ThirdCultureFamily | ExpatWoman.com
 

ThirdCultureFamily

ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2016 - 11:41
Our were removed, but got paid in the salary whatever benefits we had, so didn't effect us that much and it meant we could rent somewhere cheaper if we wished. There are not really any laws to protect that the benefits remains, it was pretty much do you agree or do you want to leave? Makes no sense to me when companies do this. That just means they have to pay you more in EOSB when you leave, right?
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2016 - 16:10
@Countess Wrinkle you say "new found patriotism," but frankly I think it's really scary if this is what UK patriotism is like. There is obviously a clear difference between patriots and nationalists, yet both are on the same side of the vote on this issue (particularly with regards to immigration). The patriots who voted to exit the EU because they want to see a better UK must shut down the nationalists who are disgusting racists and vile human beings. The nationalists are using this as a catapult for a return to "white Brittain" which is not a better UK, it's just a whiter UK.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2016 - 12:56
Weighted voting may become a concept of the future, "Weighted Voting"... do you mean that one person's vote will count for more than another person's?? Very animal farm. "We're all equal, but some are more equal than others". I voted to leave. I'm neither racist, nor old, nor stupid. It wasn't a mistake and I would vote the same way tomorrow. I don't believe for a second that this route will be easy - but it will be worth it. I am simply astonished at the call for another referendum simply because the losing side doesn't like the results. I am also disgusted by suggestions that the votes of "old people" are somehow worth less than "young people". Very democratic. I don't agree with weighted voting, because part of democracy is the idea of "one person, one vote." After watching the video below, I do feel like the majority of voters who voted to leave the EU were extremely short-sighted and didn't consider that many of them won't be alive to see the full effect of exiting the EU. We are talking 20-30 years down the line. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2016/jun/24/what-do-young-people-think-about-brexit-video Considering that the majority of youth voters wanted to remain in the EU, what does that say? They are the ones who will be around to fully absorb the positive/negative effects of this vote. This quote sums it up: "16 and 17-year olds weren't even asked. A 90 year-old has more of a say in the rest of our lives than we do." We have effectively decided the future of the country for an entire generation, without letting them have a vote. They aren't children, they are young adults and they deserve to be heard. I think it's quite sad.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2016 - 13:19
You might find more help asking on the American Moms in Dubai FB group. There is one woman on there who is a CPA and does taxes for several women in the group. Hope that helps.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2016 - 02:11
After discussing with other people, we came to a consensus on the following points: 1. What's with the "heights" in Barsha Heights? Just seems so random and unoriginal. 2. In the list of places that should be renamed, was TECOM really at the top? I mean how about "The Villa" which is the most indistinct and confusing community name in Dubai. 3. Leave well enough alone. TECOM was just fine.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2016 - 02:05
There is a post about the new Principal and Chief Academic Officer at Hartland on FB Dubai School Guide for Parents. Can you state which post in that group? I can't find it really despite I kept searching it up? It's actually just a shared post from Hartland's own FB page. Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/Hartlandinternationalschool/ I don't think we can share the link to the Dubai School Guide for Parents FB post because it's a closed group. But it's literally just a "share" of the Hartland's post on to the DSGP's FB wall. There are no comments on it as of now. There are comments on Hartland's original post (most of which are congratulating the new head). Hope that helps :)
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2016 - 14:28
Is there a new series? I remember watching Land Girls a while back...and I loved it. Would love to see a new series from the show.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2016 - 00:03
I met a lovely pediatrician at City Hospital called [b'>Dr. Zainab Malik[/b'>. We went to her for a second opinion and also because my daughter wanted to see a female pediatrician. She's patient, kind, and really looks at your child's overall health. We were there for one thing and after we finished she continued to ask other questions about my daughter based on some very good observations she made about my daughter's physical appearance. Very approachable doctor. But be warned...parking at City Hospital is terrible! We have also seen [b'>Dr. Medhat[/b'> from My Pedia Clinic and he is very good with children. His clinic is adorable and comfortable. Both western trained and certified as far as I know.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2016 - 23:55
My husband has played these games for years and our son has asked many times, but we didn't allow it until this year. He's now 14.5 years old and I think it's definitely the youngest I would have let him do it. I think it's really dependent on the maturity of the child...but to be honest I do think 11 is too young. Young children can find it difficult to compartmentalize on-screen, simulated violence. It could skew his understanding of reality. There are studies on both sides of this argument though. If you feel like you have to choose one over another I would choose Halo over COD. Around 14 I would allow COD. Games like GTA I would never allow him to play while he lives under my roof. Hope that helps... :evil: <-- That's how I'm seen ever since I drastically cut out Minecraft from my 4.5 and 7.5 year old daughters.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2016 - 16:11
I see the community center opened up, but I don't see a community pool. Is there one and I'm just missing it?
