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SkyKitty

SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 18:15
The distibutor has said it's nothing to do with 'se--al connotations' but the simple fact that not every non-native English speaker knows that 'Puss' is slang for cat, and that 'Cat in Boots' translates better for a multi-cultural audience... makes more sense considering some of the other **** that gets through...
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 15:13
Summer, thanks for your post, it explains how really there can be a lot of mystery around all this! hope you didn't think I was implying it's anything you did that caused your DD's allergies- sorry if it came across that way. I'd just read about all these ideas of where these allergies may come from and wanted someone's take on it who had actually dealt with them. It also cleared up the epi-pen issue a bit too- I was wondering if somehow they were being prescribed (for some people) unnecessarily because a lot of people had such relaxed attitudes to them. I can now see it's probably because they haven't yet needed it and might not have had that level of reaction yet. I don't remember getting lots of sweets at school (mainly a chocolate egg at easter) but we did do baking- mainly scones, pumpkin scones and gingerbread men sort of thing. One teacher used to have a 'points' system for each group of desks and each week the 'winning' group would get to select a toy- usually a novelty sharpener or other stationery item to use in class. On birthdays each kid got to pick something special from the goodie basket. We never had any 'ban' but then again I don't know of any kids that had allergies (severe ones, anyway) in my school.
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 07:10
Apparetly YouTube will be launching movie rentals soon too.
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 20:40
Why not, it's an interesting topic & some of us are glad for the chance to learn from those who deal with it, tbh
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 20:23
Just be careful with spraying perfume around the place onboard though, as mentioned it can set asthmatics off and a strong EDP can waft around for hours- not to mention getting in people's eyes- so if you must just do small sprays onto yourself. Also EDT is better and try for 'au fraiche' or light fragrances rather than woody or heavy musky orientals if you can avoid them. (Also avoid hair spray in the lavs or you might find yourself greeted by a crew member busting the door open with a fire extinguisher- they can set off optical smoke detectors . Once did the above only to scare the heck out of a poor lady just trying to do her hair... LOL)
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 20:21
As far as I remember from my freighting days, perfume= toiletry=ok, air freshener=household=not ok. But a pump spray like a 'room' or 'pillow' spray might be alright. Just think anything toiletry-related, you should be right. So, a mini spray like those Victoria's Secret scented ones should be fine and work as an air freshener. What I do sometimes also (I travel with my own blanket & pillow) is spray them before I leave with a nice room spray then pack them in a large ziplock bag. Keeps the scent on and I can snuggle into it or create a 'stink shiled' if I'm sitting next to someone smelly :p
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 20:17
I used to get the standard which varied of: * a sandwich (either vegemite & cheese, polony with sauce, egg & lettuce, tuna & lettuce, cheese & tomato) * an apple or a banana * a biscuit or Unle Toby's muesli bar * sometimes a yogurt or a juice box * frozen bottle of water or in summer water with cordial in it Once a week I was allowed to order lunch, quite often I chose fish fingers in bread and a chicken soup or a sausage roll or something equally 'school canteen'. If Dad was on lunch patrol, he usually just shoved $5 at us each to order lunch as he worked night shift and couldn't be bothered in the mornings!!! ;) :D If my grandmother made our lunch box it was usually full of weird 'ethnic foods' such as above but with salami & pickle or weird European biscuits which the other kids would all want to look at. Often got called a 'wog' for the salami but I think they were all just jealous because along with it we'd get these fab European mini chocolates wrapped in papers with different cities on :)
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 20:13
Summerdream, I too am curious- outside a relatively 'controlled' environment like school, how DO people with such severe allergies get through daily life? I mean, if it's that bad surely that means even just going to the mall is really risky, even with medication? Is it just a case of having medication and hoping for the best? I too think that (SOME) cases certain parents can overract and call an intolerance an allergy- I once had a mother who demanded we ask every passenger if they had any nuts on board and wanted us to inspect the plane inch by inch for nuts as her child had a 'severe, life threatening' allergy. When I asked her if she had medication and a doctor's clearance to fly she huffed and puffed and finally admitted that her child wasn't actually allergic but she'd heard that a lot of kids are and wasn't 'taking any chances'. I feel sorry for the parents who have the kids with actual life threatening allergies because there are some 'crazies' out there who make you look bad or like it's just a case of being 'fussy' about food. I recall reading one theory that these allergies seem to be increasing also because parents are becoming very careful about what they give their kids as babies and by avoiding certain