SeaofLove | ExpatWoman.com
 

SeaofLove

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Latest post on 03 November 2014 - 13:00
If anyone is selling a piano (in good condition), please let me know as I'm looking to buy one, thanks!
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 21:37
Does anyone know of a good reliable helper who will be interested in a live out position? TIA!
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Latest post on 20 December 2013 - 10:12
Read into this happening. Ask why? Jobs are harder to get worldwide, so the ones who are getting them are the men. That is what this news tells us. That women are not the first choice candidate, so to get a job they are movingg towards technical, guaranteed job careers, or venturing on their own. Either tough work, or risky work. The secure work, the everyday jobs that get women an income, are not being given to them. This reiterates that women are still second. You've got to be kidding me. What's wrong with women venturing into 'tough' or 'risky' work? Are we not as strong, hard working or brave as men? Why should we only go for the 'secure, everyday' roles? I don't even know what you mean by that term!! I am also curious as to why you think the 'tough' roles like lawyers or doctors would not 'get women am income'. Women with your mindset give a bad name to the rest of us, I work in one of those 'tough' jobs you mention and I have a rewarding, fulfilled career which guess what, also gives me a decent income. Yes it's tough, and I have to work hard at it, but I would not trade it for anything else. And on a side note, us women should be encouraging and empowering other women, and no this is not it!
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Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 21:36
Financial 'security' dependent on paid employment income, as opposed to wealth, is not real IMO....edited by Sugarbeach on 22/09/2013 I feel financially secure, and this is dependent on my and DH's income from our jobs. Obviously an income deriving from assets would be ideal and preferred, but that doesn't mean my idea of financial security is not 'real'. To me, financial security would be when there is a steady flow of good income coming from secure jobs which allows for a decent portion of savings every month while still being able to enjoy the finer things in life. But like you said, it's all subjective... Nowadays, if you are able to describe your jobs as "secure" then I think you are very fortunate.. Perhaps, but most of the people I know in Dubai are in the same boat. The job situation here is not as dire as it is in other places and salaries are increasing.
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Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 21:17
Financial 'security' dependent on paid employment income, as opposed to wealth, is not real IMO....edited by Sugarbeach on 22/09/2013 I feel financially secure, and this is dependent on my and DH's income from our jobs. Obviously an income deriving from assets would be ideal and preferred, but that doesn't mean my idea of financial security is not 'real'. To me, financial security would be when there is a steady flow of good income coming from secure jobs which allows for a decent portion of savings every month while still being able to enjoy the finer things in life. But like you said, it's all subjective...
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Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 14:48
Agree with the other posters, OP a lawyer will just tell you what has been said here, landlord has no legal grounds to do what he is threatening so go to the rent committee and get their advice. Document everything, do not engage in phone conversations, and follow the committee's advice. We did this, opened a case against our landlord and won (might be worth noting that landlord had apparently sought legal advice and appeared with 2 lawyers....)
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Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 14:56
Thanks for the replies! I will contact UoW first as they seem to have a system in place.
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Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 11:28
Gentle bump! Any help would be gratefully received =)
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Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 07:53
Thanks ladies, like AmyAus I follow the Australian route so NQ means a legal practice course graduate, more specifically, anyone has insight on pay for a US law firm?
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Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 07:35
Anyone of you ladies know the average salary for a NQ associate in an international law firm? I don't think salary guides for 2013 are out yet and I would like to know what the current market rate is, TIA!
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Latest post on 30 August 2013 - 21:08
A word of caution, Malaysia is getting to be a dangerous place to be. There are political tensions, shootings in broad daylight and armed robbery every day. If they move there, there are a lot of precautions to take
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Latest post on 10 August 2013 - 05:11
Is it open on Sunday? Still trying to work out if we're getting the day off...TIA!
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Latest post on 27 July 2013 - 17:22
We bought ours from Abdul Kader, you may contact him on [email protected]. Have fun, we love it and use it everyday!
