Zannie | ExpatWoman.com
 

Zannie

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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2015 - 21:37
Hi ladies, can anyone recommend any serviced apartments in Discovery Gardens for short-term rental? Only needs to be a 1BR or studio for October and November. Thanks!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 22:00
Surface mail is usually the cheapest, but that's because it takes so long (up to 6 weeks I think). If you need it faster, then unfortunately you'll just have to cough up what it costs.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2015 - 17:44
For every person that leaves ten more come in (if not more) But probably 8 or 9 of those 10 are labourers or other workers on very low salaries. We've never known so many people to be leaving as this summer, and pretty much all of them say the same thing - it's just not worth it financially to stay here any more. Rent, school fees and the rest have reached the point where we don't know anybody who is saving money. Most people are just about breaking even each month, and they look at their gratuity as their savings. With the Expo etc coming up, it's inevitable that lots more people will be arriving, but most of them will be Indians, Pakistanis and Filipinos who will be on low salaries and who won't be "living the Dubai dream". Since the general thrust of hiring in Dubai has been towards getting rid of expensive Westerners with families and replacing them with cheaper staff, it makes you wonder how some of the shops and restaurants here will remain in business. Maybe they'll end up relying in tourism?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2015 - 20:08
At the end of the day, even if you expect to stay here longterm, are your jobs likely to be 100% safe? We considered buying, but the major concern if hubby lost his job was too much of a worry and the thought of having to leave within 30 days, regardless of owning a property here as well as other too uncertain things was what made us decide not to.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2015 - 20:01
Visited Tiara Apartments today, very strict on parking. First 4 hours free, then 20AED for every hour thereafter. Visitors parking very limited too.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 October 2014 - 12:27
OMG! Nothing better to do 'ave ya? Did you consider the hostess was probably too busy with organising her daughter's birthday party to worry about you! Aren't you capable just to ask for a drink instead of standing there waiting to be asked? Sorry, by saying 'is this a British thing'? Sorry, I find that offensive, what does anyone's background got to do with with how they run a child's birthday party.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 20:34
Just be prepared to pay an extortionate amount to the 'American' pumpkins in Spinneys. One lady on another forum got an average one weighed and it was nearly 600AED! The local ones and really cheap and you can pick up a huge one for around 30AED.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 10:45
Not to add more woes, but were you driving on your UK or UAE licence? Be aware you should have been on your UAE one if you were a non EU resident at the time (and they will be able to find out). Otherwise the insurance etc... would have also been invalid, which you don't want added to your list of penalties as well as having an old UK address on your UK licence. Call the DVLA first and explain the situation.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 09:22
Spinneys in Meadows and Town Centre had them. About 25-30AED for a pack of 6-8 fresh figs.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 09:22
Will do. X
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 08:08
We're flying out from there on Sunday morning. Assuming all the food areas will be open as usual as travellers are exempt from fasting. Friend past through Abu Dhabi airport a few days ago and all food places were open as normal. Will pack a small pack lunch for the kids, just in case though.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 06:21
Yes and no. My license expired last year, so I contacted the DVLA regarding where I stood for applying for a new one. They advised me that I could not apply for a renewal until I was a full time resident of the UK. However, the person I spoke to asked if I have a registered address in the UK (which I do), choosing his words carefully (as they are recorded) he said as long as you have a registered address and bills and bank letters are sent there, then I could. But, whilst living outside the EU, I could not drive on my UK license until I permanently move back to UK/EU. He explained this was illegal and would invalidate any insurance. So even if you can get a renewal UK license, you cannot use it so technically it is invalid for driving, but for ID purposes it's obviously valid. This person was very informative and did confirm this is a grey area, and you should technically give up you UK license while being a non-resident of the EU, even if you do have a registered address, so depends on who you speak to there I suppose.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 21:31
Yes, RB is direct to LHR and you get 30kgs for economy if you book your flight starting in Dubai.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 21:14
We've been flying B for the last few years now back to the UK as Emirates is just so expensive. I personally highly recommend them. They don't serve alcohol on the plane, but I never drink whilst travelling, so no bother for me.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 21:12
Most of these diets will help you lose weight for a week or so, but as so low in calories, your metabolism will slow down you will eventually stop losing and when you go back to eating 'normally' you will gain the weight back and more very quickly. Plus all you'll lose will be water/muscle, not fat. To lose fat, you need to increase your metabolism to burn the fat in your body, best way to do this is through exercise. I joined the Circuit Factory (circuitfactory.ae) three weeks ago, and I've lost over a stone and gone down a dress size in this time. I have a good clean diet (no processed junk) and only cutting carbs out for my evening meal. It's hard, but it works and I'm less likely to gain all the weight back within a week or so.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 16:29
