NannyMcphee | ExpatWoman.com
 

NannyMcphee

NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2015 - 18:36
Gozo is our home now, we work here but every moment we have for holidays, we go home to our little bit of Paradise. There is an influx of refugees on Malta but not really noticeable to tourists as they are quickly immersed into society or moved on to the rest of Europe ( the islands are too small to cope with large numbers). As previously said, the Maltese and Gozitans are some of the most warm and welcoming of any people I have met. Malta is perhaps better for children in that they have a few more child friendly attractions, but for us also, Gozo beats Malta hands down in every other way! If you want beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, stunning coastlines, gorgeous produce beyond compare and terrific hospitality, you can not go wrong on either of these two of the Maltese islands.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2015 - 07:50
Knowledge village has some options which may be of interest but you may have to do a lot of digging. There are universities with lower level programs, catering colleges, IT schools, even hairdressing colleges. It really is tough to find something for kids who do not want to study at a higher level and a college offering vocational courses is well overdue in Dubai. Good luck with your search!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2015 - 07:31
Welcome to Dubai and it sounds as if you have been very busy. I think Lolacat is right, look very carefully into the ownership of each school. Personally, if we had our time over we would never choose a school owned by a company with no record of education as their sole interest. Many people have been dreadfully disappointed by schools in Dubai that only exist to earn their shareholders a profit. If a school can't finish its campus but goes on to build others, that would be a big warning sign. re Hartland, isn't that also owned by a hotel developer? I drove past yesterday and I'm sure it must be a safe distance away, but all those electricity pylons would have put me off.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 22:44
Though my EW status of Newbie may be a bit misleading (I have been a partial player on here for almost 12 years), I can tell you I have witnessed many, many similar threads from excited young ,soon to be expats who have 'done their research' and think they are well prepared. Without meaning to patronise OR come across as negative, you simply have no clue until you get here! Jump in with both feet, prepare for this being a two year stretch at least before you hold your head above water and take each day as it comes. Don't diss the schools till you have experienced them first hand and don't believe for one second that anything will go to plan. Am I happy here? Yes, but it has taken 12 years! That should tell you all you need to know! Dubai is NOT for the faint of heart- it needs to be worked at and you need to be the masters of compromise! I wish you all the luck in the world :)
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2015 - 18:13
Does anyone have any idea how I can ship something to Malta without spending a fortune? We had a 20ft container go last year but it was a crazy price and now we need to send a few more items. Anybody sending a container with space? Anybody have contacts who perhaps ship things regularly? Keen to hear ideas as Excess baggage is not going to cut it this time! Many thanks, NannyMcPhee
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2015 - 20:36
We can see the flames and hear the explosions at JGE! It's definitely out towards the airport or the refineries but whatever it is, it's huge and I just pray that casualties are few.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 21:47
Not sure I would use the term 'prestigeous' Lolacat. I have many words to describe many schools in Dubai but that would not fit any of them, until now.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2014 - 13:32
Delighted with NAS, a huge departure from our old school and the atmosphere is brilliant. There are no car park screaming matches, no scaffolding to walk around and every member of staff seems genuinely happy to be there! I finally feel like I am getting value for money and our presence is valued, not taken for granted.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 July 2014 - 14:54
Jones the Grocer, definitely had some a few weeks ago!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 08:08
I had acupuncture a couple of years ago, I used to get migraines with aura, haven't had one since!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 08:37
Definitely contest. My husband received 6 points off his licence for apparently an illegal manouever. At the time, we were all in the car and he had done no such thing. When he contested, THEY apologised and said there was a mistake, the radar had recognised our car as heavy goods vehicle. Thing is, we didn't see any radar on the stretch we were on and neither did anyone else that morning (school route). I have also had claims made on my insurance by parties who attended a scene of minor accident but issued no tickets. You can make your own assumptions but this is obviously a nice little earner for someone!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 20:34
We have recently bought a home on Gozo and are due to partially move over this week. I love the islands and we have searched our whole adult lives for a place that gives us everything we dream about. However, living on Gozo permanently would probably drive me crazy at this point in our lives but Malta is definitely do-able. My brother lives in Mellieha and has a wonderful life. It is laid back, safe and very friendly. Salaries are not great though so don't expect the kind of package you get here but then you don't get the same kind of stress you do here either! If it's on the cards, definitely go and have a visit. Emirates fly direct twice a week now-5 hrs only!!!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 19:16
