simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
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Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 12:06
Brilliant :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 12:04
It looks a bit like the dreaded cabbage soup diet, which only worked with me because I found the soup so disgusting I couldn't eat it :( I'd be interested to know if people are able to keep off the weight they lose long-term? Good luck, MOT, you've got far more guts than I have :D
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 21:46
Hi Eden, are your visitors travelling from Dubai? If they are, I would say they need two nights, depending on their age and energy, as the journey is quite long. We did it with my parents in December and had a fantastic time (we did all the things recommended below) but if they go to the wildlife park, they may be there the best part of a day, meaning that they will see nothing else if they are only staying one night. We also found it extremely busy on Fridays, so they may be better to go midweek. As for places to go onwards from there, what about crossing into Oman or spending a night at Liwa oasis? The Mareeb Dunes are wonderful, if your visitors haven't already been there, and there's also a beautifully situated hotel near Liwa, not at the oasis but in the middle of the dunes: http://www.danathotels.com/Hotels-Resorts/Tilal-Liwa-Hotel I have only eaten at the Rotana at Al Ain, but we liked the atmosphere there and would probably stay there if we went again.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 20:02
The Al Jahili Fort, at the entrance to Al Ain, is lovely, too and has an interesting permanent exhibition about Wilfred Thesiger. http://www.adach.ae/en/portal/al.jahili.fort.aspx
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 13:48
I'm sorry, I can't help, except to say that from what I've read here, it is hard to find someone properly qualified to make this sort of assessment. I hope someone else can help. {{{{{{Hugs to you and your DD.}}}}}}
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 13:15
OK, colour me confused, but I thought Canada's Thanksgiving was on the second Monday in October? ETA: But in any case, Happy Thanksgiving to all EW Canadians and their families :) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 09/10/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 12:44
Copper Chimney do take a while to deliver, you need to give them at least an hour on a Thursday evening, for example. Deelish, though. We always manage to order too much, so get another meal out of the left-overs! Here's their menu: http://www.atninfo.com/menu.php?groupno=277873
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 October 2011 - 11:42
Has anyone taken their dogs to Al Ghantoot recently? Our dog gets car sick so we don't want to make the journey if we can't let her off the leash once we get there..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 17:29
In the past, I have often seen recommendations here for shawarmas from Eat & Drink, but that may be more than you want.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 17:22
There are lots of great ideas on this thread - Dubai Longhorn even did a list in alphabetical order! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=65857 We take our visitors dune-bashing, to the beach, to museums in Bastakiya and the Heritage Village, to the Creek, to see the fountains in the Dubai Mall, to brunch, to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, to the Oasis at Al Ain, to Fujeirah, to the Blue Souq in Sharjah and anything else they want to do or see!
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 17:11
I get housing allowance, which is settled in my labour contract and in my internal contract of the company. I'm wondering how somebody can loose his/her allowance. I would not want to face that part of our decision to move here being taken away. Has this actually happened or was that a hypothetical question? It does happen for sure. Our allowance has been cut (but hasn't come into effect for us yet), and the justification was due to volatile market rents should decrease therefore we are lowering the allowance". Interesting. We wouldn't have been at all surprised to have been told the same when it came to renewal this month, but we were lucky, I think because we appear to be paying below market price for our place, and the company knows it. I caught a programme earlier today on Dubai Eye which said Dubai is a renters' market with many families now being able to afford to move from apartments into villas. Arabian Ranches was the prime example given, average rental price there now 150k pa.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 16:57
Yes and no.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 16:48
Have one on me :) [url=http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php'>[img'>http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-fc/popcorn.gif[/img'>[/url'>
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 19:46
Is this it? http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=159151
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 14:44
What a shame, so different from the Patisserie Valerie in Soho :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 11:59
I think the right number for Fiona Coutts is: 050 544 8916 (that's what I found on an old thread, anyway).