foods it might actually make the child intolerant/allergic later on... kind of makes sense, like when you overuse hand soaps etc amd then up getting sick more than if you just washed your hands when needed and not excessively... Not sure if that's true but it's an interesting idea. I also saw a documentary where they were using exposure therapy on kids with nut allergies (before they reached the life-threatening stage) where the kids were given minute amounts of their allergen in a controlled environment, allowed to have a reaction and then treated- in some of the kids the reactions lessened over time until they didn't have any at all. Apparently if it was done before a certain age the allergy could be desensitized althogether, but they didn't really know how it worked on some and not others. Wish I could remember which program it was on!!! Interestingly, I have noticed myself developing an allergy to certain soaps as I get older- I don't have any food allergies that I know of, but am allergic to the old-style fabric bandaids/plasters. I usually react to that foaming mousse soap in public bathrooms and my hands swell up quite big, so I do wonder if there is a common ingredient. It seems to be quite random so far though- sometimes it happened and sometimes it didn't, so I wonder if there is another factor involved like if I've eaten a certain thing that day. Anyone else/your child has experienced getting an allergy as they get older?
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 17:06
Ok thanks, just wasn't sure where it actually goes to. So Aramex are obviously taking care of the papers but need my pp to complete, yes?? Gah I wish they had this process written down somewhere, I read everything on their website but it never seemed to mention this- I only found out there was extra papers via this forum!!! They don't answer Twitter and I never got any response from their 'live chat' so let's hope an email does it :) Might just ask them to hold the parcel til I get back to Dubai, or just not send my pp copy tol the day before then....
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 16:54
As far as I'm aware, air fresheners are not part of the exempted 'damgerous goods' allowed to be carried in hand or checked luggage (like for example, hair spray etc) BUT another way you can get round smells is a little solid perfume, scented hand cream or tiger balm dabbed just below your nostrils... the added bonus of vaseline etc in the nose is it can trap germs before they make it into your sinuses...
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 13:27
Is it normal for them to ask for a passport copy? I'm not comfortable sending that through email to be honest. Also they want an invoice- but the invoice will be in the box won;t it- or do they mean for me to print out my order confirmation with the prices on it! Darn shop, I bet this will end up costing me more than if I had bought the items here- but they said they would NOT be getting them in the UAE! lol grrr
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 13:22
"can't be helped" well no it cannot, I know from experience but what CAN be helped is if people know it is coming to go to an appropriate place (like the loo) to get it out. Problem is a lot of people are too lazy to do so... (not counting the ones that get out while you sleep lol) as a crew I often get hte bloating problem expecially as a woman but I never am so rude as to just let it out! I go to the loo or as far away from others if the loos are full, never right near someone! Sue yes okay I get that someone might have asthmas but I don't know that unless someone tells me. If it's that bad that someone's perfume or freshener is going to be a najor problem then likely that person would need medical advice to travel anyway. If someone asked me not to spray it of course I would stop. But until I'm told otherwise, the comfort of the majority rules and bad smells are not to be tolerated. After a long (12hr+) flight, we used to fight over which ground staff member would be meeting the flight- it's always horrible opening up the door and we'd stand well to the side! lol
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 13:16
There was a break in the US schedule for thanksgiving (I think) next episode airs in the US dec 4th
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 12:08
Serious question, have been wondering this for awhile. If you/your child was diagnosed & requires an Epi-Pen/Ana-pen, what exactly are you told about it? Just that lately I seem to have so many people travelling who become ill then inform me they reuire one but its "in my checked luggage as I've never needed it before". I'm assuming if they give you one it's because your expected reaction would be quite severe, even life-threatening, so why the seemingly 'relaxed' attitude toward them? I've heard several stories about kids dying because the pen was not carried, also Suzy's example of her friend leaving it in his room. If the allargy is so severe, should it not literally be carried on your person? Trying to understand if there are different 'levels' of this, or if doctors might not be imparting the importance of carrying them with the allergy sufferer.... I've seen several people have reactions and all of them have been different. Travelling must be difficult with such a conditon but a minority of people out there do nothing to help themselves- e.g. order a special meal on the plane but bring nothing as a backup and tell us that the meal still has ingredients they cannot have- even though most airlines clearly state they do NOT 'do' nut-free meals.. Any tips for what to watch out for? I know sesame is actually the worst when it comes to reactions, not peanuts...
