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arohadxb

arohadxb
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Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 14:16
You are probably best to get your mdf in Satwa as well...cheap and you might find some one there to actually cut the shape and size for you as well.
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Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 12:53
Aroadxb, Would you know if (god forbid) your child had been abused? I would know in an instant if something had happened to one of mine. The parents sound very responsible so what makes you think they wouldnt have spotted something wrong, if there is something wrong. It took you one play date to come to the conclusion you did, maybe the parents are aware thats why they moved to Oman. I would not be waiting 3 weeks if I was worried about a child.All you have to say to the childs Mother is that her DD was playing with the doills in a suggestive manner and you thought she should know. Dinks, have you read my posts at all about this situation? Because if you have then I'm not sure how you can conclude that my observations come after one playdate. And, as Feemick said, children are abused all the time and the parents can be the last to know. Abusers do tend to put the fear of god into small children and the secret is a huge load to bear that causes other behaviours because the child cannot tell. Even if said child had the words to say just what had happened. As I have repeatedly said, I hope more than I can say that I am wrong, AND, the child is for the time being safe. This uncomfortable conversation can safely wait the 3 weeks my mother is here and during that time we will as a family still be around for this family. Thanks again ladies.
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Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 22:23
I want to thank everyone for their input...it is very much appreciated. It is interesting that later on in the thread there were more people voicing the kind of opinion that I admit I very much wanted to hear. Everyones advice and view points have given me a great deal to think about, so thank you. To answer some questions that have popped up again...no, the child has no siblings, no older boy or girl cousins. The behaviours with the dolls, I think we can agree that without exposure she would not have picked them up naturally. If what I fear is true then she has been exposed, historically, to inappropriate material of some description. IF more sinister things have occurred then they have occurred over a period of years whilst in the care of someone other than her parents. Her reading material and that of her parents, including movies, is very safe. I would find it very unlikely that she has seen a music video, movie, anything really that would show even a simulation of sexual acts. Prudish would be a word that describes them, and I don't mean that in an unkind way. We won't be *dropping* the child, or ostracizing her. I have a recommendation to a family therapist, brochure in my bag. Theres no urgency to the conversation with Mum given I do believe that IF something has happened it happened not in this country, and not with her family. I will approach it when the conversation naturally turns to the childs behaviours and I will do it by expressing my fear of possibilities. That's all I really have, after all. Unfortunately, my Mum is here for the next 3 weeks so having a chance to have that conversation is slim, so bear with me. I will let you all know how it went. Thanks again.
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 21:47
DR I appreciate your help, as always I feel utterly sick. Proffessional help (advice) seems to indicate knowledge beyond her years. No chance as yet to talk to her mama
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 21:42
Can it not be, that the child in question has accidentally witnessed something she shouldn't have. Maybe played a DVD by mistake? Slept in the parents room one night and been awake, without them knowing it? Is the child being abused, the only possibility? (really gives me the chills) :( That's sort of what I had hoped I would hear...mad as it sounds
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 21:29
Aroha is not in Dxb, she is in Oman, so the hotline number is of no use in this instance. And I doubt very much the school will be of any use either for the simple reason things are handled differently here to how they are in the UK. Aroha has said she thinks that if this is the result of abuse its historical abuse, that there is a back story probably involving a previous childminder, so perhaps the parents just cant see how affected their daughter has been by what may have gone on because its such a terrifying thing. And please dont say you would know how you'd (all) handle this if it happened to one of your own because the reality is that you dont, you think you would know, but you dont. Yes some may be able to handle it appropriately, and to the letter, but those parents are few and far between - the majority would be being sick to their stomach and shaking from head to foot whilst awake, and in the hours of darkness every minute would be a nightmare. Im in the position to ask my daughters how this would be handled, they are in education, also my niece who's a a senior inspector for private and expat schools, I will also ask my daughters boss tomorrow what she would hypothetically be able to do as a head teacher, but the reality is that I think there is nothing they could do. I truly believe Aroha would be directed to the police and they would arrange for the child to be seen at the police hospital - not even another hospital or clinic could see a victim of abuse. This is fact. edited by DesertRose1958 on 22/10/2013 Thanks DR, phrased perfectly. x
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 21:27
Ladies...thank you.
