saintlouismama | ExpatWoman.com
 

saintlouismama

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Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 17:32
It's the maid's day off - do i use yesterday's towel or shower at the spa ??? Day off? Why? Crikey..... lol - sorry, it wasn't very realistic !! I *think* what she meant to say was 'The maid was feeling unwell this morning so I had to cancel her visa and ban her, until the new maid arrives this evening, should we reuse this mornings' towels, or shower at the spa? Thanks Amy, I just spat my drink out from laughing so hard! Classic!and This made me laugh, cause my maid, just told me she needed to nap last afternoon, she was so tired....having her cycle....ok??? but you were off yesterday and went out to the movies to after 12am........humm.......yes, thats the maids life!!!
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Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 17:29
I got 99 problems but the beach ain't one... Lol Jay Z sss in da house? lol
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Latest post on 17 February 2012 - 14:40
No expert on Iranian food, but I love Noon o Kabab (so good and fresh coming from food courts). Noon o kabab is fab food court food, their breads are lovely. ok, so i am getting a iranian to say its ok to eat there? :) but what is your fav place.....i had a fav resteraunt back home...cafe natasha, ohhhh loved the iranian food there.....
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 17:10
they moved the thread from earlier but thanks!!!!!!!!! :)
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 13:13
sorry i ment KRAFT cheese blends.......
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 12:23
I just booked the Le Meridian in Fujariah based on trip advisor and this forum....Looks like they have a nice set up....just FYI havent been there yet, but trust trip advisor and this forum..... Le Meridien is just next to the Rotana and it really does look like a fab spot on the coast, and I know of people who have stayed there and returned time after time. Haven't been there myself but would jump at the chance. The two hotels I recommended are also great, I guess it might come to budget, but Fujairah is so lovely you'll have a nice time wherever you stay :-) thanks :)
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 12:14
I just booked the Le Meridian in Fujariah based on trip advisor and this forum....Looks like they have a nice set up....just FYI havent been there yet, but trust trip advisor and this forum.....
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Latest post on 16 February 2012 - 11:31
There is a fraft four cheese shredded blend in the stores.....works well.....bit of milk....bit of garlic....:)
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Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 10:47
I just want to add that no child, as young as the OPs, should EVER be treated like that. EVER
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Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 10:43
I do want to say a positive thing about schools...my sons school Raffles, is handeling a special needs kid quite well. Teacher is really working with him. He functions properly but here are some definite social and behavioral problems. My son says some kids tease him, but I tell him that not all kids are the same.... What the real shame is that there is no proper diagnosis on him, because the PARENTS havent had one done yet.
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Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 10:07
My sister stayed in Mariott in Istanbul--beautiful hotel-- loved the city....its on my list too... would be nice to go to Italy in April, climate would be great......
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 13:13
Friend of mine is a celebrity gossip reporter in Los Angeles and is hearing rumors that she was pregnant. yes with ray j's baby
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 13:08
She was too young to die and her addictions caused her and her family a lot of pain. An addict is not an addict by choice as some judgemental people presume. Addicts suffer a lot and at most times are helpless & unable to give up their habits. RIP Whitney. what nonsense - an addict is an addict by choice; they choose to take what ever they take. And no, they don't suffer half as much as the people that are near them. how can you judge her if she went to rehab recently? have you seen her? i hope to be that good looking at her age....
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 12:57
Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka all easy to get to from Dubai. My fav is Maldives. Lebanon, Oman, Egypt. I havent been there, but there is a travel warning for maldives FYI they have had a coup
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Latest post on 12 February 2012 - 12:47
She hands down was one of the greatest voices the US had. Her rendition of the US anthem was AWESOME. For the record, she did go to rehab recently, she tried very hard to kick the demons. Also, she looked awesome for her age.....Too young to pass. Her daughter -- at 19--- far too young to be without her..........
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Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 17:17
Every year, at Eid al Adha, tons of sheep are slaughtered at homes...Yes, at homes. I guess you might have not seen this, or maybe youre not muslim, so you didnt know this happened. The meat is then donated to the poor. Some families buy a few...... It is common.... Not saying youre not right to be upset, but I really dont think the police will think this is a issue.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 16:48
Ok, now i see its a prenatal thing. Ask me anything. I was born with one......but dont worry too much. It is very common. Let me know!
