etc, there is something wrong there... Yeah, I never had this problem before having lived in so many apartments over the years. It is the AC duct system in my building I believe. I have central AC, and one guy told me that some AC system has a very good dehumidifier component to it, and some don't, so maybe this one does not or there may be some chiller pipes crossing the path of the AC ducts. (they need to consult experts in this field) They had looked at it before, they didn't think it was a problem cuz they don't live here? They are coming to look at it again today, so we will see what happens.
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 10:18
Hi Kaash, Sorry I can't help you with info on which store to buy in terms of value for money. Ideally, you should get fitted for contacts, cosmetic reasons or not. As they come in different curvatures to fit the different curves of our corneas, proper fitting is essential to avoid discomfort or complication or damage to the eyes from ill fitting contacts. If you do a fitting, I believe they should give you a new sample pair to try. If you are planning to wear them once in a while, may be you should look into Freshlook One Day disposables, this way you don't have to buy the extra solutions to clean them and keep them in, and they probably end up being cheaper with no hassles. HTH :)
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 14:39
There are limited dehumidifiers here. They range from around 600 Dhs and up. There may be some discount due to DSS? I have been using one, Crownline or something from EMax, for 9 months now. It's on during waking hours in order to keep the humidity level somewhat under controlled. I still use the little boxy dehumidifiers inside the wardrobes. It is a lot less painless having it because the little boxes fill up rather quickly and get expensive in the long run (in the beginning, I got about 10L of water a day!) It is definitely on 24/7 when we are away. Be sure to look for one with at least 4 to 5L reservoir and has an outlet in the back that you can hook a pipe to it (just in case). Easy access to the air filter is an advantage so you can clear up the dirt/dust whenever. Also be sure the reservoir bucket is the open kind that you can put your hand in there to wash as it can get gunky. Good luck! HTH!
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 12:30
I was told by the customs officer that all Alcohol regardless of what type has a limit of 4 Liters per person (whether you bring in from home or buy at airport). Check out this website, looks like beer has the same limit and translate to 24 cans? http://www.dubaifaqs.com/duty-free-limits-dubai.php
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 10:37
Ditto! And the older they get the louder it gets! I have to agree! I was just telling DH that he never snored the first 15 years, and now it's getting worse! He snores no matter what the position is, and it drives me nuts when he turns onto his side facing me, with his face few inches from my ear. I had tried the touch, prod, jab, stab, punch to no avail. I even went as far as to record his snorning for him to understand why I was so cranky sometimes, and he still denied that it couldn't possibly be him! LOL
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 18:57
You can find them in Dragon Mart for 50 Dhs and up, but not sure how long they will last though :)
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Latest post on 30 June 2011 - 12:41
Sorry, this is not specifically pertaining to child seats issue but I wish they would broadcast something like this here to constantly educate and remind people about safe driving in general. It makes my heart bleeds everytime I watch it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8QxZJZfU5Q&feature=related warning: graphic contents.
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 19:02
Yeah...when I left it, all was fine. No nasty comments or arguments that I saw. But as momof3 pointed out, probably the religion references that got it deleted and my mentioning of the B word, and the R word and the K word and down the black hole it went! :-P Does the B word end with ch? Have no idea what the R or the K word is. lol No no no, my B word was a nice word (in reference to religion), me thinks you are trying to get me into trouble here :-P
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 19:00
For Dragon - did you get yours done in Dubai ( if so where) I have wanted to get this done for year, now approaching 40 & moving to Dubai next month, can't afford it yet - but would love to know where a good place in Dubai is to get it done as I am worried about sand in the air & contact lens!!! Go to Groupon.ae, there is a deal going on that is valid for the next six months. May be worth a look and research.