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Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 18:05
I know this sounds unbelievable but the coldness and lacking of empathy is something I think is a male trait in some men. Allow me to explain - I have also dealt with this during times of grief / extreme sadness. I have asked DH why he can't comfort me at times like this, when I have been crying my eyes out, and his response is that he doesn't know what to do, or how to help. I think some men are geared towards being practical and often find it hard to say the right thing when a woman is grieving, upset or emotional. It doesn't occur to them that a kind word / hug / squeezing of the hand is all that is needed sometimes. I am not making excuses but I just wanted to share what is possibly the reasoning behind his behaviour. Counselling I think would be a good idea, at least so you feel like you have an outlet for your feelings. But telling your wife she is feeling sorry for herself and that she feel entitled to it after she just buried her sister? That's beyond male incapability to deal with female emotion. Agreed. Yes, men are thick when it comes to female emotions, and Lord knows I have, on several occasions seriously considered if DH and I were on the same planet. But, what OP had described above goes beyond that typical male reaction. What OP's DH said was not 'practical advice', it was an 'I don't care what you are going through, nor do I want to care'. OP, you have every right to be upset, and I am inclined to say even more so at your DH. Definitely go to counselling, if he doesn't mend his ways, then you have to think very carefully about the reasons why you're married to a spouse who is clearly not a partner, nor a source of support and hope during the difficult times.
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 17:14
Hi all, Was wondering where you can purchase real Parmigiano Reggiano cheese? Want to make some spectacular pasta. :) TIA. Carlucio's at Dubai Mall/Marina Mall. It's the only parmigiano reggiano I would buy in Dubai!
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 17:34
OP don't get too excited but I THINK I have a spare jar somewhere, I'll check when I get home and you're welcome to it if it's still there! It's pretty simple to make as well.
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Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 17:10
The dire UK situation is still more likely than here sorry to say. I canvassed a number of firms directly before being offered a training role, and only getting it as my name is in my husbands nationality book so they figured i could go to court when I get the passport. Wages offered for training are too low (even at big firms) forger to survive here (major firm offered me 5k), and they wanted a graduate certificate in legal practise. The other competing factor is that the UAE Labour Law states that if a local is qualified for a job they must get it over the expat, so any UAE law grad (many coming from aA Uni and the UK) must be given the job. All grad program's I saw we're national positions as the risk of investment was lower than with an expat. Several firms advised me to get practice in Australia before trying here as no one wants to train as there at e more than sufficient qualifies and experienced people in the market. Encourage her to saturate the market (inc I. Te UK) with her CV. I just wanted to add OP that this isn't always the case, I got several offers for a trainee role, one which was in house and offered to pay for my qualifications course so they are out here. The pay was also significant and market rate. It ultimately depends on your daughter's grades/uni/extra curricular activities, if she is a good candidate there will be someone who recognises it.
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Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 14:43
Is your daughter qualified/admitted to practice? Most international law firms in Dubai do not offer training contracts which are based 100% in the UAE, there are however a few which offer 2 seats in the UK and 2 in the UAE. That being said, your daughter still has to make the standard application and compete with the rest of the graduates in the UK and worldwide. Can't give any more advice without knowing more though.
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Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 13:26
I saw this at the SZR branch just last week...
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Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 15:52
Hi ladies, Would anyone recommend this restaurant ?? Ive visitors out next month and they are celebrating a special birthday and have expressed an interest to go here, any comments would be greatly appreciated before i make a reservation. Thanks :) I think this is the best restaurant in the Burj - not the best in Dubai, but the food is sublime and service is excellent. I found the alcohol to be stupidly overpriced (but that is to be expected!), but overall, it's got the wow factor and I'd definitely go there again.
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Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 15:49
I used the lady doctor at Nicolas and Asp at marina, didnt feel a things, she very gentle, deff recommend her. Sorry cant recall her name. Cost 400dhs. I went to the same Dr. too, she was Eastern European I think. Wonderful, wonderful person, put me at ease and I'd definitely go back to her. Please don't worry about it, it's only for a few seconds and just a very slight discomfort (if any at all).