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 16:47
While I was in the queue with my dog - waiting to get in - there was an enormous Rottie who was muzzled, lunging at every other dog going past. I love this breed and have known many gentle ones, but this dog had no place being at the show. He was purely a status symbol and the owner could barely hold him. The dog in front of us was a German Shepherd who did the same, snapping and lunging. These dogs are either always aggresive dogs and shouldn't be there in the first place or are reacting to a stressful situation and should have been taken home. Each year there are a group of Pitbulls there who are beautifully behaved and are true ambassadors for the breed! But this dog should be put to sleep as you never know what it may kill next. Sad but true. As to the vet and her thermometer - yuk. Same one, time after time. But no one bothered to check the saluki pup in the bedouin tent - it was covered in ticks and when I pointed it out to the man in the tent - he ignored me!!! I won't be going back again. ps. (The only dog to have bitten me was a cocker spaniel!) Kaye, you said it best, just bring the dog home if its too much- why dont people think?
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 16:45
sexy clothes and a attitude :)
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 16:39
Seems as if there are now alot of sides to the story. Also Seems as if there were alot of problems at the show with unruly kids and dogs. ????
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 16:37
Hi, I had a VSD. I was born with one. You were idagnosed? Tell me more.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 16:34
Some people just dont care. Some know nobody cares. Some know the law may not even care. At least she looks out for him. But seriously, arent people required to have the kids enrolled in school? I am asking. I dont know if its a law here. At 7 he should be in 2nd grade.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 16:30
Is this a real holiday? I thought it was July 4th? Right, no such thing as National Day that I know of. could it be Presidents Day confusion ?
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 13:22
Good and useful question, anyone know????
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 13:15
Yes, you all make good points. I just dont think its sounds like the best idea for kids or dogs after reading this.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 13:10
That child is way to young to be alone. You must call the police. Now. Look we all ask ourselves what whould you do......but you have to do it now. That child is lucky that he has not been hurt. I guess youve been watching out for while.....? you seem to know him? poor kid. call. dont think twice. Why dont some just not have kids if this is what theyll do? He's been alone since the age of 4...he's 7 now. All I can do is have told my kids nanny in case of a fire to look out for him too, after my kids are safe - he lives in the next apartment. SLM, this is happening all over the country. I know of 'friends' who talk about couple time and go out for dinners, clubbing once the kids area asleep 6-10 year olds. They don't understand why I am in shock when I hear that sort of thing and that maybe I was jealous of their couple time. The only thing I have done is distance from such people. Can't do anything else. I am the sort who has given up office and even family hours to try help others. Just believe me, I know its not a big deal for the police here...they'll ask me what right I have to interfere (I tried to report a likely sexual abuse by parents case a while ago - lots of evidence) and I was asked if I was family and that the couldn't lodge an enquiry based on suspicions and a woman's witness. The family then left where they used to live, so I have no idea. Another case, when I lived else where in Dubai, there was a physically abusive husband,I could hear his wife scream as she was being beaten up...one day I saw her bloodied when he threw her out. Police said she must complaint not me, finally the police did come when security called them and did nothing.. they had a bit of damage too with the apartment window broken etc and all they did is get him to agree he would pay for the broken window. I swear to this day I believe he did something nasty to her as in the same week there was even more screaming one night, I saw what looked like blood stains later outside his door and he threw his couch out which had what looked like blood on it too. Never saw the wife again and then he got a new one soon, who soon started getting beaten up too :( I just hope she left home after all the rubbish. Will wait on Alameen. No what they are doing is abusing the children.. NEGLECT is abuse. why are they not listening to you? maybe youre of one race, they are of another? i dont want to type what i mean, but i think you get it...... Seriously this is horrible to read. HORRIBLE especially with all the neglect and the kids falling out of windows..... No im not saying America is any better, but In America, this is a CRIME. horrible.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 13:06
i have never seen pits here either but these 'gangs' all had black t-shirts on with writing on the back (couldnt see what) and they all had pits with studded collars on... granted they looked in control of them but it did look pretty scary. they have to be from ths US....? the dog breed is banned in the UK and Europe right??? horrible, another mistreatment of the dogs most likely
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 13:04
ok so i've just called to find out about this issue of 'semi-gov' or not. Apparently if you are in Dubai Media/ Internet City, you are considered as semi-government, as your sponsor (as per your visa) is DMC, which is Semi-Gov! Very very frustrating as I now have over AED700 fines - even more annoying as I am renewing my ID, the first one was completely pointless didn't even get it out of my purse once in 2 years!!! Apparently, they started fines as of 1st Jan '12 for semi-gov, even though the website says as of 1st Dec '11. Hope that clarifies, i'm off now to go and get mine sorted before i get charged anything more WHAT? my husband is my sponser, work there also? never told a word about needing a ID for anyone but him, the sponser? ughhhhhhhhhh Thanks though
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 13:02
sorry for being so naive, but do alot of people have pits here, i havent seen one? gangs of boys?? who is buying them? id love to know how they get here....?