Has anyone managed to book a table at this month's Baby Bazaar and happy to share and split the cost of a table 50/50? Left it too late to book, now tables all sold out <em>edited by Zannie on 20/05/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 14:47
IMHO, The brunch at Ibn Battuta Gate is the best we've been to. Not too over-priced (free for children 6 years and under), lots of activities for the children, including a arts and craft room, movies, Posh-paws, bouncy castle etc..etc.. Kids love it there and the food is lovely.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 14:44
Emirates is a total rip-off. We booked flights last week with Royal Brunei. For two adults and two children, flying direct to LHR, with 30kgs baggage each, just under 12,000AED. Emirates, same dates, direct flight, 30kgs luggage each, 20,380AED. How can they justify that much more, offering the same?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 15:17
I have a gorgeous pair of leather loafers for sale from Red or Dead. Exactly the same as in this picture. http://www.schuh.co.uk/images/product/137324/1373243620_exlg.jpg They are brand new and the only reason I'm selling them is because they are too small. They are a UK size 6/39, but I would say they more a size 5 - 5.5 size. Still in their original packaging. 500AED.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2014 - 20:01
Zannie I would say your pay is quite good, as you say it fit it around school holidays and can be home with you children after school and as its 27.5 h a week, not full time this is more what I expected for qualified techers. I get that the school holidays are paid, if so excellent? Did you do the Cashe courses in Dubai? If so where please? edited by Silvstet on 07/02/2014 Completed the courses at EYES as mentioned. I don't get the summer holidays, so no pay for July/August (as only on a 10 month contract - Sept to June). But all other holidays are inclusive. Plus we are allowed a limited amount of time off outside school holidays (but unpaid), if you need extra time off. I also got a discount when my son attended the same nursery, so I was very happy.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 January 2014 - 14:12
The thing about the idiot with the Porsche in Singapore isn't really anything to do with expats, it's about wealthy people versus ordinary people. If you can afford a Porsche in Singapore you are clearly *very* wealthy - the punitive taxes applied to personal car purchases (in order to try and limit the numbers of vehicles on the road in such a small, congested island) mean most Singaporean residents, be they expat or local, simple couldn't afford to do that. If you aren't aware, Singapore charges 41% tax on the value of the car at import, a $1000 registration fee, and a one-time Additional Registration Fee of 150% of the car's open market value. And before you are allowed to buy a car you have to bid for a Certificate of Entitlement - only a limited number of these are released every month, and they cost $$$. You can see how expensive that makes even a little Toyota Yaris, never mind a Porsche. and your point is ?? Read the OP's original post and the above again 'slowly'. The point MG is obviously making is, the OP stated it's expats with this attitude make us all look bad. MG explains, it's nothing to do with being an expat, it's the 'I'm considerably richer than you' attitude, nothing to do with being an expat!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2014 - 17:53
What a utterly stupid and pointless response. Playing and running free is much different to running riot, which in my opinion is just another way for parents to justify their laziness in looking after their children and leaving it to other adults to step in. God forbid, the child's care interrupts a parents conversation or coffee. I've seen it first hand and had to pull up several maids and parents of children doing something potentially dangerous, when they could have been serious hurt. What the OP is saying is the maids are not looking out for the children in their care. They don't have to play with them, just watch them and ensure they are safe. Any child is capable of running off, falling off a piece of equipment or hurting another child when not supervised. Yes, it depends on the age of the child. Remember the child that was nearly snatched outside Mall of the Emirates a couple of weeks ago, it's a very rare occurrence here, but can happen.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2014 - 23:13
I have frequently flown home from here with both my children on our own and have never been asked to provide a letter from hubby giving me permission. Maybe it may depend on what passport you hold and if you're travelling on a one way ticket, but I never have or anyone I know has had to provide anything like this.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2014 - 20:33
If you are starting from scratch, why not look into becoming a nursery or Foundation Stage teacher. I had to start from scratch and now I teach FS1 and love it. I started by becoming a Teacher Assistant in a local nursery and began my CACHE Level two qualification, I'm now almost completed my CACHE Level 3 qualification (each one takes a year to complete) and I am qualified to teach children upto the age of 5 years. Speak to Sarah Rogers at EYES in Knowledge Village. Many nurseries and schools here will recommend them and use them in training their staff. http://www.eyes-me.com/ Just to add, I haven't got a degree, so you need no baseline qualifications to join these courses. With Level 3, you much be working within a school or nursery within a Early Years setting as you are assessed. <em>edited by Zannie on 19/01/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 December 2013 - 14:37
Ikea do them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 December 2013 - 14:30
Can highly recommend Karats in Lamcy Plaza (Hanson is the main man there). We've bought several rings from them (for family). Vry good prices and will make rings to your requested design.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 December 2013 - 20:17