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 14:00
Purple, did you notice if they have juicers/power blenders? If it's nothing to write home about on the SZR location, I'd just as soon buy my salt from the one in the Greens lol. I never "browse" there. They have omega juicers/blenders in the SZR store =)
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Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 18:38
A few months, at least. Be prepared for some culture shock, I loved it for 2 weeks - but after the initial excitement wore off, I found myself hating alot of things about this place. It took maybe half a year for DH and I to get settled (no children), after a while common sense kicks in and you realise that no place is perfect and you'll find yourself falling in love with Dubai. I'm sure every expat would have asked what they got themselves into, but that is only normal. I've been here for more than 3 years and I can honestly say that moving here was the best decision I ever made, even if there were times when it did not feel like it. Good luck!
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 16:33
you have soething in your mind that makes your inner feeling keeps you awake to think this issue...... HTH Sorry if I misunderstood Gorobattie, but when you phrase it that way, it sounded as if you were saying it's all in OP's head.
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 16:21
missbojanita7, You do not need prescription to go to sleep, you need to know what exactly stops you from sleeping in the night, you have soething in your mind that makes your inner feeling keeps you awake to think this issue...... Bring this issue/ problem into light, so you can face what stops you from sleeping in the night. meds doesn't solve problems, facing it solve it. Stay stronge and face your fears. Then you will go to sleep. HTH There are MANY physical conditions which cause sleeping disorders, you can't just make a sweeping statement that it's all in OP's head! OP, go see a doctor for a diagnosis. But in the short term, try taking a hot bath with magnesium salts (Epsom salts) - it will send you to sleep.
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 10:20
and where would one buy maxi muscle and vita minerals? Got mine from Amazon.
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Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 09:44
Try Vitaminerals green. You can make a very quick shake with bananas, non-dairy milk and a scoop of the powder. It's quick and easy, the taste is not bad either!!
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Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 15:36
I would be thrilled if my child followed in me and DH's footsteps and entered into law/finance -because these are intellectually stimulating professions, with (generally) good pay and interesting work. Concert pianist, doctor, vet and journalist come into mind as well. Obviously I would still support them if they are not inclined towards any of these professions, but if I could pick the dream jobs for my child, these would be it! On the other hand, my DH (not so secretly) harbours a dream for his son to be an AFL star.
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Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 17:46
Hi SeaofLove, I have only one more question for you, because I am really foreseen some trouble by the end of my contract. If I get the rate for the rent increase, prove to the landlord that he doesn't have a case and the landlord keeps saying I must vacant (he knows he is wrong, but playing to see what happens) and I refuse to leave, as it is my right and stay. The contract ends and I haven't signed a new contract, what happens? Is it renewed automatically? If so how I give him the cheques if he is refusing to sign? Do I have to go to Rent Committee and give them the cheques? What is the process in case the LL is really nasty? Another thing, in my current contract I was able to remove the sentence not renewable, as the LL wanted to have it and I said I only sign if it is out of the contract, he accepted, but said that it doesn't mean anything because if he doesn't want to renew he would be in his right, as it is a one year contract and renew is under the Landlord discretion. I had it in my previous contract, but when I mentioned the RC and the RERA index the LL gave up to kick me out, but this time I want to make sure the law is on my side, if the LL plays nasty I can stay anyway? Your contract will automatically renew under the circumstances, call the Rent Committee and they will sort this out. You should not have to open a case against your landlord in this instance but please give them a call to confirm what you have to do. That clause 'renewal is at landlord's discretion' does not mean you have a non-renewable contract, unless that phrase specifically appears in your contract, you have rights of renewal. I think that the standard blue contract always has this clause (renewal at landlord's discretion) - mine did and I still won the right to stay and renew.