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 11:00
We don't have a child protection officer, theres a very good learning support team/counselors though. I have to say that I am very reluctant to go to another agency (say the school) for a very big reason that I don't feel I should say here. The Mum (and Dad) have a very good relationship with us, and all the concerns about childs behavior are discussed openly and in detail. I just haven't drawn attention to what I feel could be a connection between her other behaviours and these *games* and other things. And I guess, given I'm au fait with whats going on and their helplessness in trying to discipline the naughty behavior out of her then I'm in a very good position to do so. She will take me seriously, and I imagine will be absolutely horrified at the possible conclusion I've drawn. I hope to God I am wrong.
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 10:43
ok. This will come up in normal natural conversation (the childs behaviours always do) and hopefully I will be able to gently suggest some help for her without it all turning into a horror fest. Even if it does, then maybe I will have planted a seed that will let them get to the bottom of it and get help for the girl. Thanks ladies.
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 10:33
Yes WG...snogging dolls can be laughed at and tutted over, I don't see anything sinister in that either...I think it's a rite of passage almost, quite normal. The obsessiveness/secretive nature of the child was the first clue that something wasn't quite right. As you say I have to do something or I won't live with myself.
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 10:11
This is not normal behavior. This girl has been exposed to something. The difficulty here is how to bring it up with the parents. What if the parents themselves are guilty? I would honestly take Gorobattie's advice and not let your daughter play with this little girl. I know it's sad and cruel but 8 year old girls definitely shouldn't know about such things. Does this girl have older brothers by any chance? edited by derien on 22/10/2013 She does not. I think if anything happened it happened at her child minders house in the UK.
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 10:10
They know about the behaviours though, just haven't seen it in the same context as I have. I will say (and have skirted around it previously) whats on my mind and suggest they get help at the risk of losing the friendship. What else could I do? I feel that the knowledge this child has is way out of what could naturally be known with out some form of exposure, I just needed to have that reinforced by other Mums I guess. I mean, some of the things that come home from school (info getting passed on by older siblings etc) are weird and wonderful and so off the mark mostly that it's laughable...I see that as normal growing up stuff. Theres a chance she could have acquired her information innocently? Maybe? And I'm VERY happy to be proved wrong in my suspicions even if I do lose the friendship because of it.
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 09:35
That's right SD, not my daughter though the other wee girl is constantly trying to involve my girl in these games and others. Theres a whole raft of other behaviours that have me concerned for what the child has been exposed to in the past. I don't believe she is in any danger now other wise I would have acted regardless of consequences. I just want to get a realistic view of what information or knowledge could have been gathered by the child in an innocent way before addressing this with her parents. (Who are well aware of the behaviours but not connecting the dots...though it's possible I'm seeing dots where there are none, if you know what I mean?) IF the general view is I'm not being overly paranoid then I can perhaps suggest a counseller for the girl. As it is, she is manipulative and a liar (absolute sirens for me) but if something has happened then she can be healed, but if it's ignored I just see the disintegration of a child and all the potential with it. glad to hear that you do not think the other girl is in any harm - thats a big relief. But there is a possibility that they will return home and then the child will return to the scenario where if anything happened, it could happen again.
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 09:33
I've given my daughter strategies to get out of games she doesn't feel good about and that includes going to the either Mum. Both our houses have open door policies when playing (now). And at even the slightest whiff of anything inappropriate, the game gets shut down and moved on. I don't think my lil miss really has a clue about it all, just knows she doesn't like it. Nudity in our house is a natural thing so while bums are funny theres really nothing sinister about them, if that makes sense? Currently the other parents are treating the lying and sneaking and stealing as bad behavior and they're very strict disciplinarians, my worry is if it's a cry for help because something has happened? Then understanding that would change their approach and help them get the help they need for the girl?
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 08:58
That's right SD, not my daughter though the other wee girl is constantly trying to involve my girl in these games and others. Theres a whole raft of other behaviours that have me concerned for what the child has been exposed to in the past. I don't believe she is in any danger now other wise I would have acted regardless of consequences. I just want to get a realistic view of what information or knowledge could have been gathered by the child in an innocent way before addressing this with her parents. (Who are well aware of the behaviours but not connecting the dots...though it's possible I'm seeing dots where there are none, if you know what I mean?) IF the general view is I'm not being overly paranoid then I can perhaps suggest a counseller for the girl. As it is, she is manipulative and a liar (absolute sirens for me) but if something has happened then she can be healed, but if it's ignored I just see the disintegration of a child and all the potential with it.