We're in DG and are very happy here. The building is very well cared for as are the surrounding areas. We live in the largest two bedroom, which is easily a three bedroom (third bedroom is very small, but suitable for my 4 year old DS). The other rooms are very spacious, out maintenance and air con charges are all inclusive and we only pay 68K in four cheques. We have the swimming pool just over the road (which is well maintained with a lifeguard) and there is no building work around us. There is a mosque nearby, but we never hear it. It safe for children to play outside in the courtyard area to ride their bikes, play games etc, without the risk of cars. Our landlord is Meeras and managed by Wasl. Traffic can be an issue, however, we leave home around 6.45am and the road out is pretty clear. Of an evening, the traffic can be bad from 6pm onwards, however, if you have a 4X4, you can access DG from the other end (by Green Community R/A) and go across the sand at the back. Much quicker and we do this regularly if we get caught coming home around this time. <em>edited by Zannie on 13/12/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 December 2013 - 20:42
Lots of lovely fresh trees in Plant Street in Satwa. Around 500-700AED including delivery. All from Canada.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 November 2013 - 22:26
Both my children go to Safa and I am very, very happy with them. The school has been decorated inside and out and looks much better. The children's work is proudly displayed everywhere, which makes the school look very inviting. The teachers are very approachable, as is the Head mistress, Mrs Knight, how meets the children at the entrance every morning and again at the end of the day. Also their fees are very good and they don't hound you for them months before the beginning of each new term.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 21:22
Got ours ordered for Boxing Day from Jones the Grocer too. Need to be quick as they are booking up fast. Think they offer 24th, 25th and 26th and 4 pick up slots during the day.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 17:17
Yes, it is necessary in some cases. If your child was off sick with an illness that was highly contagious, such as pink-eye, foot & mouth, chicken pox, then most nurseries would insist a clearance letter from your doctor to prove your child wasn't a risk to other children at the nursery. Obviously, for a cold or virus, this normally isn't necessary. The nursery's nurse should check the child when you first bring them in after a period of sickness. Most nurseries will have a sickness policy and procedure in place, which is usually included in your starter pack on joining.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 October 2013 - 08:46
I'm a teacher at a nursery and haven't heard about these rules. I am for parent's not saying long drawn out goodbyes with their children if they are unsettled, as this can make their settling in period worse (in my experience), so we encourage parent's to always say goodbye (never just slip out the classroom) and leave. However, I deal with slightly older children, so easier to explain to them when mummy or daddy is coming back. As for not being allowed into the classroom, I would have my concerns. This maybe just down to security. Obviously, having parent's getting upset in the classroom saying goodbye can unsettle the other children in there, which maybe their concern. Either way, the reasons and their actions don't seem right to me. Yes, children can be distressed when leaving their parent's and 5 minutes later be happily playing and fine. Next time wait in reception after they have taken her and insist after say 15 minutes if you can look into the classroom to see if she has settled (preferably without your DD seeing you, otherwise she will get upset again). If she is fine, then, hopefully, this will help.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 16:00
Both my children went to Jebel Ali nursery. Both the branch in JBR and my son completed FS1 at their Lakes branch. I was very happy with the learning, care and the staff. Both my children were very happy and I will highly recommend them from my personal experience.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 10:45
Just to add, a friend of mine works as a TA at a British Curriculum School. She is paid about the same (4000AED), but has to work longer hours and some evenings if the year-group she works with has an evening event, then she is expected to come in and assist, for no extra pay and no discount for any children at the school. Only the teachers receive this privilege, not idea what sort of discount.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2013 - 10:28
Helsbels, is this for a Teacher Assistant or Teacher post? 4500AED for a TA post for these hours is spot on. Obviously, if you have your Cache Level 2 certificate, you may get a little bit more. Also, it's quiet normal to only be paid for ten months of the year. For a Nursery Teacher (on the same hours), expect minimum of 6000AED+ It's very unlikely you will get a free child place. I got a discount for my DS when he was at the nursery, but that was down to the Manager's discretion. I've only heard of free child place for teachers in schools, but rare. Mostly they would get a discount, which will depend on the individual school.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2013 - 12:05
Poshpaws has an adoption day today. https://www.facebook.com/poshpawsanimalsanctuaryandpettingfarm?fref=ts They did a one year old British Blue there recently for adoption. He was lovely and only about a year old, ideal with children and to living indoors. We certainly were tempted, but still too soon for us after having our 17 year old puss put to sleep recently.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 08:22
