arohadxb | ExpatWoman.com
 

arohadxb

2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 08:47
RAK Hilton (careful, there are 2 and now a Doubletree as well...the older one is in town, so you want to make sure you book the resort one on the beach) is really really lovely. We had a few shocking stays there last year, but were there again for the first time in ages last week. The food and service across the board has improved dramatically in that time, and the menus have been changed somewhat too...reckon theres a new head chef in charge, thank god. Theres a wide range of restaurants and the setting is beautiful. Great family stay, and lovely if youre there without kids as well. We like the villas, beautiful garden setting, beach and pools literally on your doorstep.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 08:32
I always bring them with me when I come back from Oz.... if they last that long! Once got excited when someone said they say Cheezels somewhere... turned out to be the Kiwi version, which, no offence, are cr@p.... friend has just gone nuts for 'Cheezels Rashers' which obviously would be impossible to get here (or in the p0rk section if they were) ask any kiwi and they'll tell you the ozzie ones taste like cr@p! really really hungry now for proper kiwi junk food.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 08:23
oh, and I forgot. Theres a truck that comes passed our place about 3 times a day...apparently they will pick up your unwanted stuff, I assume for a fee. Maybe theres a truck that does your dads area?
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 08:20
Theres a very good airport hotel in Hong Kong that breaks up the flight, can sleep, swim and then carry on refreshed, if you do go that route.Though customs at HK airport drive me a bit mad, it's the only thing that really lets such a spectacular airport down. Theres nothing worse than taking the EK cheap flight that has you catching one leg of 3 different flights to OZ with a kid in tow...took me a full 48 hours to get to melbourne once (thank you, oh cheapskate husband of mine ;)) On a slightly different topic...has anyone seen any good deals to South Africa? The ones I've found so far a gulp inducing, thanks.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 08:07
Head to Satwa, most of the building supply places are clustered together, and I've seen the sheets of corrugated iron there....as well as just about anything else you could possibly want!
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 18:08
Couple of options that I can think of...put the lot on the facebook page...Muscat Buy Sell and Rent, even if you think it has no value, you will be able to sell stuff on there, or advertise it to give away when it gets down to the nitty gritty. There are a couple of individuals that hold sales of pretty much anything in order to fund their animal rescue projects here...for the life of me I can't recall their names (just new here) but if you put a call out to them on the likes of Muscat Mums...(FB again) or the buy sell page, you could probably get someone like that to dispose of unwanted items with proceeds to the welfare of the rescue animals. Otherwise, there is a Muscat Where can i find FB page, that if you post a question like this on should get you loads of ideas! Sorry, not a lot more help, but good luck stovetop.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 20:39
BM, you are a STAR! Thanks so much. Will get himself to find an agency...seems the most sensible way. x
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 20:32
it would all be NZ BM, (thank you so much) what does MOFA stand for? Ministry of foriegn affairs?
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 16:01
Just to let you know yesandno, the shark cage diving isn't far from cape town and i'm pretty sure they cater for kids...depends how old I guess and they offer a collection service from Cape Town. Just a thought ;) This is why we're going to CT when it's supposed to be freezing there...will be far too old for lil miss to want to go shark diving! (She and her dad very very keen, me, petrified) So, everyone plans their trips really well? Looks like my idea of just booking the plane tickets has gone out the window then....
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 15:52
agreed, BBQing is a deal of work, all behind the scenes, and then your man gets to floss about charcoaling stuff, taking all the credit ;) Just do nibbles as a starter, bit of cheese, dips, nuts, whatever can be thrown together with no effort, 3-ish salads & selection of breads for the meatfest and pre-prepared puds, so when the guests are there, everything is done, you are relaxed and can actually enjoy the meal without having to jump up and down cooking and preparing things. Oh, and simples...have your table (for sitting and eating) pre set too and serve dinner buffet style at another table if that makes sense. hugs mrs, been thinking of you. x
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 March 2012 - 08:00
ditto what green-ish has said Hiccup. And good girl you for taking action and knowing you need help to get through this, I too wish I was there so I could run straight round to you and give you a hand. If you struggle to get an appointment with the Dr's already recommended, you could always try Dr Bernard Fischer at Coopers Helath on Al Wasl. He's been our family GP for years, and he has been a brilliant dr at helping me through some tough times, much as you have described.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 20:12
I'm sorry but the only Wave I know of is the residential area? There may be some local type hotels with the same name in different locations, or, there may well be rentals by the week in furnished places at the Wave. If it is the wave, it's a little out of the way for local colour and experience and you would have to drive. Check the interconti...in our experience is the most reasonable, and central for a decent holiday break where you get to actually see 'stuff'
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 19:54
I have been car less for two days now and taking the children to school in a taxi. I have skipped the activities and life and has been so much more relaxed..... Now I wish my just let the children grow up without learning a musical instrument, a sport, gymnastics or....... You know! Why can we have 48 hours in a day?! :( Oh rant over! Meh, there is something about just letting small people play, isnt there? Our round of out of school activities are just about to start up again, and , forgive me, but I am dreading it. I know she really really wants to do this stuff, but she has been happy playing in a box for the time being. I dunno, well rounded, educated and happy kids, or just well rounded happy kids. I give up. Being a parent/taxi driver huh?
