Swiss Sandy | ExpatWoman.com
 

Swiss Sandy

Swiss Sandy
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Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 21:45
Sorry to hijack this thread but how do they deliver? Do they use the post or a courrier? We use DH work address for post but can't have packages delivered there so hoping to have things delivered to my house, is that possible?
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 20:57
Oooh I can't believe I missed the party! Happy birthday Gorobattie!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 20:34
Swiss Sandy, I know you're right but somewhere in my past I was forced to eat tinned fruit salad (I hated it) and I cannot accept fresh fruit salad as a positive alternative :( My bad. I totally understand I use to eat those too! Maybe strawberries and cream then? Yum, hungry now, off to furage in my fridge to see if any decent desert in there...
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 20:29
I know you've had lots of yummy suggestion already but here's one more: what about a fruit salad for desert, easy to make, healthy and not too heavy after the meat feast. And if it sounds too healthy you could always add some ice cream with it!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 10:50
There are quite a few beach hotels, from what I remember the nicer beaches are north of Stone Town. I think Emirates Holidays sells a few maybe contact them. Sorry can't help more than that as the hotel I stayed in was by the beach but not a great beach. Don't forget to visit a spice plantation whilst you are there! And the snorkeling is great.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2012 - 12:53
Madolecow I might have some bras for you. I need to sort them out but have loads that don't fit me anymore (part of the joys of having children I guess) if you give me your email address I can tell you when I've got them sorted. I thought I would need to throw them away...
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2012 - 12:49
It might be Desertcharms, I don't she's in the Springs but not far, JVT possibly. She has a FB page
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2012 - 20:21
I love ordering breakfast (for my lunch) from Sucré Salé. Otherwise our favourite take aways in no particular order are: Soy (Chinese) Pizza Express Oregano Fish and Chips Room Is Fish and Chips in JBR? We've talked about trying that for a while... Yes in JBR, I'm not British but DH is and says best fish and chips in Dubai (guess that means closest to British style!)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2012 - 20:12
I love ordering breakfast (for my lunch) from Sucré Salé. Otherwise our favourite take aways in no particular order are: Soy (Chinese) Pizza Express Oregano Fish and Chips Room
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2012 - 12:59
I'm not an expert as I've only been once but set up camp up the steps behind the snack bar that right next to the children's area. We were just over the lazy river so DS and my niece spent the very little time there watching people float by... there was lots of space and it was nice and quiet. HTH
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 22:19
there is a lovely park in Hatta that has place for bbq & picnic :) sorry, but don't know the exact location. Don't forget to take passports with you, there are 2 check points on the way. Also there is a small place where you can stock on alcohol, I think it's called Holiday hotel or something, on your right just before 2nd check point (heading to Dubai) ;) The park is sign posted when you arrive in Hatta, I think it's called Hill Park (or Hilli) We have our picnic there everytime we go! We loved the Heritage Village (much better than the Dubai one) and the Hatta Fort Hotel is a nice place to relax when you've had enough of being hot and dusty :)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 March 2012 - 21:19
Boogie Babies is good fun but I think it is from 6 months. They have classes all over town.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 14:55
Could it be that your oven is too hot? I cook them at 180C Also I'm told that "old" potatoes are better. I do mine in olive oil as can't be bothered to hunt for goose fat and I'm not a very good cook but it's seems to work for me
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 March 2012 - 14:53
The kids' hairdresser at Favourite Things in Dubai Marina uses DVDs to distract the children, they usually have Barney or Mickey but you could prob take your own so he could watch his favourite show. Both hairdressers are very good with children.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 18:45
You could try Little Gym at Ibn Battuta
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 18:29
DS loves spring rolls (he's 2 so a couple of those is plenty for him). I gave him a cheese and spinach crepe as well once, he loved it. Mmmmmm i bet his "crepe" afterwards was interesting! It was but then it always is with spinach! ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 18:16
DS loves spring rolls (he's 2 so a couple of those is plenty for him). I gave him a cheese and spinach crepe as well once, he loved it.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 March 2012 - 17:10
