Swiss Sandy | ExpatWoman.com
 

Swiss Sandy

Swiss Sandy
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Latest post on 15 September 2011 - 10:29
What about the Sharjah Desert Park, not been yet but I think it's partly inside. Still in a mall but tomorrow we need to go to Marina Mall and I thought DS could go on the little train there. There's also the Sound and Light Show at Wafi. Or if you haven't been yet Dubai Museum during your little one nap time HTH
Swiss Sandy
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 22:23
I'm surprised at that. When I lived in The Lakes the maids (mine included) were always to keen to take the kids to the park in the afternoon so they could all get together and gossip under the guise of "work". Sometimes they would even look up and check on the kids too. We had annoying maids, you have annoying parents lol! I used to live in the Lakes..i remember those maids :) They are still here at the end of my street too! I go to a different play area as it's far less crowded...
Swiss Sandy
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Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 22:22
You have been more that patient! When we first moved to Dubai we were staying in a hotel/appartment until our villa was ready. A little girl staying there with her parents had obviously gotten bored and started ringing my door bell for fun. First time ok, second time haha, third time I managed to catch and told her to stop or she might wake the baby, I'm not sure she understood a word I was saying but my face must have shown what I meant (or the maid was listenning somewhere) because she never tried again! So my advise is to put your point across very sternly and if you don't want to seem "wingy"you could always say it disturbs the dog/parrot! But in any case you should not feel like a prisoner in your own home.
Swiss Sandy
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Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 08:44
I was in Kensington Gardens for a walk with now Ex-DH, on our way home we stopped to buy some bevvies and the guy in the shop told us what happened. We didn't know if it was real and switched the TV on as soon as we got back and spent the rest of the afternoon watching the news. I was working in the travel industry at the time and spent the next week trying to get people home to the UK from the States. It was very surreal.
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 20:30
Needed mutton yesterday which i can only find in Panda so decided to do my weekly shopping there. So I turned up with a bag containing bags to carry my grocery out (doing my bit for the environment) and was stopped by the security guard at the entrance who told me I had to have my bag sealed. SG: open bags not allowed ma'am Me (showing him the content of the bag): but it's recycled bags to put my grocery after I've paid SG: No ma'am, has to be sealed, all bags have to be sealed... Me: but it's a bag full of empty bags SG: no Ma'am Me: are you kidding me? I am simply using old EMPTY bags, there's nothing in them! And I then proceeded to tip my bag in the trolley and show him all the empty bags inside!!!!! Only then was I allowed to bring my bags in, after being sternly told: "all the bags have to stay in the trolley" ooooookay then :-) LOL!!!!! The same thing happenned to me one of the first time I went to Geant (with C4 bags admitedly) I had to remove the staples at the till so I could put my shopping in! Now I hide them in DS change bag or under the pushchair! <em>edited by Swiss Sandy on 10/09/2011</em>
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 20:15
I also wanted to share this email I've received recently which I translated for you: The story of the gherkin jar and the coffee When it seems to you that there are too many things in your life, when 24 hours doesn’t seem enough remember the story of the gherkin jar and the coffee. Once upon a time a philosophy teacher took a large empty gherkin jar to his class and without a word started to fill it with golf balls. Then he asked his students if the jar was full. His students agreed that it was. Then the teacher took a box full of marbles and poured it into the jar. The marbles filled the empty spaces between the golf balls. He once again asked the students if the jar was full and the students replied yes once again. Then the teacher took a bag of sand and poured it in the jar. Of course the sand filled in the empty spaces and he asked again if the jar was full. Unanimously the students replied yes. Straight away the teacher poured 2 cups of coffee in the jar and it filled in the spaces between the grains of sand. The students started to laugh. The teacher said: I want you to realize that the gherkin jar represents life. The golf balls are the important things like family, children, health, everything you feel passionate about. Our lives would still be very full if you lost everything else and we’d have only those left. The marbles are the other things that count like work, a house, a car, etc… The sand represents everything else, the little things in life. If we had poured the sand first there would not have been space for anything else, not the marbles nor the golf balls… It is the same in real life. If we spend all our energy and our time for the little things we will never have space for the really important ones. Look after the things that are important for your happiness. Play with one’s children (or grandchildren), take time to go to the doctor, dine with one’s partner, practice a sport or ones favourite hobbies. There will always be time for cleaning, repair the kitchen tap. Look after the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Prioritise everything else is only sand. One of the students then asked: What about the coffee? The teacher smiled and said: It’s good that you ask. It was just to demonstrate that even if our lives seem very full there will always be space for a cup of coffee with a friend.
