Asti | ExpatWoman.com
 

Asti

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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 15:11
Everybody in Dubai uses aircon and our children are just fine.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 15:09
7Days are reporting 8.2 magnitude earthquake
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 15:06
I was watching a ghost movie on my laptop when everything around me started shaking! Thought I was losing my mind until I checked FB and saw there were tremors in Dubai. So scared now. I dont have a backup plan if something stronger comes.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 11:34
I would take DBS if I were you.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 11:32
Try homeschooling for this term until you get the school you like. K12 academy can help with homeschooling. This term is only 2 months long anyways. He will be able to catch up on lost lessons.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 11:26
You would lose your deposit and this months term fees if you remove you child now. Most nurseries want a full terms notice/2months notice before you can remove your child. However if your leaving the country and your bank account is closed I dont think they will be able to cash the cheques anyways.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 10:28
I feel much the same way. Mine is really good. Although there was one year when I bought him a BBQ and iPod for his birthday. He bought me what I thought was Clinique body wash, turns out it was a Clinique bar of soap. Since then he's been very generous and I've had to tell him to stop with the Jewelery. I'd rather we go on a vacation than spend money on frivolous things. I'm very lucky to have a great guy. My only issue is the snoring! I could cry at night sometimes because I'm so tired. I do not want to sleep in seperate rooms but sadly we seem to be heading that way. It breaks my heart!! My husband snores when he is super tired and I send him packing to the spare room. Otherwise I will be a grumpy cow in the morning and that is not good. We are both happy with this arrangement as he can snore as loud as he wants and I get my sleep. Lol!
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 10:25
You will not survive if you dont switch on the aircon here in summer. You can buy an air purifier if you are worried about the quality of the air from the airconditioning unit but trust me this is just the start. It gets so much more hotter and the humidity will be way higher.
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 10:11
Apparently "he didn't know what to get me" for my bday. Mothers day he forgot. But then at Easter, I dropped many hints and got flowers and an abundance of chocolate. Men are just cr@p aren't they. Join the club. Been a mother for 5 years and he has never remembered mothers day at all. :(
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 10:07
Thanks! Just read that rugby season in Dubai is September to April so I guess we missed it. Will enroll him next time season then. :)
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Latest post on 16 April 2013 - 09:34
Where do they give rugby/tag rugby lessons for kids in Dubai? My son is interested but I cant seem to find a place that offers lessons.
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Latest post on 15 April 2013 - 18:20
Check the website www.glassdoor.com They have reviews of companies and average salaries for that company etc.
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 18:38
Drive to deira. Every supermarket or discount store has loads of them.
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 18:36
Of course you have rights in Dubai as a customer, you just need to know who to call if you feel your rights are not given. Every shop has a sign with the website of Consumer Protection. I had a problem with a travel agent who didn't inform me my ticket was non refundable, which I found out when I was trying to cancel. I got my money back after some arguing and threatening with Dubai Tourism Board (Who took on my case but it already got solved). Really as consumers we need to know our rights, and not allow businesses to get away with cheating us. Just call Consumer Protection and see what they say. Sometimes you don't even need to call them. Twice I have had the problem that the price on the item is different to the amount that comes up on the till. I have the taken my phone from my handbag, asked for the number for Consumer Protection and have instantly been given the price on the item. I didn't even need to dial. Boots does that a lot. Discounted price advertised in shop and then at the cashier the original price is shown and the cashier just shrugs their shoulders. :(
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 18:30
Ikea sells leather cleaners/polish/conditioners. Just ask them if you cant find it. Its in the same section where the couches are. <em>edited by Asti on 14/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 14 April 2013 - 16:38
Skype credit,cash and a shorter working day :)
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Latest post on 13 April 2013 - 16:50
You can buy from this online shop in Dubai and have it delivered to your front door. http://shop.turningpointeuae.com/
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Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 22:24
There is no cure for rosacea. All the doctors will tell you the same thing and its true.
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Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 21:34
Try South Africa. http://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/Pages/default.aspx You can do a day trip for a safari from this resort as well as enjoy all the amenities the hotel and casino has to offer.
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Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 15:19
Jumeira beach park has a beach and entry to park is dhs5. Bring your own drinks and food of course.
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Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 15:16
27 in a class?! Wow! That is a lot.
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Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 13:37
If the school was bad then you would see it all over EW. Since nothing has been written then it means its all smooth sailing. Trust me. These ladies will complain if something is not up to standard! Lol!
