Swiss Sandy | ExpatWoman.com
 

Swiss Sandy

Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 14:12
asking where a person is from is harmless and most ppl are proud to say.. but insisting on knowing where my parents are from is just creepy and invasive. For example I am Chinese 'on the outside', but have never lived there and cant speak the language... . Thus, I do not regard myself as Chinese ... when asked, I am from the country where I was born and grew up, and the culture I know and live by, and which i am very proud of. It would be wrong of me to say Im Chinese, cuz im not :) but surely you are Chinese/American/whatever as people are Irish/American, British/Asian, or whatever? People usually say this kind of thing as they are proud of their roots! Just because she looks Chinese she has to add it to where she is from? I'm only a quarter Swiss but because this is where I grew up when people ask me where I'm from I just say Switzerland, I don't I'm Belgian/Swiss which technically is correct so I think I understand what she means. One of my friend was born in New Caledonia from Vietnamese parents and grew up in France. When people ask her where she is from she always says France.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 13:28
We're thinking of going to Liwa Oasis for a couple of nights
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 13:23
My user name says it all well actually it doesn't... I was born in Switzerland but my father is Belgian and my mum is half Swiss half Italian. I lived in the UK for 10 years met my British DH (with a quarter Irish) whilst travelling in Jordan and we went to live in Switzerland where my DS was born (so that makes him what? too complicated to work out the percentage so I guess European ;) ). We've been in Dubai 10 months.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 October 2011 - 13:11
Are you just going to Phnom Penh or seeing the rest of the country too? In Phnom Penh itself there is the Royal Palace, the National Museum (full of statues and artifacts from Angkor and the likes), Tuol Sleng (it used to be a Khmer Rouge prison and is now a museum, it's a bit grim but def worth it to understand the country). Near Phnom Penh you can visit the Killing Fields as well (again a bit grim but very moving) For going out I would recommend the Foreign Correspondant Club for the views over the Mekong. I think you can eat there too but I only went for drinks. There is also a restaurant that trains street kids to be cooks, waiters, etc but I can't remember the name of it. If you can get out of town and visit the rest of the country, there fab beaches in south and of course the temples near Siem Reap. Let me know if I can help more, Cambodia is one of my favourite countries and I really hope to go back one day!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 09:18
Sucré Salé, I don't know about the setting of the café as I use their delivery service but the food is yummy! And they do a nice iced coffee too.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 21:11
American men are very complex??????????????????? really?????????????? how so????? being a Canadian, I would be very interested in the answer :) are you saying canadian men are complex? Aren't they all, regardless of where they're from?
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 15:29
We stayed at the Legacy Hotel in Tecom and had a 2 bedroom appartment there. I honestly can't remember the price but the 2 bed were quite big (large main bedroom and living room). I normally don't recommand the place as I wasn't too impressed with their cleaning and the service at reception but if you are desperate! Also if you are selling your car you would be right next to the metro station. HTH
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 10:19
It might have something to do with the fact that they were working on the beach by the Madinat last night?? Not sure if it does affect the fish though....
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 10:17
Have you tried the Nespresso shop in Dubai Mall? Back home their shops sell stuff to clean/descale the machines.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 09:59
I saw quite a lot of costumes in Toy Store at MOE including a couple for babies/toddlers and I'm quite sure they had some Spiderman costume too. Didn't look at those so not sure of the size though.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 16:08
Snow. Real snow that ou can make snow men out of and make real snowballs. and eating a fondue in front of the fire while it snows outside and everything has gone quiet! Also missing decent sausages (bratwurst), walking everywhere I go, Laeckerli (type of biscuit from Basel, yum must remember to ask my mum to bring some!), the lakes and the mountains...
