sjpbingley | ExpatWoman.com
 

sjpbingley

sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 10:39
I've decided I won't do any of the commercial Iftars this year. I have done one at Burj al Arab, Mina a Salam and the Address all of which were lovely food but in my opinion a waste of money. There was nothing mentioned about the type of food we were consuming or the history/culture of the 'tradition.' It was just a foodie feast. The one at SMCCC was very different. We were given a huge amount of information about Islam and the tradional foods we were to consume. Everyone chatted together and we saw traditional rituals. The food was lovely. But it's a sit on the floor on cushions affair and eat from trays with plastic cutlery affair - not the fine dining experience of the Dubai hotels.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2015 - 10:34
They are a low cost airline. But that doesn't mean they cut costs on safety it just means that they don't offer the inclusive 'frills' like meals, ergonomic seating, Wifi etc. As Silvstet has mentioned it's an Emirates group company and as such have the highest of standards.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2015 - 12:15
The only 'cheap months' here are the hot ones. Sadly occupancy rates at hotels here are high at all other times so they can command high prices. School holidays, Christmas, and Easter are all peaks as are local holidays when we like to take minibreaks.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2015 - 12:07
Is it only me that like the tram then? I use it a lot to go from Marina to JBR and back. Saves the hassle of trying to park or killing myself in heels. Yes it's very slow but in the summer heat I just won't care! Agreed that the traffic mayhem is not a lot of fun though.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 20:49
Hi Blondie007. I am a self employed travel agent. I am not allowed to say the name of the company on here but I really do think you should use a company. I have a customer who has just ended a trip there. She sent me pictures during her stay as she was having such a wonderful time. Including photos of sumo wrestlers which was my favourite.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 20:43
Very happy. And when there was a time that I wasn't I made a decision to change that. A tough but great decision.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2015 - 17:30
I like to send guests to Jumeirah Mosque at 9.45am every day except Friday. It's part of SMCCC and the presenters are fantastic. They speak clearly and openly and answer all kinds of questions about local culture. Things like how the prayer works, how the timings change, why the Abaya etc. Vey interesting for kids and adults....for about AED20
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2015 - 17:27
I went to Fairmont on the Palm for breakfast and it was a lovely spread in a great setting. It's quite an expensive buffet but they accept entertainer vouchers. In Marina I go to Café Bateel.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2015 - 17:24
I would go to the gold and diamond park. For something like this one of the smaller ones that do a lot of gold work rather than bling might be best. Forever Diamonds did something similar for a friend a couple of years ago.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2015 - 17:20
Hi pinklady I always use a specialist company for Japan to get the best out of the destination.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2015 - 17:18
I'm a Travel Counsellor. One of very few companies where we are legal working from home I believe. To do this we purchase a franchise and we are given a labor card and if required visas can be arranged. It's a 'real' business so there are set up/franchise fees as you'd expect, with high earning potential.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 13:59
I called them. Fountains are back to normal tomorrow.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2015 - 17:33
My favourite is Ritz Carlton at JBR. The most amazing relaxation room and outdoor pool.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2015 - 15:39
I'm the other way around and prefer the app. Last year and this year there were some technical problems on day 1. But they were fixed and after that its been great. The monthly offers are visible straight away on 1st months and it gives a running total of how much you've saved. With the app I used it about 100% more than I did the book. The year before I just got annoyed always finding that I had left the voucher I needed at home because lugging the books around was hard work. I've shared my log in with friends and it's worked well but it is much harder to do swaps from the app.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2015 - 14:08
I've just had one of my clients return from Laurus Duomo which has a roof terrace and she loved it.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2015 - 14:07
Hi I'm holding on to mine, sorry as I am likely to use them later in the year. Bear in mind though that most places won't let you use more than 4 vouchers per booking.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 December 2014 - 16:54
I think the spa at Ritz Carlton JBR is gorgeous. Fabulous relaxation room.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2014 - 16:14
Hi I am not sure about alcohol. And it might now be your kind of thing, but I have friends that are planning to go... http://www.dubaidrums.com/full-moon-desert-drumming-event
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2014 - 16:12
Hi I'm a total iPhone and have recently upgraded to iPhone 6. I love the operating system which I find very easy. But you do need to keep on top of updates as if they are left without any updates they do become temperamental. A close second was Samsung. Once I got used to it (very different than Apple) I really liked using it and it was also very user friendly. Blackberry I hated and got rid of as fast as I could. BB is mainly a business tool for e-mail and lots of websites are compatible. On the other hand, data use is very, very cheap, but I not cheap enough for me to have one again.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2014 - 16:08
