Tartiflette | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tartiflette

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 13:10
When we needed them a few months ago I found them at the pharmacy counter of Emirates Hospital in Jumeira Beach Road, both adult and paediatric formulation.
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Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 13:05
Agree. Gross.
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Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 18:49
You could try thehealthyhome.me or maybe saniservice.ae, they both offer cleaning services for mattresses, pillows etc. (anti-allergy, dust mites etc) so could do teddies as well. I think they use various methods (super-suction vacuum, UV light to kill mites, heating to high temps...) depending on the material.
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Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 18:40
As Dally says, flying while infectious is not good-- chickenpox can be dangerous to some (eg pregnant women), as well as unpleasant, obviously, if other people are infected... The airline may not let you board so do check with them.
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Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 18:37
was good - got rain and thumberstorms on my last day.... was like driving on rivers on the way to the airport At first I thought it was a typo and you meant "thunderstorms"... But you do seem to attract "THUMBerstorms" on EW...
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Latest post on 10 August 2014 - 18:51
It started toward the end of the school year I think... My daughter (and her friends, male and female) became addicted over the summer and I predict that it will become HUGE when the school year starts! Not sure local supply will match demand so best to stock up if you are travelling...
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Latest post on 10 August 2014 - 18:48
Also KAZIM shop in Jumeirah Centre mini-mall in Beach Road (the beige one with Tim Horton's, Nike Shop, Costa). They also have paints, brushes, etc.
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Latest post on 09 August 2014 - 16:08
I agree with the below posts-- do NOT let yourself be bullied (whether overtly, or by pointed looks) into cleaning the communal mess! If you start doing it, it will become part of your job description and that is not what you were hired to do. You say the job is interesting but it won't be if you are expected to be the cleaner as well. Propose some cleaning companies and see what happens... If the employer cannot afford AED600 per month for cleaning, they must be on the brink of insolvency so you should probably be on the lookout for another job, anyway...
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Latest post on 16 July 2014 - 06:05
The Escape Hunt (singapore.escapehunt.com/) is great fun, it only takes an hour and is quite challenging! Well located in Orchard Rd so you can mix in with shopping. Have been here over a week and no mosquito bites so far even in the leafy residential area where we are staying... Didn't seem buggy at all around Orchard Rd and other tourist areas.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 July 2014 - 05:48
The Organic Shop in Jumeirah 1 (Village Mall where Shakespeare's is) sells "real" (not from cubes or cans) frozen chicken stock in small black tubs, under their own brand name... I guess they make it here.
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Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 11:23
At Dubai Ladies' Club boys are allowed until age 7... On Ladies' Days at Dubai municipality parks, the age is 4. (Just for info-- if I had a young son I wouldn't send him in alone to a men's public toilet!)
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Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 16:27
Hi, Sorry to hear that! I have never ordered "off the shelf" supports but in Dubai I could recommend Graham Poynor-Woods for custom orthotics, he can be reached through Up and Running, 04 328 4600. Mine were covered by insurance so could be worth checking with yours! HTH
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 18:43
No early dismissals for us, ever, unless decreed by KHDA. Even for school sports fixtures, kids stay in class until usual dismissal time (then sprint madly to fixture!).
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 13:38
Do they at least have an indoor option, eg library or computer room, if they feel too hot?
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Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 13:32
I don't know if KHDA has an official rule, but my daughter has attended 2 schools in Dubai and they both have indoor-playtime policies if it gets too hot. At one school it was when the temperature hit 40 (or felt like 40, accounting for humidity); current school hasn't stated an exact temperature but they have been indoors for a week or two... Before that they were allowing outdoor play but discouraging strong exertion at breaktimes (eg football). KHDA does send a notice to schools re indoor playtime for asthmatics if the air quality is poor (eg dust) so it is possible that they have temperature guidelines as well.
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Latest post on 27 March 2014 - 10:23
I also used Churchill, they charge 12 dhs/square metre for wet cleaning and 17 dhs/sq m for dry. The technicians seem to know what to use on which carpet, they even did spot tests to make sure. However, I think there might be a minimum spend for home visits, you'd need to give them a ring.
