simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
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Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 12:46
Yes, there's a secret. Try googling the initials Vee Pea En to see what I mean. The words "Expat" and Shield" are also useful in this context.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 19:52
There's the Argentine/Latin American equivalent called Dulce de Leche, but I haven't seen that here. Otherwise, Spinney's/Waitrose do a pouch of Toffee Sauce, which is exactly right for Banoffee Pie. Unfortunately, I only found it after having done the whole boil for 3 hours thing :(
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 September 2011 - 00:14
IAMVP, no wonder I have trouble finding things, I was in the wrong Mall ;)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 23:58
Found the Carrefour equivalent at the MoE, so you were right, CP, thank you :) Accidentally went straight to the cheese section on arrival there, having spent half an hour trying to get to the right parking area after dropping dorter off at the ice-rink end. After getting a few bits and pieces, I spent what felt like another hour in the queue to pay there - and why can't I buy a Du recharge card from them, either? After the past couple of days, I now realize why I stick with Spinneys, where they have superior staff with whom I would happy to be friends ;) Yesterday, I was greeted with a blank stare and an open mouth when I asked where I could find the butter in a supermarket I'd never been to before, near Marina Pharmacy in Knowledge Village; today, I asked an obviously over-taxed shelf-stacker in Crossroads where I could find the ready-made all butter puff pastry and was treated as if I'd requested directions to Timbuktu. The next person I asked did know where the eggs were, though :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 23:25
Surprised to see no UAE uni in the list. My old Alma Mater still in the top 30, not as good as Zurich but better than Lausanne and Geneva. Hmm. Geneva will be almost free, always a consideration in this day and age..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 21:58
I am a woman of the people - where do I queue for my massage? Has anyone done the knocking-shop joke yet?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 20:14
Google dot co dot uk is celebrating what would have been his 65th birthday today. Enjoy :D
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 11:23
I am 98% sure you can buy it at C4 or Geant! Great, thanks CP, now must gird up my loins to go and search at one or the other. Another half-day spent getting lost in the car-park..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 11:05
Yes, Marie, you're right about the post - I've got a "Prime" account for Amazon, so most things direct from them arrive at my Aramex address within a day or two.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 10:38
No, not at all, I find it very quick. Last week, I ordered something from Amazon UK on Sunday and it arrived here in Dubai on the following on Saturday, I was really surprised by its speed, particulary as there was a Bank Holiday in the UK and Eid and a Friday here. I'm expecting something to be delivered today, ordered at the same time as the one from Amazon but not coming directly from Amazon, and with slower shipping within the UK. Maybe it's not Aramex/ShopnShip who are slow, but your initial supplier?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 10:30
No idea but apparently Jones The Grocer on SZR has a cheese room? Thanks, RedLesley, I'll try and find them and ask. If I have the same success with my French pronounciation there as I did when talking about gratin when I was ordering home delivery, I'll no doubt be offered shaving cream..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 10:24
Good morning, Lindiwe, I do hope you get good news of your child's Sixth Form place today. Congratulations on your son's results. I apologize if I upset you last night, but your heading and first few messages didn't make it clear what was going on. If I were in your position, I'd indeed be furious, but I would imagine that even in Dubai, schools would run the internal Sixth Form entry as Daffers describes below rather than the shambles you descrie - completely agree it is unfair to give priority to external candidates rather than successful internal ones. Good luck, I hope your day is better today.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 22:16
and thanks so much for saying I'm not worth my salt!! You mean to say you haven't rung up the school to find out what's going on but you're on here complaining about it? :D
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 22:15
My child is not moving schools - he has been there all along and now suddenly may not have a place in sixth from even though he had very good results... That's bizarre, what's the reason given?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 22:14
Can you tell me how you know it is not normal policy - have you ever had a child of yours go to sixth form in the UAE? The results for the exams were only received about 10 days ago - the 23rd August actually. and then decisions are made... Surely parents and children know which grades and subjects are needed in IGCSEs to get into Sixth Form? And if there's doubt, any parent worth their salt just rings the school to find out. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 04/09/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 September 2011 - 21:57
Presumably if they are going to the induction day, they are assumed to have been accepted? And if they cannot assume they have been accepted despite being expected to attend the induction day, then their parents don't need to buy them the uniform.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 22:38
We went to the one in Deira in the end, here: http://www.alkhaleejhotels.com/palace_dine.php There was a special menu offer between 7 and 9 whereby you chose the meat you wanted (Wagyu, fantastic) and got as much house red or white wine you wanted with the meal, along with limitless pommes frites. It was delicious, we could have been back in Geneva, but the service was much better here and it was a lot less crowded (there was one other couple, who were thought were Greek, and we three!). Loved it. The desserts were better than in Geneva, too :) We'll try the one in DFC another time, this was our last treat at the end of the summer hols..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 22:32
Try Ikea they have a range of cast iron like le creuset but cheaper and others. http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/search/?query=casserole Second Ikea......nice heavy cast iron for half the price of expensive brands. Use mine all the time. Oooh, thanks both, will try those as my lovely Le Creuset wedding presents are feeling a bit overused after 20 years..
