shamat | ExpatWoman.com
 

shamat

shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:37
I can't answer the question about cocoa as I've never used it out here, but for "cooking" chocolate I use Lindt - obviously the bars and not the stuff with the soft centres. I find it to be very good quality. Failing that, if I can find it, I use Waitroe Belgian chocolate, available from Spinneys. But my first choice would always be Lindt.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:29
I tried Nail Zone on Jumeirah Beach Road recently for 2 pedis. I had one ok and one good attendant. The salon is never very busy which is IMO a plus coz the girls spend more time and appointments are available at short notice. I go there too and I've generally been happy. The girls tend to be friendly and the whole environment is unrushed. Its opposite the public beach (the one thats next door to the Jumeira Beach Park).
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:21
Thanks very much!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:08
Thanks v much Sarahgypsyrose, that's what I needed to know. I'm assuming that the standing room people can access the bars and food concessions can they? Its not clear to see from the map how they are able to monitor who goes where and I don't want to get there and find I should have packed sandwiches!!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 15:19
I'm going to the Jazz Festival this Friday - we have bought standing room tickets. Can anyone who has been please tell me what we will be able to access in terms of catering in that area and whether there is any chance of being able to sit down between the acts - eg. a grassy area, picnic tables etc. I'm really struggling to understand the layout from what I've read so far so some insider information would help! Thanks.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 12:40
I've just read Oranges and Sunshine by Margaret Humphrey about the enforced migration of children sent from the UK to Canada, Australia, NZ and the former Rhodesia right up until 1970 under the pretext of giving them a better life, but in actual fact condemning them to a life of hardship and abuse, brought up in institutions. Not a cheery read - you keep on wanting to believe it isn't a true story, when of course it is. However it is utterly engrossing. Before that I read The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 09:04
I've been searching for something that works for ages without success. The closest I've found is that when my feet have actually chapped I apply Mebo cream - a natural cream made of plant materials and available at all pharmacies. It seems to make them heal really quickly, particularly if I protect the area with a plaster. To stop my feed cracking in the first place, I've used the foot cream from L'Occitaine, but it doesn't always work.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 09:01
We''ve given up booking taxis in Jumeira. Whether we book in advance or ring when we need one, frequently we are finding they just don't show up, so we now walk and try and flag one down on the street. I think the situation has been getting progressively worse for the last 6 months. Dubai seems so busy again!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 February 2012 - 18:24
Rear Window, or, if I need a laugh, Shaun of the Dead or Airplane!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 19:30
or Expat woman = what school should I send my donut to?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 19:28
Expat woman= I've just been charged 45 aed for a donut, was I over-charged?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 17:25
Donut seller in the Mall didn't wash his hands before serving me!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 09:05
I'm pretty sure you can't, but they do have chalets to hire there so it may be that you could rent one of those to stay in overnight.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 17:22
Sorry WB72, I've only just seen this. When we were there, there were no villas on the beach, but I believe they are in an entirely different location, down by the Hamra Fort Hotel. However don't take my word for it in case I'm wrong! If I'm correct, you are looking at a 15 - 20 min journey between them, which probably means a shuttle bus or similar. We stayed in the desert resort in one of the villas with its own private pool and everything on site. They have a wonderful rainforest spa there. There were a couple of restaurants too. In the morning we could see gazelle passing by our villa which was rather special! You move round the site in a golf buggy which you call as and when you need it. Sorry - I edited to exclude the references to pregnancy as I've just realised you weren't the OP! <em>edited by shamat on 06/02/2012</em>
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 17:09
In the Choitrams next door to Union Co op on Al Wasl Road the Colemans mixes are usually at the butchers counter which could be confusing if you weren't expecting them to be there. Is that where you looked?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 15:30
If your dog flies on the same flight as you he can go as excess baggage, bringing down the costs. Really? Are you sure AQ? I thought they had to go as cargo from here because of the need for them to get the export permits etc from the agricultural ministry. I really hope you are right - that would save me a lot of grief if we are able to do that!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 15:24
Qasr al Sarab is very beautiful, and if you are concerned about the distance, just to reassure you, there is a helicopter and pilot on duty 24/7 in case of emergencies. Also we enjoyed our stay at the Banyan Tree Al Wadi in RAK. That's not too far out and its very relaxing and luxurious.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 13:16
Five years ago we imported a pair of cats from the UK at a cost of £865. However this also included a few days boarding and a little bit of paperwork processing and of course it was a one way flight. Given that prices will have gone up, and you are doing a return journey, I would think that you would get no change from £1000 for a small dog. Apparently the price varies according to size, so if you have a large dog, the price will be much bigger.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 12:21
Emirates prices have now reached a level that I am no longer willing to pay. If you don't have to fly direct, I would highly recommend Qatar Airways. I've just come back from the UK at the weekend with them and they really couldn't have been better. The transfer was totally hassle free and it didn't add too much onto the journey time.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 12:15
I'd second either Medzo or Spice Island, depending on your budget (Spice Island is better value).
