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SkyKitty

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 11:06
Have you tried the RTA? Since it was in the car park maybe a taxi driver found it and has handed it to them... I think if they find something they hand it to RTA... driver the other day was telling me how he found a purse belonging to a flight crew (containing a LOT of money) and he took it to the building where he picked her up.... so, there are some honest people in Dubai...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 01:55
Did you check the clothes you were wearing? I once lost an earring, searched everywhere and it had attached itself to the inside of my jacket lining... found it later inside the washing machine! Also, could your toddler have seen it and picked it up by any chance, and put it somehwere 'safe'?? Hope you find it!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2012 - 18:30
Sorry, no- but you'llbe fine! Go meet the pilots when you land, get a pic with a hat on :P
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2012 - 15:51
Come to the galley sometime (ehen they're not busy) and chat. Especially on long flights, it's a nice distraction from how tired we can feel on occasion, then you can ask questions about stuff you want to know. Or, ask if it's possible to visit the cockpit after landing. Sometimes it helps to see what everything is and just seeing how the pilots can name every little button and what it does can be reassuring! Even if 'something' did go wrong- chances are it'll be a non-event- I've had several 'precautionary landings' and none of them have ever ended up being a big deal in the end. Flight crews tend to err on the side of caution, especially when about to fly long distances over the ocean. So, that's why you often get those 'annoying' delays due to "a light bulb is not working, but we have to make sure it's just the light bulb" type delays.... my favourite!!!! lol :D
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2012 - 15:26
Yeah I know, I think it was the 'when you get to DXB' comment that threw me, but i realise she meant, when you get to the airport to fly.... lol... Still half asleep!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2012 - 15:24
When I last went the hotel had archery, camels, mini golf, air rifles, a lookout at the top of the big hill, swimming pool, a bit grassy area - lots of littlies 'rolling' down the grass slope- some kids were playing frisbee, and a few other things. Not sure if those are only for groups or if you can join in. but seemed to have quite a few activities on. The pool also had a small, shallow section IIRC. And a grassy area high above the pool where you can sit in the sun and have a picnic (if not too hot) I am sure the hotel wouldnt object to a game of football/cricket/whatever on the large grass area out the back... Water in the resevoir 1-2 months ago, nice road to run along when no cars, kids should get a kick out ofyelling across the water...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2012 - 15:21
Just remember girls- the most dangerous part of your flight is the drive to the airport (never more so than in Dubai!!!) I know fears can be irrational but you're more likely to get eaten by a shark than be in a plane accident. So, as long as there are no sharks in the overhad locker, you should be fine!!! :D
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2012 - 15:13
Claire, are you talking about the EK website? I think OP is going via BA, so no dice on this occasion....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 April 2012 - 15:12
I'm not sure what your situation is Amy, or whether you use any walking aids or not... my mum has arthritis and on her 'good' days she walks around energetically for hours. On her bad days she used to use a cane to help her get around. we went on holidays and unfortunately she had a run of 'bad' days, but we still wanted to sightsee. We were in adelaide at the time and passing a chemist, we saw one of those walkers with the wheels and a shopping basket. Normally people use them for support, but we hit on the idea of her sitting on it and me holding down the handles and pushing her around on it when she got tired- much easier to use than a chair and way cheaper too, especially when she onyl needed it on certian days. Plus, she had a ready made seat wherever we went so in the situation you describe, it wouldn't matter. I'm guessing this doesn't really apply to you, but in case it does, or for anyone with elderly/ limited mobility family member, this was the best thing we ever bought! best of all I think it only cost us $89 on sale and mum still has it- keeps it in the boot of her car for those 'just in case' days.... I agree though, I notice less and elss sitting areas in malls here. Maybe because a lot of malls provide wheelchairs/buggies but they forget not everyone wants/needs a buggy- just a place to rest!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 21:47
I like that kind of passenger :D Sadly some people can't handle their alcohol, less so in the air and usually those are the ones who don't know it and keep going... argh.... Curious, what exactly is it that you are afraid of- I find it;s usually one of 3 things - not being in control/having no say in what happens - the enclosed space - not understanding how the plane flies, therefore being afraid it will 'fall out of the sky'/something will go wrong or the worst- a combo of all three.... in the third, I find being able to explain to the passenger, or answer their questions, can help alleviate the fear somewhat...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 21:22
