simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 13:25
Yes, I do hope things get better. Ladies, what would you do if you attempt at giving ur husband the silent treatment, and he plays it on by giving you back a cold shoulder? I'm sorry, Tweeti, this is going to sound harsh, but I'm afraid I want to knock both your heads together as if you were silly children. Which is how both your behaviour sounds to me :) On the other hand, on the odd occasion we do have massive arguments, I'm more the kiss and make up after shouting and throwing crockery around type, which admittedly, sounds equally childish :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 13:21
Thanks so much for all your help! ;) Now just trying to decide whether to go for a hotel or apartment as with a baby it'd be great for her to sleep separate to us. But want an apartment within a hotel, if that makes sense... We stayed at the Hotel Residence Henri IV when dorter was a baby. It was great :) The people at the reception desk would go out to get breakfast for us and bring it up to the rooms and you could also order take-aways via them. But the last time we went was 14 years ago.. Also, I can't remember if there was a lift.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 13:17
Clairedhp (for it is she) also mentions "Swiss Cottage bread delivery and Le Success croissants and pain au chocolat to your door", but apparently, that is the limit. I've also read about people calling their local supermarket for grocery deliveries, but haven't tried it myself as I'm sure it would lead to massive misunderstandings and unnecessary huge raising of my BP :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 13:11
I would rather have a property empty than rent it for less than I feel it is worth. The maintenence costs, plus the chance that they will refuse to vacate is enough to keep it empty and hold out for someone who will pay up. Not insane< I would never live in a lived in space. Heck, I even take my own mattress cover to hotels with me........worse habits cannot be revealed on here...lol LOL. I hear you. Well, ok, I don't but my husband does! You should see the faces of realtors as we tour a sale property and he says: "Wait a minute, this has been lived in. Honey, we're out." Wouldn't do well in the nicer parts of London, for example, then ;)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 13:09
For non perishables, I understand from an expert that earlybird is the one: https://www.earlybird.ae/Home.aspx?Area=Home
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 13:07
simpleasabc.. LOL....how did I forget to mention that ? :-)) I am Swiss....so I know :-))))) Shame on you for omitting it, then :) [url=http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php'>[img'>http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-eatdrink061.gif[/img'>[/url'>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 13:02
I would rather have a property empty than rent it for less than I feel it is worth. The maintenence costs, plus the chance that they will refuse to vacate is enough to keep it empty and hold out for someone who will pay up. Not insane< I would never live in a lived in space. Heck, I even take my own mattress cover to hotels with me........worse habits cannot be revealed on here...lol Does not compute.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 13:00
just for clarification to everyone's benefit... Fondue Bourguignonne is [u'>cooked in oil [/u'>and the meat are [u'>"cube" like pieces [/u'>from beef... Fondue Chinoise is done with a [u'>hot bouillon [/u'>and the meat is cut in [u'>thin slices[/u'>.... of course variations such as taking chicken, fish, veggies etc exist... Enjoy ! And Real Fondue is made with Gruyere and Vacherin [url=http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php'>[img'>http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-taunt014.gif[/img'>[/url'>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 12:34
Following on from what wbusy says, as a landlord myself, I cannot understand the mentality which prevails here of leaving houses empty for months, if not years at a time, because the owner wants a higher price than tenants are prepared to pay for the property. I work on the principle of better some money than none. That being said, last year, my managing agents in London told me to raise the rent for my tenants, who had been in my flat for one year. I said no, I didn't want to risk their moving out as I didn't want to have the hassle of looking for new tenants and anyway I was getting a fair rent for the property. A month later, the tenants asked for a rent reduction, at which point I almost lost it and told the managing agents to explain that they had suggested a rise in rent which I had rejected :) No more has been said and I still have the same tenants :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 12:25
We've stayed here in the past and liked the freedom of it being an apartment suite rather than an hotel. Easy and pleasant walks around, not too far from metro stations: http://www.residencehenri4paris.com/ It used to be part of this group of hotels, we've stayed at the Hotel du Pantheon, which had quite small rooms but fine for purpose: http://www.hotels-paris-rive-gauche.com/ Both in very quiet areas, but close to action, as it were :) Depends what you want!
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 12:14
It would seem that landlords can do what they jolly well like. Would dearly love to tell him to stuff his rental contract where the sun don't shine but then we'll just have to find a shed load of money for agency fees and another deposit. Meanwhile the ll gets a newly painted villa, clean, tidy and ready to rent out and some other poor sucker's deposit money in his sweaty little hands. The whole thing stinks. But if we agree to the raise, I'll spend the whole of the next year feeling angry that we're paying so much more than we should be. Given the circumstances you outline in your first post, and if your rental is within the range advised for Springs on the RERA site and you know your neighbours are paying less, why are you thinking of agreeing to this raise? As has been suggested, you should put your points to him via email and if you don't get a satisfactory response, tell him you are taking it to RERA, and do so :) Or am I missing something? I understood RERA more often on side of the tenant?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 12:06
How about a healthier variation? Try fricassee of turkey breast cooked in vegetable stock; add all kinds of veggies; offer a number of interesting sauces... At the end of the meal, you'll definitely feel more comfortable than after a bourguignonne. That's a variation of the "Fondue Chinoise", isn't it?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 12:04
So how much can you increase the rent if it's on the lower end of market value? Thanks If I read the RERA website correctly, you can't. But I probably misunderstood.. "Your rent is less than or equal to 25% of the average similar rent in the area. So you are not entitled to any increase of rent."