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 April 2016 - 12:35
There are options but I'm not sure exactly how it works where you are from. If you are from the US (and depending on what state you live in): 1) you can get a court ordered consent to move abroad 2) you and your husband can petition for full legal and physical custody 3) you can file to have the parental rights of your childrens' father terminated and your husband can adopt them All of these takes quite some time to process and you should consult a really good family lawyer about the likelihood of any of these options being granted. Regardless of Hague Convention or not, you would be doing a really risky thing by leaving without full legal authority to do so. Imagine what could happen if your ex decided to wake up one day and alert the authorities, you might have issues travelling back to your home country and you may damage your own credibility for custody. I am intimately aware of situations like your's and I do feel loads of empathy. I hope you make the right decision and it results in the best possible outcome. Consult a lawyer.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2016 - 17:27
Thanks for the input guys...looks like we are hanging on in our current place through the summer and will figure out where we'll settle down in August. I'm not sure that was the best idea but it's done now. Oh well. I will say that moving within Dubai is a lot more [strike'>difficult[/strike'> annoying than I expected it to be. Weeding through the property listings is a hassle and has me sitting in front of the computer for hours at a time.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 April 2016 - 17:08
I tried to make a booking for this weekend and the hotel said entertainer travel vouchers are only valid on weekdays. I told her I didn't remember that being in the terms of use. She said yes, the terms say "public holidays" and the weekend is a public holiday. Am I missing something? I normally don't bother with the entertainer travel vouchers because it seems so difficult to use them...unless I'm totally dense and misunderstanding how to use them. :confused:
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 March 2016 - 17:52
Is it true you have to park your car and take a golf cart to your home? How will that work in the summer - especially with groceries? Surely your ice cream would melt? Or if you've got babies/young kids and car seats.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2016 - 12:40
August 28th is what I was told as well (by a school).
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2016 - 12:57
thank you .. i understand that your child has a sibling thus wouldnt feel lonely but my boy is the only son ..do you enroll them in extra curricular classes so they can socialise with other children ? If I understand correctly, your son is only 2-3 years old? At that age I wouldn't enrol my child in any classes for socialization. I would go to parks and play areas...but of course, it's up to you. :) If you reach out to DUNEHA you'll see other parents are able to incorporate socialization with their homeschooling. They organize play dates and outings amongst themselves. My opinion of schooling at 2-3 years old is that learning through play and interaction is more important than any curriculum. There are a lot of stay at home moms in Dubai that do a great job of this. I recommend the blog [url=http://www.sandinmytoes.tk/'>Sand in my Toes[/url'> for some ideas (and moral support!). She has a single child at home and does tons of activities with her kid in lieu of preschool.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2016 - 10:36
Yes homeschooling is legal. If you are planning on moving back to the US before compulsory schooling starts here anyways, it doesn't really matter. My daughter is turning 5 and she has never been to nursery/pre-school in Dubai. I informally homeschool her with no curriculum. I also homeschool her older sister using K12 (American curriculum). It's not really homeschool in the traditional sense, it is more like distance learning and online learning combined. I don't think K12 starts until 4 years old...but you can check with them. Rather than go the K12 route (which is quiet academically rigorous), I would contact Dubai and Northern Emirates Homeschool Association (DUNEHA). https://uaehomeschool.wordpress.com/
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2016 - 17:06
In my case, we paid the rent upfront in one cheque. Now we are leaving, we gave the landlord the 3 months notice required, and he simply turned round and said he's not refunding us any of our rent money. Over 100000 dhs. Never again will I pay a full years rent upfront. It's no surprise to me that landlords have a bad reputation here when they do things like this!! I don't agree with or like the 1 check policy, but why would the landlord refund your money just because you are leaving early? Your lease was for a year (regardless of 1 check or monthly checks). Where I'm from, there is normally a clause in leases that say if you leave early (and give proper notice), you can be free and clear for whatever is left on your contract only if your landlord is able to re-lease the property. However, if the LL cannot then you would be liable for the entire term. In Dubai, we didn't even get a clause like that in our lease. So if we leave early, then we are SOL.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2016 - 16:44