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 20:13
Hey Nadiya, Your story reminds me of mine. This is more or less where I was just over 5 years ago. I just wanted to tell you that it doesn't take much to turn your life around. Once I made the decision to turn my life around and took action towards that I was such a better frame of mind that I met the once who is now my DH. I firmily believe that before that I could not have fallen in love as I was far too stressed. And believe if little shy me was able to do it then so can you. Look after number 1 and everyting will work out!
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 20:22
That article is not saying much really, the reasons listed are not specific to Dubai or the UK and some are the reasons why I left the UK to go home 4 years ago... specially the lack of seasons (missing the snow and the real summers)! But after a while I felt restless so here I am in Dubai.
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 20:07
You could try Paperchase or Hallmark. Hallmark in Meadows town centre seems to have quite a few different ones. I'm on the hunt for one without insert or adhesive but no luck so far. Alternatively Amazon has a good selection
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 22:13
I bought the same book as you and along with a very nice paediatrician is all I used. English is not my first language either but I only struggled with a few medical terms that I looked up in the dictionary. My advice is to trust your instinct and if you need reassuring talk to the doc, it's part of their job too!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 22:02
Not me I'm not new, just don't post very often... as being on a different planet probably guilty:) But it has been interesting reading today! <em>edited by Swiss Sandy on 07/09/2011</em>
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 21:53
erk, arent they mostly that waxy type stuff? How on earth do you cut one of those to get the right doseage? Stick in backside, invert child and lite until melted down? *Warning* please do not try this at home. lol, sorry...I ment you can cut the waxy ones, but if it is a gel cap...how on earth are you supposed to cut one of those to get to the right dose? Highly entertained with unwelcome vision of child with melty flames coming out her backside now, thanks for that! Thanks just had a much needed chuckle at the end of a very stressful day!
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 21:51
yep- scissors. Hang on- is this a gel like one or a hard tablet one? edited by Scotchanddiet on 07/09/2011 It's a waxy one so will try the scissors and if that doesn't work I'll try the razor. Have to go the pharmacy anyway to get more dressings for his stiches... which are not in a very good place to keep the whole thing clean...
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 21:11
What do you cut it with? I tried with a knife but wasn't very successful, scissors?
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 11:08
I have the same problem and I use the Freez-ease products from John Frieda which you can find here in Boots. I haven't tried the shampoo but the styling products are good.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 18:09
Thanks Divas, at least one thing I don't have to worry about!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 September 2011 - 11:09
gentle bump
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 12:11
DS (20 months) is scheduled for surgery next week (minor and routine) and I'm getting a bit stressed. My way of dealing with the stress is worrying about the details so appologies for the stupid questions... I was wondering if I need to get food for him? Any of you ladies have any experience with this? I normally cook for him so I don't think he'll be very impressed if gets presented with a pot of baby food! Also will they have milk for his dinner/breakfast? He drinks cow milk now but if they don't supply some I guess I could get DH to bring some when he visits. And last will they automatically provide a cot for him or do I need to tell them? TIA
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 August 2011 - 16:59
I haven't tried it but I think it run by Fitness First. May be give them a call.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 20:30
CSI NCIS Bones Life on Mars and the follow up Ashes to Ashes Midsommer Murders
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 15:55
We bought one in Geant for DHS90. It is nothing special but it survived our trip to Europe. We had enough of the nice one being damaged each time we fly!
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 22:15
Hi Jane, I'm from Lausanne so if you have questions about the area I can probably help. DH is British so I dealt with the paperwork when we moved to Switzerland. I'm not sure exactly how it'll work for you since you are not married but seeing the amount of expats living in Canton de Vaud I'm sure there is a simple solution :) If you live in France your OH will have a different permit as he'll be considered a "frontalier" Lots of people commute on the boat from Evian or Thonon in France which operate year round. The main problem with that is if he or you work late the boats are not that regular in the evening and also I thinK the airport is quite a drive from Evian. Not sure also how good the boats are when the weather is really bad. Lausanne also has a good expat community even if not as big as Geneva. DH just said to me that you will get by without French. He spent 3 years in Switzerland and barely learnt any. Everytime he tried people replied to him in English. Let me know if I can be anymore help.
