Oakwook San Jose Furnished Apartments - Review
November 24, 2007
We rented a furnished apartment (one bedroom) at Oakwood San Jose for one month. We are satisfied with almost everything except their customer service.
The people at the reception and leasing office are very polite and courteous. However the real test of customer service is evident only when there is a problem. For us, the problem was bad cable TV (comcast) reception.
Every 30 seconds or so the TV screen will go blank and then come back on again. The very first day we noticed it and made a complaint. The people at the reception told me that they will take care of it. Nothing happened for the next 2 days. Then I call them again and they tell me that somebody will come in and repair it the next day (4th day from complaint).
We were not at home when they came in and tried to fix the problem, however when we came back home, the problem was still there. The next day I call and complain again. They inform me that within the next hour somebody will come and take care of the problem. It has been 4 days since. No one has 'taken care' of the problem.
So in short, the place is nice, but the service is awful. They do not keep their promises. If you are lucky to go through without a problem, your stay will be nice. However even if you have a small problem for the management to solve, you will have to wait and wait and wait....
Posted by liveit at 8:57 AM
Emirates Business Class - The Bad, The Bad And The Ugly
September 30, 2007
I have discovered that travelling business class on Emirates these days means one thing - paying business class fares to get economy class (or even less) comforts. Here are a few "highlights" of my recent experience with Emirates Business Class Travel.
These experiences are on the Dubai - Paris (CDG) sector.
1. Standing Room Only in Business Class Lounge
October 1, 2007 - the day of this writing.
After wading through the usual crowds at Dubai airport, I reach the business class lounge to find a big queue (about 20 in line) to enter the lounge. As I look for some explanation for this, I find passengers holding economy class tickets in the line - apparently some flight was delayed too much and the economy class passengers were given business class lounge facilities.
When I finally reached the receptionist, she told me discreetly that there is another business class lounge. We went there and the situation there was slightly better.
2. Boarding
Emirates do not call first & business class passengers at the beginning of boarding. What they announce is "First & Business Class passengers may board at their own convenience." This means, either wait till all the rush is finished or squeeze through the line, inconvenience other people and get it. Even after you get through the boarding gate, you will be in line with the economy class on the boarding platform. At times, there will be a separate entry into the aircraft further down, but this is rare.
3. Meals Sold Out
One time when I mentioned my selection for dinner, the hostess politely informs me that they have run out of this option.
4. Broken TV
On the Paris - Dubai flight, my TV & remote were not working. The crew tried a few times to 'reset' it, but to no avail. They informed me that the flight was full and no place to re-seat me. I asked if they had a portable DVD player - the answer was no. For the inconvenience caused, they gave me a box of Godiva chocolates.
So, if you are considering flying business class on the 'renowned' Emirates airlines, think thrice. You may be better off flying economy with Emirates or business with some other airline.
Bon Voyage
Posted by liveit at 8:56 PM
Driving Tips in Switzerland for First Time Drivers
September 3, 2007
1. The vehicles are left hand drive - similar to US - so you drive on the right side of the road.
2. Manual transmission cars are more readily available for rent than automatic ones - If you need automatic car for rental, be sure to specify in advance. They are usually about 30% more expensive to rent.
3. The speed limits are in Km/Hr
4. Ausfahrt is the German word for exit - Useful while driving in the freeways.
5. When you see a series of white triangles on the road, it means "Yield" to oncoming traffic.
6. At many places you will see roundabouts - they are similar in function to the Stop signs in US. The vehicles entering the roundabout should yield to the ones already making the round.
7. On 100Km/Hr freeways, people usually drive at around 110 to 120.
8. Blue signs means slow, green means fast - If on a direction board, you see the name of the place in blue as well as green, take the direction in green to get to the place faster. The blue one will have lower speed limit roads.
9. Diesel cars are common, so be sure you fill in the right fuel.
10. Do not begin your driving experience in Germany with a drive into Zurich city area - the place is confusing with cars not allowed through many roads. Once you have a couple of days experience driving in Switzerland, then venturing into Zurich city area is OK. By Zurich city area, I do not mean the airport but the real "city" area - Fraumunster and surrounding places. Parking is also difficult here.
11. If you are lost, stop and ask for directions. Most of the people know some English and are very helpful. They will gladly give you the required information to get you on our way.
Posted by liveit at 11:51 AM