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Latest post on 27 March 2014 - 10:19
I just green-thumbed your post, it seems to have worked on my screen... ETA no green thumb showing after I posted, so maybe not! <em>edited by Tartiflette on 27/03/2014</em>
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Latest post on 07 December 2013 - 17:49
Yesterday's festival at the JESS school was lovely, only one Santa (but in a very posh "grotto" area), tons of crafters, kids' activities, food etc. and a huge choir. It got a bit crowded at times but was free to get in.
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 09:12
After more than one NIGHTMARE with Dubai Taxi we now always use Careem for airport journeys (and most others when we can't wait 1-3 hours for a taxi to turn up--or not): worth the slight extra for peace of mind! There is also a new service called Uber, I can't vouch for it personally but it's a similar principle. I don't understand how the level of taxi service has declined so drastically over the past 2 years...
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 09:04
Pastels are open Fridays: The Ritz-Carlton Dubai Branch Seven days a week 9am to 7pm Mercato Mall Branch Saturday to Thursday 9am to 9pm Friday 10am-9pm Apparently they also offer an "At Home" service "where our stylists or therapists can carry out your required treatments in the comfort of your own home." -- that could be a good stress reducer! ETA: Re the issue with the venue not accepting the ID receipt, you could contact the consumer protection people (www.consumerrights.ae or 600 54 5555) or even just threaten to do so... <em>edited by Tartiflette on 06/11/2013</em>
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 08:55
Cafe2Go (Al Murooj Rotana and SZR near Noor Islamic Bank) have camel-milk coffees and even camel-cheese sandwiches I believe; Costa Coffee have introduced camel milk, and I think I have seen it used in beverages at Mama Tani in Town Centre Jumeira (next to Mercato). There was also a camel café in Dubai Mall somewhere, not sure if it is still open. Hope this helps!
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 21:54
They have the Lotus speculoos in Spinneys as well, as a "normal" box and also the individually wrapped ones.
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 19:09
Have you tried the "Yves" brand veggie mince (refrigerated section at Spinneys, usually near the prepackaged turkey/chicken products)? It is pre-seasoned so just needs "tweaking"; my family likes it in lasagna and in Mexican dishes. (If you are OK with soy products-- it is soy based.)
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 12:51
Scary!!
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 12:20
Spinneys Mercato & Umm Suqeim
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 12:11
Same here, she has it with her at all times (I am comfortable with this as she has a young child back home) and occasionally gets a text or brief call. She saves any chatting/texting for her breaktimes or after hours; it has never been a problem.
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 18:48
Bumping for laurachamberlain...
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Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 20:09
Hi Laura, I am interested for my daughter (age 8). I am bilingual and we used to live in Geneva and she has done some French but it is rusty... We live in Jumeirah 1 so if the times work out it could be really convenient! Let me know at username (at) me (dot) com
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Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 21:23
I have been looking for them (at Toys R Us, Hamley's, Magrudy's, WH Smith, Virgin, etc.) with no luck... I was going to wait for a visit from overseas relatives but hopefully someone on this forum will have a lead!
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Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 12:09
Hi Ladies, Just to clarify, Mmmmm, by "the other side" we meant the part of "France voisine" that is on the other side of the lake, towards Chamonix, i.e. in Haute-Savoie (74) vs the side you asked about, which is known as the "Pays de Gex" and is in Ain (01). It is quite easy for EU nationals to live in Switz but if you (or your spouse) do NOT have an EU passport and do not work for an international organization, you are generally required to live in the canton of Geneva. Paperwork is easier and more efficient (and less unfriendly-- I wouldn't say "friendly" exactly, but not overtly hostile) on the Swiss side! Not sure if 01 is friendlier than 74, I would imagine they are similar. Good luck with the move! Have some tartiflette for me this winter.
