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shamat

shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 December 2011 - 11:51
Hi, ive got a virtually unused jar of Schwartz All Spice in my larder that you are welcome to have (it expires in March 2012). We will shortly be leaving Dubai so it will only be binned when we go. Let me know if you can make use of it. I live in Jumeira The other place you might like to try is the Choitrams on Al Wasl Road opposite Safa Park (the one next to Union Co-op). I picked up a few spices that I need for Christmas in there yesterday that were sold out in other shops so they may be worth a look.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 15:51
We have stayed in the Liwa Hotel before and been very satisfied with it (last stay was about a year ago though, so you may want to check more recent reviews on Trip Advisor). Its a very expensive hotel because of its location, and the expense will not necessarily reflect the standards of service or accomodation, but we have always found the hotel comfortable and pleasant. The hotel can arrange 4 x 4 excursions for you. It would be a very difficult area to explore without a 4 x 4 vehicle. The most you could do in a saloon would be to pull off on a layby at the side of the road and walk a short distance into the desert for a BBQ - perfectly possible to do in February and there are some largish dunes that you could set up your BBQ behind so that you don't feel like you are on a road!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 15:30
One of the information desks in Mall of the Emirates sell them. Its the desk that is the nearest to Barista Coffee shop. It can be a bit slow, but you'll get them in the end!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 15:29
been there once; would never go again. Wouldn't buy anything from there.... ditto Same here.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 21:37
Yes, I understood what you were asking, and yes I do get taxis home alone late at night.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 21:07
shoegal, I understand your pain! There are 3 adults in our household this year and we've hit the same problem! I've asked the cats to invite friends, and I've asked the humans to make some friends but to no avail! In the end, we've settled for the 369aed 7kg turkey and trimmings from the Metropolitan, on the basis that I couldn't cook it for three for cheaper, and I've told my guests that all of them will be taking home turkey and the same meal will be eaten on Boxing Day! Happy hunting!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 19:24
I was sure I posted here about Casserole online doing turkey and all the trimmings, but either I imagined it or i said something wrong - You definitely did write your post simpleasabc because I saw it and was wondering where it had gone! I cannot imagine why it was deleted!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 12:08
The Spectrum on One Christmas Brunch is fab - we went last year. However I'd be very surprised if it had spaces as it is very popular. Last year they could not have squashed another table in if they'd tried!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 11:48
There was a cobone offer over the weekend for Christmas Day brunch at the Pullman, Mall of the Emirates. The offer is still on for 190AED per person, food and drink included. There are at least 105 other people going, as that's how many vouchers have been sold so far! http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/591/deals/204862-christmas-buffet-brunch
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 11:40
I was in the Metropolitan on SZR the other day and they are advertising NYE in their Sky Garden where you can also see the Burj Khalifa fireworks for 150AED! If I wasn't out of town I'd be heading there, as its within walking distance of my house!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 08:41
It sounds to me like you've got an extra guest for Christmas dinner busyjo!!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 December 2011 - 08:35
I've never had a problem either, but its a wise precaution to make a note of the taxi number (printed on the back wing of the car) before you get in. Sometimes this number is also printed on a sticker on the back window, but this can't be relied upon.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 08:40
I think the only option would be self drive or book a private taxi at VAST cost. Sorry! As far as I can recall, no public transport operates on Xmas day.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 14:17
Don Coreleone at the Metropolitan on SZR. Sit out on the terrace - lovely at this time of year!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 18:30
I think this has been a growing trend over the last few months, not a seasonal one relating to Eid or Christmas. Everything feels busy - I'm queuing for parking when I never used to have to, I'm having to think really carefully about when I go out to avoid the busiest times of the day, and don't even start me off about taxis! I think the pre recession busy-ness has returned and whilst I'm glad for the UAE, I personally preferred a slightly quieter Dubai!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 17:05
