Stix | ExpatWoman.com
 

Stix

Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2015 - 11:57
Yes, I would double check as there might be a way around it. The company you are insured with here may have a partner arrangement. We use SAICO here, and cigna links covers us internationally. We are only covered for emergency dental and optical here, but the company provides basic insurance in our home country where we can receive regular dental and optical when on home leave. We top up that basic insurance at home, so - if necessary - we are able to have whatever treatment we may want there should something unforeseen happen. We are probably over insured, but I like to have options.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2015 - 11:50
If they are reluctant to change it - probably not much. This happens sometimes here, unfortunately. My husband's company has a very fast and loose approach to their observance of holidays. Sometimes they fall in our favour, sometimes they don't.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 November 2015 - 08:16
Thank you for your kind offer Stix, I'll be sure to ask if I think of anything else. Oh yes, I am wondering what has made you so dismissive and so judgemental and hard towards someone you have never met? Difficult childhood? PMT? I'm I do think amusement funded by unpleasantness says more about the author than the target of the aggression. I am sure your studio flat is lovely brie03. A long time ago I had a charming little bedsit in London and have very happy memories of my time there. Then I got married and had children and we had to move to larger accommodation. Then we had more children (we were never bored on a cold, winter night) and the house had to be expanded. We still need a large house when we move to Dubai, not because we are smug, poncy or flaunting our wealth but to fit our prodigy in. We have six children and they need to be accommodated two of them with their partners. We need space for friends to come and stay too and we are a bit beyond squashing into a single bed or using a blow up mattress. It's not about lowliness but about space. It may surprise you to know we probably won't have a maid - certainly not a live in one. I cannot justify working only three days and having someone clear up my mess for a pittance. Again not a judgement on those that do - I had nannies when the children were younger - but we don't really need someone now. Blue413 Control freak is not something I am usually accused of. Sometimes I just get on a bus to see where it goes (that is a lie, actually). I don't very often use buses as the nearest stop is seven miles away and the bus only goes twice a week. I am not sure it is kind to make sweeping assumptions based on a few questions. The fact younarrivedvwith three suitcases and a couple of school places is a) irrelevant and b) of dubious accuracy. How did you get visas without a job? Did you wander around on a donkey knocking at doors and being asked to taken in? Did you find somewhere that accepted your native currency? Did you not have health insurance for your children? Imsuspect if you take your blinkers off you may remember you did actually plan a little better than you suggest! Is your first question directed at me specifically or everyone who disagrees with you? It seems the rest of your post has done exactly as I expected - you answered all your critics. I haven't been dismissive at all, you've written for pages, you've had a lot to say. I merely asked if there was anything further? As for whether I've suffered from a difficult childhood, or PMT - talk about judgemental! Pot? Kettle? I only wrote two sentences. I would think members of this forum would be in a much better position to judge you based on the diatribe you've gone on with for the last few days!
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 November 2015 - 15:33
It is on my mind for sure. Still going though. I will not stop living my wonderful life because of something that I can't control and when the odds are (realistically speaking) so small.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 November 2015 - 15:27
You already know the answer, surely? Who makes you feel more comfortable. That's your answer. I met with one of the doctors you mentioned, and although very well recommended, we did not see eye to eye. I moved on. I felt that just because everyone else thought she was amazing, there are lots of good doctors out there, and I didn't want to share my journey with someone who didn't support my wishes.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 November 2015 - 15:24
"Guns do not kill people - people kill people" The simple irrefutable fact is that access to guns makes it far easier for people to kill people. Both accidentally and intentionally. Do you think the correlation between the high rate of gun ownership and the high rate of firearm related death in the US is simply a coincidence? Agreed. This is like the vaccination argument. You're in one camp or you're in the other. Does anyone ever change their mind? Guns do not kill people - but people with guns in their hands kill people.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 November 2015 - 15:20
Tessa, is there anything we can help you with? You seem to have all the answers already.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 November 2015 - 13:12
It might be a little early - but wait for Thanksgiving, National Day and Martyr's Day to pass and you will find the ads everywhere. I think EW put out a guide too with all the options around the place. Depending on the age of your little one I think they also have a grotto in Ski Dubai which could be 'cool' (pardon the pun) for something different if you're a southern hemisphere Christmas person like myself!