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Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 23:23
That's my concern feefmick. My daughter is still blissfully ignorant but one of her friends seems to have a bit of an obsession which makes her very uncomfortable. Theres a bit of (seemingly inconsequential) history that I am aware of, and this behavior is sending all my alert signals off. I really want to know what knowledge is normally naturally acquired (from the play ground/home/friends) and what would trigger alarms in perhaps less paranoid feeling Mums!
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Latest post on 12 October 2013 - 23:31
Last week during the school medical, the nurse noticed by daughter (8 years old) had a mild curve in her spine and we should seek further medical advice. Within the next 24 hours, she has seen a spine specialist and been diagnosed as having scoliosis; her curve is already at 33 degrees. DD now needs to have a MRI scan and will need to wear a chest brace for the next few years, 23 hours a day. Surgery will be very likely in later years. Does anyone know of a family who had to deal with this situation? We are getting a second opinion, I understand she has scoliosis; it is the treatment I want to make sure we get right. We have been told it is 95% chance it will get worse. Thanks for any advice or guidance. Hiya, same story here, however we are taking a different route. Lil miss not only has scoliosis, but her spine curves forward in a curve over her pelvis. She has a right roller coaster going on! Decent size hump over her right shoulder. We were told surgery would be our only option. As they grow, with out treatment, remedial stuff..yes, it will get worse. Surgery is a last ditch option, and from what we have discovered, the brace *may* be needed as she hits the teens and has done most of her growing. In the mean time we see a chiropractor once very month/6 weeks...he has her xrays and he monitors and adjusts. Swim training, excellent as it exercises both sides of the body simultaneously; Yoga (Stotts in particular, if you can find it for kids) or Pilates. DON"T RUSH....research, take your time. Everyone is in too much of a hurry to do surgery here.
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Latest post on 12 October 2013 - 23:11
Put it this way - are you prepared to drive all that way just to have to turn around and come back? That said, I can't see why Omanis would care about your registration, which is Dubai-specific. As long as you've got valid Oman insurance, that's probably all that matters. Do you have to show your vehicle reg card at the border these days, or something like that? And can you really not set aside 30-45 minutes first thing tomorrow to get it re-registered? If you go as soon as Tasjeel opens, it shouldn't take you much longer than that. The Omanis do indeed need to see your registration, and your licence, and your passport and your insurance. You won't get an unregistered vehicle over the border, unless by huge oversight. Whether you choose to risk that, is entirely up you. Just as an aside, theres been a crack down on imports, so expect your documents to be inspected.
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 08:01
www.landmarkshops.com/babyshop www.zulily.com www.pumpkinpatch.co.nz www.babycity.co.nz www.babyonthemove.co.nz www.naturebaby.co.nz
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Latest post on 05 October 2013 - 15:37
Um, yeah, I think you call that staying in a hotel, not camping ... Great minds...exactly my response :)
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Latest post on 05 October 2013 - 14:48
I *think* they are talking about the one at Ras al Had....right by where the Turtle reserve is. It's certainly the only one I can think of that has facilities anyway. If you google Ras al Hadd, Turtle Beach, you should be able to come up with the name of it. I would say it would pay to book for Eid. There are fixed tent camps at Jebel Shams with facilities if you wanted to also break your trip there, and in Wahiba Sands. We're also camping for 6 nights, but carry our own shower etc. I'm not sure that you can pre get your visas for Oman, but it's straight forward for Ozzies. Go EARLY! And make sure you have your Oman car insurance.
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Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 08:45
Migandbep, you really need to seek yet another opinion on this. If your son does have scoliosis, it can lift the pelvis to one side, and cause the leg to appear shorter. With your xrays they should be able to do a Cobbs calculation to figure the degree of the curvature. I can only think if he does have scoliosis, putting a heel lift in place will only reinforce the twist and curvature he already has and in the long run, do more damage. Even without a diagnosis of scoliosis, if there is some curvature to the side of the spine, it will lift the pelvis. Simple chiropractic or as feemick suggests, osteopath treatment, can realign everything. We were informed spine surgery was our only option (wth?!) so I would treat everything each 'specialist' said with the utmost caution, do my research and keep looking til you find a Dr who can be consistent in their diagnosis and treatment and that you can trust. I would go back for starters, to your original GP with all your xrays and go over with them the whole scenario with a finetooth comb.