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Latest post on 12 April 2013 - 13:17
http://www.emirates247.com/reem-villas-for-less-than-dh1m-2013-04-08-1.501806 seems like people are already queing.... http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/hundreds-queue-up-at-emaar-office-since-thursday-for-dubai-villa-launch-on-saturday-2013-04-12-1.502326 <em>edited by Asti on 12/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 20:05
If you do online, how do you get around the three observations in the workplace you're required to complete? Its says on the page you must complete 360 hours in a preschool setting before you will be awarded with a diploma (in addition to your online studies). http://www.nec.ac.uk/courses/product?product_id=820&category_id=4920
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 12:46
Bands in Dubai are usually contracted to hotel bars and lounges and cant do freelance work legally.
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 12:43
I do not think now is a good time to buy. Europe may be entering the double -dip recession in the next 6-12 months. Things are NOT good and the UAE and subsequently the real estate prices will be affected. Best to rent for another year and see what the market does. Interesting...why another recession on the horizon? it's pretty simple, consumption is low, taxes are high..ppl are not spending..and manufacturing is slowing down. with en mass goods sitting in storage..this crisis is going to be generational thing...it is not going anywhere any time soon.Bubbles will continue to burst.Everyone will be affected. we avoided biggest crisis since great depression...but in order to avert the consequences, governments are easing the effects...as much as humanly is possible...Look at the Cyprus....bank run is lurking all over EU.Media did not publicise what has happened in Romania last week or so...bank of Cyprus close the branches there..ppl were trying to get their money out as fast as they could... New report on Slovenia is out, not looking great...Germans debt to GDP ratio is like 80 %... edited by Goose on 11/04/2013 Wow! Didnt know things were that bad. I dont keep up with the news at all. Thanks.
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 12:15
I do not think now is a good time to buy. Europe may be entering the double -dip recession in the next 6-12 months. Things are NOT good and the UAE and subsequently the real estate prices will be affected. Best to rent for another year and see what the market does. Interesting...why another recession on the horizon? They have been talking about it for months now. The European Parlimentary elections will be telling re the Eurozone. Good to know. Was planning on buying property in my home country but will wait now in hopes that prices will fall more later on.
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 10:59
Just returned from a Singapore holiday. Wanted to cry on the flight back. It was so nice to be there. Everything is so efficient.
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Latest post on 11 April 2013 - 10:53
I do not think now is a good time to buy. Europe may be entering the double -dip recession in the next 6-12 months. Things are NOT good and the UAE and subsequently the real estate prices will be affected. Best to rent for another year and see what the market does. Interesting...why another recession on the horizon?
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Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 09:40
Xanax. Lol!
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Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 09:39
I have to disagree Muurtje regarding electrical appliances. The range and quality in SA is way better than here in Dubai. The prices are the same as Dubai. In fact most expats in SA would tell you to buy your electrical appliances there as you can get very good deals on brands. Electricity is expensive in SA so adding adaptors and converters to your setup will run up unnecessary costs too. A tumble dryer is defnitely useful for the winter as mentioned as its rainy during June,July and August when its winter there.
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Latest post on 09 April 2013 - 09:31
Grand Hyatt hotel has an indoor pool and offer swim lessons for kids however they ask dhs90 per lesson! We pay AED 65 for classes that are outdoors and in classes of 4 so AED 90 would be good if it is one on one classes. Thats the price for group classes. Not one-on-one. That costs Dhs150 per lesson. <em>edited by Asti on 09/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 13:46
You can use the same cellphone. Just buy a sim card at Pick and Pay (take your passport along for registration) or Clicks as they have good prices. Its super cheap. Vodacom,Cell C and MTN are the main providers. Laundry you hang outside. It dries quickly. Houses you pay a deposit and one month rental in advance (I'm a landlord). You can pay monthly at a set date into the landlords bank account. They will do a credit history check on you first before you are accepted. On FB type Expat Cape Town. Its a group of expats who are new and some already settled asking questions and helping out and meeting up ;)
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Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 10:38
One that isnt overly expensive and gets the job done well please.
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Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 10:36
Grand Hyatt hotel has an indoor pool and offer swim lessons for kids however they ask dhs90 per lesson!
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Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 10:33
You can buy mini pizzas. All kids love those. Most arabic restaurants make them too if you want to buy. You can order it for home delivery.