My experience with EDI has been quite different with both DS and DD EDI are a nightmare to deal with. They are disorganised and hopeless at providing information. Driving instructors for both DS and DD left suddenly go on leave and no cover was arranged. We were only told this when the lessons were missed and I complained. It then took a week or 2 to arrange for someone to cover. The issue could have been that there are fewer instructors to teach manual cars. Female instructors and examiners also seem to be short supply and there was a waiting list of a month, earlier this year for lessons. The instructors are unprofessional in their approach and my DD's instructor used to play Candy Crush during her lessons and complain about her working hours and working conditions to my DD. For my DD, EDI were unable to pick up and drop off and the trek to drop and collect her in Al Quoz was a right pain. At my DS's test, he was failed twice for things that he did not even do wrong, before he was passed on the third attempt. The test appears to be a lottery. I don't know if any of the other schools are better, but I doubt it. Good luck with your driving. Our experience for our DS was exactly the same. EDI are hopeless and cost us more and more money because of their rediculous operating policies. I would not even say they prepared my son for his test adequately before entering him and he said during his test he literally drove 30 mtrs and passed, even though he knew he'd done something wrong! It's now 6 weeks since he passed and I'm finally feeling he is safe on the road! This whole experience has been quite frightening as an advanced driver (uk). Scares the bejesus out of me thinking the RTA thought he was fit to drive! <em>edited by NannyMcphee on 21/06/2014</em>
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 16:13
Jamie Cullum was on stage bang on time at 10.30 as advertised, but this is Dubai so can't take it for granted it will be the same tonight! Wrap up warm, it was freezing last night and barely enough bodies to provide any heat! Such a shame, he is such a great performer, must of wondered what happened when he came on stage to a half empty field. Enjoy!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2013 - 13:20
The Dr said the blood test showed food poisoning, white blood count v high, didn't see how it could be so as we had all had the same home made dinner- 6 hrs before hand. The only thing I'd had extra was a glass of milk 4 hrs before it started, so they said must be that. However, my son and his GF started with same symptoms last night and friends massaged me to say they had same thing. I'm not in any way medically trained so don't know if food poisoning can be mistaken for virus or vice versa but it certainly was passed v easily to my son who didnt eat with us or have any contact with me until last night. I'm feeling so much better now, just in time to take care of the others lol
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2013 - 11:32
Myself and now four other people I know (but not necessarily had contact with) have all had the most terrible gastro bug. I was admitted into hospital as I honestly thought my appendix had burst, I was in so much pain/ shaking/ vomiting. They did a blood test and put me on IV of anti bi's and said it was food poisoning but it is spreading like wildfire. Just wanted to let people know as it is very quick to start, extremely painful and the vulnerable may need medical attention. It lasts around 48 hours and then subsides but my abdomen is still sore and very swollen - I look 9 mths pregnant!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 09:27
Rachel Collis Floral Designer, 050 5445279,
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 06:24
Brilliant! Thank you so much ladies! EDI it is then! NMPxxx
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 21:03
Have you checked that they won't exchange here? I have had 'mistakes' and they usually just exchange or give credit, even on items not stocked here.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 20:59
[email protected]
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 20:58
Bump
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 13:15
Rachel Collis, stunning arrangements, elegant and above all, her flowers last! 050 5445279 Facebook ; Rachel Collis Floral Design
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 11:49
Also vv greatful for this info having had a nightmare with British Embassy- totally ridiculous procedures just to verify your passport is your ****** passport! They also charge 180 aed per doc and it takes weeks to get appointments!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 21:31
In my experience they just carry on b*****ing parents and taking their hard earned cash until either their kids are old enough to leave or the complainers leave the country! Don't expect facilities that you pay for to actually materialise and if they do then congratulate the school for doing you such a great service!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 10:35
I would NEVER stay in a Kempinsky hotel again. Do a search on Natalie Creane, or look up Justice for Natalie on FaceBook.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2013 - 22:11
Another recc for Settle Relocations, absolutely brilliant.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 20:40
Please please please contact KHDA. You think complaining to them is a waste of time but believe me, there is a reason we have heard from The Chairman today, he is starting to worry! More people need to speak up regarding their dissatisfaction. Complacency gets you nowhere!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2013 - 07:28
I subscribe every year, mainly so I can snoop at what is written by teachers at my children's school rather than as a tool for choosing another. So far, I imagine it is pretty accurate :)
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2013 - 07:26
Have a look at StylingBySusan-Blog on Facebook or www.stlingbysusan.com, I get daily updates on my feed of her make-overs and they are really great. She seems to know exactly what suits and really brings the best out in her clients. I believe she is in Juneira area. Haven't used her yet personally so no idea of cost but am v tempted to book a session soon.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 22:06
We were great fans of CurryBox when we lived at MC and it came from Disc Gdns. Superb food and always delivered within the hour. However, we then moved to Dubailand and they refused to deliver orders less than 450AED!!!! I called them and explained that we'd ordered from them every week almost since they opened and the guy on the phone was so rude. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! Anyway, thats ok because Royal BBQ at MC are cheaper and the curries were even better and they deliver within 30mins! Fastforward to last week and we get a CurryBox MC menu delivered through the door, so I call and am told there is still a min order of 250aed! No thanks, we spend 170aed at Royal BBQ and have enough delicious curry for 10 people! <em>edited by NannyMcphee on 23/06/2013</em>
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2013 - 07:54
Our company have just started using www.settlerelocations.com as they recently moved our MD and he was blown away by the service. Knowing the family involved they would not have been the most expensive but would def have had to have something special for him to use them. I gave the details to a friend who was moving locally too and she said they were amazing.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 20:18
Hope this works, I think this sums up my thoughts on the subject :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_ZmM7zPLyI
