simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 15:37
The UAE based airlines just naff me off in general as they are total rip-off merchants, I am trying to book flights to Istanbul for winter and on Etihad the price is 2100 AED each (and operated by Turkish Airways) and with Turkish Airways direct it is 1200 dhs each! Same route, same flight, same plane but I wont get my miles if I go Turkish direct! Grrrrrrrr! Why don't you join the Star Alliance "Miles and More" scheme, then? We consistently use Turkish Airlines to fly out of here as they are often half the price of other airlines. OK, they are not direct flights, except to Turkey, but worth the stop-overs for the money saved, and miles gained. We are flying nephew over from Canada for Christmas on the strength of the miles we've earned with the Star Alliance.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 15:27
High Street shops usually refers to shops which are found in every town shopping centre in the UK, usually chains - so just ordinary shops, nothing special or up-market or expensive.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 15:21
You've always been better off drinking wine than water in French bistrots ;)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 15:16
Sorry, this is probably a stupid question, but why would the company wish to keep all their employees' passports? Because they think they're likely to abscond, or what?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 19:26
I paid GBP 149 for my 3g wifi Kindle last October and had it delivered via SnS. Delivery charge was maybe AED120? Maybe less, I can't remember - but well worth it. I'm trying to find out for you now, it will be more as SnS charges have gone up recently.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 16:59
Or state schools, as opposed to private ones?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 12:18
Sorry, Jupiter, just looked again and clearly, she specializes in large format pinatas. You can always ask, though :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 12:15
Enter the EW competition?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 12:04
Why not?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 11:58
I know the feeling, it was exactly the same when we were looking there this time last year and later. That's why we gave up and came to the Meadows :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 11:57
My Spanish is rather rusty and was never that fluent, but it seems to me that you can order your own design and therefore the size you want from that site?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 11:46
Good luck with the calls, I think you have to keep at it till it's easier for them to come and do something than to have to field your irate phone-calls..
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 11:40
Would this place be any good to you? Seems to cater for small and large "fiestas". http://www.actiweb.es/pinata/
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 11:26
Cakes, have you tried driving round the Lakes looking for "to rent" signs in the area you want, and calling the number to find out about more details the house? Otherwise, have you checked out Dubizzle? There seem to be quite a few on there. Whether they're exactly what you want or available for when you want is a different matter, of course. http://dubai.dubizzle.com/property-for-rent/residential/villahouse/?listed_by=&bedrooms__gte=3&bathrooms__lte=&bedrooms__lte=3&furnished=&is_search=1&size__lte=&price__gte=&places__id__in=&places__id__in=57506%2C&keywords=&size__gte=&added__gte=&is_basic_search_widget=0&price__lte=&bathrooms__gte=
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 11:02
Wow! my DEWA bill for 1 bedroom is around 300aed/months, it is as high as a 3 bedroom??!!! we only have the A/C on when at home. Pleeeease don't tell me you are 'complaining' about an entire bill of AED 300/month!!!! We are in a 3 bed villa, switch off the A/C upstairs when we come down in the morning, switch off lights etc and we pay 2500-3000 per month and YES we pay municipality tax and have for the last 6 years, no matter where we move to they find us! we have neighbours in our compound who still don't pay tax & we pay AED 625 month tax alone. So please don't complain about AED 300 for entire bill! The original post is from someone in a Marina apartment who is complaining of a DEWA bill of AED 2900.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 18:57
It's absolutely beautiful, but quite an expensive city to stay in nowadays. Last time we went, we decided to go to a bed and breakfast in the local countryside, part of the Agricola Agrituristica system, a bit like the gites de France, which was fun and better value for money than a central Firenze hotel. I would think October is the ideal time to go there, it should still be very pleasant weather. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 20/08/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 15:45
Search on EW for "Alex's shoes".