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 11:54
Di, it's been going on for years!! We actually had a passenger who kept coming to the galley to let his fluffy off the chain, eventually I got so nauseated by it I firmly told him that the toilet is the place for such things not our galley as we have to eat & work there!!! disgusting!!! they were really foul too! He tried to pretend it wasn't him and threatened to report me but it was no coincidence that the eight times he appeared in our galley we also got gassed!! >_< Sadly some people think it's ok, it should be even more unacceptable because we are in a confined space!!! I've literally just about passed out walking down the cabin and entering someone's personal little 'stink cloud'- people don't really notice it as much at seat level because for some reason it tends to float around- right at about cabin crew head height. So if you see a poor crew walking along ten suddenly make a horrid face- have a giggle because you now know what's just happened!!! I go like a choo-choo train with the air freshener now- have never been told not to- if someone has a problem with it they can feel free to let me know, until then I will deffo spray away!! especially if there is a repeat offender sometimes being really obvious about it shames them into stopping!! ::D
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 11:50
If you've already requested and booked the ticket you just need to change the listing... so in Trips you'd cancel the ONE listing for the sector you want to change, then re-list for the other flight. If you're worried I think you can list first & the system will tell you that you have a dupe listing and to cancel the other one... just make sure you do it at least a few hours before the flight so that seat opens up for someone else. You can add a note when you cancel (down the bottom something about PNR) and I usualyl just type 'relisted earlier/later flight not required" but they will usually see that you travelled on another flight. Of course this is assuming that you're using hubby's system and it's the same as mine. They also have an automated phone line thing but I've never used it- maybe ask DH about it in case he has? Being holidays ST prob aren't in office but I think there might be a way for DH to request the tickets as he is operating and wants you to accompany- it might be that you get a higher priority but I'm not sure if I have a previous airline procedure in my head :p
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 00:58
Hi if your other half is EK and has iPhone, BB or an Android phone tell them to get onto the portal and download FABS. They will know what I mean. Far more accurate and updates in realtime- have compared it with the check-in desk computers & it will update to near a minute rather than lag up to an hour like the portal can. The estimated figures are usually based on recent no-show/missed connections and can either be spot on or wildly innaccurate. If the estimate is at or over capacity you pretty much travel to the airport at your own risk. I usually only bother if the estimate is a couple under capacity or more, or if I can see there's lots of delays in europe which might men people missing connections and seats opening up. Also be aware from Dec 1 the check-in cut off for EK flights will be 1 hour, even for staff tickets. I believe this is to cut down on the late flights but is great for us as it means a bit more breathing space to get to the gate. My last flight I literally was handed my boarding card 5mins after boarding started and got to the plane puffing and panting!!! :/ <em>edited by SkyKitty on 29/11/2011</em>
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 00:53
Azerbijan might be because Eurovision is there next year (or am I getting my former Soviet countries mixed up again???)