British Curriculum nurseries only offer Foundation Stage One. For FS2 children have to go to school. For your child to be eligible for FS2 in a BC school, your child will need to be born between 1st September 2008 to 31st August 2009. I'm assuming you haven't got your child's name down for a school yet? I would get on the case immediately as most schools will be full by now for this year group (FS2 to year 3 are always the most difficult to get places). It may mean you will have to travel further afield to secure a place. Most schools will recommend you call back at the start of the new school year, as some places occasionally will become free, but be prepared to part with plenty of cash to 'get onto' the waiting list, 500AED per school and there. is no guarantee of a place. We were in the same position with my DD a couple of years ago. I had her on two school waiting lists for a couple of years, and she still didn't get a place with either of them (they happily took my money, but wouldn't confirm how many children were ahead on the waiting list for the same year group), so we had this last minute panic. I recommend Safa School, it's not too far from DSO. We travel from DG every morning and it doesn't take very long. My friend was lucky to secure her son a place within the last few weeks in FS2, but I know they are almost, if not already full.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 May 2013 - 20:50
They both went to JBR, and I was very happy. It does seem a little cramped, but the care to the children was fantastic and they have a large outdoor play area and separate indoor areas for dance and movement and a sensory room, so they aren't in the classroom the whole time. My DS is in FS1 and we moved him to the Lakes branch as it was more convenient. It is smaller, but has a lovely atmosphere and he loves it there.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2013 - 14:32
Medicentre at Ibn Battuta is open on a Friday, which, we've used several times. However, if your little one has a rash, please do the glass tumbler test straight away, if the rash doesn't disappear under the glass when you apply pressure, go straight to Latifa Hospital immediately, this is very serious.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2013 - 14:28
You can only renew when you are a resident of the UK (i.e. living back in the UK full time). Not before. In the meantime, you can use your UAE licence or an International Driving Licence (which you can easily get from the licence place on SZR), as most hire companies prefer this.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2013 - 13:39
Highly recommend Jebel Ali Nurseries. Both my two little ones went there and very please with them. Would highly recommend them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 May 2013 - 13:38
Sorry to hear that, was your laptop securely hidden in you car (which was locked) or on full view, on the seat? If it was the latter, then why? Personally, I would never leave anything of value in the car, just because an area is deemed as 'safe', doesn't mean there aren't opportunists around. This is similar to threads a few years back of posters shocked and horrified their homes were broken into. Only to find out later that they never locked up their houses when they go out or to bed???
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 May 2013 - 23:07
4K and no discount on school fees. A friend of mine works there as a TA.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 18:45
Another happy Safa parent. My daughter is in Year One and my son will start FS2 there in September. Very happy with them and many friends have also put their children into Safa. One of my friends has managed to get her two boys into Safa from another school she was very unhappy with and she is delighted. The school have hired car parking attendants for morning and afternoon drop-off/pick-up which is great as they are very efficient and makes the whole process painless and well organised.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 22:19
Having fluoride in the toothpaste is very important, especially for baby teeth. I believe there is no fluoride in the water here, so a child's fluoride consumption is much lower than say in the UK where fluoride is added to the water. Children' toothpaste is much lower in fluoride as it is designed with the strong possibility children will swallow when brushing, so they would have to swallow a massive amount for them to get fluoride poisoning. So buy a well known brand such as Aquafresh (which we use for our two kids). They do different stages called 'Milk Teeth' for 0-3 yrs, 'Little Teeth' 4-6yrs and 'Big Teeth' for 7yrs upwards. I assuming this is due to the amount of fluoride present, (higher as the child gets older).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 22:05
Most of the bigger car rental places in the UK will insist on an holding International Driving License. It will be connected to your UAE one, but probably easier for them to deal with. Very easy to get (as went through this last year and about to do it again for when we're home in the summer). Pop down to the driving licence place by Mall of Emirates on SZR with your passport, ID card, passport photo and UAE Driving Licence. I think the cost is approx.150AED? There will be forms to fill in there, then take up to the relevant desk and they will do there and then. Easy! My parent's have managed to insure me on their car, with the insistence I'm holding an International Driving Licence. It will last one year.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 09:21
Definitely a pool in Springs 1.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 09:18
The school is on Meydan Road going towards the Al Khail Road and Meydan. Take this exit off SZR. Go straight through the first set of traffic lights (with the big bowling centre on your right on the corner). After the junction, stay in the far right lane and take the first service lane slip road. Safa School is a large yellow painted building (with their logo and sign clearly seen on the building). There is a large sandy area (which is the current carpark) right next door to it. It's directly opposite the Godolphin Stables. edited by Zannie on 03/05/2013
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2013 - 22:37
Prodent are fantastic. They are mobile, so can come to you and very reasonable. Speak to Robert, he is the owner. www.prodent.ae I highly recommend them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 20:26
Have seen trainers (plain white or black). Not sure about 'proper' shoes.