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Latest post on 27 September 2013 - 10:03
Can't help with the vitamins sorry, as I'm not sure whats available any more. I do recollect that there was a range of multis for children that were all natural colours etc with no added sugar, but that is all I can remember. I do recommend that as well as eye testing, you get her hearing checked as well. Dr Bahgat was our ENT...hopefully someone can come along and give you the name of his clinic, as I have completely forgotten that too! Dr John McEwan is also highly recommended. Also a spine check (we use a chiropractor, though this is not everyones preferred course) Dr Gary Fitzgerald at the WellBeing clinic on Al Wasl was our chiro in Dubai. Coopers Health Clinic on Al Wasl...Dr Fisher is a GP there and I can recommend him as a starting point, but they have all manner of child specialists there, so while you wait for your appointment to come through, that may be a good place to check out. HTH SevenSeconds, good luck x
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Latest post on 27 September 2013 - 09:51
Morning Tattie. Business as usual through Hatta, you don't need hotel bookings etc. For a UK PP holder it would just be the visa on arrival process, though I don't know how much that costs, sorry.
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Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 12:47
Thank you so much ladies. Reading these responses helps me loads, and I want to get to the bottom of this. I am afraid I will lose her altogether if I dont change something soon. I hope to report with positive feedback. If anyone else has any tips, mental strategies, (I read about the Omega fish oils) or the recommendation of a great therapist, please do post your reply. I would be very cautious at starting therapy/drugs for such a young child. You as her parent should be able to suss out what the trouble is first. Is she getting enough sleep, going to bed on time? Does she have a good schedule? Do you work? I ask because maybe she is just seeking attention? Is there trouble with your husband - are you fighting and she is acting out? Is she being bullied? Have you moved recently? In my view, there is usually something else going on. People rush to find a diagnosis and a therapist and try a drug or some sort of random supplement to solve the problem, when really your child is trying to tell *you* something. edited by aadams on 23/09/2013 Sometimes though, the child just cannot tell you, they don't have the words to express whats going on, and I don't think theres a rush in this case for therapy or drugs, just an assessment, which *could* be all it takes to get to the bottom of whats going on, or give the child the avenue in which to voice whats worrying her. It could be that she is bright and bored, could be that brain training might be beneficial to help her concentrate, nothing wrong with decent omega oils as a random supplement either. If an appointment with a child specialist is something that can ease the worry of a parent and help them make informed choices in the care of their child and also give them something concrete to do in helping to *fix* a problem, then it can only be a good thing as a first starting point. Pretty sure the op has taken all of the other variants into consideration, before posting, before even coming to the conclusion that she needs outside help and beginning to look for it. Actually most people don't consider lack of sleep or other causes before they think of ADD. People are surprisingly quick to look for mental illness in their own children. And how do you know there is nothing wrong with giving Omega supplements to children? Do you have studies showing there are no health risks for children? Adults that take vitamin supplements are known to die up to six years earlier than adults who don't supplement with vitamins. And I am equally sure there are studies that will tell you that adults who supplement live longer as well. You can pretty much get a report or a study to back up any theory you care to come up with, and thanks to the internet theres a lot of information rattling around and being fed to people who have nothing to compare it to, or a base of expertise to begin understanding what they are reading beyond the highlited headlines. Are people surprisingly quick to look for mental disease in their children? That surprises me. You run the gamut of childhood illnesses and it becomes second nature to run through the check list.... and pretty much every mother I know does the mental checklist...whats she eating, hows she sleeping, is a temperature present, whats changed in our environment, has a friend moved on, picked a squabble, whats happening at home, is the sore tummy real? I think it's only common sense that when you have ticked all the obvious and have no conclusions, then they start to worry about the what else.