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 19:40
So normal then? Thank goodness and thank YOU. Is a real relief.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 19:29
settle sweets...your comment comes across as rude is all...how is egg to know? Maybe you didnt know it sounded like, oh well, azaiba would know as she lives there type thing. A comment, hey? Not a battle lines drawn. If you took 2 seconds, you'd see we rec. the same place, so everyone is on the same page. You sound absolutely ridiculous, no one tried to pick a fight with you and you're in attack mode. Get a grip! Riiiight. attack mode. silly me.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 19:18
so if she hunkers into the corner, thats ok? Do you pull yours out to feed them or just leave them? I'm so used to her eating massive amounts and then me following after her with a shovel, that this all seems odd. She has no sign of respitory/nasal drip stuff and appears in good health, she has just gone off into the corner.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 19:09
settle sweets...your comment comes across as rude is all...how is egg to know? Maybe you didnt know it sounded like, oh well, azaiba would know as she lives there type thing. A comment, hey? Not a battle lines drawn. If you took 2 seconds, you'd see we rec. the same place, so everyone is on the same page.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 19:02
I am (hopefully!) assuming child is old enough to draw approximate replicas of the vic. kitchen? Make a square of card, and draw the piece in an inner square of the card...fold the edges back like you are making a box, and glue to the inner side of a shoe box. The piece is then 3D without tricky corner bits Make sure he does all his colouring and painting BEFORE it's put into the box. Little bits of fabric for rugs, chair covers etc. I dunno. Seems terribly complicated!
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 18:54
Park Inn Hi Azaiba, Did you recently go? Some reviews are saying there is lots of construction going on around hotel? TIA I would assume given the name that Azaiba lives there... the Park Inn is a nice hotel in a central location for everywhere really. Apart from the ones you have already tried all the others are a little more 'up market' and there for pricey. But you could try to Intercontinental near Shatti Beach. :) edited by roysie on 28/02/2012 yah, like every and all visitors to muscat would know what/where azaiba is. Suggesting shatti and the interconti is nice enough without the jibe for being unfamiliar with all the suburbs here.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 18:44
there might be lots of construction/road works around the park inn...it's a business hotel, so it is central, and easy to get taxi's etc. Theres a souk nearby, but I *think* its a more practical souk than something you would go to for site-seeing or fun. Accom. here is expensive, no two ways about it. But there are soooo many lovely places to go see and do neat things. What about the intercontinental? (Or we could put you up for free...have tons of space :))
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 18:16
she's not patrolling, she has put herself in a corner....I pull her out and she may eat only once in 2 or 3 days (normally comes when she hears her food tray daily, and then grazes and searches for more) she has never ever dug, even in extreme hot or cold. Once she got the staggers and I took her to the reptile specialist in dxb who xrayed her for exactly the same reasons you have quoted, and yet this time she is a completely different torti. Pants. Really need to find a reptile guy then. Wee poo, if she has herself preggy, she's in for a huge talking to!
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 February 2012 - 17:38
Same here, for some reason Alisons post has really stayed with me and I feel so much sorrow for her and her family. How vunerable we all are. Lettie, best wishes and travel safe. I do hope both you and Alison find some small comfort in knowing that so many people are sending prayers, light and love out into the Universe for you all at this time. x
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 February 2012 - 08:21
absolutely...and I always take a few dh's off the price of things too. Can't have him having an early heart attack :)
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 February 2012 - 07:43
do you know...I havent the foggiest where the school is. Will find out for you today, and let you know.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 10:00
I think you may have asked me a question on there re: a driver, lol! Possibly people do put their names down at more than one school. Theres a lot of folk moving into Muscat at the moment, and not a huge amount of schools. What age is your daughter? Have you made appointments to see schools when you come for your recce? Buy wardrobes at Ikea!!! these houses have absolutely no storeage cupboards!