Daft idea - what's wrong with women reporting sick when they have period pains in the same way as any other illness ? Much easier to employ men these days - ok, so you have to pay them a bit more but save loads on not having to give maternity pay, breast feeding breaks and now period leave and they don't call in sick when their kids are ill or they have some other home emergency... I don't know if this is mean to be funny, but I'll answer it in a serious tone because I know many people (both men and women) actually agree with what you are saying. 1. There's usually a limit to sick days...and as you mentioned, women are often left juggling those between their own and their children's illnesses. We're talking about health...is it really hard to understand that having healthy workers makes for more productivity and better results? 2. The stigma against women for taking time out of their work lives for things out of their control (aka just being a woman) is ridiculous in this day and age. A human being grows inside your body and exits out of it! A human! And for the majority of your life, even when you are not pregnant, you have to deal with the "preparation" for that event. You can't CHOOSE to have period pains. 3. Sexual discrimination. Not hiring a woman based on her gender is utterly stupid. It is as ridiculous and wrong as any bias: religious, cultural, color of your skin, weight, age, etc. People who are making light of this situation: so should we not hire disabled people in the workforce because we could "save loads" on not having to give them basic, common sense things like access ramps? RIDICULOUS!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2016 - 14:45
School in Oud Metha = traffic Driving southbound on SZR in the AM and northbound in the PM = traffic I'm not trying to make you feel bad, but I won't sterilize it. I live north of Dubai Creek and my husband just started commuting daily to DWC. There is no good time when you avoid traffic. My husband drives all the way out of town to avoid traffic. Even though he drives much farther in distance he gets home at the same time as he would taking SZR. It's AWFUL. Maybe it's tolerable if your husband gets 2 days off for the weekend, but my doesn't. He is constantly exhausted. This week, because of the timings, he hadn't seen his daughters for 2 full days. It was sad for him...but he was too tired to even be sad! If I were you, I would try to get the kids in a different school. ASAP. There are so many more good schools in the south end of Dubai (closer to JLT). (SZR is Sheikh Zayed Road, the main road through Dubai) Best of luck...you are not in an enviable position.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2016 - 14:29
I hope you guys read the article...the position this company is taking is so very carefully thought out. http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/mar/02/uk-company-introduce-period-policy-female-staff It's not like they are taking a outdated, male chauvinist stance: "oh poor weaker *** can't handle monthlies, we should let them take a sicky and go get a pedi." Here are some actual quotes from the article: “For too long there’s been a taboo surrounding periods – I have women staff telling me they’re ashamed to admit they’re in pain. I want us to break down that shame and replace the negativity with positivity. Both men and women have been open to the ideas, especially from the younger generation." “It’s not just about taking time off if you feel unwell but about empowering people to be their optimum selves. If you work with your natural rhythms, your creativity and intelligence is more fulfilled. And that’s got to be good for business.” Doesn't sound groundbreaking or controversial at all...seems like common sense.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2016 - 14:22
Women have been wanting equal rights for years then this happens. What a load of rubbish. This isn't an apples to apples comparison. Equality in the workplace does not mean you want to be treated exactly the same way as a man. For example, would you say that setting up a breastfeeding room and allowing for 2 breaks per day for a woman to breastfeed to be unfair/unequal treatment for breastfeeding women...what about the moms that formula-feed, shouldn't they also get that time (and men as well)? See how you can't make everything like for like? Equality in the workplace has more to do with equal pay for equal skill set and work done. Female c-level executives (when they can even get into those positions) are paid less and subjected to much harsher criticism than their male counterparts. Period pain is not something to be taken lightly. Some times it's light (I get moody, but no pain) and for other women it is debilitating. Should women with heavy/hurtful periods just not join the workforce? Or should they "tough it out" to show we are "equals" in the workplace? I mean do you really want someone in your meeting doubled-over in pain in the name of equality? It's the same issue with forcing people to work a certain number of office hours...quantity over quality. Studies have shown that when you reduce work hours or make them flexible, you get more productivity out of people. They know that they have less time to get their work done, so they work harder in that time. This idea that women are going to take time off because of a HEALTH ISSUE doesn't mean they'll be off on a holiday once a month! They'll still be the same deadlines in place. There will be the same responsibilities. If anything, most women (if they want to keep their jobs) will work even harder to make sure they don't fall behind. Many women would probably still work from home. Pain and other problems from your period are a HEALTH issue. Just because you get it regularly doesn't lessen the impact on your life or make it any less important to address or accommodate. Honestly, I'm shocked at the responses here.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2016 - 12:36
and Republicans ? I wouldn't know of any specifics. From my vague understanding, the Republican party hasn't organized anything of this nature for overseas voters in the UAE.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2016 - 15:25
Is it normal for agents to ask for 10k AED for their fee? It used to be like 5k when we first moved here (which I still think was a lot of money even back then). Considering the amount of work they do in exchange for this fee, I just hate to pay so much. I haven't ever had an agent meet me and actually show me around a property. Either the door is open or a key is hidden somewhere and I just walk in. Has anyone negotiated this fee and to how much?