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Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 12:31
That's the unknowable isn't it? Do you have an exit strategy for here if things do go wrong? Is the opportunity in NZ the once in a lifetime kind, or could a similar situation come again? 60k in school fees would certainly make me think twice. Yes I love all that, but at least in NZ we would be safe, even if we lost our jobs the girls would still be in school. We have 3 daughters and in the next 3 years all three will be in secondary school, so school fees will be in the region of 60k per term. would myself and hubby have jobs to support us then if we stay here? I love the weather, I love the size of my villa, I love the desert, I love the beaches, I love that people are so sociable here, I love that everyone is impulsive, I like the working environment of my job (not saying most jobs are like mine - I think I am just lucky), I love that on the weekend I can go to the pool, I love that I have a gym in my compound, that my daughters come with me and do star jumps and skipping while i work out, I love it you can take your kids to any restaurant and no-one tutts at you or you get refused entry, I love you can take your kids anywhere in the evening, I love how its so family orientated here, i love the organised chaos, I love how nobody swears in public, I love how there is no trailer trash (sorry bit snobby) I love the activities my kids have access to, I love the hotels, I love the fountains, I love that its in the middle of the world so travel is good.....I love it :) I think we could probably then safely hazard a guess that you might not be quite ready to leave Dubai ;)
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Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 12:25
Was listening to Eminem this morning and wondering if the song here getting all the attention could be in the same satirical vein. Thing is, I'm old enough to know that Eminem is just messing, but not sure vulnerable kids would? Look at the outcry over Manson and the connection with say, Colombine, and even Eminem got caught up in that mess. Just reading the *lyrics* to this song is not only eye wateringly painful, taken out of context it could be read as pretty damn offensive. Comparing Eminem's music to Robin Thicke's is like comparing the Venus de Milo to a Playboy centerfold ;) lol! Wouldn't know...am one of those dreadful old school types, and I think they stopped making new music back in the early 90's Who IS Thicke person? :D
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Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 12:21
Thank you so much ladies. Reading these responses helps me loads, and I want to get to the bottom of this. I am afraid I will lose her altogether if I dont change something soon. I hope to report with positive feedback. If anyone else has any tips, mental strategies, (I read about the Omega fish oils) or the recommendation of a great therapist, please do post your reply. I would be very cautious at starting therapy/drugs for such a young child. You as her parent should be able to suss out what the trouble is first. Is she getting enough sleep, going to bed on time? Does she have a good schedule? Do you work? I ask because maybe she is just seeking attention? Is there trouble with your husband - are you fighting and she is acting out? Is she being bullied? Have you moved recently? In my view, there is usually something else going on. People rush to find a diagnosis and a therapist and try a drug or some sort of random supplement to solve the problem, when really your child is trying to tell *you* something. edited by aadams on 23/09/2013 Sometimes though, the child just cannot tell you, they don't have the words to express whats going on, and I don't think theres a rush in this case for therapy or drugs, just an assessment, which *could* be all it takes to get to the bottom of whats going on, or give the child the avenue in which to voice whats worrying her. It could be that she is bright and bored, could be that brain training might be beneficial to help her concentrate, nothing wrong with decent omega oils as a random supplement either. If an appointment with a child specialist is something that can ease the worry of a parent and help them make informed choices in the care of their child and also give them something concrete to do in helping to *fix* a problem, then it can only be a good thing as a first starting point. Pretty sure the op has taken all of the other variants into consideration, before posting, before even coming to the conclusion that she needs outside help and beginning to look for it.
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Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 11:06
I know how sad and helpless you must feel right now, and agree, go to the recommended people below for an assessment. When you don't know and youre watching your child shrink into herself, you can conjure up all the very *worst* outcomes. Hopefully you will find (as we did) that just a couple of different strategies were enough to set our girl back on the path to being that happy wee soul again.
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Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 10:37
I love the weather, I love the size of my villa, I love the desert, I love the beaches, I love that people are so sociable here, I love that everyone is impulsive, I like the working environment of my job (not saying most jobs are like mine - I think I am just lucky), I love that on the weekend I can go to the pool, I love that I have a gym in my compound, that my daughters come with me and do star jumps and skipping while i work out, I love it you can take your kids to any restaurant and no-one tutts at you or you get refused entry, I love you can take your kids anywhere in the evening, I love how its so family orientated here, i love the organised chaos, I love how nobody swears in public, I love how there is no trailer trash (sorry bit snobby) I love the activities my kids have access to, I love the hotels, I love the fountains, I love that its in the middle of the world so travel is good.....I love it :) I think we could probably then safely hazard a guess that you might not be quite ready to leave Dubai ;)
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Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 10:34
Why are people coy about using the word "sēx"? It's the correct scientific word to describe a completely normal, [b'>everyday[/b'> physical process that is essential to the survival of the human race (and indeed all creatures). If it's censored on this forum, then it's going to be amusing when people try to post about Middlesēx University, which has recently opened in Dubai and is currently advertising on the radio. Your lucky husband :D :-P (sorry, had to do it) I don't have a problem with secks. (***). (I said on another thread, on babyfit, a few of our board members got banned for constant use of the word vagina - on a pregnancy board. I mean, the vagina is a pretty vital part in conception and birth). Secks aside, I just read the lyrics and thought how bad they were. A well written soft porn would be better than that! I think we could write an equally secksual song, maybe even more dirty, as the better your grasp on language, the better you can communicate messages, than this. As for the video, as I said, Alejandro by Gaga was worse, IMHO. And let's not forget Eminem. The song where he kills Kim in the lyrics (and sound fx). But I'm forgiving of him as I think he is a brilliant writer. He doesn't go for cheap McDonald's hits, like this. His lyrics are poetry. edited by EmmaRitz on 23/09/2013 edited by EmmaRitz on 23/09/2013 Was listening to Eminem this morning and wondering if the song here getting all the attention could be in the same satirical vein. Thing is, I'm old enough to know that Eminem is just messing, but not sure vulnerable kids would? Look at the outcry over Manson and the connection with say, Colombine, and even Eminem got caught up in that mess. Just reading the *lyrics* to this song is not only eye wateringly painful, taken out of context it could be read as pretty damn offensive.