One of my friends uses the dishwasher to clean her glasses... Never dared though, I'm too worried they'll get scratched or broken. I also wash the sponges in there as well as the thingies that go in the sink to plug it but more like a tray (no idea what they're called)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 20:47
Za'abeel Park with the skyscrapers in the background or the Address Montgomerie with the lake in the background.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 20:42
Have been to any in ages but here's what I remember! Toronto: CN Tower, lovely walks by the lake Ottawa: changing of the guard, lots of government buildings Not much I know but since nobody else has given you ideas!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 20:37
i second Busybees if they can come to your area, they've never let me down so far!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 13:35
Pasta with left over bolognese sauce though DH might have leftover Enchiladas (can you tell we're reaching the end of the week? ;))
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 13:31
I have been to both and if I had to back to one of them I would choose Tanzania. That being said a week can be a bit short if you want to do both a safari and Zanzibar. You can fly to both Arusha (for safaris) and Zanzibar from Dar El Salaam, when I went you could also fly between the two. You might not be able to go all the way to the Serengeti in such a short time but the Ngorogoro Crater is unbelievable and you'll be able to see most of the animals (no giraffe though) That said I enjoyed Cyprus too, just not in the same league but for a week it might be more manageable. I didn't like Nicosie (thought it was a bit depressing). I liked Paphos and the ruins around there and loved sitting on the beach near Aphrodite's birth place but it was a bit cool for the beach when I went. HTH
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 16:07
If the parents (and you) are tired of running after them Safa 2 Park is good too. Much smaller but it means you can sit down and watch the children play! And the 5 yo can run around and you can see them wherever they go in the park!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 16:03
ooo great trip! Cambodia is one of my favourite country to visit, the people there are lovely. Here were my highlights for each country: Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Cu Chi tunnels (near Ho Chi Minh), Loved the country side too Cambodia: Angkor Wat, The old Khmer Rouge prison in Phnom Pen (sorry my brain is not working I can't remember the name), the Royal Palace, lazing on the undevelopped beaches in the south Laos: Luang Prabeng, cruising the Mekong, Vientiane. How are you planning the travel between the sites? Bear in mind that distances can be quite big and the road infrastructure hopeless so don't try and pack too much. I spent about 5 weeks over 2 seperate trips visiting all those places and did most of my travelling overland but it's the best way to meet local people!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 10:00
My empty bowl of breakfast cereals - it is morning now.... :)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 March 2012 - 09:36
We've also been in Dubai just over a year now :) The few times we've been out without DS we had a babysitter from Busy Bees (maid agency) and the ladies have all been great www.busybeesdubai.com Alternatively if you search on here there has been lots of ladies recommending babysitters before.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 08:47
I heard so many people saying that going home wasn't a holiday that I made sure it was for us last summer. We visited both my home country and DH's. In the UK I made DH take us to lots of attractions during the day and we visited family and friends either on the outings or in the evening. When we went to Switzerland we went away for 3 days to the mountains. To me both felt like a holiday. DH didn't feel on holiday that much in the UK but I think that had more to do with the fact that work kept on creeping in everyday... But it looks like I might be the only one saying yes then ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 16:10
I've started listening to radio online (not much help if you are driving I know) that I loose most of the rubbish DJ and the ads and can listen to tunes from home too!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 16:01
Read the book and watched the film twice. Very good. I thought the film reflected the book really well. I agree with Monkey Face it gives you perspective. If you have the opportunity to read the book do so, highly recommend it!! Is the book available in Dubai? I bought it yesterday from Jashanmal Bookstore in MOE, if I do enjoy it I might even try to go to the cinema whilst DS is at nursery ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 20:02
I go to one of the Mums and tots coffee morning and even though I met my best Dubai friend on the first one I went to I was glad to have DS with me to keep me company. I persevered though and now I have quite a few friends there and our children play together. The thing that helped I think was that just before Christmas there was only a handful of us and so we all talked to each other. Sometimes when things become too popular it doesn't work as well.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 February 2012 - 13:37
The group Nscm7859 is talking about might able to help. They are short of godmothers but I'm sure Andrea who runs the group would make you a priority as you need help urgently. Search Fairy godmother club (Dubai) on Facebook.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 22:48