From the Heathrow website (heathrow.com) [b'>Q: I do not have a disability but would still like some help? A: You could try our meet and assist service, Diamond Air. They can assist with non-English speakers who need a guiding hand. Call +44 (0)20 8897 9183 to find out more. If it is simply help with luggage, Skycaps are available on +44 (0)20 8745 6011.[/b'> Better than Google! :D
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 21:16
As far as I can recall, fast track in mornings only, and only for non-EU passports.... may have changed though- check with BA as some airlines will get fast track 'privileges' while others may not- often this is something that is an extra cost to the airline (they pay 'per use') so not all of them opt to give it, and often only in premium cabins. As for if you can book/pay for it, check with the airport/BAA Also try ba.com <em>edited by SkyKitty on 11/04/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 21:11
True, but you can't do that on a bus or train, so why on a plane? I just wonder about it, that's all. If it were up to me, alcohol wouldn't be onboard at all, I think it causes way more problems than it's worth... in my opinion only of course!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 20:48
Well if you travel to the US/Aus be sure to check as there are several airlines that can't/won't take car seats... usually the lo-co's as they have short turnaround times and therefore car seats are a delay to them, or airlines that have smaller planes that are not approved for using seats. Always pays to check as policies can and do change, often mid-trip for some people!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 20:45
I think there's plenty of DH's out there that do this... he wasn't the last! I just think it's funny how blase some people can be about plonking down a massive duty free bottle of hooch on their table and asking for a cup and some ice.... you can't BYO in a bar, nor 'help yourself' out of the bar cart, so why on a plane? I suppose being in a seat makes people forget where they actually are.... lol
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 20:40
Oh, my mistake Sue, I thought you were continuing the conversation about gin!!! :D
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 19:17
Ahahaha.....! You don't even want to go there Sue.... People do, but for obvious reasons BYO is not allowed.... well, you can take it on but you're not supposed to drink it. Once had a guy ask me for ice, when I said "Just ice" he said "yes for my bottle of JD!" :D
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 17:12
For a connecting flight it can depend on the airline, airport and country. Some will allow you to have a stroller (or even wheelchair) back, others don't for security reasons. Where the stroller goes depends on the aircraft type. Some aircraft have 'cotainerised' baggage holds- the baggage goes in those funny- shaped containers you see on wheels, others have 'loose baggage' where you see one guy passing (hopefully not throwing!) bags to naother guy in the hold. And big aircraft often have both types- e.g. 767, 747, A380 etc have what we call a "bulk hold"- space for items that won't go into containers, like, wheelchairs, strollers, mail etc.... As you probably won't know until the day where it would be loaded, always assume it won't be in a container (often it won't, especially if taken at the gate- it would go in last which is usually 'bulk' as easier access)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 17:05
Ahahaha, oh dear! I've always thought someone should do a tv show (like Pan Am) but where they show what the crew are thinking- al la Ally McBeal.... that would be quite funny! Once, when I was fairly new, a guy kept asking me where he can "get a *cr@p"..... I was like "What?" "Where. Can. I. Get. A Cr@p?" (English wasn't his first language) So I kept pointing him to the lavs, when he returned, confused, I finally realised he was asking for another breakfast pancake... as in... a CREPE!!! :D <em>edited by SkyKitty on 11/04/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 April 2012 - 16:15
Contact the airline directly. Have the model and name of carseat ready if possible, and what labels are on it. It differes between airlines, aircraft and sometimes cabins. As she's booked a seat it should be ok, but best to check as some charge extra and some include it in the baggage allowance. Some will assist and on others the mother must be able to carry and fit the seat herself. Try the airline website under "Special Needs" or "travelling With Children" ETA: posted at same time. On some airlines crew are not actually allowed to assist in any way to fit the seat for legal reasons. Some brands of seat are not allowed for this reason too, as they are not designed. Usually, it must have a label to say "approved for use in aircraft" or similar... <em>edited by SkyKitty on 11/04/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 20:50
After seeing some more of the ad spots, I think it's a good idea but seems maybe it was a bit 'too much too fast' - I think I've now seen about ten different variations of the ad and it might have appealed to me more if it rolled out more slowly- if that makes sense? Like, the message behind it is okay but gets confusing trying to follow all these different 'stories'/people/concepts of what 'tomorrow' is... I did hear a new ad agency did this one compared to the last ads which might explain why it's "different"?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 18:53