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 November 2015 - 11:09
It's really not a question any of us are suitably qualified to judge. It's all about risk and I think when you get absorbed in your daily activities you don't necessarily worry too much about these things. I don't think the people who trundled off to the soccer, or to see their favourite band, could ever have imagined what would happen. If we all decided to leave here for somewhere categorically 'safe'...... where would we go?
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 November 2015 - 11:05
Lots of people are prepared to queue to see him at Wafi. He has a grotto. Pics are taken etc etc.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 November 2015 - 16:06
You become a teacher? Sometimes a trainer or education officer? Do your research because you will need to make sure your degree is recognised by the jurisdiction in which you hope to teach.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 July 2015 - 14:33
They manage the property we rent. We emailed our landlord last night to find out if he was even aware. Just resigned our lease, fingers crossed we don't have any issues. I do feel for the landlords and employees, but part of me is glad my relationship with them has been brought to an, albeit abrupt, conclusion.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 July 2015 - 21:33
Yes, Yes. Good advice above. It is practically impossible to lease a property if you aren't here in person. Try air bnb or a 'holiday let' type situation for when you first get here. I would recommend Downtown if you're working by Dubai Mall.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 July 2015 - 21:30
You will find a lot of things are more expensive here. Desertcart doesn't have amazing reviews. Do a search for them on this forum. I would heed the recommendations given by these helpful ladies.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 July 2015 - 21:25
Probably best to engage the services of an insurance broker who is an expert in these matters. Alternatively, a financial advisor may be able to assist. They will also have the best experience in helping their clients make claims and will be able to tell you which companies are reliable and prompt in their payouts.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 July 2015 - 14:17
Seems pretty slow to me. ? But then again...I don't really get out of the Marina much Haha - you sound like me. If I have to get on SZR - I'm probably not going.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 19:14
Very sorry about this. Must be so frustrating and literally not much you can do. Are you able to find out the owners of the neighbouring properties? Real estate database? I am wondering if the neighbours are renting? If you could alert their managing agents to the problem? I wonder if they would tell you the duration of the lease? Is it possible that they could be moving on soon if the owner catches wind of what is happening and the state of disrepair of gardens etc. Clutching at straws I know. Just thinking of some ideas. I would definitely get a new agent, and also have someone come in to give you a valuation on the property so you can effectively weigh up whether it's worth selling or not. Honestly, if the miners have moved out, I wouldn't be holding my breath on them coming back any time soon. I have quite a bit of experience in mining towns myself and I think the next 'upturn' is still a little way off. We are about to resign the lease on our rental property and given the rock bottom interest rates at the moment the wind is really out of the sails in the rental market unfortunately.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 16:14
Thanks ladies - yes possibly a browser issue. I will try updating that and forge ahead with my shopping! Thank you.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 14:09
I have never used them personally but I've never heard anyone say a bad word about them.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 14:01
I missed the email. I'm a tenant. All I can say is that they are equally rubbish at our end too. I feel for my landlord. One saving grace is that my husband will only ever make a cheque out to the landlord. So I hope at least they're getting our money. I am about to sign our second lease. Still don't have an original of the first one. Request. Request. Request. Ignore. Ignore. Ignore. I don't bother calling now. All via email so I can show it to someone if necessary. Speaking of which..... might shoot another one off to them now :angry:
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2015 - 11:29
Good luck with everything! It will be quite an adventure and we look forward to welcoming you to Dubai. I have an AD visa and live in Dubai. It doesn't cause any issues for us. I'm not sure what the issue is with your medical insurance though? They are asking you specifically for the Emirate that issued the visa. So you put UAQ. To put Dubai would be fraudulent and they will no doubt ask to see a copy of the visa anyway.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 May 2015 - 20:04