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 18:26
marks and spencer...their's is tasty too. The best [shop bought'> lemon curd I've ever tasted is the Duchy Originals one... you might be lucky and find a jar in Lulus... I know they sometimes have a surprisingly good range of organic stuff. Ooh, I've never tried that one - my favourite to date is the Sainsbury's "Taste the Difference" one, made with Sicilian lemons - can eat that by the jarful.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 18:09
Do they perhaps call it lemon butter? I know I've seen it somewhere here, maybe M&S? Or make your own, it's really easy if you're patient with the whisking. http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/main-ingredient/lemon/lemon-curd.html
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 16:52
I should think so, we have friends with Dubai visas who went to RAK to get their Emirates IDs done because it was so much quicker - took them about 2 hours for a family of 4 to get typing done and cards issued, I believe :) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 05/10/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 14:06
:) no problem ... I think they dont want the place heaving with tourists all the time ! What a shame. Thanks for letting us know, or we'd have gone along all unaware with our guests next time we were in AD.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 11:49
Thanks for the info, we've got friends coming in a couple of weeks and will be taking them there, so good to know about the timings.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 11:44
We've often just walked into the Emirates Palace Hotel. The first time we went was December 24th last year, when they had extra security laid on for all the people who went just to have a look at the $11 million Christmas tree, but we've been a few times since then and it was always completely free entry, no need for a reservation. We always note how favourably it compares with the Burj Al Arab, in that way :) I wonder if their policy has changed recently, then, Mushy Peas?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 18:56
Fresh Warburtons bread mmmm DH bought a loaf of Kingsmill the other day.....wasn't the same, but nicer than what we've had in a long while :) spinneys' farmhouse is the nicest bread ever !! Dingles of Bristol's granary loaf fresh out of the oven is the nicest bread I've ever tasted :D
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 16:45
Bump, please.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 16:23
Man, just when you think it can't get any worse... I'm really sorry you're going through this. Springs / Meadows girls should plan a meet up so we can support eachother in this craptacular example of building standards. edited by The Fairybread Thief on 04/10/2011 To be fair, it may not simply be poor building standards initially, but also lack of maintenance by lazy, irresponsible landlords. We would never have bought the house we live in now, but, touch wood, it has been reasonably well maintained by our landlords, who happen to be a property business, as opposed to individuals wanting to pay off their mortgage. I think that too makes a difference.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 15:40
When my grandmother died, her flat was valued at "probate" value so that death duties would be less. Her beneficiaries went on to sell the property at the market rate but somehow saved on taxes. This was 30 years ago, so don't know if the same still applies in the UK; but if it does, would imply that there is some manoeuvreability with these things, perhaps?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 11:58
Does anyone know of someone who could fix this quickly, please? Preferably New Dubai area. Thank you.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 11:41
I went to school in France and the school days for secondary were lessons start at 8h and carry on until 16h30, with 1h30 break for lunch. I had to get the school bus at 6h50 to get in for 8h. 6th form was even "better" - 8h-18h, so 9 hours of lessons and 1 hour for lunch, bus at 7h and back at 7h, to have dinner and then do homework... ... and I used to dream of living in a shoebox! Gosh, yes, I worked as a French conversation teacher in a secondary school in Arles and the hours the children had to be awake were barbaric, particularly as the catchment area for the school was huge and some children had to get the bus at 6 am and would arrive home at 8pm, because of the bus routes, IIRC. It clearly had an effect on their ability to concentrate on school-work during the day.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 11:38
Completely agree. Also agree with Dr Paul Kelley as seen here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14759593 or heard here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9574000/9574143.stm Thought about sending this to head of dorter's school, but think it would probably go down like a lead balloon ;)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 October 2011 - 08:42
Oh, great stuff :) Was that from Dubizzle?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 23:23
But don't you find the crisps here have no crunch? no.. just the same as at home... we actually prefer lays but they don't do all the flavours we like... edited by Sue62 on 03/10/2011 Gosh, we just don't buy crisps/potato/corn snacks at all as we find they are so soft and crumbly here. Not crisp, in other words :D
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 23:18
Isn't market value only what someone is prepared to pay for it? If the price you offer is accepted, is there a problem? (I'm obviously not an accountant or solicitor of any kind.)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 23:12
But don't you find the crisps here have no crunch?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 23:04
I've no idea if she's guilty or not, though my gut says she is, I think only because of her laying the blame at the door of the chap who turned out to be the only one to have a solid alibi. I agree that the important thing is that Meredith Kercher's family finds some solace in the verdict. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 03/10/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 22:33
I think the standard here is a 48 hour week but managers are supposed to work any and all hours without being paid overtime as the "package" is supposedly so good to compensate them. I know what you are saying and it's not right that they are making people sign off on inaccurate time sheets. The problem is if your dh now complains to the MOL, the company will pull out the time sheets that everyone has only been working 8 hour days. It would be very hard to prove that they were signed against his will. Your dh will probably find too that the other people who were unhappy will say nothing and be unsupportive if it's a case of them losing their jobs. It's best to stick with it, hard as it is, until a better job comes along. ETA, the law here is very much in favour of the emp;oyer edited by A Rancher on 03/10/2011 But haven't all of you come across the same thing in Europe, at least (I can't speak about anywhere else.)? There may be a legal maximimum amount of hours people should work, but in order to keep their jobs, people at any management level are obliged to work inordinately long hours, whether they're physically in the office or having to be available constantly on call at home, without paid overtime. You have to do the sums comparing here with there. Or, as in our case, having a job with not having a job. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 03/10/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 21:55
I'm sure you'll be able to sell it at that price, unless the scratches are awfully deep. And Chocs01 is absolutely right, of course, particularly about the deposit!