Sue- I think maybe you're right- in Dubai they are very used to being "served" rather than "attended" so to say, people from the M.E/GCC it's totally normal to snap your fiongers (or ring a bell) whereas back home, with a couple of exceptions, on most flights if there was a bell we'd go running to see what was wrong! :) Different attitudes I guess, for different cultures. I don't mind people using the bell (esp if in window seat on a long flight), it's the pressing it incessantly because we don't appear instantly that gets me... as I said, when everyone does the same it can be "heeeelll on earth" (or sky) for everyone because of the noise.... lol
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 18:50
Thanks ladies, I'm glad you saw where I was coming from, honestly didn't mean to whinge just wanted to present the "other side" as it were... beebers, you are totally right! We do say that often people 'flip a switch' when they get onboard, they do and say things that are just downright weird sometimes! Like asking for a cheeseburger & fries b/c kids don't like the kids' meals... what?! Are we just going to pull over and get some? Lol as I love to joke, "It's a 777 not a 7-Eleven!" ;) Shamat, one company I worked for did this on certain flights, and it worked well, however I don't think it would work here, as the meals are quite substantial there's just not a lot of space to store 2-400 small bottles of water... there are some, but not heaps. they tend to give us the 1.5L bottles than we can pour into cups, you serve maybe 6-8 from one bottle and it doesn't take up much more space than mini bottles for 2. The best thing I can suggest is, bring an empty bottle with you, the crew can fill it for you or on newer planes they have fountains which you can use yourself whenever you like. A crew I flew with recently had this cool flat bottle that was like a rigid plastic bag with a spout, but turned into a bottle shape when filled. Wish I'd asked her where she got it! <em>edited by SkyKitty on 10/04/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 18:43
Lol! Know how you feel, had someone mistake me for the maid/nany recently, I wanted to say "seriously? have you ever heard of European/Western nannies here?" - I am sure they do exist, but I've never seen one!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 07:13
actually i'm told they have one of the highest crew ratios of any airline in economy class... as I said, I think that a lot of people who fly with them have way higher expectations of what they should get for their money than of other airlines (fair enough, they're not the cheapest) but in some cases some people are never pleased, no matter how quick or how good the service. My point was mainly that just because people have to wait for something, does not always mean that crew are not doing their jobs or do not care... Adding more crew is not the solution- for one, there is nowhere to seat them and another- it is yet another cost and the tickets would go up- enough people here say that they think tickets are too expensive as it is.... (again, just my opinion) <em>edited by SkyKitty on 10/04/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 21:04
well to be honest I'd not be sure yet as I have family coming then and am not sure what they want to do while in Dxb... plus, i am pretty sure I don't have the cashola required for Al Maha at the mo (darn family with early-in-the-year birthdays!) But if I hear of anyone wanting to go I will point them here...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 20:58
Pity it's not in May.... :( Hope you find someone to take it, have heard Al Maha is amazing!! Anyone got a birthday coming up??? (Are you sure it has to be an employee, maybe ask them they'd rather take someone on than not at all?)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 20:30
Angelina, that may be but to be fair there are usually (and I'm averaging this out) at least 5 passengers at a time asking for things (this is per crew member)... you might have pressed the call button but there's probably 5 to 10 that were already on which have to be answered first.... I try to be fair and answer the seats in the order they call (I write this down, we can see it as well) on one of my busiest flights, which was ---, I was physically making drinks as fast as I could carry them and it was still taking me average of 15 minutes from someone asking me for something (after everyone else had asked) to me getting a drink to that person... there was nothing else I could do to make it go faster. Add in to this mix that we are constantly moving trolleys to let people by, and checking on the pilots, helping people with broken tvs, helping mums with kids... not to mention medical cases which I have never had so many as I have with EK... I've been kneeling over a passenger with oxygen and someone has tapped me on the shoulder asking me why I haven't brought their Coke yet! :O I've done Dubai to Toronto- 15 hours- without once stopping for the bathroom, and missing my crew break because the call bells just didn't stop. I ate a mars bar and two cups of water but gave up eating a meal because people were poking me while I was trying to eat my food, asking me for more drinks, I've been vomited on and still had people expecting me to keep working instead of cleaning myself up, because they don't want to wait the extra 5 minutes to get their drink so I can go make myself neat again.... Not all of us don't care, it's just that we might seem like we don't because we are taking 5 minutes to ourself to have a drink, eat a meal, use the toilet etc.... Yes, I do know that