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 12:37
Welcome to Dubai! I'm sorry, I can't help with the car-pool, but was wondering if you'd considered hiring a car and driving on your tourist visa/US licence? Or have I misunderstood and you don't have a US licence at all?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 11:48
Oh, Claire, that's the first I've heard of a private abra tour of the Creek, sounds fun, if I just google will I find a company, or do you just wander down to the Creek and ask? Amazed husbad hasn't insisted on the Seaplane thing, will have to do that when nephew comes over at Crimble :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 11:40
Yep, DesertRose is yer man, so to speak, was about to suggest her, I'm sure she'll be able to point you in the right direction. Yeah, I think all the girls are away, but you can email this Old Hag if you want to get together this week, be fun ;) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 20/08/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 11:31
Maybe worth carrying on your kind gesture and contacting the British Consulate here to let them know this?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 11:29
Really sorry to hear you're leaving - honestly, you don't have to go that far away to avoid me because I outstayed my welcome the night before you left, I can take a hint:) Welcome back, hope you had a great time, sorry can't help about Oman - have you looked at the EW Omani board?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 11:24
Here you go, Pomegranate :) http://www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Destinations/Dubai/Jumeirah-Beach-Hotel/Exclusive-Offers/Stay-Offers/Jumeirah-Summer-Flavours/ The Palm Tree Court one is available, here: http://www.jebelali-international.com/promotions/all_inclusive/Palm_Tree_Court_Spa_-_All_Inclusive_Value_Package.aspx# <em>edited by simpleasabc on 20/08/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 10:48
What a shame :( Our villa is owned by a company which has its own maintenance team and if you have the manager's number and nag him enough, they come the next day. Sometimes they say they'll be back the next day and don't reappear for ages, but for something like a leaking water-heater tank, which we had in our kitchen, they are pretty prompt. Give me a call if you want, to see if we have the same LL (somehow, I doubt it), but in any case, pop over for a cup of tea or something stronger if you feel the need. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 21/08/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 15:59
Just for the sake of clarity, I've had a look at Reghalal's website, and they don't offer organic chicken, it's free-range "Label Rouge" ("poulet fermier", not the same as "agriculture biologique", or "bio"). Very good quality, but not strictly organic.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:39
Thanks, Claire! How's it going, have you moved into your new house yet?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:38
The sea The sun Not having to put on several layers of clothing Our villa and garden Sheikh Saeed's former house with the brilliant B&W photos Burj al Arab - I love being able to see the sail from almost anywhere, particularly like the subtle light show at night during the summer. The Creek, particularly seeing the dhows and their wares along the quays, also just taking an abra The Madinat - I know it's fake but I love it, it makes me laugh. The Heritage Village Not strictly Dubai - but the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi - absolutely beautiful, love it.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:20
there's no dish it's streamed through your computer! Yes, that's what I was afraid of - using the slingbox system, isn't it?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:03
Congratulations on the advent of the new baby - lovely Christmas present! I really think in your circumstances, Emlsnre's suggestion is much the best, have a look at this thread from last December, it will give you some ideas: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=131454
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 10:47
I thought that Mike guy organized a slingbox system, rather than a satellite dish? Please let us know, we can't sort out watching via the net, our broadband is just too poor..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 10:40
I'm sorry to hijack this thread, but Embo, is the Outlet Mall that place on the the road to Al Ain?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 10:36
Thanks for the info, Der. Whatever way we try, the problem is always the same. Also, my daughter happily watches stuff on her lappie with no buffering occurring. It's worse this morning, I can hardly get on to any sites at all and have given up attempting to phone home. Why is it only Du's underwater cables this always happens to, does it not affect Etisalat as well?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 00:10
I've been trying to watch various music videos online for the past couple of hours and all they do is keep buffering. Does anyone know if there's another problem with Du?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 23:52
I'm not sure you can get Sky plus here in Dubai. I believe it is available on the Astra 2D satellite, whose "footprint" doesn't reach this far. I would love to be told I was wrong, but I think you would need a satellite dish as big as a house to receive it :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 21:25
Thanks, Di, that's brilliant!