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2016 - 16:44
It's... HAILING!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 February 2016 - 13:51
Thanks for replying comp99! She would be starting Y1 in September 2016. I told my British husband what you said and he was shocked (as am I to be honest). We come from the school of thought that kids should mostly be learning through play at this age and not formal schooling. I don't remember pre-school/pre-kindergarten (which is 3-4 years old in the US) to be so formal. There was a lot of painting, role play, and blocks...not much writing. I'm sure the formal writing for letters and numbers started in kindergarten (5 years old). Definitely reading sight words started in kindergarten as well. Well, I guess what's done is done. No sense in stressing over it. They all "catch up" at some point in the early years anyways, I don't see the need to stress about what my 4 year old can or can't do. If only they tested her on her Minecraft skills or the imagination she uses in block building...she is ace at those things.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2016 - 18:18
Spinneys for sure. I took some yesterday. For bigger things I'm pretty sure Plug Ins takes them (and maybe Emax?). There's also Keep It Clean, though I haven't used them yet because even though my printer has said I am completely out of ink for over 3 months now, it's still printing just as good now as it was when I first got it. I hate how these companies trick us like that...total waste. So in case you are looking to dispose of ink cartridges, then try to use them until there is a noticeable change in printing quality. Don't just switch them out because the printer tells you it's empty. Anyways the company is http://keepitclean.co/
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2016 - 14:41
This seems to be a good side-by-side guideline of ages across multiple curricula. I think all the GEMS schools have this on their websites, this is just the one I have used in the past. http://www.gemsworldacademy-dubai.com/contents.php?pageid=635&parentid=224
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2016 - 12:15
Another option, and much less risky, is to homeschool. There are quite a few threads here from mums who homeschool and had a positive experience. As another poster said, be careful of getting into debt since fees do have to get paid eventually. Here there is no sympathy for late payments. Well, this may not really be an option because if she intends to put her child back into a brick and mortar school in Dubai, it [u'>may[/u'> look like the child "dropped out" mid year. KHDA doesn't recognize homeschooling except through K12/iCademy which is a US-based curriculum. Even if OP does try K12, I'm still not sure a transfer will be allowed because of the January cutoff. Transferring from UK to US curriculum is easy enough (based on discussions I've had with 2 admissions officers in Dubai), but transferring back from US to UK curriculum may cause issues. This is because of the 12 grades vs 13 years structure of the curricula. Again, this is all speculation because we all know how even hardline policies can sometimes be bypassed.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2016 - 22:16
I don't think you can even move to another school mid-year at this point...isn't the cut off in January? I understand it's extenuating circumstances, so KHDA may be more flexible but generally speaking lower-fee schools with average to great education offerings are already oversubscribed. The only thing I can think of is to ask if your personal debenture can be converted to offset the cost of the school fees. This is assuming, of course, that this school collects debentures like other non-profit schools do. If you your situation still hasn't improved by June/July, you'd probably be looking to either move schools anyway or leave the country. They would have had to return that money at that point anyways...this way it kind of helps ease your burden in the interim and still doesn't "hurt" the school in it's fee collection. If your situation does improve, then return the personal debenture to the school and continue with your child enrolled. This way it has the least affect on your daughter...she is the person that is impacted the most and has no control over your family finances. Good luck OP, I hope the school understands what you are going through and supports you in what is already a hard time for your family.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2016 - 12:26
We just did it and yes you have to send it in.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2016 - 12:25
@Ginnee - You are completely on point. I don't know if either livelytrish or redrectangle are white or not, but what you said about the experiences of minorities being different...that is exactly right. In the US there has been a lot of talk about white privilege, and this is a classic example. White people (for better or for worse) experience these types of situations in a different way than minorities do. Generally speaking, but most of the time true.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2016 - 12:16