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Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 20:56
Hi Simple! Hope you are well. Mmmmm: I also lived on the other side of Geneva, but am familiar with the places you mention. Unfortunately a lot of that area has developed into long, unattractive, soul-less strips of big stores (garden superstore, sporting goods outlet, hypermarket etc) and traffic from all of those can be very heavy into Geneva (esp the UN organizations) at peak times. You will have to look at what is available (a lot of UN/CERN people live there) but there are some charming farmhouses to be found (although often on busy roads). Before committing to a house/flat, you need to check whether the accommodation you are looking at is in the flight path for Geneva airport as that can be an issue on that side of GVA. Ferney is close to the border and probably has the closest creches and most school selections; Divonne is further but as Simple says it is more of a town in its own right than the others. We rented at first in Geneva (I worked in a UN org) then looked at all surrounding areas when we decided to buy... We ended up buying on the other side of Geneva, it was a longer commute but not too slow as the traffic was lighter, and ultimately we found the other side much more charming, closer to the ski resorts for weekends (even if you don't ski, going to the mountains can be the only way to see some sun and blue sky, we used to go just for lunch), and out of the flight paths. Hope this helps! Tartiflette PS- My house on "the other side" is currently up for rent if you might be interested! 4-bedroom renovated stone farmhouse, heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi with view over the Alps.
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Latest post on 06 August 2013 - 20:32
Just one last bump for the evening crowd...
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Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 15:08
Hi, we saw some "usual" top sights as recommended by any guidebook... Durbar Square, Garden of Dreams, Bodnath Stupa, Patan... One thing I would recommend (time and budget permitting) is a Nepali meal at Dwarika's Hotel, which is a beautiful collection of buildings in traditional styles, some handmade in the old style and some salvaged from old buildings. If you do not go for the dinner you could just go to the hotel bar for drinks. I don't know the cost of the meal as we were taken there by our hosts, but here is some info: [i'>To spend an evening at Krishnarpan, the Nepali speciality restaurant at Dwarika’s, is to take a culinary journey through the fascinating terrains and cuisines of Nepal. Serving the finest Nepali of Nepali flavours, Krishnarpan is a slow dining experience reminiscent of ancient customary feasts. Meals range from six to twenty two courses and are prepared using the freshest vegetables straight from the Dwarika's own farm. With each course offered on traditional brass and earthen ware, and served by charming hostesses representing different ethnic communities, Krishnarpan is an exquisite and authentic Nepali experience to savour. Prior reservations required. [/i'>
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 00:29
Same for me... "incapsulated" out and then unable to get back to any part of EW except the home page. Not even able to view forum posts... It looks like the security measures are keeping out EW's friends as well as enemies :-(
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Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 14:30
I am also very disappointed in the Pantry Cafe... I can't believe that someone would spend so much time/money on the concept, interior design and furnishings, menu creation, sourcing cool kitchen things for retail area, etc. and then drop the ball so completely on service and actual food quality. Was there once (just a couple of weeks ago to give it time to settle after initial poor reviews) and was not impressed! Sadly, I have also been to Book Munch twice and--while I love the concept and the menu and the decor and the books and the friendly staff--I will only be back for coffee as both times I found the food very poorly executed. I would be interested to hear from the people who reported "great food"-- what dishes do you recommend? Maybe I just chose badly? Are the other food outlets in there open (Smiling BKK / the new sushi place)? Any feedback?
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Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 10:13
(Have e-mailed you so safe to remove your address!)
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Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 10:04
I think you mean Titia Bierman, she is the assistant manager at the DLC gym and does personal training. You can call DLC and ask for her.
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Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 16:42
Hi Eden, Do you already have accommodation in Geneva? I have a house for rent! -Tartiflette
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Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 09:45
You will find the only people who have something negative to say are the ones who couldnt get their children into the school. I don't agree, Appletiser. Plenty of DESS parents (I am one) have issues with the school but are reluctant to talk about it publicly. Not sure why but perhaps out of fear of reprisals from the school or of damaging the school's reputation and therefore the "prestige" of their kids going there.