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 00:46
lol how else do you think some flights arrive early.. .all the extra gas on board!! ;) LOL I'd never stoop to crop dusting but I remember one occasion where a cabin crew had eaten a rather fragrant meal. the captain was a bit of a b@stard (for a 6 day trip!!) so she dusted the cockpit which got a frantic call from the pilots asking someone to please bring up the spray. I went up as requested only to open the door to find them both wearing 02 masks!!! :p
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 00:43
mine takes all day to heat up so not an option for me, as the first thing I do when getting home is usually shower&gt;food&gt;bed in that order!!! though friends of mine said they've had problems from leaving the heater on all the time (one had a tank burst, luckily was home) but not sure what to do as I always travel... if I leave it off for a week it'll take a day at least to heat up again... wish they had timers on these things!!! :(
SkyKitty
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 November 2011 - 00:41
Sorry IAMVP, I didn't get it in the typing medium.... we need sarcastic smiley :p Makes sense about the fare 'tiers'... you can get different levels even in the same class of travel. People don't get it it sometimes, but it's how the 'loco's make their money... not all the seats in economy are $50 ;)
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 00:05
Darn- according to my SnS profile, parcel is in Dubai but now held in customs awaiting payment. What now?? Will they ask me for payment same as when it came up for the SnS fees, or is this when you were saying they will call to ask what to do....? Seriously they need a better explanation on their website! :p
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 November 2011 - 00:04
My company recommends we have it (contact with lots of nationalities) but as my father was given it when he was 12 and reacted very badly, and I am older than 21, I decided not to get it. They might insist on it soon for people in my job, but until they do I will not take it. Aside from the scarring issue- whcih I'm told is worse as you age- I just know too many people who either reacted or still had problems even with the vaccine!!
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 23:59
Yep be careful- eucalyptus oil can be very very dangerous for little children (can kill them if they swallow enough) Water should do it so long as you do it every time... or, get the kids to annoy the cat :p Ours hates kids to the point it will take off it it sees one, so maybe the 'noisy children' method can work here? lol
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 23:51
WHoever tried to charge you obviously didn't know what they were doing. EK have taken UK flights off sale for travel during the strikes & will waive fees if you reschedule for the following couple of days. I suppose there might be fees if you want to reschedule to much later as Dec is peak season with Xmas etc... IAMVP it's odd if flights are on sale to travel on those dates- they were definitely to travel on 29th/30th??? because from what I was told flights are not meant to be sold for those dates...
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 23:44
Lol while we're at it can I please just issue a friendly reminder to any high-status flyers here that if the crew try to accommodate your requests for something from a higher class & cannot do so, please be nice!!! It's actually not technically allowed for the crew to bring you something from first or business if you are travelling in business or economy, and they can get in trouble for doing it so please just take it as a bonus if you get it and don't 'complain' or threaten to report the crew if they say no... thanks lol.... just recently been at my wits end with people getting angry at me for not giving them stuff from First Class when they're not *in* First Class. Am sure all of you here are far too nice for that but just in case ;)
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 23:40
As far as I'm aware milk for babies is allowed through security. If not, we have far more bottled water than milk so bringing powder is a good option, very happy to top it up for you. We are given small cartons of baby milk to provide for the little ones but it can be very hit and miss depending on how many babies on board. I think on average we have 8-10 small (maybe 200ml) cartons in each galley (economy anyway) but on some flights I've had up to 22 babies on board with half wanting the milk. Unfortunately we cannot always give the cows milk for the reasons stated above, also some of the milk provided to us is for the crew (pilots) meals and cannot be shared out. Most parents are understanding but you wouldn't believe some of the tantrums people have thrown when I've explained that we only have 2 bottles of milk and cannot give it out until the tea/coffee/breakfast service is finished. If you at least bring a little it can supplement what is already on board. I do recall a lady bringing a 1L carton of rice milk with her recently out of Dubai so it can be done. It can be kept cold for you and the crew fill a sticker with your name & seat number so they know it's yours. I actually had a woman the other day come into the galley and start helping herself to this person's milk! She accused me of lying when I had explained I didn't have any other milk than the baby milk (we'd somehow been left with 1 bottle of milk for the entire flight which had to be used for the pilots) and she decided she'd just get up and help herself to this poor lady's milk. When I asked her what she was doing she replied that she was entitled to use this milk!! Lol, had to nicely explain that no, she is not 'entitled' to another passenger's belongings & se is allowed to bring her wn if she so wishes, as this lady had done. :p Anyhow, thanks for asking ahead of time. Being prepared makes a huge difference. (Also, I get that people run out or get delayed, have no issue with that- it's the ones that turn up for 14hrs flight with NOTHING at all for baby that make me go 'hhmmmmmm'!!!) Let us know what security/customs say, would love to know if they are consistent!