Hi Enigma I can't speak for what it's like here, but I had LASIK in UK 14 years ago when it was still relatively new. Both eyes at the same to correct a quite severe astigmatism. It was the best thing I ever did and if the procedure needed to be repeated every couple of years I would, because it freed me from that world of glasses. I know at least 15 people now who have had this done and not one has had any problems. Definitely quite scary, but what procedure isn't ! And no pain at all. Whilst I haven't any experience of the clinics here, I have met Millicent Grim on a number of occasions and based on her the small amount I know of her from our conversations I would have no hesitation in going to her for treatment.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 09:52
Dubai Tour (also in Entertainer) do the non-dinner ones, but not sure what time the latest ones are.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 09:15
I recently had vaccinations done at the government 'Traveller Clinic' in Barsha. Quick, efficient, easy and I didn't need to make an appointment. I was pretty impressed.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 12:16
Hi All Read in a FB post today that Jumeirah park beach is shutting today. Does anyone know if this is true? I use it a lot :-(
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 16:55
The hire car companies want the credit card as it is security in case you damage the car. They are not able to block an amount on your debit card that's why they aren't accepted. In many cases, if you take the full insurance package (zero excess) they won't then need the security of a credit card. I work with a number of hire car companies so happy to check details if you e-mail me.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 October 2014 - 20:10
Thanks for your help. It's not Jumeirah, it's Ritz Carlton. I just think they should have told us about this at the time of booking before our alternative venues became sold out!
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 13:07
Hi Laura I don't know what your background is. But Travel Counsellors are recruiting Franchisees. Let me know if you'd like details.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 09:39
Hi Take a look at Frascati. About 15miles away. I'd recommend travelling in and out of the city by train though rather than car.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 11:03
HI I brought 2 cats and used http://www.animalairlines.co.uk/ on a recommendation. They were friendly and easy to work with. I didn't use anyone at this end because they came on the same flight as me. So I just needed to fill in the form online and have the relevant docs with me on arrival to collect them. No idea about insurance I'm afraid.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 11:04
Hi 3rd hand recommendation I am afraid as I haven't used but I know people who've used Millicent and been happy. I have met her and she seems very thorough and has a nice approach.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 August 2014 - 14:15
Hi. Do other websites work? The fact that it's happening with 2 devices suggest it's more of a connectivity issue than anything else. If it's not that, try opening a new page and typing the web address again in full. Not using favourites or a past link. On ipad you could try downloading the app instead.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 12:42
Hi My experience like Citizenette was it was very 18-30s party! The pool was full of groups and the sunloungers were packed in. The beach however was lovely. Nice and quiet with beds and cabanas available and plenty of shades/umbrellas. We hated the Oriental restaurant. We were served very poor Malaysian, Thai and Chinese dishes cooked by an Indian chef. Lunch was a shock. It was a snack menu (burger etc) served at the pool through a hatch in the wall. It really reminded me of Hi-De-Hi! Breakfast in the main dining area was very busy but it is a huge dining room and there was lots of choice. And other guests seemed happy with the dinner selection in the main room. We did enjoy the mojito bar drinks and the staff there worked hard to get people in. We sat outside next to the water though which worked its way around the resort. (not the pool) It was filthy and looked very unattractive. This was a shame as the rest of the hotel is actually very nice. Good quality furnishings, nice décor and spacious, comfortable rooms. We found the AI drinks to be good quality and good value with known brands. But I have had feedback since that they have changed. But even the mini bar is included and they will keep you stocked in M&Ms and Haribo bears! Service is slow and I consider it to be very badly organized. But overall I would say it's good value. If you go expecting the Waldorf Astoria you need to stay at the Waldorf Astoria, but if you go wanting a value for money trip in a good environment, it's well worth a go.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 12:17
I'm no expert but - Do you use Facebook? They recently changed something so that videos will automatically run from your newfeed and won't wait for you to press play. This uses a huge amount of data. Go to settings. Then facebook, then video and make sure Auto play is off or on Wi-Fi only. Make sure your personal hotspot is off. Do you have e-mail on your phone? If so go to settings then mail/calendar/contacts. Go to fetch new data. Make sure Fetch isn't set to frequently. If you have it every 15 minutes for example, you phone will use data every 15m without you even touching it. Make sure your wifi is switched on and passwords are enabled to always connect so that whenever you have access to wifi your phone connects to that and not 3g/LTE. Hope that helps!