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 08:36
teehee, hubby just texted me too....'happy valentines thingy'. *sigh* oh, the romance.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 08:13
C4/geant/lulu sometimes have them, as thats where I get my glue sticks from. Ace as well.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 07:57
us either SD, but i *really* like the wee frypan, and I get to threaten them with bodily harm at the same time. win-win :D
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 07:41
meh, my lot are all grumpy and running late and wouldnt have a clue it was Valentines. My dad did send me a happy all saints day message though ;) Going off to Lakeland to buy one of those heartshape frypans. That will sort them out.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 07:34
got all nrevous now, and hubby is doing me up an NOC as we speak. See how we go.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 07:19
oh, and while I remember... the subconcious is an awesome thing. While you sleep your brain can process an astounding amount of data from daily life that that you havent even been aware of taking in. The phrase 'to sleep on it' before making choices came about for a reason. Sometimes our dreams are just a reflection of that process too, instead of being anything more eerie.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 06:49
Irooni, I just wanted to say that you are not going mad. There will be people who don't believe, and havnt the capacity for even begining to understand your story. Just try and picture yourself as a person who is at great peace with herself and as such is open to more in the world that first meets the eye. The stories of people you barely know come to you because they can..other conduits are closed to them, thats all. When you sleep your conciousness is more 'open'. It's like an extention of your 'womens intuition' or a gut feeling. The easiest way to live with it, is to accept it and give it it's proper place in your life...not front and center and something to worry about, but with the same kind of functionality as say a...teacup. Light a candle and send blessings to the departed guy, let them go.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 16:40
jeepers, if emirates have told you that, then maybe double check again? I'm due to fly thursday so can always let you know after that if the rules have changed in the last week or so.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 16:16
I travel backwards and forwards from Oman with and without hubby, with and without child. I've never needed an NOC despite being on his sponsership. Being kiwis we don't need to do the whole visit visa thing, but even coming in through the airport at Muscat you just take your cash up and buy it at the counter on arrival and before passport control if a visa is required.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 10:03
No problem at all, happy to help. Check out another FB group called Muscat maids. Our cleaner started this week, and it was very easy to organise. Believe me, the houses are HUGE for the most part and you'd quickly become a slave to it if you didnt get any help. We're happy with our house, one side gets beautiful morning sun, and the otherside very little sun at all. Pretty sure that will be an absolute bonus come summer. You may feel you do want to drive here, would certainly be easier if you did. Everything is very spread out in a long straight line more or less down the coast. That, and once you've had a few 'adventures' with some taxi drivers you may decide that it's safer and less stressful to drive! Certainly if the kids start after school activities, a dedicated driver, or driving yourself would become more viable. I have had so many adventures that I'm pretty determined to learn myself :) Am actually in dxb this weekend if theres anything else I can help with? I'm still puddling around lost most of the time and learning everyday but maybe you can take advantage of some of my absolute clangers and avoid them yourself.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 07:16
Hi bodabz. We have just recently made the move to Muscat and really enjoying ourselves. Not sure how much a driver would cost (I don't drive either) as using a taxi at the moment, and it's costing a small fortune for the school pick up. It's not ideal obviously, but there has been other things to sort out first. You just need to find a driver you are comfy with who has a taxi with seatbelts. Just about every driver I have encountered will give you their number, and one of the benefits of having a regular taxi is that you don't have to remember and explain how to get to school everyday while you get settled. (also a great way to learn some useful bits of arabic :)) The taxis are not metered so it's up to you to negotiate a price, something I'm rubbish at, hence us paying a fortune for the pick up! There do seem to be some bus services, privately operated, at our school with a fixed route, it would just be a matter of seeing if there was a driver set up that suits your needs, but it's not something the school does. Best advice would be to live close to school. Schools seem to be reasonably difficult to get into, and all have waiting lists. We were lucky, but as with anywhere, places do come up so go see the schools and get on the lists. We're happy with our choice of school for lil miss, and other parents I've spoken to at other schools are happy with ther choices too. You'll know what will best suit your child/ren. We moved from the Springs, and were used to our garden, houses seem to (and thats not a definitive description of ALL the houses in Muscat, just the ones we looked at) have a different makeup from dxb..theres not a priority on actual gardens, but you can find places with workable outside space and terraces. All depends on your budget of course. Currently building my garden and having lots of fun. Theres really awesome nurseries to visit, and I'm doing our garden in pots. Sites I found really useful as the EW Oman site doesnt appear to get lots of traffic ;) were on FB. Muscat where can I find, and Muscat Mums. Good luck with your adventure..it really is wonderful place to move to.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 06:41
My son is 6 and apparently not interested in learning to read or write at school. He is absorbing something though. I walked outside yesterday to find (in perfect handwriting) "s h i t" written in chalk across the back stairs. HE CAN WRITE!! Proud Mummy. :D (Also appropriately mortified and cross! LOL!!!) :D
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 06:40
My 14 month old said 'Nanna' while we were on Skype to my mum yesterday. Mum almost fell her of chair - and then promptly burst into tears :-) awww, nice.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 February 2012 - 06:43
am feeling left out DR :), didnt get an email?