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 09:01
ARancher - thanks for the tip about the Car4 own brand - I'll definitely check this out! When we first arrived here 5 years ago I wore my shoe leather out looking for a cheaper alternative to Spinneys and Car4 certainly didn't stock it then, however it seems that time has moved on!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 15:21
Good grief, it sounds like the pet show at the weekend was a blast. :-(
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:17
I thought it was a great concert, and he performed brilliantly. Could have done with more food options though - an 85 AED buffet was all that was available (which was good) but if you just wanted a snack you were out of luck.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 February 2012 - 12:14
Just a word of warning on buying a bread maker. I have a Panasonic that I brought with me from my home country which I love. However I have found gettting the bread flour here quite tricky. It is available (Spinneys and Choitrams), but it is very, very expensive (5 times the price I'd pay in my home country) and it is often short dated, so you have to use it really quickly or else the high cost goes to waste. I love my breadmaker and wouldn't be without it, but beware the high costs of making your own bread here!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 January 2012 - 19:54
I'm not sure that that rule does apply here. Some of the larger stores even have signs up saying that the price that comes up on the till is the correct price (so what is printed on the item or on the shelf is irrelevant!) However its worth checking this on the consumer affairs line - 600-545555 is the number I think.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 21:40
So you can apply at any typing centre? According to their website, yes. It worked for me with my renewal even if it is painfully slow to actually receive the card. I was only in the typing office for 20 mins. http://www.eida.gov.ae/en/process-and-fees/registration-process.aspx
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 21:31
bump!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 21:29
I don't know if this works on suede, but on tablecloths you remove wax by covering the area with brown paper (parcel paper or a paper bag) and ironing over the top. The iron melts the wax and it soaks into the brown paper.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 20:54
I had to wait 8 weeks when I recently renewed mine. I assumed I'd been lost in the system until one day out of the blue I had a text telling me to collect it from the post office!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 20:53
If you are going to "go it alone" rather than going through HQ, I would recommend the official typing centre in the Mazaya Centre for those of you who are near SZR. I recently got my renewal processed through them, and whilst it took a long time to actually get my card (8 weeks - and that was for a renewal!) the process was really smooth and easy.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:26
I switched to using bottled water (Oasis) to make tea with when my tea started to taste like salmon! Let me tell you that salmon flavoured tea will never catch on!!!!!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:21
fullymine, I was in Mercato today, in the @home shop and they were selling "silver" candlesticks reduced to 21 aed each. They are not quite what you are looking for as they are just single tall candlesticks, but they may be better than nothing. They had two types in there, but one was more modern than the look you are trying to create.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 16:16
Thanks for sharing both these lovely stories. It makes a nice change to read some positive posts! Its always interesting how the people with the least to give are the ones that are most likely to give.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 15:39
Interesting Hydepark38, I didn't know that. Do you mean the LuLu in Barsha? Are we talking about reasonable size offcuts (eg. 1 yard or more) or are they really small pieces?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 14:22
well if you put it like that . . . !! Let's hope someone who has done it can give you some feedback soon (and I'll be looking over your shoulder, as I think it has huge potential for something nice to do with visitors after a walk round the Bastakiya!)