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 October 2011 - 15:07
Happy Thanksgiving! I was in Canada a few years ago during Thanksgiving, so beautiful at this time of year!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2011 - 22:03
i've been following your thread and I'm glad to see a happy ending!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 17:59
That's nice! I'll keep my eyes peeled next time I'm there! I once saw this massive sting ray from the top of a cliff in the sea near Acapulco Mexico, it made me smile for the whole day, so unexpected!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 17:49
In Switzerland I went to a Partylight (I think it's American originally) event which is all about candles and their accessorizes. Even if a similar product exists in the shops if the actual product is slightly different then this is the selling point. In this case the candles burn for longer. Everyone at the evening bought some candles and all the candles inside my friends house for the event added to the special atmosphere!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 17:22
We were in Dubai Mall at the weekend, we walked from car park and stood watching ice hockey. Security came up to us and said sorry mamsir but you can not push the stroller in the Mall.. Gobsmacked we just stood there. Lady from concierge desk came running over and shouted at security man and said listen to what I tell you. I said the skateboard over there not the stroller should not be used in the Mall! Oh dear seeing how upset I was about that stupid balloon, I think I would have burst into tears if someone had said no stroller! They are obviously not paid to think! ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 16:18
The funny thing is (because one should always try and see the funny side of things) it actually took 2 security guards to take that balloon away from a very tired mummy and a 21 month old child! I guess the second guy came just in case I started shouting (or worse tried flirting with the guy) to try and convince him to let us keep the balloon...
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 16:16
Nex time conceal it under your top and pretend DS will shortly be having a LB or LS ... How ridiculous.. I have heard it all now! edited by sarahloudxb on 05/10/2011 I did think afterwards that if I'd known about the silly rule I would have hidden it in the pushchair in the middle of all the mess we were carrying nobody would have noticed... at least I'll know for next time!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 15:44
A drop in the ocean, yes - but it's a start. every drop counts to fill the ocean! I'm sure the first people who started campaining against child labour thought the same and now some big companies actually check their factories to make sure no child labour is being used and that only happened because people cared. The hardest I find is toys. I don't really want to buy DS products made in China (especially after the scares recently, lead paint and the rest) but it's getting really hard to find some! We always try and avoid food products made in China and have a few times put frozen fish back in the freezer because of it. I just don't trust it!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 18:26
Ooo thanks for this thread. I'm also planning a nice meal for our first wedding anniversary this week end and it's full of great ideas!:cool:
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 18:13
About 3 months, we were engaged 5 months after we met but ended up having DS before getting married as in the end it took us 3 years to get there!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 September 2011 - 18:47
I was there many moons ago in early July and it wasn't too bad queue wise. From experience I would imagine it is much worse at Easter as everybody tries to go there over a shorter period and the whole of Europe is on hols at the same time whereas in for exemple in early July the Brits and a few others are not yet on holidays. For hotels we stayed in Paris itself that time and the time before I think it was the Holiday Inn which is one or two metro stops away which means it is cheaper than the Disney hotels. Just depends if you want the whole Disney experience... HTH
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 17:28
I've only managed to watch the first minute of the trailer but it sounds interesting! I would love to do the same journey and then on to the Transiberian!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 17:25
I absolutely cannot bear it when you are on the metro with a pram and you have to wait to use the lift because it's full with able-bodied people who are more than capable of using the escalators. It absolutely does my head in. Same here but the one advantage of the pram is when people want to walk in the metro/lift before I get out... I just drive straight at them with it and they run out of my way (must be the murderous look in my eyes!) Saying that once I'm in the lift people will often press the hold button for me to make sure I have time to get out. :)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 15:20
And the Lakes? My gardener cut the trees 2 weeks ago and the branches were def picked up but has it changed since??
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 15:14
CABear I feel for you. I went in a taxi the other day, and the taxi driver didn't help with all my shopping and I was really struggling to put the pushchair in the boot whislt keeping a eye on DS so he wouldn't run on the road and the driver didn't move to help... I can assure you this guy did not get a tip!!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 13:47
The UK! Not very exotic I know but at 20 year old and on my own it was an adventure and I loved every second of it! Yes, even the weather (well most of the time!) London is a great place to meet people from all over the world. Then I moved back to Switzerland with my British DH and sometime felt more of an expat there than I ever did in London....
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 11:18
Nope, one of the reasons why I don't want a live in maid!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 22:37
Agree with you JS Britney is a bit of a let down.... and they are making such a big fuss about it!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 22:36
It was cloudy on the tv but it seemed to make it even more beautiful in a dramatic sort of way! tally-ho I've heard there is a "heat wave" in the UK at mo!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 21:29
I still have the temperature/moisture monitor in DS's room and the moisture level was fine all through summer but when we first moved here in March we had a few days when it was too "dry" so maybe you DD needs to get herself a monitor to see when moisture is needed. I would never hang my wasing in DS's room but mostly coz since the day he could reach up he's been trying to throw it on the floor and now I'd be worried he'd walk into it or falls over.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 21:09
Red Tomato pizza for delivery (doesn't seem to affect our digestion... touch wood ;) ) and Pizza Express for dine in (I think they might deliver too).