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 15:56
OMG, Michamen, I hadn't even thought about it, steak frites without a glass or two of red is unimaginable :) Where in DFC, please? I'm interpreting DFC as Dubai Festival City, is that right?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 15:40
I've just found a restaurant called "Entrecote Cafe de Paris" which is EXACTLY what we are looking for (sauce originated in Geneva, natch :) ), with a branch in Dubai Mall overlooking the fountains, apparently. Problem solved :) Anyone been there recently, out of curiosity?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 17:58
I'm really sorry to hear this, Nessie99, it's the most awful thing to have happened. It's a really odd thing to do, I think, even if you had been over here in the first place it was strange, but offering a contract which involved a whole family moving from abroad to Dubai and then anulling it a week before it was due to start is really, really bizarre behaviour. I just wonder if behaviour of this kind is becoming more and more acceptable for some reason, these days? I was listening to a discussion on the radio this morning about how many people in powerful managerial positions are actually psychopaths in disguise, they're not necessarily good at their jobs but are ruthless, and are completely unsympathetic and don't care who they do down in the process of furthering their own careers. I suppose there's no chance of either of you being offered your old jobs back? At least, by the sound of it, you have a roof over your heads and schools for your children?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 17:25
Would Waitrose toffee sauce do?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 15:55
Well, to misquote Sam Goldwyn, it seems unfortunately that a UAE contract isn't worth the paper it's written on.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 15:04
Right, all over to PI's place now :) Who's got the cake?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 14:55
Where is this fish & chip shop? My DH is asking :-) That's *your* story :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 14:50
I see you've decided not to go the nutritionist route this week :D
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 14:14
Would any of you let your teenage daughter 13 years old go in a taxi by her self? I won't let my 16 year old daughter go in a taxi by herself. Prefer to act as a taxi-driver myself.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 20:41
Thanks very much for the clarification, SM. Course, if it's stayed the same for 20 years, the food's like to be off, anyway ;)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 20:12
Brilliant, thank you both! The View Lounge at the Marriott Marquis was exactly where I was remembering from 20 years ago and it seems for a drink and a cover charge of $8 per head, you can eat as much as you like for free, unless I'm misunderstanding the website :) Thank you for all the other tips, I'll tell my friends what to look out for.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 18:46
Marie-Laure, I wonder if you could explain "amplitude of 7 days a week"? I'm sorry, I don't understand the word in this context. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 01/09/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 18:07
Actually, I think you can probably cook spam in Argan oil. Umm - deep fried spam fritters? That's what I was getting at, yes ;)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 18:00
Actually, I think you can probably cook spam in Argan oil.