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 13:49
We have done the afternoon tea in the Burj al Arab in the Sahn Eddar restaurant on the 1st floor. You get good views along the Dubai coastline but you are obviously not up as high as you would be in the Sky Bar. The food is amazing and there is a pianist playing so its a brilliant ambiance. The last few times I've been it has not been full, but then that was about a year ago. It used to cost about 325AED per person, not sure what it is now.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 13:41
I got details of this offer too and am curious as well. The thing that put me off was the timescale - 45 minutes really isn't long to eat a 75 AED tea! I would expect afternoon tea to be a more leisurely affair. So I'd be interested in feedback as well.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 13:33
Did you also check out Hamra Fort Hotel in RAK? Its far less flashy than other hotels in the area but we prefer it for that reason and it is usually reasonably priced. We found a great deal on it last time by going through trip advisor for prices - much cheaper than booking with the hotel direct. And their restaurants are in the Family Entertainer book so that keeps costs lower too.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 23:30
I started driving here without extra lessons, hated it, gave up, then a year later did a defensive driving course with a lovely ex pat lady (who unfortunately is no longer in the country) using my own car and it really helped me. I'm not sure if I'd bother with any of the local driving schools given the reports I've seen on here, but if you could find a driving instructor from your own home country with defensive driving skills experience, I would say it was worth doing. I found my trainer on this forum, so maybe start a separate post asking for recommendations?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 January 2012 - 15:08
Der Keller in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel serves spaetzle. Its very nice!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 17:56
Hi lucy.p congratulations on your new job! I don't know if it is still the case, but it used to be illegal to live with anyone who is not your immediate family (regardless of gender), however many people do it and house shares are publicly advertised on places like dubizzle. However its wise to be aware of this situation as if for any reason there is trouble in your new home and it comes to the attention of the police, you could end up in a lot of trouble. If I'm correct, you will need to choose your house mates very carefully to make sure you don't end up in any situations that draw attention. Good luck!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 11:29
Experience over degree without a moment's hesitation, for all the reasons stated below.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 January 2012 - 10:14
Try a fancy dress shop, like Mr Benns. We've bought them before (but in England) and we got them from a fancy dress shop. Give Mr Benns a ring - they are usually really helpful and it will save you a wasted journey
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 16:15
I'm not sure if this is of any interest to you, but my local gym are doing a 4 week intensive diet and fitness programme. I can't recommend it as I haven't used it, but I believe they are doing tailor made customised programmes for individuals, and you have got 4 weeks before your honeymoon, so it may be worth giving them a go! http://www.inshapeme.com/index.php/en/fitness/get-back-on-track.html
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 19:12
Hi Plum Tree, I'm not a resident in JBR but I have friends who live there and love it (both owners and renters of properties). They love having the freedom to walk to nearby shops and restaurants and the general buzz of the area. None have ever had significant maintenance problems (no more or less so than anyone else in Dubai - it is a bit of a fact of life here!). However, what would put me off the area is the sheer volume of traffic in the evenings and the fact that the roadworks round there have been going on for years and years with no sign of finishing. At the end of the day, you've looked round it, you've made your choice and you are pleased with it, so don't let anyone else put you off! People would probably have whinges about every part of Dubai! Enjoy your new home!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 19:02
I'm guessing your child is a primary aged student, in which case they might like this cartoon which explains it quite well http://www.abpischools.org.uk/page/modules/solids-liquids-gases/slg2.cfm?age=Age%20Range%207-11&subject=Science
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 18:51
No - properties are characteristics of that material, eg. is it soft? hard? fluffy? transparent etc
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 18:09
This may seem a bit too simple, but could it be dehydration? Is he drinking enough during the day? I still think he should get a second opinion though. As you don't know what's causing it, I think you should probably go to a different GP and see where that takes you before consulting a specialist. I am VERY familiar with the men and doctors aversions!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 13:39
In order: Bussola - there are two parts to this restaurant - the upstairs which is a pizza place and the downstairs which is an Italian restaurant. Both are nice, but both are a bit overpriced (I think). Downstairs would be more romantic, but actually I wouldn't describe either as romantic. Bice - never been Mango Tree - Lovely but pricey. For romance book a table on the terrace overlooking the fountains. PF Changs - never been Pai Thai - very romantic, particularly if you get an abra from the Madinat, but very, very expensive! Probably of all these, I'd choose the Mango Tree.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 January 2012 - 13:19
I was also a very satisfied customer of Bridge Cleaning before it closed down. I had some contact with Kirsty just before Christmas and she had hoped her new business would be up and running very shortly after that, but I haven't heard anything else. I cannot face going through sourcing another maid agency for exactly the reasons you've given so I am desperately hoping that her new company will be up and running soon.
 
 
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