AnonDubai | ExpatWoman.com
 

AnonDubai

AnonDubai
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Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 10:59
My question was more about a comparison between Top Dubai schools vs a western education. Is it widely believed by expats that the education in Dubai is inferior? So people are choosing to return to their home country for their kids to go to high school? I don't live in Dubai yet, so I am not saying this is my opinion. I'm just asking the question to those that already live in Dubai. edited by Travel5 on 16/01/2013 I struggle to answer this question. Like you, I am American. I think it depends which town or city you are from in the USA. I am from a very poor town in the USA where the high school has struggled to even be accredited! A few towns over, they have one of the best high schools in the USA! For me, Dubai offers a better education than what I am used to. But if I were from that other town, Dubai would not and I'd prefer my children to remain in the USA.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 09:09
We've always said we'll take our four children and leave Dubai when they hit high school. For us. that's in five years. Are many people planning to do that? I know many expats all over the world do that. If not for the costs, for giving them a sense of stability and a feeling of home in their parents home country. Is that good for those of us who will be sticking around? Does that mean that there are more secondary places at the better schools?
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 08:49
Thank you for your response.
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Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 08:47
We've always said we'll take our four children and leave Dubai when they hit high school. For us. that's in five years. Are many people planning to do that?
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 08:43
I was going to say the same thing as Pamya. Your friend's plan seems a bit tactless and you might want to tell her gently that she might alienate her friends if she expects them to pay for the privilege of attending her shower plus having to bring a gift.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 06:53
Who remembers the old EW forum where users had avatars and you could see on the main board who started a thread? We all complained when they changed that but we quickly got used to it!
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 17:02
Very interesting! Thanks for posting this. It is indeed quite concerning!
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 11:17
AnonDubai... we have a list of school fees on this page... http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_faqs_school_fees_6135.aspx HTH Thank you! I didn't know that was there. How informative!
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:52
That's what I had in mind. Would you say I should budget 30 dirhams per child. Where is the best to purchase these in terms of cost. I personally think 30 dirhams per child is way too much. I would say 10 dirhams or less! <em>edited by AnonDubai on 15/01/2013</em>
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:48
IMHO, no.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:47
So how much is the tuition there currently?
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:46
Both of my children were toilet trained around the age of 3. I know that that is late in this part of the world, but in my home country, that is considered normal. Because I waited until later, my girls had no problems at all and caught on to it immediately. I never used a potty nor a toilet seat, just the normal, grown-up toilet. Why don't you start up again in a few months?
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:34
None of us are invincible, no matter how strong we think we are. A young, healthy body is no match against Mother Nature.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:27
I doubt it's not thought through. They have to create 5000 new jobs this year as per yesterday's newspaper for nationals and I know many people including myself who will resign and rather go home than moving to Abu Dhabi, guess which nationality the new hires will be. At the end of the day the new rule only effects AD gov and semi gov entities and they just really don't care much about if the some expats find school places or not. The UAE government do not care about what Expats think. We have not rights here and that is made quite clear from the onset. They are focused on fast growth and promoting their own people. In a way, it makes sense. If Expats are annoyed about the new rule, I'm afraid it's either deal with it or pack up and leave. The mentality will never change. That's how I see it too. But we all know that we are only here for a limited time and have too muve on so yeah maybe it's time to do so. I am not really annoyed and deal with the situation calm as I find one year grace period a fair deal to make my mind of what I want to do now. Could have been worse. And seriously if my country would look out a bit more for their own people I would not complain either. I think they do it smart here eventhough it's a bit weird from time to time to be directly affected by new rules. edited by Nyranee on 15/01/2013 That's right. We are visitors passing through. We have to accept this fact in the same manner that the UAE government must accept that so long as expats are treated this way, a vast majority will not keep their money in banks here, nor invest in the long term infrastructure or get involved in environmental or social issues. The UAE will figure out this impasse soon enough...... But they do. People still invest money here, despite needing only possibly renewable visas, despite this country never counting them as anything more than a head through the revolving door, despite all factors people still can't get enough and simply don't want to leave. And before anyone says "wait, you'll see..." We did see, the crash was the "look, see what happened" moment, and still, people dig their heels in saying "no way we are leaving". Maybe if the neighboring ME