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 21:23
I love the 59 small plus one big pressie idea, and others' ideas have inspired me to suggest you sponsor a child for him: http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/sponsor-a-child I love the newspaper from his date of birth idea, too, I did that for a good friend's 60th and she absolutely loved it. PS Was his birth announced in a local or national newspaper? Maybe you could find that one for him :) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 18/08/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 20:41
Aww, shame, October. All you can do is just keep praising her and raise her morale..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 18:14
Thank you, Shaks, I'll look out for that. Might the brand be "Reghalal"? <em>edited by simpleasabc on 18/08/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 18:10
Hi, Tartiflette, welcome back:) Jane, a compromise between Geneva and Lausanne might be Nyon, which is in the canton of Vaud, on the lake, pretty town, very active ex-pat community. Not too far to the airport or to Lausanne, in the other direction, for your OH.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 18:04
I always buy the fresh French chicken from carrefour. It is cornfed and the quality is very good. I don't go to Carrefour very often because I get lost in the MoE carpark, though I can now, after almost a year, find my way home from there without going half-way to Sharjah first ;) I love French cornfed chicken, are they really flown in fresh from France? So you find them at the poultry counter on the left past the bread counter, is that right?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 17:58
October, if she needed certain grades to get into a certain university for a certain course, she should call the Uni immediately, today, to explain the situation, and ask them to reconsider even if she hasn't met the required grades, particularly if you have medical certificates to show.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 17:54
Oh, Lausanne, that's about 45 mins away from Geneva by car, different world :) Different canton, certainly :) Annecy certainly not the place to live if you have to commute daily to Lausanne. Evian, I think there's a boat you can take across to Lausanne but possibly only in summer, otherwise you have to travel all the way round the lac Leman (or Lake of Geneva depending where you are) to get to Lausanne. I love Annecy, it's really pretty, it's got some lovely canals and a pretty medieval town centre and the lake is nice, too, also near mountains for ski-ing. V popular holiday destination for the French, crowded with visitors, particularly at this time of year. Walking, rock-climbing, pot-holing, cycling, riding are the first outdoorsy things which come to mind for week-end activities. There's a big yacht race annually on the lake (Bol d'Or) and people do swim and scuba-dive there too. You know about the winter sports, obviously :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 17:33
What bothers me is the well-known Dubai phenomenon where you have to drive miles in one direction and then do a u-turn to come back in the opposite direction in order to get to the other side of the road.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 17:17
Jane, I'm really not sure at all about the house in France thing, the more I think about it, the more I think the rules may have changed with the Schengen Agreement, so you probably could buy and live there if you wanted. You'll need to get better advice than mine on this, I'm afraid :) What I would say is that both Evian and Annecy (my favourite place in the area) are quite a drive away from central Geneva, and the drive can be a pain if it snows, so if you're used to a short, easy commute - forget about it ;)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 16:34
Someone from Dubai whom I know quite well and who goes to London often told me that Dubai and London are the same, except for the weather. :) Are you ever tempted to ask her to elaborate on how, exactly? ;) I did ask why. Apparently, there are lots of Muslims, mosques, foreigners, Indians, good shopping, and halal food is readily available. Interesting. Really does depend on your perspective :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 16:26
Springs 14 one near Meadows 9 is chilled. (But don't tell anyone else, or they'll all want to use it ;) ) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 18/08/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 16:23
Someone from Dubai whom I know quite well and who goes to London often told me that Dubai and London are the same, except for the weather. :) Are you ever tempted to ask her to elaborate on how, exactly? ;) Bites tongue..
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 12:39
Oh, I bow to fairycakeyumm's superior knowledge :) Looks as if contact is the important thing :) What exactly does the KHDA say, FCY? I've found their site, but can't find anything directly pertaining to payment of school fees.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 12:35
I've no idea of the legalities, but presumably this is what your children's school intends to do if they don't at least hear from you by Sunday. Have they already invoiced you for the September term/semester? Why don't you ring up the accounts department, or reply to the email to ask what's going on?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 12:00
Wait till you get there before you decide where to buy: I don't know if the rules have changed, but I know that in the past, as a foreigner, you are obliged to live in the canton where you work, so as to pay taxes there. I'm not sure if you're allowed to do the "travel in and out" bit, I could be wrong if the rules have changed since we bought our house 10 years ago. We are now Swiss nationals, so that doesn't apply to us anyway. But I've a v strong feeling you're going to have to pay taxes in Geneva for at least 5 years before you have the right to live across the border legally. I could be completely wrong, though. You can always buy a week-end home in Annecy, I suppose. Your husband's HR (or whatever Personnel is called nowadays) peeps will know all this, anyway. You will get a residence B permit, probably, if you arrive with your other half, who will get a C permit, which allows him to work. As far as I can recall, when I first arrived, my permit only allowed me to "vivre aupres de son epoux sans travail" (live with her spouse, not working). As to learning French and getting a job in Geneva, if you want to work for a local company, you will likely need to speak fluent German as well as French and English and possibly have Italian as well. I would suggest that there are a few multi-national companies in Geneva where you should be able to find something and where communication is all in English, no French required, possibly a better route for you. P&G springs to mind. Disclaimer: I can only speak from my own experience, in that I was married to someone who had a work permit already, and it was all arranged by his office.
 
 
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