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 14:12
Mine took about 3 weeks. Possible you are sat behind a Ramadan backlog too?
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 19:21
Bice brunch at Hilton JBR is good. Table 9 we enjoyed but didn't think the service was great. I love La Parilla but only the main is a la carte. The same thing at Legends at Creek golf club but we always love it there. Excellent food and very attentive service.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 19:16
I thought the outdoor seating was just gone due to the path works they were doing and because it's so hot out there.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 19:14
I've been to DWC a few times from Marina. No delays...
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 19:12
Hi Not a hypnotist. But I have met a life coach a few times who seems lovely. How can she contact you...I am happy to pass on your details.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 16:21
The best thing to do is look at the FCO advice available on line. It's always up to date. There is tight security in Egypt but Sharm is still considered safe to travel.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 16:18
I don't know if this link will work but a lady posted a picture of a very lovely Lab pup on the BKC Facebook earlier today. https://www.facebook.com/groups/188028987947593/ If the link doesn't work but you'd like to look ROSIE2121 let me know and I will figure another way of sending you a picture and putting you in touch with the lady who rescued him.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 11:16
Coventry Tailor in Satwa is very good although not as cheap as we had hoped.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2014 - 11:13
Has it been in the laundry with a little metal logo/motif? I have found a hole in a few of my things which a piece of metal from either itself or another garment has got caught up in the wash. The solution is to put items like that in one of those little mesh sacks before putting in the machine.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 August 2014 - 18:04
I'm back on iPhone after a couple of years on Samsung. I went back just for the ease of comms with others and sync with other devices. Samsung is a great alternative. Easy to use, great camera, standard charging type etc.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 August 2014 - 13:50
If your husband has been offered anything upwards of GBP 40,000 a year he will be considered in a high earning bracket. It is possible to live comfortably on that but of course it does largely depend on the lifestyle you want to lead. Depending on where you shop a basket of good in a supermarket isn't too dissimilar to here, but a night out with alcohol is likely to be considerably cheaper. Transport and utilities are very expensive including the cost of petrol and car insurance. But like the others have said, a good standard of education for your children will be free. Ideally your household income will be over 50k to be able to enjoy more treats such as holidays etc but remember the average salary in UK is only GBP26,500. Hence in many cases both parents in a family go to work.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 13:56
Thanks Geordie expat. I opened my account here. But it is Premier, so I need to check it out.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 13:15
Hi I don't have HSBC outside of Dubai. Hence the fees to send money. My UK account is Citi and I will move to them here for the free transfers. I am interested though that Geordie expat you get free withdrawals at all Visa ATMs. I don't. I think it's a 10 dirham fee. Not a lot I know but to get at my own money it annoys me. Maybe I need to try to get hold of my elusive account manager again!
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 13:10
Maybe it's my mistake then? I was in Dubai Mall on Sunday and very disappointed in the lack of sales. In fact some well known brands literally had a rail of very old stock 'rubbish' and that was their 'sale.' Should I have waited until today?
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 13:02
Hi I have a friend living in Windsor tower. She likes it and it's pretty spacious. I have asked her and she has no issues. I would say if you have a car or you have visitors, check out what your parking options are, because whenever I go I have a nightmare trying to get a space on some wasteland which will pretty soon be developed I expect.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 12:59
Hi My personal experience with this type of HSBC account has been poor, as has some friends'. The 'personal account manager' doesn't respond; the costs are pretty high for transferring money to foreign accounts and the processes are intensive and almost always involve a branch visit and a long queue. Also I often find the ATMs are out of order although that's not limited to premier. Most annoying was a mistake they made by sending an international payment twice. One was eventually reversed but due to exchange rate the cost to me was approx AED600. And do they care?... Like SJJ100 says most banks will have happy and unhappy customers. But personally I would steer clear of HSBC.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 July 2014 - 13:15
USA immigration can take a while. I was recently in Miami and it took almost 2 hours. Mainly because of volume of people and how long the basic process takes. As already stated you cannot get in without a visa or ESTA but BA should check that anyway. Nothing can be done to speed things up I am afraid, just have to be patient.
sjpbingley
63
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 July 2014 - 12:49
Probably worth getting a doc to check you out. But it is pretty common because the air pressure changes means your blood changes and the environment is very different. Try not to worry and make sure you drink plenty of water.
 
 
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