countries sort themselves out things will change, but that'll be at least 20-30 years. Expats invest here purely for themselves out of need, not out of love for the country. You will find, even amongst house owners here that people keep their money offhsore, still spend their holidays abroad, don;' get too involved in the larger community, don't bother to learn Arabic etc etc. It is purely for selfish reasons. Money or temporary security. edited by derien on 15/01/2013 But you're thinking of Westerner/European expats, we are the minority, the large ME population love it here and most of their money here, hoping that one day laws will change. Not learning the language isn't reflective as there isn't a pressing need to know it, there are many people living in English speaking countries who don't speak English, also. My ME friends don't love it, they are here for the money and the lifestyle. And with new rules like the current discussed one they won't stay. See I have been here before the last crisis and stayed but adjusted with a job in AD and commuting. The issue is now for the first time my CONTRACT is not honored anymore. The legal document that defines the relation between my employer and me became a useless piece of paper as my employer will now STEAL 1/3 of the money we agreed on. The living address has not changed since so there should be no reason to touch an existing contract. That is for me not acceptable and I decided to move on, either to a western company or my homecounrty. I could move to AD but I just don't want to move for a company that is breaking the contract we agreed on with the same address details few years back. This does not reflect the values I have and I do not want to be part of a company that steals from their employees. For most people the funny "we love UAE" attitide will end the moment someone takes away their income or parts of it. Then they don't love the place anymore. Regarding your ME friends, I'd be surprised if they'd leave because of this new ruling. Where would they go?
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:25
In my opinion, that commute seems totally reasonable.
AnonDubai
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 January 2013 - 10:24
What's happening with the fees, though? I was thinking the same thing.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 15:04
Hi All, Don't forget Cleopatra's Spa & Wellness in Wafi. They have some great deals on this month. One of our hubbys has volunteered to go and check it out next week, we'll have a review up for you then. http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_beauty_spa_massage_Cleopatras_Spa_8050.aspx edited by admin on 10/01/2013 Please let me know when this review is on your site.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 12:57
My son is now 7 months old and the exact same thing is happening to me. I am finding my hair all over the place whereas I never did before. He's my third child and I remember having this with my second too so I am not too concerned. I have to say that my hair is really full while I'm pregnant and that is a great bonus!
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 11 January 2013 - 19:15
I bought a cheap, unknown brand 7 years ago and it is still going strong and working well.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 16:24
I don't think you can, so that is why I think you should consider nursery for your LO.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 11:44
Ok I stand corrected. Cereal bars and cereal are the unhealthiest breakfasts. <em>edited by AnonDubai on 08/01/2013</em>
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 11:35
I know how you feel Daza. My DS is 6, trying to get him to eat in the morning has been a huge issue sice he started school here. I have even resorted to letting him have Rice Crispie Cereal bars and chocolate pancakes just so he has something in his tummy! The evenings are also like you said a rush. He needs to be in bed by 7.30 and even on weekends he still needs to sleep at that time as he is so tired from the week before. I am very unflexible in the evenings because of this and have to turn down many play dates etc after school as otherwise he just cannot cope and I am going to bed by 9pm so that I can get up at 6, it's :(:( I just read the box of the cereal bars. I'm not saying that they're great, but they are fortified with vitamins [b'>so it's really not the worst thing you can give your child.[/b'> Err, Yes it is, too much sugar puts your child at risk of developing obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and liver problems later in life. By adding synthetic vitamins to your flakes, krispies or loops, the manufacturer can shout about the fact that a bowl of Kellogg’s Coco Pops contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, iron and calcium, without drawing attention to [b'>the fact 35 per cent of what you are eating is sugar. [/b'> Eating too much sugar leaves you craving more sugar. It becomes a vicious circle. Give your child dippy egg , toast and honey, natural yoghurt with real fruit or smoothies instead Well, it's still not the worst thing you can give a child. I am willing to bet that many kids go to school with sugary juice and a doughnut in their stomach. Your healthy suggestions are good, but I think the issue here is that breakfast is rushed so the child does not have enough time to sit down and eat those things. Personally, I like rising early and my children are rarely asleep after 6 am because we all go to bed early every night. I understand that this is not possible for all families, though.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 11:09
Clearly she is childless, as all kids I know will happily starve themselves and not be encouraged to eat breakfast......lol.....[b'>.being a parent is not easy unless you become a monster[/b'>. Very true Captain, I find that unless I choose my battles carefully, I spend most of my time battling with my children. Sigh, I was going to be so good at 'being the parent' until I actually WAS the parent. I think we all thought parenting was easy and black and white until we became parents ourselves!
