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When meeting up take sensible precautions. Meet in a public place and let others know where you are going.

Original poster

MEET-UP @ PIZZERIA RUSTICA in RICHMOND - THURSDAY 27 JULY 2006

222 replies

MrsBigD · 23/06/2006 14:35

For those who don't have the time to trapse through the

West London meet-up thread here the new thread for July

Pizzeria Rustica 32 The Quadrant Richmond TW9
Tel: 0208 332 6262

DATE: Thursday 27 July 2006 TIME: 19:00 onwards

Takers so far (I think)

apsmum
Lazycow
MrsBigD
MrsRecycle
RabbitRabbit
SueJonez
Uwila
Yanksuponthames

OP posts:
Uwila · 02/07/2006 11:27

Yes, bad Nanou1. You can make up for it by showing up this time.

And, yes yes yes, Americans definately welcome!!

Sorry about being slow to relpy here. We were on hols in Devon last week. BAck to work tomorrow, then off again on Tues. for the 4th of July. Then, next week I'm in Kazakhstan (assuming I find a visa and travel itinerary on my desk tomorrow morning). I'm really looking forward to it. I've never been to Kazakhstan. Any tips for my, Suejonez? I hear mosquito repellant is a must. And I think it is going to be bloody hot.

suejonez · 02/07/2006 12:22

yes mosquito repellent, no air con, apparently Americans take peanut butter . Get company to pay for VIP clearance through airport in Almaty if you're stopping there, saves hours apparently.

Where are you going? I can probably give you a little more help if I know.

Uwila · 02/07/2006 13:32

I'm headed to Atyrau, which is on the northern shore of the Caspian Sea. Apparently it's a haven for caviar... yuck. Think I'll pass. I do like Peanut butter, but I think I can live without it for a week.

suejonez · 02/07/2006 17:33

atyrau blog

suejonez · 02/07/2006 17:42

pne brief page on Atyrau

Uwila · 02/07/2006 18:26

Right, last question (maybe). What kind of adapter do I need and where might I get it? I assume the voltage is 220.

suejonez · 02/07/2006 19:23

Yes voltage is same as here and I think the plugs are the thin two pin ones. Any multi country adapter from any travel shop will have one or you can probably pick one up from the airport. I probably have one, if you want to borrow it, let me know.

Original poster
MrsBigD · 03/07/2006 10:53

SJ are you secretly packing your bags too to tag along with Uwila?

OP posts:
suejonez · 03/07/2006 11:39

Sshhhhhh.... I'm hoping she won't notice me in her luggage

Uwila · 03/07/2006 13:34

She decided she didn't want to go when I told her the destination was glorious Atyrau. What can I say? Nobody builds oil platforms in nice places.

Hey, do you think this is cheecky? I've just been informed that unless I apply for a company American Express card (which includes agreeing to a direct debit direct from my account)then the company will no longer front the money for the plane tickets. I work for a HUGE multi billion $ oil services company. I think this is a real crap way to treat your employees. Of course it is no surprise. But I still think it's crap.

Original poster
MrsBigD · 03/07/2006 13:54

Uwila, I think that's pretty much standard nowadays... when I used to work in banking originally it was that the company paid the cards but think they got burned a bit so changed to that system too. My MD's kicked up a stink but to no avail.

From that point on I always had to do expenses for my MD's VERY quickly so that they'd get their money before it was time to pay the credit card bill . Guessing the only advantage with that company credit card was there was no limit ;)

You could always refuse to go on business trips

OP posts:
suejonez · 03/07/2006 14:00

Whenever I issue corporate cards I always make the individual pay the bill and reclaim (had my fingers burnt in the past). However I have NEVER made employees pay for their plane tickets, have always booked with travel agent and got them to invoice the company. And I'm a mean horrible CFO.

Can you just say - "fine, won't go then"?

Original poster
MrsBigD · 03/07/2006 14:06

DH did that ... 'fine won't go then' because company wanted him to fork out for a trip to Luxembourg or the like, but our bank balance isn't very well (suffering from anorexia)... lone behold... they paid for his tickets Was essential that he went so I guess that was a bit of clincher

OP posts:
Uwila · 03/07/2006 14:07

"fine, won't go then" is definately an option, but not a good career move. Besides, what moron to give up a paid holiday away from the kids for four days?

suejonez · 03/07/2006 14:10

I understand the dilemma Uwila, can't you go and speak to finance director or appeal to his bettre nature, say the company's credit rating is so much healthier than yours that it seems madness for you to subsidise them. Alternatively ask them for an Amex which you don't have to agree to a direct debit for (it is possible). How about - it is a joint account and my husband will not agree as his company don't make him go away on business during holidays and expect him to pay for it.

Uwila · 03/07/2006 14:18

Ok, one thing I NEVER do at work is say "my husband won't let me..." I make my own career decisions, and I would that is clear to the people for whom I work.

Speaking to the CFO is not an option. I worll for a huge beaurocracy. Resistance is futile. So, I'll apply for the silly credit card. Everyone else does. I just wanted to have a little whinge. But, I'm half expecting the application to be declined. So I guess it will sort itself out really.

suejonez · 03/07/2006 14:23

Wasn't suggesting that you say your husband wouldn't LET you - if it is a joint account your husband has to agree to the charge (in the same way you would have to agree to one he did). I agree it isn't an approach I would take, but I was grasping at straws!

The bigger the company the less flexible usually. But aren't you leaving it a bit late to apply for the card/book the tickets anyway?

Original poster
MrsBigD · 03/07/2006 14:23

Uwila, I wouldn't be surprised if your card does get approved though, after all it's under the company scheme I assume?

OP posts:
suejonez · 03/07/2006 14:24

Our corporate Amex had very skimpy credit checking.

Uwila · 03/07/2006 14:27

Oh well, if I get it I get it. My winge is over now...

Ah I suppose that's a fair point, but My husband doesn't have access to my account.

Uwila · 07/07/2006 08:00

Hello, how is everyone? Are we all still going to Pizzeria Rustica. And who is going to remind Nanou to show up?

Still haven't applied for my AMEX... wonder how long until they hound me for the application again?

Nanou1 · 07/07/2006 09:54

Yo Uwila. if you saw my home and office, you'd think i am nuts.... fluorescent post-it notes everywhere and the guys at the office complained that i would make a hole in the admin budget!!! and that i only get away with it cos i sign off expenses!!!!! even got my friend to remind me!!!you ok? when are you travelling then? btw, been with dh for 16 years and still have separate bank accounts, can't let go of mine, women have fought too hard for emancipation!

Original poster
MrsBigD · 07/07/2006 10:52

Yep still on for 27th

does this list still stand?

Ay's

apsmum
Lazycow
MrsBigD
MrsRecycle
Nanou1
RabbitRabbit
SueJonez
Uwila
Yanksuponthames

OP posts:
Uwila · 07/07/2006 11:50

Yes, Nanou. I know you are nuts. That's why I want you to come.

Just tell them it will be okay because you've transferred their Christmas bonuses to the admin budget.

I'm flying out on Tuesday monrning. Will be in Atyrau on Wednesday and Thursday, and flying back on Friday. I'm looking froward to it... just need to remember to buy a travel adapter this weekend.

suejonez · 09/07/2006 18:33

I'm still on.