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:59
I think you have to link accounts. I assume you have an Etisalat login? In the meantime you can use the Pay 4 A Friend option on the left hand side. You enter your friend's (or in your case, your) number and can pay the bill. This does mean of course that you can view the balance of anyone who's number you know :D Good IDEA can you tell me what page the pay 4 a friend os on...not finding under online services?
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:55
I think you have to link accounts. I assume you have an Etisalat login? In the meantime you can use the Pay 4 A Friend option on the left hand side. You enter your friend's (or in your case, your) number and can pay the bill. This does mean of course that you can view the balance of anyone who's number you know :D Good IDEA
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:53
i got to choose from these : Pier chic // Bateau Dubai // Verre by Gordon Ramsay // AL Mahara what would you choose for a romantic dinner on 14 feb . ;) Verre is now Table Nine, but it is probabaly already fully booked! Bateau Dubai would be mny choice, I didn't like Pier Chic at all - never heard of Al Mahara! Al Mahara is in Burj al Arab, bring your credit cards :)
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:52
SkyKitty...with apologies, I'm afraid I'll argue ownership fault until I'm blue in the face. ;) My beloved Grandmother was the softest, kindest little old lady on the planet. She was so soft that her corgi/cocker cross was the least disciplined, most aggressive little ***** I have ever met. As kids, he was tied to the hills hoist when we visited and we were not alowed in the garden with him in case he chewed through the rope! When he took a chunk out of someone's thigh (while being walked on a lead), he was soon euthanised. A cocker spaniel may be a far less efficient killing machine (and, granted, easier to stop), but a responsibly raised put bull is safer than a small dog raised by useless owners any day. BRAVO.....comming from a family who was terrified by cockers :) but we have had 3 rotties :) but just be responsible people. Dont bring the dog or have control of it- THATS all, weather it be a maltese or a Mastiff.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:48
That child is way to young to be alone. You must call the police. Now. Look we all ask ourselves what whould you do......but you have to do it now. That child is lucky that he has not been hurt. I guess youve been watching out for while.....? you seem to know him? poor kid. call. dont think twice. Why dont some just not have kids if this is what theyll do? PS why isnt he in school full time if hes 7??? isnt that a law?
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:47
That child is way to young to be alone. You must call the police. Now. Look we all ask ourselves what whould you do......but you have to do it now. That child is lucky that he has not been hurt. I guess youve been watching out for while.....? you seem to know him? poor kid. call. dont think twice. Why dont some just not have kids if this is what theyll do?