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 01 July 2011 - 21:27
Cambodia (beautiful temples and people) and Egypt (pyramids and temples) top my list and Italy (food, museums and churches) comes close behind
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 10:25
All that has already been mentionned plus the Transport Museum and London Zoo. I lived in London for 5 years and never made it to Kew Gardens... still regret it! Also if you go to the London Eye, the Aquarium is just next to it and if it's sunny you can walk all the way to the Tower of London (via Tower bridge) along the river. I used to take all my visitors for that walk and still is my favourite one in London. Or walk to Buckingham Palace via Houses of Parliement and St James Park (lots of ducks and things in the pond there)
Swiss Sandy
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Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 09:50
Ooo Thanks that would be nice... Can only pick up at the week end when DH is out of work if that works for you (I don't drive...). edited by Swiss Sandy on 28/06/2011 <em>edited by Swiss Sandy on 28/06/2011</em>
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 June 2011 - 09:28
Thanks ladies I knew I could count on you. That was very fast!
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 15:06
I have the same clause in my lease but the estate agent said as long as nobody sees it it's not a problem (ie not on balcony, front of house sort of thing). I put all my laundry outside to dry and no problem so far... It's just getting a bit hot to do it :)
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 09:16
I've always found the best way is ... in bed. Find someone who speaks what you want to speak and off you go! I think that only works if you've already learned the bases and want to improve on the language... in my experience anyway ;) It is easier to learn a language if you have a goal for it, for exemple if you live in a country where the language is spoken or want to travel there or if you really like someone who speaks it... If it's the first time you are trying a new language Arabic might not be the easiest because of the different writing. I also find that a language is easier to learn if you like the "sound"of it. I loved learning Spanish and Italian as they sound so melodic (but hated German) but that might just me :)
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 20:40
Thanks ladies, maybe DH could drop his paperwork and have the passport delivered to his parents address rather than us waiting all day in London... I'll let him check that part for himself.
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 20:09
You may find that by the time they have children the rules have changed again.... When I was born in Switzerland by law a child was getting his fathers nationality regardless of the mother's'nationality. 3 years later when my brother was born he automaticaly had both. Now when we turned 28 we both had to confirm that we wanted to keep our Belgian nationality with the embassy as we never lived there and had a 2nd nationality. This law was introduced about 10 years ago and I'm not even sure if still applies. Apart from this nationality is much more than a passport. Despite having 2 nationalities (and being entitled to 2 more as my mum is half Italian and DH is British) I feel Swiss as it was were I grew up and (for the moment at least) the place where I spent most of my life. I wonder though which nationality DS will feel when he get older...
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 13:08
I was wondering about that too, you'd think if they did it would come out straight away... I hate snakes too!
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 12:45
Probably something to do with it not being high season for Sydney as it's winter... But high season in L.A. I would imagine.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 20:51
I was also thinking it might be a bit late to rent a chalet but the Swiss Tourist office lists appartments and chalets to rent. A lot of the train routes are quite scenic. If you are in the French speaking region I would recommend the train from Montreux to Gstaad or Montreux to Rocher-de-Naye from where there are a lot of hiking trails (all the way back to Montreux if you wanted). Otherwise the most famous rail journey in Switzerland is the Glacier Express I haven't done it but some friends have and even though they lived in Switzerland all their life they really enjoyed it. It runs between St Moritz (in Graubauden) and Zermatt. Zermatt is the place where you to see the Matterhorn and is a nice little town (without cars). I haven't done any hiking in that part but I believe there are some nice walks.
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 June 2011 - 13:23
I also thought it was cheese fondue when I read fondue! Must be a Swiss thing.... saying that meat fondue is yummy too and now I quite fancy some! Hope you find everything you need... I don't know if you can find this here but my mum used to use coconut fat to cook the meat in apparently it's more healthy.