some crew are slow and inattentive, however spare a thought that it may be taking awhile to get something because everyone else is asking for the same thing.... I once had people complaining that the food was taking too long to come round- that was because those of us getting things ready literally had to stop every 5 seconds because someone else wanted a drink before the main service... we do try to do things " on request" but sometimes it's just not possible to both give everyone what they want AND do everything quickly... sometimes speed is sacrificed to get everybody what they want, when they want it. Generally speaking, most passengers on EK seem to have a lower tolerance for waiting than on other airlines, I don't know why this is, perhaps something the marketing sets up as an expectation, but believe me, it can be VERY hard to get everything done on time and impossible to please all. I have had flights where I've had to ask people to stop poking me as I've had bruises from it... yes I am well aware that people are waiting, but honestly I don't know what they expect me to do- skip over everyone else in front, come down and personally serve their row before I go back to it? The only fair way is to start and go row by row... it sucks if you're at the back but that's how it's been done since flying began :) so it's not always because the crew don't care, it's because there's a few hundred people vying for attention. I'm not excusing slack service but trying to point out some other things that are going on so you might understand why it takes time for crew to do things for you... I've flown for an Australian carrier and I can tell you the work is fifty times on Emirates what it is anywhere else. I love my job but it can be exhausting when you're on the go for 16 hours doing your best and still getting yelled at that it isnt good enough.. I can only apologise for my colleagues who might be slacking off and letting everyone else down. Believe me, I hate that just as much as you do because it only makes things worse for me.... Luckily for me the nice passengers make up for it, even if it sometimes seems there's only a few in every hundred ;) (of course all the above is only my opinion) <em>edited by SkyKitty on 10/04/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 19:25
Sounds like it was horrible for everyone... being on the ground, on the plane sucks, because we want to be off as much as everyone else, yet a lot of people forget that too. IIt's especially hard in summer when it's so hot... depending on how long ago it was, I would still suggest contacting the airport in case it was them holding things up... at least they could explain what normally happens so you know if it happens again what's normal and what's not. Seriously though, you must have bad luck with the crew b/c even as a passenger i've only ever had maybe 1 in 100 have attitude... having said that i keep to myself and don't really interact with them that much so maybe thats why its different for me, i don't really need anything from them as i bring my own food, drinks etc <em>edited by SkyKitty on 10/04/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 17:53
Nice generalisation about cabin crew there Luddite, hope you fly with me one day you'll see most of us are actually nice. The reason they restricted lounge access was because actual members were not getting in as others had their entire families in the lounge when those family members only travelled once a year. It's difficult because Dubai is so busy, yes it's nice to have your family with you but others who travel weekly were not getting in at all and rightly complained to the airline, of course the airline will listen to those who bring the majority of the business. It's tough but they are a business after all and decided to keep their regular repeat customers happy. Not saying others aren't also loyal but you get what I mean- there are those who spend thousands every week, not just once or twice a week. Perhaps when the new terminal is finished the situation will be improved. ETA- As for disembarking during delays, I think you'll find that falls to the airport and not the airline. Since in Dubai most passengers in F & J board direct from lounges it might be a security reason that they can go back in (separate areas perhaps?) and economy might not. Did you address your concern to the airport staff? I'm sure they'd be able to tell you why. Another possibility could be that gates are usually only manned during boarding and those staff then go to the next flight. There's always staff in the lounges, therefore people already available to watch those passengers, but not in the general airport area. Perhaps they felt it better to keep the economy passengers where there were staff to relay information to them, and also not to lose people wandering around the general airport area... <em>edited by SkyKitty on 09/04/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 12:35
They seem to paper the windows when it warms up- I guess also to be ready for Ramadan and keep the heat out in one go
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 12:20
I like the idea although some of it puzzles me a bit- mainly the wording in some of the print ads, which to me don't make sense. But I get what they're trying to say. My favourite campaign is still the "When was the last time you did something for the first time"- now that was cool. [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWmcoKLaluE'>link[/url'> Of course the jokes are already flying around about this one, but no way am I repeating them, don't want to get in trouble haha ;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 April 2012 - 19:11