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 November 2011 - 00:05
Since my last post the payment option has appeared, so I guess they sent it on to Dubai. Also got 10% for paying with Visa. It came up automatically once I put my card in. Please Customs, as a nice Hijari/Xmas/goodwill present please leave this one alone!!!! :D I ordered it to save $$$ Kind of annoyed because after they told me in the store I looked at here in UAE, that they would NOT get the item I want, I have now seen the exact item they said is only available o/s!! grrrrr lol
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 22:34
Ok I found one in Carrefour MOE called "Noor Kajal" in black & orange box.... 7dhs if anyone else is looking for a 'local' little present/stocking stuffer.... not exactly the same but very similar to the one I had before. As for liquid liner the girl in C$ recommended I try Mikyajy, I looked at several and got the 22K (60AED) because it was very very black and didn't budge even seconds after I tried it on the back of my hand. My sister likes the darker the better! :D Will let you know what she thinks!!! Am kind of sad I'm not here for National Day, they had heaps of decorations in C4 and it'd be fun to wear an abaya around and join in the fun :)
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 16:04
I'll just pick whatever brand I don't recognise! hehe
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 15:56
Thank you, will have a look. Any recs for a liquid eyeliner? I don't use it but sis has just emailed and asked for some 'good local liquid liner' LOL
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 15:42
Hello ladies, When I first moved to Dubai I bought some of those wind-up kohl-type eyeliners from a supermarket for about 2-3dhs each. They look like the more expensive Guerlain one, like a lipstick case with a loop on top and a pointed crayon-type kohl inside. I took them home as presents and my sister loved them. She always wear super-black lined eyes and said it's the best one she's ever tried. Trouble is I cannot remember if I got them at C4, Union Co-Op or somewhere else!! I have to go to MOE today anyway so just wondering if any of you know where I can get these- preferably the 'cheapie' one as she said this was the best out of all the ones I bought her. I remember it came inside a small carton as well with maybe gold writing on it. But it was very very cheap and very very dark!!!! If you've seen them in Dubai Mall that would also be great. Thank you!!! PS- I know there are expensive versions but she has tried these and doesn't like them as much- go figure!! :D
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 14:56
HI ladies, another SnS question.... Seems my order from amazon uk went through and it has arrived in the Aramex warehouse in UK. I can see how much the parcel weighs but I cannot see where to pay the charge. Am I doing something wrong, or does the charge only come up when it arrives in Dubai?? Thanks!
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 00:33
Ugh, me too! Been 2 months and had no end of problems with it. Told no SHowbox via Etisalat for OSN, only PVR box. Box frequently loses the time, goes to Saudi time, misses start/end of shows, no series link, volume varies wildly between channels, then last week all the tv guide slot times disappeared so I cannot even record anything unless I am physically sitting there. Tech came to look at it & they told me the box was not communicating to receive updates & now he'd put in the setting manually it should update in a day or two. We shall see! Also overheard him o nthe phone saying that I was the thirs place he'd seen that day with same problem.... (FYI, fibre optic connection on SZR) Thinking of canning it, 250 a month for useless box with mostly repetitive shows as all the new ones seem to be on at the same time! Also, I am hardly in Dubai so not being able to record shows kind of renders it pointless! OSN cannot fit to my building, only via Etisalat.... GRRRRR
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 November 2011 - 04:25
Yes, even when they are right next to you. Woman changing baby on table in the plane. Did not get it that people have to eat off of that!! Same with people changing the nappy inside the bassinet!!! Hello, I get that you don't want to pick up/disturb the baby- but changing it is going to do that anyway. No one wants to see poo especially when they are eating so please, use the facility provided!!! Did the staff say anything?! Did you? ;)
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 16:25
It's so sad. Well at least we know this kitty in the video has a home forever. How cute is he?!?! Any more funny videos? THe big bad apple one is funny too.