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 16:53
There is a man's salon and a ladies one
Swiss Sandy
350
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 14:44
I feel for you OP we have 4 weeks in 2 countries and family spread out all over both and the logistics are giving me a headache already! Picked up a few tips on here though specially for meeting friends the BBQ/restaurant ideas are great! The one good thing for me is that DH knows it's up to him to organise his family! And my mum will not mind if my friends come to see us at hers. If it gets too much take your children (and DH) for a walk or a fun day out as a family or alternitavly a glass of wino! good luck
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 14:22
Reading (when I find the time) FB Photography and making photo albums both online and in proper albums Blogging (and adding my photos to the blog ;)) Going to the pool with DS (just wish I had the time to swim as well) Travelling and discovering new places and cultures Walking Yoga
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 13:01
I was born and bred in Lausanne so I'd be happy to help too with any questions you may have. DH is British and relocated there to be with me but we met whilst I was living in the UK. He still doesn't speak French partly because of me but also because a lot of people speak and/or understand English. There are a lots of expat in the area so you should be able to make lots of new friends. :) Also I don't know if you have children but I used to work in a private school so am quite familiar with the schools in the area if you need help with that.
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 08:55
Mine would be Lady Magda Zita-Victor Ruffy nearly as long as my real name ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 22:14
I only do it for expensive things and I have been here 8 years! I also still translate celsius into fahrenheit and kilometers into miles but nowadays I weigh myself in kilos. Eeek I have so much to learn! Can't do kilos...only stones. You could say you were 500kgs and it would mean nothing to me! I cant do kilometres, only miles. And temperatre, I dont even know which is which, the one that makes it sound lower...thats the one I understand! Maybe of an afternoon I need to spend less time browsing EW and more time educating myself!! I lived in the UK 10 years and never got my head round stones or feet etc! I'm sure you'll manage! If I had to weigh myself at doc just read out whatever number was on scale and forgot about it straight away :) I've only been here 3 months but only convert for some stuff. The funny thing I convert in Swiss Francs and DH in UK£ so a bit confusing when we are talking to each other!
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 16:52
Yes, she is really well-travelled. Has been to Dubai before (but maybe 7+ years ago), and actually comes from Italy, and lives in the UK, so visits family with the children in Europe frequently. Weird huh? You may find that her mama does all this stuff for her when she goes to Italy so that's why she's expecting the same from you. Def sounds to me like what an Italian mama would do (my gran is Italian and always asks what I need for my LO even though we go for the day!! She'd prob buy nappies if I'd ask her too) bad habits die hard... Good luck and you are doing a great job already!
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 00:11
Our son loves going to Carluccio's at Marina Mall, they have a kids menu and the stall are very good and attentive with him! PS Hope your move went alright! They don't have a drinks licence though do they? I thought she wanted drinks as well..... Sorry I don't drink very much and didn't realise! oops
Swiss Sandy
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Latest post on 15 April 2011 - 00:10
So both DS and I survived the night out without each other even though DS refused to go to sleep and ended up falling asleep on the nanny's lap at 10.30pm! I guess I'll have a grumpy little man in the morning! Off to sleep too now.
Swiss Sandy
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 18:32
Our son loves going to Carluccio's at Marina Mall, they have a kids menu and the stall are very good and attentive with him! PS Hope your move went alright!
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 15:27
Nothing like the kindness of strangers! Sounds like the military operation is well underway!! ;)
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 15:22
Thanks for posting this, it clarified a few things for me too! :) For me ETA always meant estimated time of arrival so was struggling with that one... That's what working in the airline industry does to you! I am with you on that one. Happy for you you got out as well :). Ow maybe you didn't... edited by Eva B. on 14/04/2011 I did! Now lots of free space in my brain to learn about new codes! ;)
Swiss Sandy
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 13:51
Thanks for posting this, it clarified a few things for me too! :) For me ETA always meant estimated time of arrival so was struggling with that one... That's what working in the airline industry does to you!
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 13:35
Going for dinner at Atlantis tonight (that's why I needed a nanny) and the Swiss Spring Festival tomorrow evening. Oh and trying to get DH to do some DIY around the house!:)
Swiss Sandy
350
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Latest post on 14 April 2011 - 13:16
I did the Big Bus tour is February and they had a 20% discount if you payed with MC credit card, not sure if they still do it. I agree that it is expensive but we enjoyed it!
Swiss Sandy
350
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 15:36
Ooooo yes I had forgotten about Silversea, very posh!! :)
 
 
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