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 21:03
What about the fact that you made a home for you and your family in a new country. By most people standards it is quite a big achievement! ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 19:52
Wanderlust (travel) magazine and dreaming of all the places I want to go... Otherwise just finished At Home, Bill Bryson, love his sense of humour and always fascinated by the amount of detailed information.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 12:53
lol, you're probably right! ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 12:37
lol at number 24 and the guys with the bow ties! ;) Seriously though if any of those guys came to talk to me in a bar I would run the other way, DH has nothing to fear :) ETA they probably wouldn't though, I'm not "stylish" enough!! <em>edited by Swiss Sandy on 24/09/2011</em>
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 08:20
So first we have 1 chance in a trillion to be hit by a falling sattelite, then a massive earthquake to happen on Monday, I might just go back to sleep... it's safer ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 20:11
and a couple stayed in my house after the previous renter left...
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 16:44
We went to Dubrovnik only and def worth 4 or 5 days. We loved it. We stayed in an appartment owned by the friend of a friend who is from Croatia. It was outside the old town itself but had a great view and it also means it was more peaceful and it was still within walking distance. Let me know if you want the details.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 16:40
That stupid rat's tail thing has been all the rage amongst boys and men for at least the last 20 years in Geneva. Prefer a full-blown pony-tail on a man, myself, if they've got to do it at all. Haha. It made me think of the time we took the kids to Signal de Bougy on a Sunday afternoon and every little boy from the Canton de Vaud had one. Arghhhh I hate them How long ago was this????? I'm from canton de Vaud and nobody I know has had one since about 1985 ! Hate them too.:) It's a haircut I associate with Swiss Germans though for some reason!?
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 19:52
Swiss Sandy - you mean they couldn't give you the prescription for your contacts? Or they didn't have the actual contacts? Where did you go instead? The presciption was not the problem, they just did not have a supplier for gas permeable lenses which I think are pretty hard to find here. Instead I got them home this summer. Products for "hard" contacts can also be difficult to source in Dubai.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 September 2011 - 08:40
I don't live in JBR but for my eye test and glasses I went to Vision Express and I now there is one in Marina Mall. HTH Yes, thanks! Did you like the service/dealing with insurance coverage was easy? Sorry, I don't know as my insurance doesn't cover my glasses but I would imagine it's not that complicated... Everything else was straight forward except they didn't do my contacts (but then my eye sight is pretty bad!)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 September 2011 - 22:15
I don't live in JBR but for my eye test and glasses I went to Vision Express and I now there is one in Marina Mall. HTH
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 15:44
Just curious: what is an "evening brunch"? Is it just an all-can-eat-and-drink buffet? I thought brunch was a meal typically eaten late in the morning as a combination of a late breakfast and an early lunch. Just saw the term "evening brunch" in Time Out recently and wondered... In Dubai brunch means a buffet and usually it also means you can stuff your face ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 15:42
I second the Rivington Grill. I also like Wafi Gourmet but again no booze!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 13:18
Here are a few things my 20 months loves doing: - Aquarium and underwater zoo at Dubai Mall - Dubai Fountains - Ride on the metro (he's train mad at mo) - Boat ride on the creek (haven't tried the abras yet but he like the dhow cruise) HTH
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 12:51
I usually have this when I'm stressed and tired, best cure I've found so far is a good, restfull sleep. Doesn't even need to be that long, a nap is enough.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 12:10
*like*
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 11:31
Lakeland in MOE has a good selection.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 10:30
Still a mall but if you go to Festival City, you could go to Cafe Ceramique and have baby paint her hand/foot onto a piece of pottery and you can have lunch/coffee. Won't waste a whole day but is a little something different. If it's even a wee bit cooler you can have a nice walk outside along the marina and canals there too, a change of scenery for LO and there is a play area near Toys R Us but not sure what there is for young babies. the Aquarium at Dubai Mall might be worth a look if LO likes looking at all the lights, fish etc. If you go to the actual tunnel you also get entry into the underwater zoo but I don't think it's great if you have a pram. Only other things I can think of are the various soft play stuff in the malls or Mini Monsters type places? Or perhaps Metro Ride if you've not done that but check which stations are directly into places otherwise you might have a walk. As the weather gets cooler then the parks are great and all have different activities in them, beach, Al Ain Zoo etc etc...let's hope it starts to cool soon eh? :) Did the underwater zoo with 2 prams last time and it was fine....
 
 
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