@suzy & @wickedangel_78 That is ABSOLUTELY the point! Had the teacher recognized OP as the parent would she have said what she said in the way she said it: "Do your JOB properly." Really? I've had kids in schools in 3 very different countries, never has a teacher spoken to me in that way. Many of you are missing the point. The offense is not taken at being called a maid. It's that the teacher thinks she can speak to another adult in that way because she thinks it's ok to speak to a maid like that. The point is that it's not OK! Maids deserve respect as parents do.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2016 - 17:14
Jeez...when are they going to get it together?! That place used to be our favorite and frequent hangout. Now we only go there for IKEA. Very sad because it's a lovely area.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2016 - 17:13
I complete disagree with Redrec Tangle and Cheeky Monkey. OP correct me if I'm wrong but the offense is not taken at being told off, it's at being told "as the nanny of these children..." There is a racial undertone when you say something like that, especially if you are assuming the person is the nanny or the maid. There's nothing wrong with being either one of those professions, it's the assumption that you are one based completely on how you look. It's a racial stereotype and it's offensive. Of course you can catch anyone on a bad day and teachers have an exceptionally hard job with long hours (and are definitely not meant to be babysitting after hours...we all know they have more work afterschool like grading papers). So if I was told off by a teacher for being late, I would take my lumps and move on (even if it was my first time). The fact that this teacher admonished OP with a racial stereotype is not OK...even if she didn't explicitly mean to do that, it's what happened. And just because you are frequently mistaken as something doesn't make it OK. I'm frequently mistaken as a different ethnicity (and even questioned when I state I am 100% Japanese), doesn't mean it's not offensive when said the wrong way.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2016 - 15:42
Are the prices lower? Keeping prices the same and cutting down the time you can be there doesn't seem fair. It's already expensive as it is!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2016 - 14:00
You absolutely have a right to be ****** off. I would definitely write to her superior and unleash on them. She was talking down to you based on an assumption (like skin color, ethnicity, etc). She may have never said anything to you if she knew you as the parent...but her supposition that you were "the help" made it OK in her world to talk that way to you. It's not OK whether you were "the help" or a parent. Imagine...maids, drivers, and nannies get this kind of treatment all the time. It is one of the ugliest social traits we see rampant in the UAE.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2016 - 16:23
You can do it with almost all the banks, but the caveat being that you will be charged fees and exchange rate to do so. Even if you open a GB pound account and deposit GB pound notes, you will be charged upon withdrawal. I don't get the point of opening a GB pound account, maybe someone can shed some light on that? We have one with ENBD, but I'm ready to switch if any banks don't charge fees and apply an exchange rate upon withdrawal.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2016 - 17:29
Here is the FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/303756676321266/ The ladies are really friendly. Enjoy!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2016 - 10:56
Which new schools are actually being built, I’ve only seen three advertise they are opening, yet I keep hearing 30 are opening in September? Can you provide a list? A friend of mine who moved to one of the new schools this year is deeply regretting it. Do you mind telling us which school...or at the very least hinting at it? We were seriously thinking about joining a new school, but my husband had reservations. I loved the ethos of the school and what they were trying to do, but there did seem something slightly off about it.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2016 - 21:53
Or why don't they just do like most other countries and make people stick to the speed limit!!! I used to wonder the same thing. I've only ever heard of this here...in the US there's none of this buffer business (at least not publicly known). A government/police official explained that they do it because cars are calibrated slightly different depending on how old the car is and how much the car has been driven. So, the speedometer in the car might be slightly off from one car to the next. They allow for a buffer so they aren't overburdened by unfairly "catching" people who aren't really speeding. That was his explanation. I think it makes sense...but people definitely abuse it.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2016 - 17:15