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:35
sorry, I forgot to mention.....obviously one that does not require residence at the specific location, if its in a neighborhood. I am new here.....but Um Sequiem park is very nice. Women and kids only on certain days.... Down beach road....free to get into....nice view of Burj and clean park.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:29
... Do not even tell me Green that there are dog fights here??? how do they even get the dogs here? who knows how to train them....? Glad my Rottie is at home...... Sadly, yes. It's widely believed that many dogs that go missing from gardens on on the streets end up as bait dogs for the fighting world. When I first started at K9 there was a gorgeous dog who'd been found in the desert - broken leg, covered in bite wounds and ears freshly and crudely cut off. No doubt a fighting or baiting failure and left to die. No no....not here....have a huge dog fighting Pit bull issues in St Louis, where I am from.....they can be real great dogs if you allow them to be.... Randy Grim- owner of a Stray rescue in st louis, gets alot of attention for his pit bull work....Stray Rescue St Louis....seems like youre a doggie lover, check it out if you want....he toured the USA with a dog that made it- still standing- through a gassing--
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:25
Youre mad and so am I-- along with my husband. No, same thing happening to us. Now cant pay and have to go to a place in Dubai Mall to do it? somehting is wrong madame.....
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:23
My daughter and I were standing in front of the vets when a volunteer came running by us with the injured dog, blood gushing and clearly about to die. It was horrific and quite traumatic. We have a big dog but we have spent a lot of time with training and socialisation so that our dog is not aggressive. Having said that, we had a rott in the past and he was probably the most gentle dog I've ever met - but again we didn't encourage aggressive behaviour. These are dogs and people have to beware so I was equally annoyed that some dogs who clearly needed a muzzle didn't have one. [b'>There was a german sheppard that was aggressive and barking at everyone - he was horrifying![/b'> It was truly a sad sight to see and I feel so sad for the family whose now lost their dog. I wouldn't find him horrifying. I'd find it incredibly sad to watch. A dog like that is another with irresponsible owners. He's poorly socialised and under incredible stress being there. Sad. :( Yes, why not tell the owners, get out, youre dog is freaking out, and its going to cause a problem. ? I mean why even bring the dog? I was surprised Dubai had a pet show, happy they are doing something pet positive, but this just ruins it
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:21
... I think breed banning does nothing but make life harder for responsible pet owners. ... I agree 100%!!! Banning breeds makes it harder for responsible dog owners, especially when 'banning' in the UAE does not actually mean the dogs are banned. It means that the dogs (already owned) may be brought into the country and then must wear cruel muzzles which are dangerous in the climate and actually make a dog look a lot more menacing than it may be. Muzzles on genuinely dangerous dogs protect people and other animals. Muzzles on perfectly harmless dogs cause an increase in mistrust and fear in a country when it's already difficult to have dogs (culturally speaking). What the authorities need to be doing is taking animal welfare seriously, stamping out dog fighting and prosecuting irresponsible dog owners. The 'bans' are ridiculous. Do not even tell me Green that there are dog fights here??? how do they even get the dogs here? who knows how to train them....? Glad my Rottie is at home......
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:16
My daughter and I were standing in front of the vets when a volunteer came running by us with the injured dog, blood gushing and clearly about to die. It was horrific and quite traumatic. We have a big dog but we have spent a lot of time with training and socialisation so that our dog is not aggressive. Having said that, we had a rott in the past and he was probably the most gentle dog I've ever met - but again we didn't encourage aggressive behaviour. These are dogs and people have to beware so I was equally annoyed that some dogs who clearly needed a muzzle didn't have one. There was a german sheppard that was aggressive and barking at everyone - he was horrifying! It was truly a sad sight to see and I feel so sad for the family whose now lost their dog. Yes, its horrible, I guess I just dont get why the owner or the pit bull was made to address the issue? I do feel that a muzzle is ok in public places....especially crowded ones....I am too so sorry for the other dog and family. I just wanted to make a point that its not always a dog fault....we do raise them....... <em>edited by saintlouismama on 05/02/2012</em>
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:12
Ladies, dont kill me, but i guess we need these? I have 3 kids.....plus me....none of us had them- only my husband got one?