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 17:57
Yeah...when I left it, all was fine. No nasty comments or arguments that I saw. But as momof3 pointed out, probably the religion references that got it deleted and my mentioning of the B word, and the R word and the K word and down the black hole it went! :-P
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 17:23
was it because of me???:\:
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 16:13
If you had "minus", that means you are currently myopia (nearsighted). What Lasik does is to take away this minus by modifying the curvature of your cornea, so you will no longer be nearsighted (in order to see far without your glasses). If you are no longer nearsighted, your ability to see small prints up close (40 cm) is a lot less (to zero at some point). You probably see people stretching their arms out to read or remove their glasses or put on their glasses (these are all signs of Presbyopia. Presbyopia (the inability to focus upclose clearly and comfortably) is part of the aging process and we ALL get it (to different degree and time frame based on whether we are nearsighted, farsighted and by what quantity). No, there is no "deadline" for women or anyone to experience this at a specific age. The range is from 20's to 60's, but the mean is around 40 :) If you really hate glasses, and really want to prolong the need to dig out the reading glasses everytime you want to order from the menu or look at a label at the grocery store, you should discuss monovision with your surgeon. But this alternative is not for everyone and is a procedure where either you really love it or really hate it :) HTH! Typo! <em>edited by Saharagypsyrose on 29/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 14:28
One poster just asked about this last week or so. As minimax said, it's best to send it back home if possible, because it's not worth depositing it here for the commission they charge, you might as well just surrender your check to them :)
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Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 17:36
I have sent most of them back 'home' but cuppas are always good regardless! I thik if I studied I would want a bit of paper at the end-guess I could almost afford it if I did it part time but I'd be 11o0 by the time I finished and the courses I fancy have field components which would have to be done back home too Yikes, that just sounds a bit complicated and I don't think you wanna study until you are 110! lol . As you said, after working for over 30 years, you definitely deserve to be in "retirement". Sounds like you are enjoying life and get to do your hobbies (not everyone has that luxury), so have a blast while you are at it! I like SydGal's comeback...It's a full time job just being me. I think you should use that one next time you get asked and then tell us what the responses to that are :D Will email you later for a tea date ;)
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Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 17:15
Studying would be nice but distance ed costs so much when you already have a degree-would jump at the chance if I had the money True! The classes I do have to make special trip back to the States which is costly but can't be help. For other type of "studying" I just go to Google University for free :) As an aside, if you feel like it one of these days, come over for a cuppa tea, would love to see your photo books! <em>edited by Saharagypsyrose on 28/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 16:53
I know how you feel, wuffles. I get asked that question all the time. Even my DH used to ask me that in the beginning. I felt depressed and guilty and then mad!. Just because I was not sitting at a desk with a title to my name, and no projects or whatever achievement to show, did not make me useless. It takes a lot of practice and getting used to and coming up with witty responses. I still continue to study on the side and take my continuing education classes etc so that I will be ready to get back on the band wagon when the time comes. Some people even said to me "you spent most of your life studying, and now you do nothing?" Sometimes I can't help to reply, "Of course I am! I am living large" :D
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 27 June 2011 - 18:49
The transit hotel is called Serenediva. You can email the manager Cyril at [email protected] for availability and rate. There are two types of rooms I think, USD 46 and 52 (same everything, just bigger room for the latter). From the gate, walk toward the immigration at the end of the hallway, at the stairs, turn left and you should see a blue sign. Take lift, one floor up. Because this is before the immigration/luggage collection, you may want to consider checking your bags all the way through (if possible) and keep a carry on with you. Keep in mind this is nothing fancy, just clean enough for some shut eye :)
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 27 June 2011 - 18:01
Wafi and MCC also :)
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Latest post on 27 June 2011 - 15:45
Can anyone recemmend a decent but not expensive hotel near to the aiport in Colombo? Just somewhere clean and safe to rest our heads before going on elsewhere and just before flying back to Dubai. Are you transiting with a few hours to spare and just want to rest up? I don't recommend going into Colombo because I don't think it will be worth it. The 36 km could translate to 2 hours during rush hours with the discomfort of bumper to bumper traffic. The hotel rates are more than twice it used to be, and taxi fare will be 40-45 USD return. There is a hotel right by the arrival hall. The rate is 45-60 USD for 6 hours with additional of 8 USD per hour thereafter. It's clean (kinda new), the toilet smells a little in the beginning, but they have tried to plug up the pipe train so it is not bad. Make sure you have got your earplugs for uninterrupted sleep :) Let me know if this is something you are interested in, I can send you more info :)
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 27 June 2011 - 11:42
you mean one of these? http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B004S0GB06/ref=asc_df_B004S0GB063358072?ie=UTF8&condition=new&tag=shopzil_mp23-21&creative=22278&creativeASIN=B004S0GB06&linkCode=asm You will find them in all the grocery stores for sure :)
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 27 June 2011 - 10:37
DubaiCat, thanks for the taking the time to give us a heads up. It's greatly appreciated. Good luck with everything.