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Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 16:59
Based on my experience with the Rent Committee and rent laws: (a) If you are paying below the RERA Index for your area, your landlord can give you 12 months notice to vacate, or you can take it before the Rent Committee who can decide on rent value. (b) If you are paying above the RERA Index for your area and you do not agree to a rent increase, your landlord cannot ask you to vacate on that basis. The only way he can get you to leave is to serve 12 months notice only for specific reasons (personal use, renovations etc). If you are paying above market rent and do not want to leave, you don't have to accept a non renewable contract. Landlord tried this at the Rent Committee and was told off =)
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Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 10:10
Very sorry this happened OP, like the others said, chin up and move on. It's horrific that this happened but I also think that you had a lucky break as he did not try to go further than that. Learn from this and don't put yourself into the same situation again. A friend of mine in Dubai had almost the same experience (security guard tried to get into the same room as her and she had to bang the door shut on his hands to keep him out) and she reported him at his workplace, he was dismissed from his job. You can never be too careful no matter where you are in this world, so take steps to protect yourself. An Australian policeman once told me that while pepper spray is illegal, women should always carry a small bottle of hair spray to ward off any would be intruders.
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Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 10:09
I know that Allen & Overy have a summer programme here, it's rare that firms here have a formal internship programme in place but some do consider taking interns on an informal basis (unpaid though). Like the other poster said, your daughter should contact firms directly. The DIFC website has a list of all the law firms operating in the area with contact details (and most of the focus would be on Corporate law), but also try local firms. If she's interested in Commercial Arbitration, the DIFC Courts also have an internship programme. HTH
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Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 14:14
OP, you might have been a victim in a technical sense, but now is the time to stand strong and take responsibility for your own happiness. Your DH is not showing any remorse nor does he seem to want to stay married, it takes two to save a marriage and at this point, your DH sounds like he's still in la la land. If I were in your place, I would be booking flights back home now. Money in a joint account is still money which you are legally entitled to, use it if necessary to rebuild your life. This isn't giving up on your marriage, it's making the smart choice. You have family and friends back home to support you, it places you on a more level playing field with your DH and it gives you options. Personally I think that you and your son leaving might just give him a badly needed jolt of reality. Finallly, please don't consider suicide to be an option. You have a child, if you can't bear the thought of living for yourself, live for him. You have to be strong and reclaim your independence.
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Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 15:00
Is it ok if I'm just a little bit jealous here?!?? I'm the woman that has space in the tv cabinet for a 50" tv yet DH decided that 32" is more than enough... Oh and once I left him in the mall for 30 minutes to buy shoes and he came back with a pair of hideous blue checkered shoes that he thought was a great deal because they were Quiksilver and reduced to less than half the price!!! I'm happy to trade for the 800dhs rubbish bin!!! Lol just for a few days, then I'm sure I would want my gadget hating husband back!!! despite not liking TV I have to say it is a pleasure watching a HD movie on a 50" screen, it has to be in your home to be appreciated, I have put my foot down at 50" though, as 60" is obscene and DH has been hankering for one of those edited by loube on 31/01/2013 We have a 65" - it was the lesser of two evils as DH has now discovered 70" monstrosities. I think he came to his senses when our TV cabinet started caving in...
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Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 17:41
Purely from personal experience, but if you want something, you should really just tell him. Alot of women set themselves up for failure if not - (most) men are dense, you have to spell it out from them! Just tell him that it is a special day for you and you want to do something symbolic on that day etc etc DH and I have been together more than 8 years and I find that as the years pass, we are content to just have dinner at home, switch off the electronics and enjoy each other's company. V-day is really commercialised nowadays so don't buy into it too much, just remember that what he does or doesn't do on that day isn't a measure of his love.
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Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 10:24
I add a tablespoon into my smoothies. But in the meantime, you really should keep pursuing this with doctors until you have a diagnosis, sending you lots of good thoughts for health and happiness!
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Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 18:21
I put maca powder in my smoothies every morning, I've heard that it is great for balancing hormones but I just happen to like the taste. You can buy it in the Organic Store in Dubai Mall. Have you had your hormone levels tested?
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Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 15:21
DH has been working out with a personal trainer for 5 months and he is brilliant. Works him very hard, keeps a very close eye on technique/safety but he doesn't give a diet plan either. Maybe I'm in the minority but I don't really expect diet advice and plans from a personal trainer, there are so many resources (blogs, magazines) out there which you can read. It shouldn't be hard to figure out a healthy eating plan which works for you - eat clean, small portions, organic if possible, cut out sugar etc etc. The hard part is sticking to it and that's up to the person, not the trainer!