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 15:20
It's a pity the pet places aren't required to check that people know what the requirements are to take an animal back home with them... would reduce a lot of the strays. Sure, fostering is great option for people who want to care for animals but can't take them. Wish more people would do that and give many animals a chance rather than take one they know they can't bring back with them... :)
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 15:15
I get that but what I don't understand is, why not just take the animal in the first place? ALso I was asking generally, why many people seem to 'borrow' pets for a few years then just move away, not just about that family... ETA- saw the part about the paperwork... makes sense. Good that they found it again, and got the animal to the UK <em>edited by SkyKitty on 23/11/2011</em>
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 14:52
Not sure about taxis, but is it an option to take the Eithad bus? I think it costs about 75dhs if you don't have a ticket with them, otherwise included if your flight leaves from AUH...
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 14:51
There was a significant storm in Dubai back around August... I remmber it as I had commented to a friend just an hour before about how much I missed the rain... then out of nowhere- BOOM!!! :D
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 14:48
What I don't understand is why so many people buy/adopt pets, knowing that they will have to leave them someday. I would love to have a pet howeverr after doing some research found it costs thousands of dollars and many months in australian quarantine to bring it back with me should I move back home. since i cannot afford it I won't get a pet- do most people just not think about what will happen down the track? genuine question, not trying to be smart!!
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 13:21
Ok, so the one in Deira would be closer/easier to get to then from downtown dubai?? I sometimes hate my lack of dubai knowledge but I don't drive so have no idea where anything is beyond the metro! :p
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 13:13
omg me too at like 4am, after I only got home at 2am and just fell asleep! what the heck is with them sending things at all hours of the day and night?!?! ARRRRGH
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 12:40
One more silly question- is Dubai Media City the same as Dubai internet city? Can I get the via metro or is a taxi the only option?? thank you!
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 11:34
Saw this online, too cute not to share http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lNpeTCEPrRk Amazing how the other senses kick in to make up for the lost one. He never even runs into the wall or anything! Awwww! <em>edited by SkyKitty on 23/11/2011</em>
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 11:30
IAMVP, not sure to which post you are referring, but if you are saying that people do not think lowly of their maids- you may be a kind and caring 'maam' but I have seen many who are not. Unfortunately not everyone sees their maids or home help as human beings and some are treated appallingly. Perhaps I misunderstood your post if so I'm sorry but Sanzeveria is right- some people think their maids are loser than a dog- I've seen this in the way they are treated. Ok so it's not the same in my country but I also worked as a home help/housekeeper/cleaner when I was younger and people DO judge you on your job and treat you accordingly. Some people expected me to work the entire day without any time to eat meals...! So yes actually I do probably know a little bit more than the average 'maam' about how it feels for a maid (in my country)
SkyKitty
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 03:50
I don't get a day in lieu... for ANY public holiday! Business as usual! I think you'll find home help are covered under different rules than those who work in hotels. restaurants etc. Yes they are human too but home help is employed to be just that- 'home help'. A home is not a 9 to 5 scenario. IF the OP employed the maid on a 5 days per week basis- then she should work 5 days out of every 7- no matter which 5 they are. IF the OP employed the maid to work 5 days a week EXCEPT public hols, then no the maid should not work. If it was not discussed then the OP might consider either paying the maid extra to work this public holiday OR giving the day off- and then making an agreement to what will be the standard going forward- either all public holidays off or public holidays worked/not worked on a case by case basis. Honestly if maids got as many public holidays off as the UAE has, they would hardly work at all around this time of year... I've counted more days off for office/admin staff in the last few months than I had for my last annual leave :p
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 03:39
"Excuse me, you dropped something!" works well- they usually turn around to see what they 'dropped' and then cannot pretend they haven't heard you! ;) Get a supply of those doggy poo bags so you can hand one and say, "oh you ran out? it's ok I have some" LOL
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 03:32
Try purpose-made animal cleaner from the vets/ Honestly not a lot else works if it's a really bad pee smell. Some people swear by vinegar but it depends on the material/fabric. Or if you can get/read a copy, 'Spotless' by Shannon Lush has solutions to all kinds of stains/smells in the home.
SkyKitty
1336
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 12:30
Perhaps 'Ask Ali' can clear this up- after all, he is a UAE national and wears national dress all the time :) If anyone has Twitter I know he is on there, might be worth asking him to clarify??
 
 
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