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Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 10:06
Hi all, This is my first post but I usually search on the forum when I have Dubai questions, ie hair stylist, best brunch, etc. However, I need help from you lovely people who have already helped me so much over the years. I have just been informed by my DH that we are looking at a move to Cape Town by June/July. I have so many questions but I will try to keep it as brief as possible. We are American and have been in Dubai for 4 years. I have a soon-to-be 3 yr old and a 13 month old. How safe is it for a mom distracted with 2 small kids to do outings on her own? Where are the best places to live? DH will be at the airport for work but his greatest concern is our safety, not commute. Any recommendations for nurseries? Agencies for maids? (We won't need a live in, just PT.) Are there any forums? Websites for mom meet ups? Best place to bank? Will we need direct deposit to get loans? Any other useful info for moving to CPT? I've read quite a bit already but I need more info. My DH is in CPT now for a few weeks. He will go back and forth until the move. He's taking some time to look at different areas. Any in put is greatly appreciated. The American schools in Cape Town are very good. Most nurseries in Cape Town are very good too. Its a very family and child orientated city and unlike Dubai most of it is free. You will love it there. Southern suburbs (Newlands,Bishops,Constantia,Rondebosch etc.) are where most expats live but a lot are also now living in the Blouberg area however there are no American schools in that area currenlty just one British school. Hout Bay area is also near a good IB school. Depends where your husband will work really. Good luck. You will love it. http://www.capetownkids.co.za/ http://www.houtbay.iesedu.com/# http://www.aisct.org/ edited by Asti on 08/04/2013 <em>edited by Asti on 08/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 09:57
Check Lime Tree. They have bite size snacks. Also have vegetarian options.
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Latest post on 08 April 2013 - 09:54
Ombre (dip dye hair) your hair with dark blonde (light brown) on top and blonde at the ends. That way you will still look fashionable but can grow out your highlights without looking homeless. Dont go to just any hairdresser for ombre as it is an art to do it correctly but when its done right it looks lovely.There is also loads of tutorials on youtube on how to do it but I would rather go to a hairdresser if I were you. http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/beauty-and-hair/celebrity/hair/2010/09/celebrity-two-tone-hair
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Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 12:07
freelance chef for hire, for boating people.....just an idea! Isnt a a cook and a chef are two very different things? A chef graduated from a culinary school and a cook is someone who might of worked in a kitchen and can cook nice?
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Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 11:54
a lot of nurseries offer FS2 as well. you can also homeschool via K12 academy. I'm sure you will get a place. Most schools are finalizing their lists if they havent already and you should be informed any day now. Nurseries are not allowed to offer FS2! It's only "early learning centers" and Kindergarten that might offer these, and there are only very few in Dubai. KIndergarten and Nursery is the same thing.
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Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 11:52
Dubai Ladies Club in Jumeira. Only ladies and children can enter. Its located close to Jumeira Beach Park. You can pay for a daypass to use their pool and facilities if your not a member. http://www.dubailadiesclub.com/en/
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Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 11:45
I use IT Chase. They are on the second floor. Turn right after going up the escalator and you will see them. Have used them for many years and they are good and reasonable with prices.
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 19:01
You mentioned you worked at learning centres....The Sylvan learning centre is looking for tutors. Might be worth a try. http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/albarsha/careers.cfm
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 15:42
You can apply for a job or give your resume in at international schools. American and British schools prefer to have teachers of that nationality usually. Not speaking English for your child is not a problem. Many international schools here in Dubai deal with this and have language support for children who do not speak English. Lots of children come to Dubai not speaking any English and they learn it very fast at school.
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 12:13
Of course you can transfer. Its not a problem. It only becomes a bit of an issue if they are in secondary school but even then its possible. Primary school transfers are the easiest as they are all still learning the basics.
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Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 12:11
a lot of nurseries offer FS2 as well. you can also homeschool via K12 academy. I'm sure you will get a place. Most schools are finalizing their lists if they havent already and you should be informed any day now.
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Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 15:08
I have 1 friend here that is all :-( Thats one more than me. But I'm okay with it. ;)
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Latest post on 21 March 2013 - 14:57
We are all just acquaintances....but I'm jaded. Lol! 13 years and counting. Real friends lefts many years ago. <em>edited by Asti on 21/03/2013</em>
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Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 15:28
So i walked past a teenager in school uniform this morning (7 am) and he stunk; and i mean eye-watering BO.... do parents no longer wash their children or put them in clean clothes? At certain schools in Dubai the children generally look as if they havent seen a bath or a comb in quite some time! Lol!