You could try skyrocket training. Pretty sure they deal with conversation/pronunciation for those who already have a good grasp of English.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 May 2015 - 20:02
I second Dubai Laundry. Never had any issues.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 16:04
If you are going to do some tourist sites look into the New York Pass
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 11:52
I think you can get trains to the theme parks, but it will be a huge day for your little ones. Also keep in mind that car seats will be required for your little ones. Possibly not for your six year old, but definitely for your four year old.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 06:54
Lucky you! Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is in Brisbane and can easily be done in a half day. It's beautiful and green and leafy but will be chilly (by Brisbane standards) at that time of year. There is a cool park out that way too called River Rocks Park, but maybe look into that further as some of the activities are water based and may be closed during winter? Australia Zoo is north, and would definitely take a full day, but I've never met a child who didn't have a FANTASTIC time there. It's about an hour north of the northern suburbs of Brisbane. Brisbane is also good for a ride along the river on a City Cat, a whole lap takes a few hours I think, but even if you took it a few stops to check out some of the sights around the city and then came back that might be enough for the kids. To be honest, if you're going to hire a car, I wouldn't worry about staying near the CBD. Public transport in Brisbane is only OK so staying central in the hopes of zipping around on trains/buses is probably not worth it. The James Street Precinct might be nice though. Plenty of cafes and restaurants for you guys and New Farm Park isn't far away for the kids. I know specifically of M & A Apartments, just one block up from James Street. They have two bedroom serviced apartments. As for the GC - well, plenty to do there, all the theme parks are just up the road (consider a multi park pass). The Gold Coast Hinterland will probably provide a nice farm stay. I have no experience with them myself though, sorry. Probably too cold for the beach, but of course, beautiful ones at every turn. Check out a surf club for dinner - a very Australian thing to do. I can't even think of which ones are down there now as it's been a few years for me, but I'm sure google will show which ones have nice areas that overlook the beach. I would recommend your GC accommodation is on the northern end. Will cut down the commute to the theme parks. Surfers Paradise, is obviously the 'hub' of the GC but it's VERY commercialised and most Queenslanders will tell you it's not an authentic 'coast' experience. Keep in mind you will probably be there over school holidays too.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 April 2015 - 19:06
Homes R Us
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2015 - 15:43
Have some grown ups coming for drinks and need some nice wine and champagne glasses - ideally better than Ikea but not expensive like Create & Barrel - any suggestions? I got some lovely ones from Matalan. I have dropped one or two and surprisingly they didn't smash! Home Centre have some decent ones too and I think the one in Oasis Mall has a sale on I got some from Home Centre on sale and I think they're lovely.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2015 - 15:40
Are you from Australia? Do you have an idea of what they will and won't let in? I moved from here to there once, basically packed everything except food. I think they will treat your shipment regardless.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2015 - 15:37
You might have some more luck now that the summer stock is coming out.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2015 - 15:36
What type of learner do you have on your hands? Might be able to give you some ideas here.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2015 - 11:38
I know this is old - but I found a great suggestion while researching this same product - add beetroot juice if you're corning the meat. May help with the colour.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 April 2015 - 15:15
Depending on what you're looking for, I would go 'gem' shopping first, then find someone (possibly the same jewellery you buy the stone from) to do the design. The person with the perfect gem may not be the right designer for you. Depending on the size of the gems, these two processes could be approached separately.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 14:22
Looking loads better at my place too!