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 10:23
Smooth as silk organisation but we stayed over at Atlantis so can't comment on the exit procedure. Keane was brilliant and ON TIME, Idris was ok, nothing special but as suze63 said, Florence was incredible. A great night of incredible artists who have real talent and great respect for their audience ! October line up looks great too!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 15:34
The early years at Repton are good, however, given my time over again I would have stayed clear as I and a lot of other parents have discovered,get very little added value for our high school fees. I have one more child to get through one more year then I will gladly walk away. I still find it ironic that KHDA allow Repton to keep sucking in the fees they do without ever finishing the building and then the owners go and build not 1 but 3 more schools!! Don't even get me started on the corrupt school uniform business! Don't waste your money, there are much better schools where your children are a priority, not your bank balance!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 19:50
Well, some of that scaffolding has been up quite some time, maybe they are worried about its integrity! Maybe if they stopped building new schools and finished the one they started, they wouldnt have such concerns!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 13:14
It really is vv overpriced IMHO and was certainly not the best food I have ever had. Tang at Mina Seyahi used to be in a similar style but was waaaay better but unfortunately Dubai didn't seem ready for that level of cooking at the time. However, I digress, tell them to try Rhodes 21, a little cheaper than Mezzanine at The Gros but fantastic food and a really beautiful restaurant.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 13:08
Unashamedly bumped as I want as many people as possible to be aware!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 16:22
Don't worry ladies, first thing I did was ring them and tell them, followed by my post here!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 13:58
Last week my hubby and I both received a text message from Safedriver reminding us to book ahead. Without taking much notice, hubby dialed the highlighted number after our Friday night out and to our surprise got a lift no problem (usually a bit of a gamble at weekends). It was only today I realised that the driver that picked us up was a SAFE DRIVER and not the anticipated (used for 4 yrs) SafERdriver ! Now perhaps to many its not a problem but I am nothing if not loyal and if somebody provides me with good service, I think it only right that they get my repeat business in return. I do not think it is fair play for this other company to use such dirty tactics to get their competitors business, they have obviously stolen Saferdrivers contact list and are deliberately misleading them by these texts infact the whole company setup seems **** bent on putting Saferdriver out of business. Whoever is at the helm sounds like the dodgiest of characters and certainly NOT someone who's pockets I want to line. So please, if you are a long standing and happy customer of Saferdriver, check who you are booking with!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2013 - 06:24
Sofa Studio at the Courtyard, Al Quoz- fantastic space, great concept. it's behind TimeSquare and down the road a bit. the gallery section is called Create. Www.createdubai.ae
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2013 - 22:43
Thanks to Josephine for the OP or we would never have known about this!!! We went this evening and I can't remember when we had a better evenings entertainment! This little circus is superb, with some really unique acts. We took the VIP seats but we could just as well have had the cheaper seats as the view was great from every angle. They deserve to be sold out every night but it seems whoever is promoting them, has done a lousy job if we're only just hearing about it now, a week before they leave!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 08:28
FYI Redrec-just saw this on another forum! Purely Pearls Clearance Sale!!! For 4 hours only!!!!! Necklaces 85aed Bracelets 65aed Rings/Earrings 50aed Never to be repeated prices! Ponderosa CP5 Villa 26, Consultant- Jacqui Garlic 11am till 2pm
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 19:41
Redrec, I just called the contact I have and she has the sale stock at The Villa. They are having another sale next week but you can contact her on 050 8745129. I told her about this thread too!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 17:46
Purely Pearls had a clearance sale yesterday, some gorgeous pieces for a fraction of the normal price. I picked up a necklace and matching bracelet for 150aed that would normally be 550aed!!! Not sure if there will be another sale but worth contacting them or look on their FB page.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 November 2012 - 10:29
Went to see Gotye at the Convention center last night. Ridiculed for wanting to see this 'one hit wonder', I am feeling rather smug this morning as we saw possibly one of the most talented bands to ever play these shores! So refreshing to see a real performance where each and every band member was as important as the next and the entire show was captivating-even though most of the tunes were new to the crowd. The only drawback was the insane decision by organisers to allow smoking inside the venue! I stunk like an ashtray last night and this morning I can hardly speak and feel like I have smoked 40 filth sticks myself! Not only was it incredibly anti social but I fail to see where the safety standards were either? It will certainly be the last time I go to a gig there but I feel next time Gotye come to Dubai, they may have to choose a bigger venue anyway!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 08:00
www.jpricebrand.com have them. I just bought a full length red one and it's gorgeous! They deliver too!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2012 - 09:43
Due to a family emergency preventing our attendance, I have 3 Gold tickets for Thursday at the Tennis Stadium. Doors open at 6 and show starts at 7pm. If anyone would like them at face value (250aed each) please msg me at diamond_girl_lucy at yahoo dot co dot uk
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 18:30
Just heard today that they are doing something on the beach this year but dont have any other details yet.
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 22:33
Thats the one rosierat! I knew I'd seen it somewhere but goodness it is buried deep!
NannyMcphee
105
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 21:12
Thanks for that Desertdoc but there was something on the advert that I particularly wanted to check and I just can not find it any more!
 
 
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