I also want to add that if you adopt one of the many street kittens that arrive on Feline Friends doorstep, they will be feisty enough to cope with the outdoor life and will be able to hold their own!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 17:03
I'm guessing you will get a very mixed response to this (and you might find your thread moved to the pet forum, so if it disappears, have a look there!) My cats were stray cats we took on when we were in our home country and they travelled out here with us. Because of this, to keep them in all the time would, in my opinion, be really cruel. They have their own cat flap and they come and go as they please. However . . . we have had problems with fights. Our cats are quite tough and able to stand up for themselves so they can hold their own, but it does worry us. We are also very lucky because we have a villa where the walls are too high for them to scale, so the only time they are allowed out in public is when we choose to leave the gate open so they can wander further afield. This has been a real bonus. Whereabouts are you living? We are now in Jumeira where street cats have been a bit of a problem, but when we first got here we were living in AR, where there were no problems at all. Incidentally, we did experience problems getting a cat flap fitted. We wanted a magnetic one to stop strays getting in but we had to import it specially. We also had to fit it ourselves because the maintenance teams at both our properties just couldn't understand why we'd want a door within a door!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 December 2011 - 10:17
We are getting ours from the Metropolitan hotel - 369AED including all trimmings including pork products!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 15:40
how did it go, shamat? Sorry, I've been away so I've only just seen this, but I wanted to update in case some poor sucker looks it up for future reference! But the answer to your question Spongemonkey is BADLY! I would never, ever advise getting curtains made in Dubai for a non UAE property. It has been more stress and aggravation than it was worth! And if your property is here in Dubai that you are getting curtains made for, allow enough time for THREE re-makes, and a few in store dummy spits!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 15:33
I think, given that there's another thread on here at the moment about problem vouchers and getting appointments (albeit with a different place) I wouldn't go near them with a barge pole. If they can't cope with answering their phones now, imagine how under siege they'll be when other people buy vouchers and want to book appointments. Unless you have used them before, save your money!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 15:14
That's a brilliant idea abby_n_christina! I'm going to remember that one for future use!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 12:39
I asked a similar question about furniture glass a few years ago and got no replies at all, so I'm not sure how fruitful a search on here will be. With regard to the picture framing, there are loads of framers around that will do that - I've found the Park and Shop guys helpful myself. With regard to safety glass for furniture, I've recently used a shop in Satwa to replace a pane of glass in a cabinet which they had to cut to size. Mine wasn't safety glass, but I'd be surprised if they didn't stock it. If you walk up from the Satwa bus station, keeping to the right hand side of the bus station, there's a shop with loads of kitchen cabinets attached to the wall of the shop. They cut our glass while we waited.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 18:50
Hi Skykitty, sorry you've had this experience. I had to wade through quite a few non friends to find my good friends as well here - it seems to be a rite of passage unfortunately. At least you now know who to avoid in future. The way you were treated is rude regardless of where we are in the world. I don't know about classes at Ductac, sorry, but I'm sure someone else can help. What about something like a book club where you could get to meet a smaller group of people on a regular basis. If you had to miss the odd meeting because of your schedule it wouldn't really matter.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 17:24
bump!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 17:23
Congratulations on your new arrival! I would love another fluffy baby but DH tells me our current family is complete at 2.5 (I have part shares in a communally owned street cat!).
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 15:47
How interesting. We have been having HUGE problems with taxis not turning up in Jumeira 2 and, like Alma, we now have to walk to either Beach Road or Al Wasl to flag one down, where we find them easily. Its really not ideal, particularly when I'm going out on my own, to have to walk for 10 minutes in "taxi shoes" and stand on a busy road flagging taxis down when I am already late because a taxi hasn't turned up!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 November 2011 - 15:42