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 March 2015 - 18:58
Would love to - but the other half isn't home till 7 to take over little people duty :(
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 March 2015 - 18:52
I live in the area and I can tell you it's the Tram. I've spent ages watching it and the light sequence is incorrect. Traffic on both sides of the tram doesn't flow at the same time. It should. They also block ALL traffic when the tram is passing by, when some lanes could continue to operate. If the RTA could address this, the problems would go away. I agree - so poorly planned. I wonder why they haven't revisited the project to see what impact it's had on traffic in the area? They have. I speak to the traffic engineers whenever I see them down there. They know what the problems are. Apparently they want to stop people from hitting the tram. So, everyone in the Marina needs to be punished.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 March 2015 - 11:04
I live in the area and I can tell you it's the Tram. I've spent ages watching it and the light sequence is incorrect. Traffic on both sides of the tram doesn't flow at the same time. It should. They also block ALL traffic when the tram is passing by, when some lanes could continue to operate. If the RTA could address this, the problems would go away.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2015 - 15:53
Saw some today at Al Maya in Marina Promenade
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 March 2015 - 15:11
Some food items, some for the baby, some cooking ingredients. I must confess though, I'm lucky my 'home' is a warm climate most of the year, so only a handful of dresses are required to go home, and the rest of my allowance gets filled with new clothes. The Aussie ladies will understand my visits to Kmart, Big W & Target. I don't even know what I'm looking for when I go, but it's exciting anyway!
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 10:31
And will not perform in Dubai. Does anyone actually give a ..... ? I thought this at first - however, it's relevant because of their concert in Dubai, it's relevant in terms of pop culture, young people, social media and the wider issues that it's raised - i.e. the twitter feed. This is one day I'm certainly glad I'm on mat leave from being a high school teacher - I doubt the tween girls will be able to concentrate today ;)
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 March 2015 - 15:40
Have you taken him to a speech pathologist? Second doctor's opinion. I would seek further investigation. Nursery may help, and he may just be a slow starter. I think professional advice you are satisfied with is what you need here.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 19:05
I found a great app called Waze. It has been spot so far on for UAE directions. I found it much better than Google Maps Agree - Waze is the way! Even with road closures/diversions, it copes really well. That means I cope really well ;)
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 March 2015 - 21:29
Smartee I feel for you. It is so hard. Your other half might be a different issue again! It sounds to me (reading between the lines!) that you do want children. Take this for what it's worth: If you are worried about regretting not having babies - you probably want babies. Most people who genuinely don't want children, aren't at all worried about regret.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 March 2015 - 21:11
I never knew if I wanted children. I was waiting to feel 'ready'. That never happened. I decided to go ahead anyway, knowing that, I couldn't really see myself not being part of a traditional family later in life. I never could have imagined how much I would enjoy being a mother. It totally changed my life in the most wonderful way. If you are unsure, it is the greatest risk you will ever take. Those who have kids, can't explain to those who don't how it feels. You can't know what you're missing. It's very tricky business!
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2015 - 11:51
There is an obsession with Vit D here! I'm not surprised you are confused. I don't have anything concrete to offer, except that, all the doctors I've visited here prescribe it for my LO. I've never given her any. I asked my Dr in Australia and she said that it wasn't necessary as the latest research suggests that a lack of Vitamin D is most likely a caused by some other condition, rather than being a problem in itself. Anyhoo - it probably won't hurt to give some type of supplement. Just follow the advice of the Dr you trust. Explain your confusion at your next visit and have them explain it to you.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2015 - 11:47
Unfortunately many of us could tell stories of people we've worked with who are over qualified for their role. Dubai is a unique place and I suppose we all have our reasons for being here, even if they seem strange to others. It's very nice of you to try to help her out.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2015 - 11:45
I would appreciate being told, most definitely.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 19:13
Meeting-Speak. Particularly the current one 'reaching out'. let's all reach out to someone. No let's just ASK someone. :P My favourite at the moment is 'let's take this offline'. Is that like saying 'you want to take this outside???'
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 12:06
Check Fitwoman UAE on Facebook. Classes are 55AED, are outdoors and meet at Marina Mall. I think OP wants under AED50 which seems to be the going rate :) I realise - I thought the location may be appealing, given that she mentioned that too.
Stix
318
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 12:00
I was 'sat' on the couch. No, dear, you were sitting.
 
 
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