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 16:46
Wuffles, good on you for not feeling "helpless" and please don't feel bad for getting help from the security. This kind of pervert does not deserve any consideration or sympathy. As other posters had pointed out, he really got off lightly, police involvement is what he deserves. In this kind of situation, we all react different, so you did the right thing. I remember at a concert in Abu Dhabi and a guy standing near me was trying to masturbate against the women around him. I was so shocked and scared and kicked myself later for not reporting him to the security guards. Eventhough I warned the women around me, but I should have gotten the police! Felt so stupid!
Saharagypsyrose
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Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 14:58
Yesterday, I was at a Sun & Sand Sports in a mall, looking at Northface hiking boots. Saw one on display that I liked which happened to be the "right" size US 7/UK 5.5 as labeled on the shoe tongue. Tried it on, just snug without sock. Me: Hi. Does this style come in half sizes? This size is a little tight, if you can, find me size 7.5 Sales: US or UK size? (fine! she wanted to be sure) Me: US 7.5 please. Sales: OK. I check. 5 minutes later.... Sales: Sorry Madam, no size 7.5. Me: Oh that's too bad. Do you have size 8 then? Sales: Ok, let me check. 5 minutes later.....still no sight of Sales assistant, then saw her standing by the door looking at boxes in the store room. Me: Did you find any 8s? (in the meanwhile, I noticed there were only 4 boxes to choose from of that style) Sales: We have 8.5, 7.0, 6.5, 8.5, no 8 Madam. Do you want to try 8.5, Madam? Me: I wanted 7.5, but willing to try 8.0, 8.5 will be too big I think. Sales: How about 6.5? Me: (WTH??) 6.5? I just tried 7 whch is already a little tight....(couldn't even bring myself to finish explain the logic of it) Sales: You sure? You don't wanna try 6.5? (now my eyes rolled to the back of my head) Somebody should just shoot me! (because this is not the end of it) lol Few minutes later after I recovered... Me: Can you check for me if your other stores carry the 7.5? So I don't have to drive all over looking for them. Took another 10 minutes trying to have someone to check the inventory on the computer...unsuccessful...asked the 3rd Sales person for help. (lots happened during this time too) 3rd Sales looking at the 1st Sales person: What size? [7.5'>. UK or US? (1st Sales person turned her head and looked at me as if confused) 3rd Sales person after a while: US 7.5, we have this size here! (WTH???) 5 min past...the 7.5 appeared! Yay! Me: Do you have a sock? Sales: Yes Madam, I bring. Sales person came back with a small sock with holes on it and looked like it's been worn more times than I want to put my foot in it :D Good news: bought the boots! Bad news: eyes got stuck in back of head
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Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 11:58
Rules may have changed since the last time I tried. If I remember correctly, I had a check from the States and I wanted to deposit it into my USD account, I believe they will charge you a percentage of commission of the check amount (plus a fee?) to clear the check. Give them a call, they are very helpful on the phone as well.
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 15:38
hi... got some guy coming soon. hopefully it is not too dodgy or a rip off! many thanks FYI, for a 6 cyl truck, it will be the bigger battery. It costs me 600 AED for ACDelco at Fasttrack. Panasonic is 500 AED, and Hancook is 380 AED. Good luck with yours! :) Edited because the mind and the fingers weren't on the same page. <em>edited by Saharagypsyrose on 20/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 15:07
Hi ladies, the rego is due on our car, just wondering if I can take the car, even though it's in my husbands name? TIA No problem. Be sure you have a copy of the new insurance policy and a copy of his passport with visa page. Give the original registration card at the booth at the entrance, and you will get a ticket. Then proceed to the testing area and they will tell you to go wait inside while they test your car. Just wait for your number, and they will give you back the key and the pass/fail document (50 dhs for test) and get another queue ticket at that reception desk to go inside to finish the registration. It will be very fast especially if you get the Lady's counter. I have done this for my DH and brother for the past 5 years. Piece of cake :D
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 14:48
I was just searching for this yesterday. There is a "battery man" according to one of the threads who will do this at your location. Not sure about the charge. I was weary of this as I don't know if the battery they bring is used or good or defective, so I would rather go to the shop. For instance, I went to Fasttrack yesterday and the manager asked the guy to bring certain model battery, and the guy said oh that one is not good (eventhough new), and the manager then told him to get it from stockroom as there was a new shipment of 20 just came in. If your building has a car battery jumper or you can get another car to help you jump start, then you can drive straight to the shop to get a replacement. Just a thought :) Good luck! Edited to add that you can call your car insurance company if you have the breakdown recovery feature to come and jump start your car for you. In the event that it is not a battery problem (could be starter or alternator issue), you would have paid for a new battery for nothing, plus then you will still need a tow truck anyways. <em>edited by Saharagypsyrose on 20/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 11:01