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Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 10:27
She was ok last year? No issues? Is she able to tell you if/what anything has happened that has caused this change in behavior? It seems that something must have triggered the abrupt change unless you have noticed other things that that all together point to her needing an assessment.
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Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 11:17
Leave VERY VERY early. The border at Eid is dire. Allow hours to get through it. Other wise a trip to Muscat really only takes about 4 hours. If you are looking for 5*, then I would suggest the Shangri La with children. For a more central, local experience then either the Hyatt, the Inter con, or Crown Plaza. They are better positioned really to get out and about and see the town. Personally, I'd pack the tent. You can camp on beaches, and we have a stunning coast line. Head up to Jebel Shams after checking out Nizwa and hike the grand canyon. It's a beautiful country and there really is just so much to go see and do. Make sure you take a boat trip out to see the Dolphins, and snorkel in one of the marine reserves. Head to Ras al Had and see the baby turtles hatching and heading out to sea. (Turtle Beach Resort....very basic, but a great base for that area.) Head into one of the wadis down the coast for hiking and swimming. Book your hotels asap too. I think Salalah is pretty much 100% booked out already. Have fun.
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Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 11:06
I can appreciate the cross roads, but for me personally, I wouldn't be heading home to Auckland until we were all ready to settle down. For us, the adventure is no where near over. We did go home once, but only lasted 2 years before we were hot footing it back overseas. Also, we had no choice but to live in Auckland due to work, where as other spots in NZ were appealing on other levels. Also, I would have HAD to have worked if we had stayed at home, rather than being a SAHM. Tax, even with a top salary, cost of living, buying a house in Auckland ( and remember, schools are zoned, so if you want your kids to go to a good school you need to live in that zone, and believe me, that effects the house prices) meant that we were not really getting ahead in a hurry.
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Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 17:39
just a note: there are 2 City Stay Inns in Al Barsha, one is City Stay Inn Hotel, and one is City Stay Inn Hotel Apartments....obviously the same group, but we stay at the latter as they do tend to have the better rates.
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Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 15:14
The last few trips I have made to Dubai have stayed in City Stay Inn Hotel Apartments...so far they have been the best deal yet. I think it cost about 900dh for a weeks stay just before Eid. They are located directly behind the MoE so you can walk for about 5 mins to mall, and then hop the metro. They have a pool, but there's no view or anything fancy, just very clean, comfortable, friendly staff and ideally located for getting around town. Our other go to, is the Pride apartments...closer to Tecom, but also easy for the metro etc.
arohadxb
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 18:43
Choithrams and Spinneys, Park n Shop...they will quite often have 100 &1000s. Like anything, it's luck on the day. Have you tried Daiso for your drainer thingy?
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 18:39
Friends of mine couldn't even get the vaccine in the UK this summer....anywhere. It seems the world wide shortage is no myth.
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 18:32
Can't confirm, but are they one of the nationalities that can get visas on arrival to Oman? Do they have return tickets (to dxb and then onwards to Qatar) or are they driving? If they are a GCC resident, and have tickets home, and no other reason bars them from entry to Oman without their sponsor then I can't see an issue? your Egate (and our residence cards) work the same way as our passports on exit and entry, it's just magical technology instead of a stamp.