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 11:08
I know how you feel Daza. My DS is 6, trying to get him to eat in the morning has been a huge issue sice he started school here. I have even resorted to letting him have Rice Crispie Cereal bars and chocolate pancakes just so he has something in his tummy! The evenings are also like you said a rush. He needs to be in bed by 7.30 and even on weekends he still needs to sleep at that time as he is so tired from the week before. I am very unflexible in the evenings because of this and have to turn down many play dates etc after school as otherwise he just cannot cope and I am going to bed by 9pm so that I can get up at 6, it's :(:( I just read the box of the cereal bars. I'm not saying that they're great, but they are fortified with vitamins so it's really not the worst thing you can give your child.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 16:41
Sue - You are going to end up paying a lot more in transfer/currecy fees if you do this through your bank. It's cheaper if you go to an exchange house. Al Fardan charges AED 40 for US transfers. Thanks for the tip. I will use Al Fardan from now on when I send money to the USA. I wonder why they are so much cheaper than the usual suspects. I recently paid 90 dirhams with UAE exchange.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 15:39
School starts at 8:45 in the UK? Wow! I find that quite late. Personally, I like the early starts here and I am used to them as timings are similar in my home country (the USA) as well as France.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 20:32
Do you mean McD's? I have used a credit card in there....and a few times, but always at drive thrus. Hmmm, that surprises me.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 20:19
I have been lucky with my children's school. I never gave any money in advance and just paid the first term at the beginning of the term. I am actually really surprised that we are allowed to do that!
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 20:17
Maybe they'll get with the times and start accepting payment by credit card too.. There are so many better burger places that deliver. I don't see this as a big deal.
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 20:03
I wouldn't say that I go in there to check but I go in there about once a week to ask a question or look for something and that is when I observe if it is clean or not. Personally, I think it's a good idea to go in there every once in a while.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 17:00
Yes, I use the Baby Bjorn now when I go grocery shopping. Ask aisle attendants to put stuff on bottom shelves in your cart for you and ask them to unload your stuff onto the belt. I used to clip my children's car seats onto the shopping cart. That is possible with many shopping carts, but not all. Have your DH do bulk trips once a month. Use home delivery and try Earlybird.ae. With them, you can schedule a weekly delivery.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 16:23
I used them for my two eldest children and will buy some more once my baby starts crawling. As Daza said, the tile floors here are very hard on little heads.
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 13:33
Thanks Anondubai. So looks like its just the mummy and baby coffee mornings for me then. Unless I get a baby sitter. Might just do so actually then I can come alone and meet the lovely ladies. :) Why don't you try Mums and Tots? They are not coffee mornings but are meet-ups for expat mothers with toddlers.
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 13:06
My opinion is that you should put something up on the communal bulletin board in your child's school. Maybe another mother would be willing to help you out and you can work out how you'd compensate her afterwards.