The cranes story is one thousand. There's a kids' book called "Sadako & the Thousand Paper Cranes"... basically the story went that a little girl was sick after Hiroshima, and she wanted to make the cranes to help her recover. (true story) There's a statue of a girl with cranes in Japan (i think in Hiroshima, maybe in Nagasaki) After the earthquake all the Japanese staff at Emirates made cranes, and invited other people to do it to. I know they got many many many hundreds if not thousands of them, and sent them special cargo to the affected cities. It was really sweet :) [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadako_and_the_Thousand_Paper_Cranes'>link[/url'>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 18:24
Fair enough, can be hard to tell these days with all the things on offer!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 18:13
Ok, seems like maybe what you saw was the 'oil gland'- see the pics here [url=http://butcherachicken.blogspot.com/2007/09/step-6-remove-oil-gland.html'>link[/url'> Is that what it was?? Never needed this site back in Oz, the chickens were "prettier" back home... first time I did a roast chook here I had to cut off its (rather long) neck!!! :O
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 13:41
I think it's a wind-up. Friend who's on twitter just told me there is a twitter account (v funny) not sur eif it's her, taking the p!ss, or someone pretending to be her.... "La Brick" or something...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 13:17
Just to update- last time I went through T3 in DXB they were selling containers of formula and I did see (some) longlife milk....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 13:14
Going through my old posts.... FYI sis loves the "22K" brand eyeliner and has requested more.... :P
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 12:44
The problem is I'm throwing all my extra money at it and it doesn't seem to help, as that extra is 'eaten' by the interest payment, if that makes sense. Hence wondering if getting a loan of 2-3k AED would work as it would at leats knowck it down to get the interest payment under control...? argh I don't know how else to approach it as the extra money seems to do nothing.....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 12:12
I suppose they want to test them more first. But UAE was the first place I heard they were completely banned, as in, can't even transit with them...!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 12:11
I bet the pilot didn't send the champagne at all, it's probably just a line they used on all their FFs :D Maybe the hostie said it b/c she was doing some 'payback' and thought this chick was a good one to sic on her letchy captain... LOL
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 11:59
Yeah, I heard that they are trying to increase awareness that sheesha is just as bad as cigarettes.... maybe they'll start cracking down on its use...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 11:44
Twilight, I'm not sure of the reason why they are now banned, I just know they are because we were told to look out for people with them travelling and advise them to get rid of them before arriving in the UAE... maybe because they don't want kids to use them, or for it to glamorise smoking? I know that's not what they're intended for so your guess is as good as mine!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 11:38
Tried the burgers, not sure what I did wrong but they were a bit of a fail :(
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 17:21
If they're in a bowl, that might be the problem. Traditional "Fish Bowl" types are very curved and generally have a very low surface area... what you want is a bowl with less curvature, i.e. the top shouldn't be much less width than the sides, or the fish can't get enough air. But an air hose might help.... I saw one in waitrose that was a basic type but then if you're using a bowl you probably want a 'simple' set-up...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2012 - 15:00
Just FYI, for anyone wanting to quit, e-cigs are now illegal to possess or bring into the UAE...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 20:01
Hi ladies, I asked the insurance company and they said I'm still covered even though I'm not resident... so... still unsure! I've also looked into the balance transfer but unfortunately you need to be resident to take advantage of this. even my current lender won't do this even though they can see at least $500AUD a month going into my Aussie account... :/ I suppose I could try get a loan here for say, 2000AED at least it could get it down a bit to then attack with my salary. 2000AED wouldn't be a huge stretch to pay back quickly here, but I doubt they loan that small...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 19:03
I've nevr seen it rain in such small patches as it does here... I am literally 5mins away (If BB on SZR means Business Bay) and about a week ago (can't remember exact day) it pelted for 20mins and flooded the drive in front of my building... Before that I hadn't seen rain except once in Dec and once in August... August was a BIIIG one complete with lightning
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 19:00
Bubbly, didn;t you guys get any rain about 5-7 days ago? I'm not to ofar from you guys and it pelted here...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 19:00
No Spinneys but Waitrose in DM had Cadbury/Red Tulip Crunchie, Dream and regular bunnies a few days ago....