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 21:48
Thanks, Kristina, looking forward to receiving the photos, husbad now asleep so won't get back to you till tomorrow :) Did you buy the car new? Not surprised you've already got a call, that price is excellent :) Good luck :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 21:20
Bump for Kristina, please.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 18:20
Hi, Kristina, husband's just got back and is interested, but needs more details. Still not got an email from you. Do you need my email addy again?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 15:15
I'm sorry, I can't guarantee anything at all as I know husbad wants to take a big car home with him when we go and I'm not sure the Tahoe will be the right specs for Europe.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 14:59
Just to say, haven't received anything yet. Is it on Dubizzle, so I'll just look there?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 12:06
It wasn't a full moon last night, by any chance?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 October 2011 - 12:01
Sorry to hear this, desertedbeach, and good luck in your future. Just to say, we know people who love living in a shoreline apartment without a beach view and if there were just the two of us, I'd be on to this like a shot. Can the managing agency help with finding you a tenant?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 20:40
Thank you, will get back to you tomorrow.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 20:30
Kristina, please could you email me as much info as you have at It is my husband's dream car. He's not in the country at the moment, but may be interested (can't promise anything, as presume we would have to sell his car (Ford Explorer 2010) first and get the bank to transfer the current loan to cover the Tahoe). But worth a try, maybe? <em>edited by simpleasabc on 02/10/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 12:55
[b'>I'm not sure about the Chinese aspect of things, but given that many of the furniture shops seem to be Chinese owned,[/b'> you might have some luck - worth going again for a browse! edited by simpleasabc on 02/10/2011 edited by simpleasabc on 02/10/2011 Lol...isn't that the only prerequisite for having a store there? Chinese owned/operated and all imported goods from China? I knew it was Chinese owned, didn't realize *everything* was imported from China - just thought it was cheap!
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 12:45
Dragonmart is laid out in zones and in each zone you will find groups of different kinds of shops - bathroom, bedroom, lighting, office furniture, garden furniture, etc etc. This page shows you the lay-out, so you can have an idea of what you're looking at (I find it quite a long way to walk!) http://www.dragonmart.ae/OurStores.html and this is the front page, from which you can work out which shops and zones you might want to concentrate on: http://www.dragonmart.ae/ I'm sorry, don't know what's wrong with the first link, but you can get there from the second one, anyway! I'm not sure about the Chinese aspect of things, but given that many of the furniture shops seem to be Chinese owned, you might have some luck - worth going again for a browse! edited by simpleasabc on 02/10/2011 <em>edited by simpleasabc on 02/10/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 12:25
This one has always looked lovely to me, depending on your budget: http://www.jebelali-international.com/properties/jagrs/jebelalihotel/promotions/dining/Dinner_under_the_stars.aspx I'm not too sure about the view from the Jebel Ali Resort, though, there might be rather a lot of cranes and sand heaps.. There's also, I think, Pier Chic at the Madinat - fish restaurant on the end of a pier - beautiful romantic setting, apparently, but very expensive and not secluded.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 11:51
My electricity consumption has doubled from last month and we haven't done anything different. Maybe you could do one of those checks on your meter where you turn everything off and then see if the meter is still running? Or find out if the meter is running faster than it should be? It's worth nipping these things in the bud and reporting to DEWA/LL as soon as you can.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 00:13
First shown July or August last year, I think. Certainly offputting.. Interesting to watch now I've been here a while..
 
 
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