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 07:38
fianna, that was my worst nightmare too...that when we left dxb we'd be going to hk, or shanghai and have to live in apartment and that I would go not so slowly mad. I feel SO lucky that our new place is still in the ME and is a wonderful adventure. I thought that I would miss dubai so badly (and I know that I would have, had we gone 'home' or somewhere else entirely) as it is I get to come back once a month, our friends arent so far away and I'm having the best of both worlds. A new adventure in a new country that feels to me like a place I 'belong' with our support network from our time in dubai not so far away and all coming to visit. I feel really blessed.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 February 2012 - 07:29
bump for DR1958...if you see this can you email me too? ari underscore jo 2002 at yahoo dot co dot nz thanks :)
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 09:53
I've been on one never again..... I hate the sea as it is, and what with the recent ship sinking I'll fink I'll give it a miss .... I'm with you...once, never again! Quite aside from the storm that shattered my arm/wrist/hand and the resultant surgery leaving me looking like something out of a frankenstein story, the whole thing was a surreal experience. weirdly the costa concordia used to park each night next to our ship...when we saw the news lil miss was like: see! told you we shouldnt go on ships!
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 09:12
check, but insurance for emergency only should cover getting ill and being able to see a Dr...just won't cover you for routine health check ups. Worth a look? Also because of your depression recently it can reflect as well on your general physical health, becoming run down and leaving you open to infection. And green phlegm really sounds like an infection to me.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 08:40
I assume you have just moved!! Congrats.. You should get some decent mozzie repellent, unfortunately the mozzies there are not kind. When you say you are moving to the wilds.. what area are you going to? Al Ansab?? sorry, i got logged out yesterday. thanks! it's a great place to be and we're having lots of fun and adventures :) and yes...mozzie repellent was high on the list of 'must haves' after we got eaten alive on one of our recce's. We're in sort of Qurum/Bosher at the moment and moving to Azaiba...so not really the wilds as such, but not a compound either so we won't have stray wee tractors spraying us with goodness knows what. Deisel green-ish? urk.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 18:31
at 6? Mum and dad make the new baby with a special cuddle (that you can only do when you are married!) The dad plants a special seed inside mum (brush over that quick to avoid awkward questions, worked for us...mechanics havent come up yet in that regard) and the baby grows inside mum. So our wee miss is au fait with how babies get out of mum, both cs and natural, and she seems ok with how baby survives inside mum, cords and belly buttons. We only have the one wee girl so we have had variations of this question since she could talk...why can't I, why havnt you, when etc. Best just to be very straight forward and as honest as you can be with what their age can cope with (without then causing embarrassing moments in the playground, I spos ;) )
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 18:20
Imagine the pools of stagnant water in UAE after this.... and the mosquitoes..... Do they do this in UAE too? well, I wouldnt know...never seen it before. SD did say they used to do it in the Lakes? We do have pools at this compound and the mozzies aere the size of small vicious vans....
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 18:11
is what I told child...is for bugs, but. Mouth feels like a sandpit, and headaches already. No notices, but, hubby did say was weekly. Sure doesnt smell or feel 'safe' Roll on thursday when move to the wilds!
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 18:11
yep, muscat....
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 18:08
JS...head to woof, or to paws in green community and get you, your dog and your man some training on how to get along (who is boss, how things should be delt with etc) before you decide. we may love animals and find it in our hearts to rescue as many as possible, but unless you provide the right home and have the right skills, you may well be doing no one a favour. Particularly so with dogs, as you have discovered...they have rather different needs from cats ;) Pretty sure if you contact paws, they do discounted socialisation/training for rescues. Good luck.
2322
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 08:03
ink flicking, and that boy who sat behind you who thought the best way to get your attention was to dip the end of your plait in his inkpot, lol! pretty sure our smallies are not going to have that experience, and given I don't have much to think about currently (!!!) I have come up with a theory: it's not about the mess, it's about the way they hold the pencil. Graphite will give a smooth line through all the twists and turns of letter formation, because the whole sharpened end of the pencil makes a mark no matter what part of it is on the paper, but you have to hold a pen differently because it has a point. still havent located your sard soap SD.