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 17:59
You can sign up for a daily newsletter which gives you special offers on all kinds of things - you can buy vouchers to use at a discount: http://www.cobone.com/deals/all/dubai Three's also a site called gonabit and there are others. There's one newsletter which groups all the Dubai deals together, I think, but I can't remember which it is. Enjoy your Moroccan bath - I presume it will be using Argan oil? ;)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 17:51
Apparently, Moroccan Argan oil would be very good in salad dressing.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 17:47
I believe it is the government who will fine people who don't have ID cards, companies will not be collecting the money from their employees, I shouldn't think: http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/dh20-a-day-fine-for-not-having-an-emirates-id-card There have been many threads here about this, here's the latest: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=157343 If you don't want to risk the fine, better get the process going, unless you can afford to wait for your visa renewal. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 01/09/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 17:39
Bump, because I don't want it to get oiled out. Also, anyone eaten at the Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station recently? If so, what did you think of it?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 16:57
Cheche, here's the link, with the selection: http://www.theentertainerme.com/TheBooks.html Mariahh, we've only had a problem when we tried to use a voucher on a night when there was a buffet and the Entertainer voucher said specifically "Main Course" (which doesn't include brunch or buffet, obviously). Otherwise, our Entertainer vouchers have always been accepted.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 16:52
Some friends of mine are going to New York next week. They are not very wealthy and are looking at ways to save money. I seem to remember when I was there 20 years ago, going to an hotel bar near Times Square where, during Happy Hour, you could eat enough free appetizers for the price of a drink or two so that you didn't need to go out for dinner afterwards. I can't for the life of me remember the name of the hotel though, and I wondered if any of you who are native NYers or have visited recently, have any recommendations for this kind of place, please. TIA.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 15:35
we bought explorer and red tape - barely opened the red tape and things change so quickly it will become obsolete fairly soon, if it hasn't already lol Yes, I must say, it's more useful to have a switched on PRO and ask EW questions than the Red Tape book, though I did find it made me aware of where there might be stumbling blocks :) Maybe the next edition will have incorporated all the changes :) Anyhow, the free map with the Dubai Explorer is good value and I forgot to mention the Explorer card, which apparently gets you money off stuff (I've never used it and have no idea where it is - oh, it was 2010 anyway!).
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 14:11
Thanks for the info. Now we have to wait and see what happens with husbad's job..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 14:08
The Explorer is a publishing house and the books are full of tips for people new to Dubai. They are available in all bookshops and even in Spinneys, I think. Otherwise, you can buy them on line. Here you go: http://www.explorerpublishing.com/corporate/products/dubai/live-work-explore-guides
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 14:03
Nicky, why don't you ask your hubby to ask his PRO at the company about it? My husband's company was completely unaware of the requirement for Emirates ID cards and I still think the HR people don't have them themselves, let alone arranging them for employees, new to Dubai or not :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 11:54
Yes, you need to go out and leave DH to look after the child. It will be hard at first but good for everyone in the end. I think this is the right way for you to go about it, so he has no option but to parent ;) Perhaps start gently for a short time one evening after you've put her to bed, then graduate to going shopping by yourself at the week-end when she's awake?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 11:51
Thanks for the info, FCY. If we have to move, it will be because our housing budget has gone down and I thought I'd seen mention of AED140k pa on here for the Villa, or is that only for the not-so-good Mazayas without en-suite bathrooms and with leaky pools/unlandscaped gardens?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 11:40
Evil Shelly :p It's sheer genius :D
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 11:37
This is going to sound unhelpful and possibly impractical for you, but our intention when our daughter's 18th birthday comes is to send her home to do a "crash" (let's hope not) course in a country from where the driving licence is acceptable without her having do a course here. That's if we're still here at the time..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 11:29
The instructions you'll find on the thread below worked in March, for coming from the Springs area, but I've the feeling the road layout has changed since, so maybe someone who knows the area can help a bit more. I think it's harder to get on to the right slip road now, depending on where you're coming from. I went past it by accident last night and don't know how I landed up there, nor the names of the roads involved. Sorry not to be more help. Hope this helps a bit. http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=141926
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 22:29
Ours are 3 years, issued in April this year but based on visas issued December last year. Husbad works in a Free Zone, though.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 21:00
A big hello right back at you ;) Welcome to Dubai and good luck with the job hunt :) Oh, or are you just a newbie to EW, not Dubai? Welcome, anyway :D
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 16:49
Where will the children be going to university? I ask because I remember a thread on here which talked about College Funds, which were particular to the USA, and apparently were a good way of saving money for further ecucation. We took out an insurance policy for our daughter when she was born and will be cashing it in when she comes of age, though unfortunately the way things have gone in the UK, it won't cover her tuition fees nowadays.
 
 
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