thanks Swiss Sandy - you're saying it was the same cost to run a fan as it is the AC? It was only one room so if it made any difference it was tiny! (we live in a 3 bedroom house)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 19:43
lol, I'm sure they talk about those as well! ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 February 2012 - 15:58
Our a/c broke in our bedroom last summer a week before we went away and we slept ok with the fan (our handyman is neither reliable nor quick). We ended up without a/c for 2 and half week (in one room only) and it didn't make a difference on our bill but was def bearable with the fan. HTH
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 February 2012 - 15:01
I don't think everything will be closed but if you plan on visiting the Vatican it will be packed and you have to bear in mind the extra religious ceremonies as well!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 February 2012 - 12:42
DS is only 2 but our "quality time" together we draw or go for a walk and sit on the big stones on one of the back streets and then look at the cars and describe them (big, small, white, etc), We also sing songs and go to Boogie Babies. Sometimes we sit on the sofa together when we are tired and eat some popcorn and watch a cartoon. When is older I hope we can cook together or potter around the garden (he loves watering it with the gardener already!)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 February 2012 - 12:33
We used Allied Pickfords to move from Switzerland to here and whilst they were great back home, I wasn't very impressed with their service here so wouldn't recommend them...
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 February 2012 - 11:06
Thanks ladies, my mum and I have already been to Alsace and the south will prob be too far for us to then drive to the UK so Ardeche it will be. Off to check the tourist info website to find out a bit more. :)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 February 2012 - 11:04
At the moment the plan is fly to Geneva and drive with my family to Ardeche (France), stay there for a week before heading to the UK to visit DH's family and hopefully have another few days for us maybe in Wales....
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 17:16
gentle bump
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:23
Surely if the driver managed to park the car, they can not be in a situation where they can not take children with them. So yes, she should call first the mall security then the police. The way I understand it unless something actually happens to the kids nothing will happen to the carer but it could be enough to scare them into not doint it again.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 11:13
Don't have much time to read nowadays but just finished the Fall of Giants - Ken Follett and loved it! Can't wait for the next part! I really like Ken Follett and will try that series after I finish Pillars of the Earth If you liked Pillars or the Earth you will like Fall of Giants, pity the other 2 books are not available yet!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 11:11
Cheese (Gruyere) and ham for the savoury one and maple syrup or nutella for the sweet ones, yum! Having them for lunch can't wait!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 10:08
Ooops, unless our gardener is doing extra just so he can play with DS for 5 mins (they love watering the garden together which is quite sweet) it must be one of the other ones I've seen around on their bycicle. You are not allowed to take our gardener away from us though, lol!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 09:33
Don't have much time to read nowadays but just finished the Fall of Giants - Ken Follett and loved it! Can't wait for the next part!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 09:24
We have a lovely gardener who tidies up the garden, cut branches etc without any prompting from us. Yesterday he washed all the sand of my terrace and hosed both outside doors to get rid of the sand! The company he works for is Marhaba Flowers, give them a try 04 228 33 01
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 09:20
Same problem in the Lakes, basically from 15.30 onwards on Thursday afternoons it's nearly impossible to get a taxi. It has happened to me a couple of times now that i've waited for over an hour to get a taxi and given up. Yesterday I booked a taxi for DH to go to the airport which turned up an hour late by which time DH had driven himself to the airport. It's a pain as not only was he very stressed when he got there but it's going to cost us a fortune in parking. It wasn't even Thursday or the evening but my guess is school pick up time....
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 10:24
Yes, you get to "stroke" the penguins one at a time.There was an article in Time out describing the experience. To me it didn't sound like the animals were treated with respect so not something I would do....
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 21:45
You could "adopt" an animal in his name, WWF in the UK does have a scheme like that. Can't remember exactly what you get with the sponsorship but I always thought it was a nice way of introducing children to giving to charity...
 
 
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