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Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 10:09
I did the visa runs for a year back in 2010 with no problems, haven't done any recently though.
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Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 13:01
I never feel the pressure to tip, I have had a lot of guys hang around for tips over the years and I just show them the door. The way I see it, a tip is an extra bonus and incentive to work harder, it shouldn't be an expectation upon completion of every job. I'm more than happy to tip when service has been exceptional but that happens very rarely in Dubai. I know alot of people say it's just 5 Dhs, what's it to us expats who earn significantly more. But 5 Dhs is still money and it's money I would rather save than hand out freely.
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Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 16:23
Thanks Marroosh but groceries is definitely one area I don't scrimp! I buy organic and get wonderful local organic veg from Greenheart but local organic fruit just isn't available. Organic meat, dairy etc is all imported and much more expensive but worth every fil in my book. Me too Daza! I'm planning to drastically cut our spending this year, but it seems that most people start with groceries. I too buy organic food and the costs are astronomical...
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Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 16:17
Thank you, thank you, thank you all for these responses. I'm going to start using these ideas starting today, it's horrifying to think about how much we have wasted so far and I'm determined not to let that happen again!
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Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 16:08
I'm a big fan of the broadway show (my favourite Marius will always be Michael Ball), but I really enjoyed the movie. The male singing was very lacking and I cringed everytime Russell Crowe opened his mouth, but I thought the females were fab. Also loved that Eponine and the Priest were both casts on the broadway show. I wouldn't watch it for the music, but I'd watch it for the breathtaking scenes, I thought the film did an excellent job of bringing the story to live.
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:00
You can find coconut butter in the Ripe Shop in Al Manara =)
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Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 11:11
Nippy - if you haven't already, SEE A LAWYER. You've been completely blindsided, this is happening so quickly and you're incredibly hurt - I get that. But you have to be smart and protect yourself and your children - you had no control over your husband's actions but you DO have control over what happens next. Get some legal advice, find out where you stand and then proceed from there.
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Latest post on 09 December 2012 - 14:32
It's upto what you want, don't decide your salary based on what others have. For example, the Arabic legal secretary/receptionist may be paid 12K, her job is to take calls, diary management, translate court documents into English, draft/collect documents for POA, manage office/client files, correspond with clients on behalf of the lawyers etc. And because court information isn't released daily until around 1/2 pm (sometimes later), they may not start contacting clients re case up dates until at least 3pm, then await client feedback. Many clients want afternoon/evening meetings, so said secretary will be there until the last meeting ends and notes are taken. And for that role, translation is just something extra they have to do. On the other hand, you may find an office job, secretary, offered 20K, no translating, straight forward job, but their presence is worth it. So, you decide what you want. Jobs are hard to get here, but if you're not happy with the wage, a law firm may not be the best as you WILL work to earn every dirham you get. OP's job offer wasn't from a law firm though, it's with a construction company. In house roles generally pay more, and 8,000 is IMO a tad low for a translator's job. That being said OP, you don't have prior experience or qualifications for translating, so I think you were incredibly lucky to find this role. Legal translation is a very precise job and all of the translators my firm uses have qualifications/years of experience. Think of any other options that you have based on your qualifications/experience. What role would you ideally want and what are the possibilities of you getting that role? Without knowing more details it is hard to say if this is actually a good offer or not.
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 09:54
I would try Daiso, they seem to have everything:) Thanks Marroosh! I never thought of Daiso, will pop down there this weekend!
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 09:53
Walk down Swanston St for great Asian food (easy access from Melbourne Central station) - I would highly recommend trying some Vietnamese pho. Grossi Florentino on Bourke St is always a good bet for amazing food. Sorry I can't help with baby friendly accomodation, but enjoy Melbourne!
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Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 16:44
If you do end up in Galle, give Saman Villas a try. We were there a month ago and it was absolutely stunning - and the food was amazing!
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 12:51
Thanks for the replies!