http://dubai247.ae/dubai-roads-get-new-speed-limits/ I also read something else somewhere that said they have abandoned the grace amount so now the cameras will go off on the limit... That's not what I read. From what I understand, they have lowered the speed limit in several areas and as a result have also lowered the speed limit at which the radar goes off. Also, people think that there is a general "grace" bumper at which the radar goes off on all the roads (either +10 kph or +20 kph over the speed limit). This isn't true. Each road has it's own specific bumper so you really have to be careful. RTA and Police should do a better/wider awareness campaign to make sure the public knows the changes in the speed limits.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2015 - 23:04
Never seen frozen peaches. Frozen mango is at Spinneys and Carrefour. The one at Spinneys in a silver bag is really good. Perfect for smoothies. Not too sweet, but sweet enough. There is a brand of frozen fruit (I think German??) that is not sweet at all. You kind of have to try a couple to see what you like best.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2015 - 23:02
Just wanted to share my experience. I went to the Courtyard with my husband and son to see the play Robin Hood. I saw an article in 7 days so decided to give it a go. The play was very entertaining and for me to say this, well then it has to be good. I didn't check my watch once and didn't had the feeling I have to get out as soon as I can. It wasn't boring and the kids were asked to give suggestions how the play would proceed. The kids were thrilled to anticipate. It was a very nice and cozy theatre. Costumes were beautiful and also the decor. For sure we will go back. It is opposite Bounce. Robin Hood is still on next Friday at 1.00 and 3.00 pm. Hope this helps to find something to get kids away from their laptops. I'm so glad you mentioned it! I saw it somewhere too and really want to take my girls. Bonus is that it's actually good. :) Thank you, thank you, thank you!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2015 - 11:19
I have laptop and mobile batteries which need to be disposed/discarded as these hv been replaced with new ones. Do you know how to go about such disposal? Thanks ! 1. Spinneys - although some stores don't have the bins in a place that's easy to see (and some don't have them out at all) 2. Plug Ins - I'm pretty sure they do this. But again, not in a very obvious manner. Ask them and they should have a bin in some dark corner. On a side note, I've also recently learned about Keep It Clean which collects ink cartridges, clothing hangers, and those plastic instant coffee dispensers. I haven't used them personally, but think it's a great idea. Here's the link if you are interested: http://keepitclean.co/home_cycle
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2015 - 11:16
I think that's a great tip! In the US, going to the "genius bar" to get things fixed was definitely the most reliable way to fix any apple product.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2015 - 17:32
Well who would have thought Belgium would have problems? They never upset anybody. I kind of get France caused offence over Charlie Hebdo and a strong political right wing but Belgium? I am not condoning attacks on France or anywhere else just thinking a twisted and fundamental mind could take offence at the Charlie Hebdo cartoons. That said risk of crossing the road/cycling or alcohol fuelled injury in UK is probably higher than actual risk of injury through terrorism. No, definitely. Not just twisted and fundamental minds take offence at Charlie Hebdo cartoons... I'm very liberal, but I take offense to some of the things they print. Do I think they have a right to print it, yes I do. That doesn't mean I can't think it's tasteless, offensive, and ridiculous.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2015 - 16:55
Hi Gorobattie, I'd be happy to answer any of your questions. I've done K12 in a similar situation as you (coming in mid-year). I've also done it starting from the beginning of the school year. I can give you advice from a couple of different perspectives. You can send me an email at: third culture family [at'> gmail . com (remove the spaces and the brackets)
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2015 - 16:52
What was the site you experienced trouble with? I'm thinking of buying from souq . com. The vendor's name is cart2gulf. I know souq . com is generally reputable, but since they allow other retailers to set up a "store" on their site, it sometimes gets a bit unreliable.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2015 - 12:34
Not only is it sometimes/oftentimes a necessity for both parents to work, how about this for a progressive thought: [b'>Woman have the RIGHT to continue their professional careers after having children.[/b'> And NO we don't have to make excuses or have "legitimate reasons" (we need the money) or be apologetic (I feel guilty because I'm not at home with the kids). SERIOUSLY? Take a look at the calendar...it's 2015. I can't believe in a metropolitan, multicultural society women have to justify why they put their children in daycare/preschool/nursery. If I was this woman's employer, I would fire her. Not because she voiced her opinion (everyone is allowed one) but she went on a self-described "rant" about her clients on a radio station. Where is her professionalism? I would never want my children to be left in the care of a crass, immature, disrespectful woman.
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing