Tartiflette | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tartiflette

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Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 20:47
Hi, Our DD (now 7 and smooth) had eczema everywhere from just after birth. We (and the paediatrician) were reluctant to use steroids and so we tried the following approach: At EVERY nappy change (so several times a day), cover the affected areas with either: 1. an unscented cold cream (we had one made up at the pharmacy but perhaps lipobase as suggested would be good)-- this is to moisturise or 2. Vaseline-- to act as a protective barrier (alternating at every change: cream one change, vaseline the next) This worked extremely well. although she looked pretty greasy! We eventually got rid of the eczema without needing a single application of steroids. We reduced the frequency of the cream/vaseline applications, then phased out the vaseline, then we were able to phase out the cream. If the eczema had worsened to the point of strating to weep/bleed, we would have used some steroid cream to stop that but luckily the strategy worked. We also followed the usual advice-- hypoallergenic, unscented detergent for clothes, sheets etc., cotton only, do not over-wrap baby to avoid sweating, etc. Sweet almond oil had been suggested to us as a baby massage oil prior to her birth so we had some on hand, but were advised against using it as eczema may indicate that the baby is allergy prone so safest to avoid nut products... Good luck to your friend!
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Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 17:48
I have also had nightmares with them this week, culminating in 2 no-show taxis that were pre-booked to take 8 guests to airport this morning. Dubai Taxi cannot claim that Friday at 7 AM is a peak time! Huge panic and limited help from "customer service agents". I have definitely seen a decline in service since arrival in Dubai in 2011. If people would like to post details of terrible experiences (specifically relating to huge delays and no-shows, to keep the focus) I could write them up into a story and submit to 7 Days-- perhaps more effective than letters? They could print it as a "citizen reporter" piece or use it as a basis for further investigation.
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Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 23:17
Mine stopped napping at 18 months, but would sleep a solid 13-14 hours a night. It worked really well for us, especially when travelling or having guests. Maybe he needs to get to bed a bit earlier? If he is asleep before he becomes overtired maybe he will have a longer, peaceful sleep.
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Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 12:55
I saw one a couple of days ago at Tchibo in Mirdif City Center.
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Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 13:51
Hi Irooni, If they are staying less than 96 hours each way, they could get a transit visa on arrival on the way in, and then another one on the way back. But stay MUST be less than 96 hours. (A relative did this over the summer and it was fine.) If they get a single-entry visa on the way in, they won't be able to get another on the way back unless they are staying in Jordan for 30 days or more (since they need to stay out for 30 days between visas). The 30-day rule does not apply in the case of transit visas. It may be possible to get a transit visa one way and then a tourist visa on the other-- but you would have to check that the 30-day rule doesn't apply. The DNRD were very helpful about answering questions, they could let you know. I used their online chat service so I could have a written record of the information. Redleaf's suggestion may keep things simpler! HTH
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Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 23:16
Hi, Sri Lanka is great, I'm sure you will enjoy it! I have only been there once so others may have more insight, but my comments are: The climb up Sigiriya Rock is long and quite steep in some places, are you planning to walk up? You would need to carry the baby in a carrier or backpack or similar. Also be aware that the top part of the climb passes an area where there are hornets' nests and apparently they can swarm (it didn't happen while we were there). Maybe best to ask advice on arrival. We didn't find Kandy that charming, you could consider shortening by one night. I would prefer an extra night in the Sigiriya area instead. See how you feel about the day trip to Colombo (maybe don't book in advance)-- traffic is heavy and can be very slow, it could be a tiring day especially with the baby. You may want to just chill in Negombo and not do the day trip. You could consider doing a short tour of Colombo on arrival, then head to Sigiriya/Dambulla and relax, then on day 2 do Sigiriya in the AM, and Dambulla later in the day. If you do Sigiriya early AM you can rest/baby nap and still have plenty of time to make it to Dambulla. Then you could head to Kandy on Day 3. Hope this helps! Bon voyage! PS- The online visa process is easy and efficient. PPS-The "Food City" supermarkets all have clean toilets you can use.
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Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 23:03
I have been thinking the same thing... Difficult for a business to give up a well-known brand name (especially if many customers are not aware of the cultural reference) but in this case it may be warranted...
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Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 11:34
To follow up on drownedinthenile's suggestion: Clark Francis ladies' mornings are an hour and a half, for only 50 dhs. It is a group thing but the groups are not too big and you do get individual pointers every time. 4 different locations. Details here: http://www.clarkfrancistennis.com/programs/ladies-morning.php I think you get more out of the mornings if you already know the basics though-- if you are a total beginner it might be best to have a few private lessons first.
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 19:09
Bumping as I also need a spare part for a Bompani stove... [i'>Edited to add:[/i'> Googled: Bompani in the UAE is handled by Lutfi Trading (LLC) PO Box : 1430, Dubai, UAE. Tel: +971 4 2225335 (Office) Fax:+971 4 2228823 (Office) Tel: +971 4 3232173 (Service Center) lutfigm@emirates.net.ae <em>edited by Tartiflette on 04/10/2012</em>
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Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 19:07
They once had a decent offer for burgers at the Biker Café in Jumeira, and we had no problem redeeming it. Otherwise I have had nothing but trouble with them (spa went out of business, poor service from providers when redeeming for services, slow delivery and bad quality when ordering goods) and their customer service is totally appalling. Avoid!
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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 18:43
Yes, we're sorry, UpsyDaisy If our distasteful rhymes have driven you crazy!
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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 18:39
But a weevil can hardly be blamed for its poo Had you been six months in a taco What would you do? Six months is long, it wouldn't be nice I may try to bury it in the rice Or if I had weevil d!arrhea I'd look for a nice big tortilla (OK I think everyone will be off Mexican now!!)
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Latest post on 30 September 2012 - 18:27
Especially not when the cause of the evil Is ingesting a taco with poo from a weevil
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 20:01
Hi Adele and Aet123, I will drop you an e-mail in case my mum can come along... She is in her mid-60s, single, on an extended visit and just hanging around the house a lot!
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 11:20
In a Gulf News Q&A with the TRA in July, it said: "However, with the TRA new campaign a number of procedures are being introduced to facilitate the process of transferring the SIM cards from the actual owners to the actual users." So I am hoping that if the owner AND the user can produce IDs, they will be able to register the card in the user's name. (Hopefully the person in your husband's office is still around, nancynibs?) Link: http://gulfnews.com/business/telecoms/campaign-to-curb-misuse-of-uae-phone-sim-cards-1.1047116 (YES, I know these things change a lot and there is often conflicting information out there... but still, I dare to hope.)
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 09:29
I paid less than 600 for my frother just a couple of weeks ago at the Nespresso shop in Dubai Mall, so maybe the prices are coming down.
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 09:20
This is our 5th school term in Dubai but I am still having trouble accepting the chaos, congestion, selfishness, lawbreaking, wanton pollution (e.g. arriving early to get a good spot and waiting 30 minutes reading a novel with the 5.7-litre engine on to keep the A/C going) and dangerous driving that I encounter every single day on the school run. AnonDubai has the right idea, to keep your sanity you should try to stay out of it as much as possible (park a bit further away and walk-- although you will inhale a lot of fumes)... I have been trying but so far I haven't managed it.
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 09:15
The Aeroccino milk heater/foamer (by Nespresso) also does a fantastic job on milk... The bonus is that if you do get a Nespresso machne, you can get an Aeroccino to match! I haven't done the research on the pricing of the Nespresso coffee machines here as I brought mine from Europe, but the Aeroccino here is only about AED45 more than in Switzerland. I found a fantastic solution for my home made latte and cappucchinos, its a Sunbeam milk frother, you would not believe how well this little gadget froths, it heats the milk to give an incredible foam that's much firmer than the coffee machine type milk foamers. Then I just add it to my fav freshly plunged coffee brew and voila!
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Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 13:50
Spinneys always has it.
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Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 10:13
We live in Jumeirah 1 (with our 7-year-old daughter) and love it-- we can walk to the beach in 5 minutes, nip over to a selection of restaurants, cafés, used bookshops, etc. on foot (or very quickly by car if it is very hot). We are in a mini-compound (4 houses with own entrances, shared pool) so while we may not have the "gated community" facilities, we are happy. There are some larger compounds in Jumeirah but nothing like Arabian Ranches etc. We felt that for us, being new to Dubai, it would be easier to discover if we were not living "far out" in the Ranches or Victory Heights, etc. Good luck!
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Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 10:06
Hi LaLaLayla, If the piano is still available, where are you located? Tartiflette
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Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 12:08
The organic shop in Dubai Mall has organic milk from Austria and Germany, the fresh milk is v expensive (as is the Rachel's fresh milk in other shops) but the UHT versions are very reasonable priced, one brand is under 10 AED per litre (less than the French UHT organic milk at Spinneys) and the boxes stack well for storage. The taste goes over well in our family, it isn't reconstituted so deosn't have that funny taste some UHT brands have.
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Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 22:12
DESS parents will have one less worry now-- there was a letter today saying that cakes/sweets/doughnuts etc. may no longer be brought in for birthdays (in keeping with the school's aim of encouraging healthy eating). Not a bad idea really but I wonder if parents will start a new trend (sending in party bags or...?) which could get expensive. (For the poster asking re Dubai norms: there are indeed party bags at parties, but kids not having a party or not inviting the whole class often do an extra mini-celebration at school.)
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Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 20:35
No, non, la, nein, nyet, ei, nej, hapana... Agree with everyone here!
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Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 11:19
The Seared Tuna Tataki Salad with a side of green beans followed by a goblet of strawberries looks like the healthy option...
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Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 23:01
The current ones are "VIVOBAREFOOT" brand, run by Galahad Clark (of the Clarks shoe family)... I think the original company was Dutch but it was bought by the Clarks a few years ago. (Not that it matters but I guess that's why Minkymunky checked Clarks.) We'll be testing them out as of 9 Sept., hopefully we'll have better luck than last year!
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Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 22:38
There were some issues with defective shoes last year and so parents were allowed to deviate from the official shoe, but we were told we had to have the shoes approved before buying... (We did get a Clarks pair approved but Clarks are no longer stocking that style.) If you can find something in a similar style you should be OK (but not a loafer or sandal or croc), especially as you can explain that the official shoe is not available in your size. Warning: The shoes have to be red, not red-ish (i.e. not reddish-brown and not "oxblood"), and must be leather (not patent). I think you would have better luck in the UK than here, it was a nightmare finding appropriate alternatives in Dubai last year when the official shoes started falling apart.
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Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 21:36
Our neighbours are being transferred out of Dubai halfway through their lease (1 year paid in advance)... The landlord is not giving them any money back. (Of course he will let their house as soon as they leave and earn double rent for that 6-month period!)
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Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 12:03
I would recommend seeing a podiatrist. Good luck! (I don't suppose you want to tell us which salon you used??) (The podiatrist might be able to tell you if it was definitely salon-contracted or possibly due to something else?)
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 11:53
Yes, they are alive and well in that shabby pink mall (I think it's Jumaira Plaza). They also have branches in Ace Hardware (Festival City) and Dubai Garden Center in SZR . I love House of Prose!
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Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 12:49
that's a great point from cafe au lait. A lot of us don't think about scrubbing citrus fruits or avocados...I use the Environ brand veggie wash and sometimes I wonder if it's effective enough. Since I have never gotten a bug here, I'll admit I don't think about it much. I did get a bug when I was in Africa because even though I washed veggies/fruits thoroughly, parasites can still get up in the veins of lettuce and cruciferous vegetables, and things like melons that absorb groundwater are to be avoided as well. I would be careful, with all the imports we have here, to look for countries that have less groundwater purity issues, and of course, but local/organic when possible. Hope you feel better soon, gunscoley! I also use the Environ wash and so far it has been enough... But if you are feeling worried, in Africa we used to soak our fruits & veg in a dilute solution of Milton sterilising fluid (from the baby section of the supermarket). Green-ish, who cleaned your tanks and where did you get the filters?
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Latest post on 11 August 2012 - 22:46
Hi-- Sorry to hear about your illness. I had giardiasis when I lived in Africa so I know it's not fun :( . Mine was caused by infected water while travelling to a remote area... Doesn't exactly apply to Dubai but when you say you wash your fruits & veg well, do you mean with tap water? Perhaps your water tank needs disinfection? The parasite can also be spread by an infected person handling food (or toys that end up in a kid's mouth...) with unclean hands... It can be spread in nurseries/families this way so maybe picked up by a LO at nursery/school and brought into the house that way, if not water-tank related? Or just very bad luck via a waiter one time...? Anyway try not to stress out too much-- hopefully it was a one-off event and you will not be re-infected!
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Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 20:59
I have heard that the ice cream at Bloomingdale's (behind the Magnolia counter) is good, although I haven't tried it myself. I agree about Coldstone and Marble Slab being terribly artificial. Rosemary & honey sounds fantastic, when will the Captain America! Café be opening? Jumeirah location preferred ;)
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Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 20:52
Hi Tigerlily, It didn't rain at all in Colombo, Sigiriya, or Kandy. It rained a bit in Weligama (right near Unawatuna) earlier this week (Tues&Wed) but only occasionally, and in short bursts-- quite heavy but for only for 20 minutes or so. The mosquitos were not too bad anywhere but the coast (Weligama/Unawatuna), where they were quite vicious. The adults were not too badly affected but my DD (age 7) was bitten a LOT despite mosquito net over her bed, coils around the villa, a plug-in thingy, and a 98% DEET serious repellent. By the last night I had her sleeping in leggings tucked into socks, and a long-sleeved T. However, our villa was completely open (no windows at all) so if you are staying somewhere with windows and A/C (and/or screens on the windows) it shouldn't be a problem. I don't mean to alarm you-- just bring some repellents and maybe some light cotton "longs" if your LOs are tasty. Also sunscreen as the sun is very strong there. Do visit Galle (Old Fort area) while you are in Unawatuna-- in an hour or two you can stroll around, have lunch or coffee in a selection of cafés (some cute ones tucked into the backs/upper levels of shops-- your guidebook will mention them), visit some cute shops. The kids can run around on the ramparts. It was very quiet when we went, hardly any vehicles in the streets and very few people. No touts around and no "hard sell" in the shops. Top Tip: When you are on the road, the "Food City" supermarkets all have clean toilets you can use! Most towns have one. Bon voyage! We are going to Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy and Unawatuna this week til after Eid with DD(6) and DS (4). Thanks for all the great tips! Tartiflette - was it raining every day? Have been looking at the forecasts and they are saying 60% chance each day - but wasn't sure if that meant all day or just random showers. Also, were the mosquitos out in force? TIA!
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Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 20:38
oh! that's great, Thanks Tartiflette! BTW Are you French? You're welcome! I am not French, but French-speaking (originally Canadian) and lived in the Geneva/Haute-Savoie area for 10 years... We still have a house there actually if you know anyone moving to the region :)
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Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 18:14
I just checked a 4-gallon bottle of Masafi, it is marked "100% Bisphenol A Free".
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Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 17:46
I believe that Masafi bottles are BPA-free (at least the big ones for coolers).
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Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 17:45
Hi, Just returned yesterday-- didn't spend much time in Colombo (but Park Street Hotel was quite nice although the food wasn't great and service was slow). Sigiriya was great but a big climb, if you are travelling with the very young or old they may not make it all the way up to the top. Also there are hornets' nests on the way up, when we were there it was not a big problem but apparently they can swarm occasionally. Some people had rented full-body boiler suits (with hoods and face screens!) that looked absolutely boiling-- I think this would only be necessary if you are allergic to stings. (Just thought I would mention this in case you (or a fellow traveller) are allergic.) If you are in Sigiriya I suggest that you also go to Dambulla, it is a very impressive site-- not a giant rock like Sigiriya but the cave temples have beautiful paintings and sculptures so in terms of art, more of a "wow" factor. We stayed at the Vil Uyana hotel, it was beautiful and the Forest Dwellings were fantastic. If you are considering other areas, we enjoyed Galle and the tea plantations, but didn't love Kandy-- the botanical gardens and the Temple of the Tooth were interesting (and the obligatory "Kandyan cultural performance") but 1 night there was enough for us. Bon Voyage!
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:25
I can second Saniservice.
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:16
Hi, I did not eat there but was in the Beach Park Plaza this evening and learned that for Iftar they have a buffet but no à la carte ordering. There were quite a few people there but there were also empty tables so I don't think crowds are a problem. Beware, the parking lot was completely full and there was no valet parking. Security was directing people to a lot next door (12AED per hour!) but there was free street parking in the road just behind the building. HTH
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Latest post on 09 August 2012 - 23:16
Hi, I did not eat there but was in the Beach Park Plaza this evening and learned that for Iftar they have a buffet but no à la carte ordering. There were quite a few people there but there were also empty tables so I don't think crowds are a problem. Beware, the parking lot was completely full and there was no valet parking. Security was directing people to a lot next door (12AED per hour!) but there was free street parking in the road just behind the building. HTH
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Latest post on 26 July 2012 - 11:30
(bumping as my guests are also interested)
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Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 18:06
Hi, It is in a shady spot with water, carrots and cucumbers (first instinct- will need to look online for best menu!)... Have been reluctant to move it inside as my daughter is asthmatic with quite severe animal allergies. I have called Posh Paws and Dubai Animal Rescue Center and both have said they cannot take it (especially DARC as they have no A/C areas for them and have moved all rabbits and guinea **** to Abu Dhabi). Do you think it would be different if I showed up at Posh Paws with the rabbit? Might they take it? I am about to leave on holidays... Not sure what to do...
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Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 17:43
I know this is a long shot but... A rabbit has appeared in our garden in Jumeira 1. It seems to be an abandoned pet as it is not scared of people and is in a residential/commercial area nowhere near the desert. It is in bad shape, with mangy-looking legs and ears and tufts of fur dropping off. It must have been lost/abandoned a while ago... I have called Posh Paws Animal Sanctuary but they are full. I believe K9 and Feline friends are full. Suggestions welcome-- Dubai Animal Rescue Centre? Dubai Municipality?
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Latest post on 22 July 2012 - 13:59
You could try Al Maskan apts in Jumeira 1... behind The One furniture store, same building as Saladicious restaurant. Everything within walking distance: Spinneys, beach, Dubai Marine beach club, smaller malls. Security: 043453388. Hth x I'm with EmilyG, especially as they want proximity to the sea-- they could just walk over for evening strolls (or frolics in the waves). Also more choice of restaurants, cafés, shops (incl Boots, Magrudys, Spinneys, used bookshop, small bakeries with great bread), compared to the Al Wasl apartments. Only drawback is that we are far from the metro, but if they have cars that won't be an issue.
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Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 23:27
I agree, the pizzas there are fantastic! They even have a creative one with pistachios! The best one I have had is from a new place called Rossovivo on SZR. It is an artisan pizza place- the chef is italian and specilizes in pizza, they import the flour etc from Italy and use morzarella from the Italian dairy in Sharjah. They have a proper wood burning pizza oven that cooks the pizza in 90 seconds - which makes the delivery really quick. The menu is small but the pizzas are really delicious and authentic. I know I sound like an advertorial but I really rate them very highly and won't order from anywhere else now! edited by Genie on 12/07/2012
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Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 23:26
Hi, I'm afraid I can't speak to your exact problem, but we had huge issues with the TV component of e-life... We ended up keeping the phone + internet but discontinuing the TV (and went back to OSN). Etisalat seemed well aware that the product was not up to scratch, they took back the equipment and didn't charge us any penalties. Just letting you know in case you decide you don't want it anymore! Good luck!
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Latest post on 29 June 2012 - 22:40
:(:(:( Sending him some vibes
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 18:15
Don't trust them, especially for a special-occasion gift... They have disappointed many customers (me included)!
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 15:56
Great info! We are also planning to go and these recommendations are very useful. Accommodation recommendations welcome-- I have read mixed reviews of Marriott but would be happy to hear firsthand reviews (also of Hilton and Crowne Plaza). Anyone tried the new Juweira Hotel? TIA