I was looking through the Time Out Dubai before chucking it in the bin and I saw they have a 2 for 1 offer on a set menu at Hukama. The restaurant looks beautiful on the website. Has anyone been and is it good? And is the three course menu any good and is it very expensive? TIA I haven't been there for their 3 course menu offer, but we were there last year for one of their iftars and the food was superb and ingredients very fresh and of excellent quality, just to our liking :) Hopefully someone here could give you a more recent review. I must have missed this offer on TOD, thanks for bringing that to my attention :D
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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 18:27
I would recommend Seychelles if you don't want to spend too much on this short trip. If you are not picky and don't need 5* accommodation, you can try self catering chalets in Mahe for 100 to 150 euros per night, and car rental cost from 35 to 50 euros per day. You can do nothing by vegging on the beach all day to activities like hiking, tide chasing, drive around the island, walk around and eat at night fairs and mingle with the locals. We go there once a year and we are not tired of it yet :D
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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 17:46
As far as I know, in the event that you sold your car, you are supposed to remove the sticker. The RTA will automatically cancel this account after 7 or 9 days (forget). I think it's better to go to the RTA office or the Salik counter at the Tasjeel station and make sure it is deactivated. Any balance in that account will not be refunded but will be carried over in the event you decide to apply for a new Salik account in the future. Unless you are unfortunate like Babylons where mysterious toll charges come about years later, then you will end up with zero eventually or in the red :(
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 16:45
another good thing to do is invest in the Mashreq credit card :) they have a scheme by which u can redeem ur loyalty points for free shopping in Spinneys... my DH travels a lot and is always spending on hotels etc on his credit card... so this was we can actually benefit of it by redeeming the points for our grocery shopping... we have already redeemed close to 2000dhs worth :) Hi AnC, quick question for you. Are you talking about the MashreqPoints? I thought they had discontinued this feature in April according to their website. Perhaps you are on a different scheme? TIA! not sure about the details of the scheme but we have a Mashreq Platinum card that we bought into after having the Mashreq WOW card for many years... the points were just migrated over so not sure about the actual scheme... all i know is that it's redeemable at select centrepoint outlets, choithram outlets, jashanmall, allukkas jewellery, etc. sorry i cant be of much help but it's the hubby that handles all this... i just do the spending part :) No worries. Thought I would ask someone who is using the card. Had asked my RM before, but it seems that neither her or the call center have any clear idea of what's going on either. Oh well....:) Thanks again!
Saharagypsyrose
484
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 16:26
another good thing to do is invest in the Mashreq credit card :) they have a scheme by which u can redeem ur loyalty points for free shopping in Spinneys... my DH travels a lot and is always spending on hotels etc on his credit card... so this was we can actually benefit of it by redeeming the points for our grocery shopping... we have already redeemed close to 2000dhs worth :) Hi AnC, quick question for you. Are you talking about the MashreqPoints? I thought they had discontinued this feature in April according to their website. Perhaps you are on a different scheme? TIA!
Saharagypsyrose
484
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 18:52
Thank you ladies - I will look at both links. I did read somewhere that I can get the visa at the airport in China? I haven't done this myself. It has always been visa through embassy for as long as I have been travelling to China, unless this is a recent change in regulation. However, it seems there are exceptions to permitting visa on arrival (excerpt from 2008 forum). (1) Being invited at short notice by the Chinese side to attend a trade fair in China; (2) Being invited to China to enter a bid or to formally sign an economic or trade contract; (3) Coming to China under contract for supervision over export shipment, import commodity inspection or checked on the completion of a contract; (4) Being invited to install equipment or make rush repairs; (5) Coming to China at the request of the Chinese side for settling claims; (6) Being invited to China for scientific or technological consulting services; (7) A last-minute replacement or addition, approved by the Chinese side, to a delegation or group that has been invited and has already obtained visas for traveling to China; (8) For visiting a patient in a critical condition or making funeral arrangements; (9) As persons in immediate transit who, because of force majeure, are unable to leave China by original aircraft within 24 hours or have to leave China by other means of transport; (10) As other invitees who really do not have enough time to apply for visas to the above-mentioned Chinese agencies abroad but hold letters or telegrams from designated competent authorities approving the application for visas at port visa agencies. HTH :)
 
 
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