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 10:54
Have a look at this map. The inner arrondissements are v popular places to stay, particularly the Marais and the Quartier Latin, I would say. Enjoy! http://www.europeupclose.com/article/paris-arrondissements-where-to-stay/ <em>edited by simpleasabc on 10/06/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 22:37
I've no experience myself, but having read here and RERA, I believe that you may be justified in asking for a decrease in rent :) You can certainly ask RERA for advice as you are already paying above market value and the LL may well get a shock :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 21:18
http://www.dubaifaqs.com/al-aweer-used-car-complex-dubai.php Everything you wanted to know and didn't dare ask:) I think it's over the DragonMart side of town, yes. We've been and it looks like a better place to sell your car than to buy one :) Depends on your financing, also, it was better for us to buy second-hand from a dealer.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 20:08
Sorry moment of self pity passed. All being well, will arrive in Dubai in just over a weeks time. I am going to pretend to be on holiday for the first few weeks and just unwind slowly, well I have to acclimatise don't I? Can't be racing around from day 1, so will leave that to DH :) lol - been here since september and still feel like im on holiday :D Me too, Sue Sixty-Two :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 20:06
Thanks ladies...now just need to find something to wear! Not sure turning up in my bikini and flip flops wouild be quite the done thing Not a Tour Rep job, then? ;) Good luck, SQ :) Remember it seems to take months between the interview and the offer of a job round here :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 19:50
Obsessed, moi? Just found this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgvJg7D6Qck Brilliant :) OK, there is a history, as you will have guessed - we had Gounod's Ave Maria played on the organ and sung by a lovely lady during the signing of the register and we couldn't hear it in the sacristy and the guy who kindly videod the whole event for us left this bit out.. Apparently, it was the high point of our wedding :)
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 19:39
Sorry, just found this and it's sending shivers down my spine. Maybe not for going down the aisle? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KC9xNGRfls
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 19:36
Gounod's Ave Maria. More for the middle of a wedding Mass, I suppose, but such glorious music. Oh, shoot, you don't want it sung. I was next going to suggest Gaudete, which is celebratory but also Christmas, and only voices as instruments, now I think about it. I'm clearly no good at this. Sorry.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 18:14
Second Copper Chimney - had it last week and it was lovely. Will last you a few sittings and order the popadums too - really got a bit of poke to them :) copper chimney is good and shelly i think you are talking about papadums ;) its a south indian word for papad. We love the Copper Chimney - mind you, the servings are huuuggge :) I adore their okra, in particular. What does papad mean in South Indian, then, please?
simpleasabc
5400
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 18:06
The new Enoc one opposite the Meadows Emirates International School had no more queues than normal and no apparent shortage.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 18:02
Under Curries, Non Vegetarian Chicken it's the first one, Murg Makhani.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 18:00
Yes, but it's called something else - hang on, having a look.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 17:55
So glad for all of you :) Thank you for undergoing this unpleasant experience so the rest of us can learn from you :/:
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 14:06
I'm just looking at the Prime Gourmet web site, maybe you could ask them if they could prepare various meats for you? They're really helpful! I see their dish of the day on Saturday is Fondue Bourguignonne, though I'm not sure if that's ready cooked or what! Details: Next to First Gulf Bank Station, Emaar Gold & Diamond Park Building # 4, Sheik Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE T: +971 4 341 5445 F: +971 4 341 5820 E: [email protected] W: www.primegourmet.ae Thank you to whoever wrote about them here, they're great! Love their lamb and rosemary sausages!
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 13:51
BM, we're waiting...
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 12:55
If I tell this to my dad he gets a heart attack. It's because you guys are Swiss.. you live on cheese. Anybody out there knowing what I talk about ... :) edited by Eva B. on 09/06/2011 Where's your father from, then, Eva B.? As a half-French person, I also eat Fondue Bourguignonne, which is a good piece of steak cut up and cooked in oil with sauces on the side as you describe :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 12:21
It's funny, isn't it, when I see the word "fondue" I think of Gruyere and Vacherin Fribourgeois, not meat at all - too long misspent in Switzerland :) I'm sorry, I can't help you - except at Spinneys, I sometimes see nice beefsteak cut into cubes, which is what I would use if I were making a fondue bourguignonne. Or you could choose some nice fillet steak and cube it yourself?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 11:16
The Indy did "90 Gaffes in 90 Years" a couple of weeks ago: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ninety-gaffes-in-ninety-years-2290148.html More of the same :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 11:40
I've been lucky enough always to be in the position of having a car-seat available when dorter needed it, but I'm just wondering about taxis. Is there not a sort of seat-belt extension, of the kind available on planes, for people to strap in their children on their laps, if you see what I mean? Otherwise, I suppose, although it's not highly practical, I would take my car-seat with me into a taxi. I remember using a very portable car seat, which had a handle, until dorter was about 2 (she was v small :) ), which I was able to carry for short distances rather than using a pram or a stroller, and then put safely in a super-market trolley for shopping. Do they not make those any more?