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 13:02
Thanks girlies for pointing out such valid info - 100% with u on that one. U just don't know what "freaks" can get onto the net. Hopefully see some of u at coffee morning this week? A quick question, can I still take my daughter to the coffee mornings or am I restricted to just mummy coffee mornings? Thanks Hi! If you have a child with you, you are advised not to go to the regular coffee mornings.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 11:46
I also have no sympathy for this guy.
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Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 12:47
Do you not have big spiders in your homes in the Ukay?
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 12:46
OP, I frequently receive packages from the USA. They always arrive, but it is expensive. The most recent package cost $52 to mail and it wasn't even a package but one of those big stuffed envelopes.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 12:44
My sister regularly mails me items from Houston and everything gets here, in the end. Usually quickly though. Personally, I do not like it when I see people asking total strangers on a forum if they can help them to carry items (especially on aircraft), it is not a wise thing to do for anyone and there are some people who will just say YES without even thinking about it, and seeing it as helping another EW member. Remember that for the most part we have no idea who y'all are, and assume that everyone on here has the same agenda. Yes, you are right, and if an EW poster agrees, how do they answer the "Did anyone ask you to carry anything for them?" question at the airport.
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 10:49
This is something that I saw last summer in the USA and I thought it was a great idea. My neighbor was wearing a walkie-talkie that had a range of a mile or two. I don't know exactly. Anyway, his daughter was wearing the other one. She was allowed to go around the neighborhood on her bike with friends but her father could hear every word that she was saying. This way, she was allowed freedom but could never go too far and her parents were aware of what was going on.
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 11:55
Exactly my point, nothing to rave about until the job is done You're a ray of sunshine. She does have a point. Tomorrow is Friday and the furniture assembly guys usually don't work on Fridays. Please update this thread tomorrow at 10 pm.
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 11:38
In my town in the USA, before tobacco purchasing laws were very strict, I used to order cigarettes from the pizza guy when I ordered a pizza. I never actually smoked them, though. I just let my older brother and sister see that they were mine so they'd tell their friends about their little sister. I thought I was really cool!
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 10:51
I don't have time for a long response but I made the move from apartment to villa in June and IMO, it was a great change. We are still adjusting to being in a bigger place but the kids are so much happier and I find myself going out a lot less because we are so much busier at home. We also don't have to deal with the neighbors anymore. I didn't realize how much some things annoyed me until I left my apartment! On the downside, maintenance is a hassle. There is always something that needs to be fixed!
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 10:46
Why don't you do a search on the Maids forum? There are so many recommendations from posters.
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 10:45
More worried about what you wear now: Are you going to #Dubai zoo? Please cover up | http://GulfNews.com http://bit.ly/ZVYWjl I just read this article. I wonder if the tourists from Nigeria and Kosovo know that they were pictured in the paper for not wearing enough clothes.
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 10:42
I think us EWers are just getting older without realizing it. It wasn't that long ago that we were doing these things back home in our "civilized" Western countries.
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 10:40
The distributor of the Cloud Nine hair straightener also gave me good customer service by replacing my straightener no questions asked. <em>edited by AnonDubai on 03/01/2013</em>
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 10:37
I have a view of the proposed location from my living room window and I can confirm that some type of work is going on. However, it appears to be in the beginning stages and is progressing slowly. But it's a step in the right direction!
AnonDubai
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 20:11
Why would the US embassy here not give the child a US passport if you are an American citizen? I'm due in less than 2 months and I was under the impression I could apply for the passport at the embassy Hello. You need to prove to the US authorities that you lived in the USA for the required number of years if your DH is not American. If you can't do that, then getting a passport for your child will be a challenge but not impossible as mentioned in this thread. <em>edited by AnonDubai on 02/01/2013</em>
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Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 20:39
Yes, you are right. What is ironic about Kim's pregnancy is that she is still married to the other guy. The one she dumped after about 70 days? Yes, that guy. Anyway, I am happy for her. It must be hard for Khloe, though. She is the only one who is married and her sisters are the ones having babies.
 
 
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