Left Bank in Souk Madinat Jumeirah used to do a ladies night "5 cocktails for 5 dirhams" offer on a Wednesday (they were vodka cocktails) but check with them that that promotion is still going. The place gets very, very busy but its quite a nice atmosphere (my friends and I feel comfortable there and we are in the same age group as you!) We also enjoy the Happy Hour in The Observatory at the Harbour Marriot from 6pm - 8pm. The views over the Palm are spectacular and the bar snacks are brilliant. Their "happy" hour isn't completely happy - ie. its not half price, but there is a decent range included in the offer.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 22:28
OK, I'll risk it then but if the thread goes, apologies to highland lass! We used www.stuartcollins.com. They were not the easiest people to deal with - they insist on you using their online form and we had several to-ings and fro-ings before it was clear what they needed from us to be able to proceed with our application, but we got there in the end, and it was speedy when all the miscommunication was ironed out.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 22:17
There is a huge division of opinion on this, although there is a lot of evidence to suggest that girls with August birthdays fare better than boys. As a teacher, I am a bit sceptical about how much difference it really makes. However, I have come across boys who do struggle a bit, simply because they are that bit more immature anyway. However I've also known this to be true of boys who are the oldest in the class, not just the younger ones! My August born 3 year old neice started in reception this year in the UK as the youngest in her class and strode in with no problems whatsoever! So ultimately I think it comes down to the confidence and maturity of the individual, rather than a blanket rule that can be applied on age alone. <em>edited by shamat on 01/11/2011</em>
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 22:12
Yes, in our case it was astronomic and we were only insuring a 9 year old low mileage Astra which spends its life in a locked garage when we aren't there! The insurance policy is underwritten by AXA in our case, but if you ring AXA to ask about it they will tell you they can't deal with you because they are only the underwriter, not the insurer. <em>edited by shamat on 01/11/2011</em>
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 21:27
You wouldn't by any chance be talking about a Welsh insurance company would you? It took us AGES to find an agent to do this, so I think posting it on here would be really useful, but I can see what you mean about it being advertising.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 17:38
Hi Vanessa Everyone will have a different view on the questions you are asking, but here's my thoughts to get the ball rolling! 1) Friends. It is hard to make friends without children but not impossible. I also don't have children, but I did have a job, and I still found it hard! However - the great thing about Dubai is that everyone has been new once so we all know how it feels and it makes people more receptive to new friends. You have to throw yourself at every social opportunity that comes along - husband's work colleagues, the gym, EW coffee mornings, volunteering opportunities etc. It takes some time but you will be successful eventually. You will also meet a number of people who you don't like at all along the way, but that's the same anywhere. 2) Part time jobs. There isn't a huge culture of part time jobs out here, but they do exist. However they are likely to be very poorly paid and your terms and conditions are likely to be poor too. Generally speaking, if you take on a part time job, you are probably not going to be doing it to further your career or increase your bank balance out here, but your motivation will be to have something to do. Good luck with your decision making! Its never easy deciding to move out of your comfort zone.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 15:36
I don't know the zebra crossing you are talking about, it sounds like a scary incident to me. However, what is required in this country is a complete sea change about how road systems work. Some zebra crossings here are in such dangerous places, on really fast roads where with the best will in the world a driver can overshoot them. I'm thinking of a very busy road in particular where there's zebra crossings that are not controlled by traffic lights and the speed limit is 80. If I screech to a halt on one of these, without a doubt someone will hit me from behind! Sorry redlesley - not lessening your incident this afternoon, just wanted to have a grumble about the stupid location of some crossings (obviously a crossing by a school is not in a stupid place!)
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 14:38
Can't help with Malaysia, although two separate sets of friends have visited the oran utan sanctuary there and said it was brilliant. We've dived off Tioman island in Malaysia which was lovely if you were a diver but there wasn't much else there and it was a bit rustic, so couldn't really recommend it apart from diving. Have you considered Bali?