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Latest post on 17 May 2013 - 13:10
Interesting study reported in New Yorker magazine: (http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/03/11/130311fa_fact_kolbert) "... schools that delay the start of first period see performance, motivation, and attendance all increase. (A school district in Minnesota that switched to a later schedule found that the average S.A.T. scores for the top ten per cent of the class rose by more than two hundred points, a result that the head of the College Board called “truly flabbergasting.”) But, Roenneberg notes, teachers and school administrators generally resist the change, preferring to believe that the problem is insoluble." My young daughter and I are "owls" and would be delighted with a 9 AM start!
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 19:10
Rather than actual food poisoning (i.e. from spoiled/contaminated food), perhaps it is just difficult for you to digest, leaving you feeling queasy or with a mild stomach upset. I read an article about the calories and fat in their dishes (even the ones that sound relatively light) and it was quite shocking-- if you are not used to that kind of food maybe it just didn't agree with you? Hope you feel better soon! (Of course if you are violently ill, go to hospital!)
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 15:04
And I also find TKD very overpriced like everything else in Dubai. All depends where you come from... Compared to Switzerland, they are great value! I like to be able to try them on and not worry about returning via post.
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 13:00
So sorry about your sister but so lovely that you are making her time special... I thought of a dolphin encounter, you can do them in shallow water at Atlantis, right by the edge and I'm sure they could assist with mobility issues... So many people find the dolphins soothing and comforting and many describe it as a unique experience; I'm sure it would be a special memory (although anything already suggested would be as well!). All the best to both of you!
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 12:49
I also used to live in DC, right near Kramerbooks! So far the closest thing here is Book Munch in the new development near Safa Park... You can read any of the books while you have a bite... Not exactly the same size or the same vibe but at least a book theme...
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Latest post on 07 May 2013 - 12:46
I have had M&S sports bras in the past BUT the Panache sports bra at TKD Lingerie in Jumeira Town Centre is fantastic, there is no comparison. And as others have said, the service and expertise at TKD are great. I have bought other (non-sports) bras there as well and no longer wear any of my M&S ones! (34FF/G)
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Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 12:18
We also came out as "Elite"... The funny thing is, the little icon for that group looks just like my husband!
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Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 15:28
Class size is 24ish, so an extra 6 kids makes 30ish. I'm not keen on this arrangement either--disruptive to all classes rather than just 1 and does make classes overcrowded and probably more unruly... The school seems to find it very difficult to get supply teachers in (or providing internal coverage) so I was wondering if there was a problem with this Dubai-wide, or whether it was just our school.
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Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 14:11
You could fly to Zurich and take the train directly from the airport to Saas-Fee (as a tourist you can book the train ticket online at a big discount), lovely car-free village (SUCH a refreshing change from Dubai!) and cable cars to various elevations with tonnes of snow (you can even ski in July). At 3500m there is a great revolving restaurant and a glacier exhibit that is actually inside a glacier! Great for kids. You wouldn't need a car at all. Only small inconvenience is that the train only goes as far as Visp, then you transfer to a Swiss Postbus to Saas-Fee itself (or you can pre-book a large, safe taxi)-- under an hour. The buses are timed to coincide with train arrival and departures and the stop is right at the train station. If you get a Zurich-Saas Fee train ticket it includes both the train and bus. Check out: http://www.saas-fee.ch/en/page.cfm/Home
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Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 22:02
Under 96 hours can get a transit visa, does not need to be applied for in advance. I'm not even sure you can get transit visas in advance-- when I called DNRD they told me to just do it at the airport on arrival. I booked the Marhaba meet-and-greet service for my brother-in-law, upon arrival in Dubai they met him and took care of the paperwork for the transit visa. He ended up up paying quite a lot for some kind of "2* hotel package including visa" (he was not staying in a hotel) but they told him it was the easiest way to do it. (Maybe the requirements are more onerous if you are not spending on a hotel.)
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Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 21:32
I have been trying for a few days... For Jumeirah at least, for any lease expiry date after 30.04.2013 it just gives the "rental index updating" message. I tried phoning to ask when it would be updated and they told me "April"-- not very helpful as we have already received our increase letter and need to reply by 14 Feb.!