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 11:57
Sorry to say it but certain breeds have more aggressive traits and most owners of these breeds want them for their aggressive traits...... which just makes things worse... You very rarely see a little old lady with a pair of pitt-bulls do you?? No, but we just had this Rottiweiler fall into our lap in a way....ended up being the best dog....and met alot of other aggressive breed owners while walking her etc.....I am not saying they CANT be aggressive. The point is often lost is that it is the OWNERS. This fool whos dog killed another dog should not be a PET owner again. No matter what breed we are talking about. I think breed banning does nothing but make life harder for responsible pet owners. I had to do a extra fee for my dogs- even if they had never bit anyone or had any problems....based on a breed. Someone can have a cocker spaniel that bites someone and thats ok. They will never be on the aggressive breed list. I guess I was just surprised to see everybody jumping on the "its the breed" bandwagon,without really looking into the issue. If we are actually starting to address this, instead look into the owner and dogs history,
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 11:26
That's great your dog/ones you know are awesome... but basn exist for a reason. Usally because historically dogs of those breeds are far more liekly to be aggressive than dogs of other breeds. For example, labradors. Sure any dog can attack if provoked but more often than not when you hear of attacks there's certain breeds involved... take for example lions... ones raised from cubs by humans are less likely to attack someone, but the possibility is still there because of the nature of that animal... Anyway, don't want to get into a big argument about it but as I said, bans exist for a reason. Yes, and they do nothing for responsible dog owners like me. Yes, and dogs act aggressive because of human action and inaction usually, not only genetics. My point was even a cocker spaniel- which my family had for generations, can be overbread and aggressive. The point of a breed ban is null and void if dog OWNERS are not forced to be responsible for a dog. Like this fool, he will go out and get another Staff Terrier and the same thing will happen...who bears the fault, not the owner- the DOG.
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 11:21
i LOVE the union co-op, great prices, beautiful fresh stuff, and it's a lovely cultural experience when you in there too as not many western expats. always a pleasure! Nice thing to say..feel like its one of the only places I hear alot of Arabic spoken too.............
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 11:13
Sorry to say, but the fault lies with the OWNERS. not the breed of dog....Not all of them are bred to fight. I have had 3 rottweilers that would seriously be friends of kittens- let my kids be very rough....all wonderful pets.....better than the cocker spaniels in the family that bit everybody. Breed banning is rubbish. Why would you bring a bunch of animals, people, and crowds together anyway and NOT expect problems. ???? And I quote... 'that particular breed'.... they have even been banned in places in the US where they come from. I was not talking about all big breeds... Yes, but Rotts, Pitt Bulls, Staff Terriers, Am Bulldogs, German Sheps....all in the category......I am just saying its not the animals its the owners.....I know some AWESOME pitt bulls....and some rescued ones who had horrible times and now are great animals. If I had a aggressive dog, they would not be in a public place-- that applies to any dog.....
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 11:10
We had no time issue on the evening we went, great food.....awesome creme brulee very nice date night.... also, peppercrab and ruth chris was very good in case you need a back up.........:)
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 11:08
Sorry to say, but the fault lies with the OWNERS. not the breed of dog....Not all of them are bred to fight. I have had 3 rottweilers that would seriously be friends of kittens- let my kids be very rough....all wonderful pets.....better than the cocker spaniels in the family that bit everybody. Breed banning is rubbish. Why would you bring a bunch of animals, people, and crowds together anyway and NOT expect problems. ????
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Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 11:05
We are thinking of going to Jordan for 5 days in March with our 6 month old baby. We are thinking of having a private driver. I wonder if it is a good idea?. We have a baby bjorn but I wonder if we would be able to carry the baby for long time visiting the sites. Is it stroller friendly?. Thinking of going to Amman, Jerash, dead sea, Petra and Aqqba as per the private tour I checked on internet. Any feedback?. Thank you Very good idea to get a private driver and make sure the car has working seatbelts for the car seat....they do not use car seats for kids there and our rental car had some seat belt issues.... The Marriot Dead Sea is wonderful for kids, we were just there for Oct Eid break, and I have 3 kids. Jerash and Petra arent too stroller friendly, so I did not go there with all 3 of them yet....but you could do it if you use a carrier.....:) HTH
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Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 22:30
Couldn't quite believe it either. I'm from the US and had a GHP through work and never ran into any of the problems I've came across here. Saintlouismama how long have you been here in UAE? I'm from So. Illinois, not too far from STL. I just got here in Aug, and you are close by if you are from S IL.... No i just said that about the acne becuase i have 2 family members with juv diabetes in CO and they cannot get insurance cause they have ruled it preexisting....so glad that rule will no longer apply -- one very good point of presidents health care bill...