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 14:22
We recently did a staff do at Channels restaurant in the Media Rotana - a good location if your colleagues are travelling from AD. Its Asian buffet night on Thursdays (or at least it used to be) and the restaurant is split in two - there's downstairs lobby level which is inside, but the nicer part is on the first or second floor and its outside, with an outside bar and a pool - very atmospheric, despite the noisy road nearby!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 14:15
Each to his own nscm! I guess we were ok because we really did like the Medzo food and therefore weren't bothered about going to the others. I'd agree with you about the desserts, they weren't the most inspirational ever but we still enjoyed them. helsbels - there wasn't sparkling wine on offer but the red wine and white wine being served was nice, there was also beer and cocktails.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 14:08
Maybe the people you see having their photos taken with their bags are British?! In Britain, if you put your handbag down long enough to have your photo taken, by the time you were finished it would have been stolen!!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 10:34
Not sure what you mean by reasonably priced but we tried the Wafi Brunch on Friday (295AED) which we thought was absolutely brilliant. You get to circulate round 4 of their restaurants. Our table was in Medzo (the Italian restaurant) and the food was so good we barely left it! You can also sit outside on the terrace. Sorry - I've just realised you wanted New Dubai, so Wafi doesn't count, but I'll leave my post up anyway in case its of use!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 09:35
I'm not sure whether immigration would know this would they, so I can't imagine there would be a problem unless it in some way is affected by him travelling (eg. he's been told he can't leave the country because of the terms of his probation or if it was a crime involving international safety etc). If its a historical conviction, I can't see that that is anyone else's business and of no relevance to immigration here.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 09:31
EfiGR - welcome to Dubai! I am sorry to hear about your anxieties about your move - I bet you will feel better when your husband and daughter arrive. I don't know if there is a Greek community in Dubai but I'd be surprised if there wasn't. I've come across a wealth of different nationalities since I've been here! You might want to do what others have done and start a specific thread on here asking all the Greeks to come forward! Similar things have worked for other nationalities before! How old is your daughter? Depending on her age she should pick up English quite quickly, but it may be worth getting her some lessons to get her started. I haven't used them myself but I understand that the Eton institute runs a variety of courses and can arrange for individual tutoring as well. Finally, what work does your husband do and does he speak English? It could be that someone on here can give some advice about how he might get a job out here. Good luck, I hope it works out for you. As long as you and your husband stay strong and are very clear about why you are here, which it seems like you are, then everything will be fine x
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 09:17
I think if your gut instinct with him is that he will be OK then go for it. He would have to be NUTS to take advantage of his situation, especially if its a job he really wants and his wife is supporting him with it. He will know perfectly well that if he misbehaves in any way, his treatement by the police here will not be favourable! I don't think you should consider locking the adjoining door between your accomodation and his at night. Imagine if there was an emergency with you while your husband was away - you'd want him to be able to get in. However it is very important that he understands those boundaries and that if they are broken, the job would be over. The only precaution I would take is to talk to your boys about personal safety if you haven't done so already so that they understand that nothing should make them feel uncomfortable in their own home, and if something does, they need to talk to you. I think it sounds like a great idea myself so go for it!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 09:08
I found it hit and miss in the UK over the summer. Most places were OK, one store the cashier had to ask her supervisor if she could swipe a card, at least three point-blank refused to take it without a PIN, and several asked for ID. Yes this was my experience too. Most places were fine, but there were a few who made it very difficult to use my non chip and pin card.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 18:47
Try this one - it was recommended on this forum a few weeks ago and I really like it. and so did my DH who doesn't like the very sugary icings either. I didn't try piping it though so you may want to do a test batch first. 200 g Cheese, Soft, Medium Fat 100 g Sugar, Icing, 1-2 drops red and blue food colouring (to make violet) Beat the low fat soft cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Sift in the icing sugar and beat well. Add the food colouring. Chill for 20 minutes, then pipe or spread on top the cakes
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 14:45
Once they even failed me on my own middle name!!! LOL! That is actually worthy of the Overheard in McDonalds" thread!! Love it!
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 15:49
I know - annoying isn't it?! I think its because the activities are led by volunteers and so obviously they have their own family commitments at the weekend. It is such an under resourced centre IMHO - they could do so much more with it than they are currently doing.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 15:46
I have just used a company called Desco which is on the SZR service road by the Mazaya Centre. I was getting a totally different job done to what you are looking for, but they were really accomodating and helpful and the premises are well equipped so they might do what you are looking for. Give them a call on 04343 3699.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 15:40
If you think that's bad, I work on an uninhabited island where the only access to the mainland is via local fisherman boat. /quote'> I'm desperate to ask what you do for a living, but I usually refrain from asking personal questions on here! :)
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 15:37
Hi Wildmint, I've done all the activities that SMCCU have to offer at various times and they are very worth doing. however, unless things have changed recently, they don't do activities at the weekends. Check out their website www.cultures.ae for more info.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 13:42
IAMVP - Feline Friends will help you trap him - you must contact them immediately to get this poor cat help.
shamat
624
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 13:40
This isn't a recommendation as I haven't ever had carpets fitted out here, but this morning I was in Azores getting some curtains made and they certainly had masses of carpet sample books. However you might want to check that these aren't the people that grace 83 used! So far with my curtains they have been very accommodating and helpful and their work has been of an acceptable standard (they are correcting one error for me which they did without fuss), but clearly I can't say what their carpet fitting is like.
 
 
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