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 09:53
I'll miss you, even though I never managed to meet up with you [url=http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php'>[img'>http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-sad010.gif[/img'>[/url'> Your posts are always helpful and constructive and a pleasure to read. I hope everything goes well for your move back, and congratulations and good luck to your husband in his new job. Hope you'll come back to say hi here from time to time :D <em>edited by simpleasabc on 08/06/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 09:31
I think Dally's hit the nail on the head. We moved here on the say-so of someone who was promptly sacked shortly after our arrival. The new guy, when he came in, was full of "new" ideas and telling husbad what he should be doing, not listening to husbad's feed-back, imposing new systems. Husbad carried on more or less his own sweet way, though always keeping distant boss in the email loop, whatever he was doing. It's taken a while, but boss has now realized he can trust husbad, who does know what he's doing, to do what's best for the company.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 08:47
How's it been going since the eagle landed?
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 08:24
I wouldn't buy a voucher for a place I didn't already know to be good, or which hadn't been recommended to me by someone I trust. Which means you don't try out new places for yourself (salon/restaurant....)? edited by Diamante on 08/06/2011 Only on recommendations from people I trust :) Or after having looked up reviews on websites I trust :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 23:36
Borrow? I'll *give* you mine. Everyone else says she's great :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 23:25
We'll talk after my next meeting with my own mother :) Good luck :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 22:52
I wouldn't buy a voucher for a place I didn't already know to be good, or which hadn't been recommended to me by someone I trust.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 22:40
Hassle early, hassle often :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 18:51
Khatoon, have you tried taking things like Vitamin B3 or Evening Primrose Oil? They used to help me when I were a young lass.. Actually, the pill helped most of all.
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 17:40
It never ceases to amaze me, of course these deals are out there to drum up business, why else would an outlet offer something at half price or on the cheap. You know the old saying 'You get what you pay for'. I'm very pleased with both deals I got for Madinat Jumeirah restaurants :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 16:40
Button Mushroom, have they found you in the system yet? Or will you have to start again?:\:
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 16:39
Richmond-upon-Thames used to have a reputation for excellent state primary schools - trouble is, housing not cheap because of great demand in the area. Also, unless children are geniuses, good secondary state schools almost impossible to get into.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 14:28
Are you looking at fee paying schools or state schools? If the former it shouldn't be too difficult to find information online by googling London area prep schools that offer specialist support and then taking it from there. But bear in mind that private school fees, especially in London, will be about 3 times more expensive than the most expensive schools here. Or so I'm told by my friends in London. Depends on the school, not 3 times unless you are going to a very low end school here. For example the more expensive schools here are more expensive than the equivalent in the UK and you get sooooooooooo much more for your money in the UK generally. Crikey, is all I can say :(
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 13:54
Are you looking at fee paying schools or state schools? If the former it shouldn't be too difficult to find information online by googling London area prep schools that offer specialist support and then taking it from there. But bear in mind that private school fees, especially in London, will be about 3 times more expensive than the most expensive schools here. Or so I'm told by my friends in London.
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 09:49
I happened on Lakeland yesterday (Ground Floor MoE between Aldo's and Monsoon). *What* a disaster for the cc :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 09:05
You have mail :)
simpleasabc
5400
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 22:48
Maybe the OP has an acute and a "grumbling" (or chronic) appendix muddled up? My mother was diagnosed with the latter and had to wait for the "grumbling" to stop before they would operate on her. In fact, it turned acute whilst she was waiting for the op and she was carted off in an ambulance for an immediate operation before it turned into peritonitis. ETA: Just reread this and realized if the op is needed in 24 hrs, there's no muddling of acute and chronic. If I were the OP, I'd be in an ambulance on the way to a hospital Emergency Dept now.. I hope it all goes well and the OP recovers quickly. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 06/06/2011</em>
simpleasabc
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 20:41
Snugs, yourself, me and SpeedQueen are in the same boat with our LO's passports expiring at the same time and travelling at the same time. The general consensus is that yes we can.... so fingers crossed!!!!!! but you cannot leave the uae in a boat... you still need to show your passport lol I think we established earlier on that it is only on *entering* the UAE that officials require a passport with at least 6 months remaining on it, the UK will accept UK citizens entering the country on an as yet unexpired passport with no problem.
 
 
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