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 17:39
I think the NZ association is (part of) ANZA in Dubai, they might have some leads if you get in contact with them. Or the consulate. Or get in touch with some rugby clubs...they might be able to put you in contact with a predominately NZ team who *may* practice and perform the Haka. I don't think I've ever seen the Haka performed in dxb except at the 7's and have never heard of or seen a cultural group even for kids doing kapahaka. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist though! Good luck.
arohadxb
2322
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Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 10:36
I would let them know. I imagine it's stressful enough letting kids fly by themselves without then having to worry if the airline were doing everything they said they would.
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 10:30
Last move, I shipped EVERYTHING, and am pleased to have done so. In fact I even had my storage in NZ shipped over here so for the first time in 6 years all my household stuff is in one place. Next move, I will be selling/giving away everything that is not either beloved or irreplaceable or collected as a life time piece. After 7 years, with kids/animals, the sofas are looking a little more shabby than shabby chic...etc etc. BUT, that would depend on where we would be going....if we were going somewhere where I could replace stock items like beds and sofas with quality stuff, then that would work, if not, then it would all be coming with us...shabby or not, they still work. It all really depends on your personal circumstances I guess.
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 09:58
Who defines what the caliber *should* be? It's a word that puts my teeth on edge with it's connotations of elitism. This board represents a massive spread of population, all of whom bring to it a wealth of very different lifestyles, backgrounds and experiences. Who is to say that any ones views are wrong, or not good enough just because they don't come in line with your own?
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 09:49
Really put the kibosh on the thieving cow...write to 7Days etc. Shame her for taking advantage of a gentleman.
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 08:45
Sam7...that's horrid. Is it wrong to giggle at Mr Sam7 in hot pink though?
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 08:43
Shan't. Don't want to. Head firmly in sand when it comes to school starting again. Saying that though....I did manage to wake up before 8 this morning.
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 20:58
just thinking while it's quiet. I love time to think when it's quiet too. I wish I had a dirham for all the times I've said "I can't hear myself think" when the children are all in full swing. After 12 weeks I have heard my parents speaking out of my mouth more times than I care to admit... a classic the other day was "my giddy aunt!" Where in good gracious me did that come from? Did I really just turn into my mum?!
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 20:44
My *me* time is between 10pm and midnight. I'm possibly unusual, But I need to be absolutely ALONE, so me time is without hubby or child. We're nearing the end of close to 12 weeks of summer and while it has been the best summer to date in regards to daughter and I NOT wanting to murder each other from the get go, I still need my time. We have a system during the summer (that makes it sound structured but its not) where as he is in charge when he gets home from work. We have dinner, we play, we catch up but he is in charge of bedtime etc...I use that time to tidy up and get stuff ready for the next day. THEN, we have our time. Then he goes to bed and I have MY time. I would be evil without it. Whether I'm reading a book, watching a movie or just thinking while it's quiet...it's essential. He has his time in the early hours, training. Of course, during the summer I get to sleep in til 8, so this is possible. I'm dreading the start of school just because of early get ups. Weekends we take turns sleeping in, and we muck along so everyone gets to do what they want and need. Hubby may train for up to 10 hours, but will take lil miss to the movies or something so I get a couple of hours to myself. Once school is back, you do have time in the mornings, I just have to rigidly prioritise it...I have work that absorbs me, but try to balance that without becoming a hermit. I know I am lucky that THAT is my biggest problem.
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 19:30
I prefer the night flights now, but back when lil miss was small I used to break up the trip with an overnight stop somewhere just to get a break (and a nap). For us though, even if we break the trip up you would still be looking at 2 long haul flights. All of the suggestions already given work well, I have a particularly embarrassing memory of singing and dancing to ring a ring a rosy at the front of a packed cabin for hours on end...so the best thing is to be prepared to not get much rest. BUT..it does get better, promise.
arohadxb
2322
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 19:15
Goodness me, we have all leapt to just one unflattering conclusion, haven't we? If it were me and I had no access to cash, I would be in a perpetual state of panic. What if daughter had a mishap and needed the hospital? How would I pay for the taxi, the treatment? If the power needed paying? if I ran out of milk? Ok, so not everything is actual PANIC panic, but how do you run a household on a day to day basis with out access to funds? If you are a spendthrift and not to be trusted with cards etc because you have a history, then maybe the plan is to have an *allowance* for the week. It's yours, cash in hand, and it's for ALL the household expenses...you'd have to work out what is a fair and reasonable amount that works for your family. I have friends who work on this basis for what ever reasons, and they even manage to save a bit, so it might be worth thinking about? Certainly gives you scope to become a creative cook/housewife!
 
 
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