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australiajudy

australiajudy
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 09:15
I already do yoga outside (in the evening) but that's hot enough for me!
australiajudy
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 09:13
I recommend a zinc based sunscreen if such thing exists here in Dubai. i have a years supply with me from Australia. Nothing gets it off! It will still be on my skin after a full day and I have to use soap and a washer to get it off. Australia only allows labelling up to 30+ so this is what we use. I also make my kids ALWAYS wear long sleeve rashies and knee length board shorts.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 07:59
To add...the link you have given is to an American website so all those seats will be tested against the less stringent American standard. The EU/UK standard is more stringent although you will see some seats appear under both standards but under different names.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 07:55
I have a Bubble Bum as a spare. I really like it for this purpose. My nearly 7 year old travels in either an Aus standard full booster (with top tether) or a UK/EU standard isofix booster - the MaxiCosi Ferofix. The Ferofix should see him through to about age 11 or so as the headrest has a lot of room to go upwards. Another really tall booster seat is the Britax Kidfix which will see most children to 145 cm of height. My 3.5 year old still sits in a full harness Aus seat. I haven't let him use the Bubble Bum as I think he is too young and too small. The Bubble Bum isn't legal in Australia (and all half boosters are becoming illegal) so it doesn't solve my summer travel in Australia dilemnas!
australiajudy
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 20:47
To add...we're about to buy our second one. We're forever unplugging and transporting between rooms (we have 3 tvs).
australiajudy
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 20:23
We drink bottled water because I want my kids to be getting flouride. Drinking water is the best way (compared to tablets/drops) because it is delivered in a steady stream over the day.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 20:21
we use it all the time - it's pretty much all we watch. we buy some stuff on itunes and everything else is our old dvd collection (mainly kids stuff) converted to apple format. I know nothing about the technicalities. it works perfectly! only issue is the very small size of the remote and it keeps getting lost. we transfer the box from room to room all the time.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 17:54
I think I might buy a thermometer so see what's happening.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 17:52
I just make it in a saucepan with a lid. about a dessert spoon of whatever oil you prefer, a sprinkle of salt (if you're doing salt) and then in with the popcorn. Lid on and jiggle it around every now and then.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 12:42
Was just thinking because I have mine set at 24 degrees and I'm actually feeling a bit chilled sitting here. I just wanted to walk outside to warm up a bit. Yesterday wandering around inside in a wet bikini (now that's a bad sight so its an inside thing only) and I was freezing.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 11:32
We live on the Palm. Whilst location wise it's a bit out of the way compared to Jumeirah it is amazing for children. Every afternoon my kids go downstairs to play with the other kids in our apartment complex. There's little gangs of all ages and genders. They run around, ride bikes/scooters (sharing is the norm), jump in and out of the pool, buy smoothies from the restaurant (on parents accounts), or buy a snack from the shop, go down to the beach to swim/fish/collect shells/build sandcastles/play games etc. It's kid heaven. Thursday evenings are all about visiting the restaurant with or without a drink whilst the kids play on the lawns.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 09:17
I would think that most 18 months would hate to be put back into a gro bag...I know my 2 would have been horrified at that age. They both slept in full fleece pyjamas with feet in them the winter they were that age. with a singlet and full body length onesie underneath. Never got cold.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 19 May 2012 - 10:46
No - and I have a LOT of Ikea furniture. I had the basic Ikea cot that used to convert to a toddler bed (it isn't available anymore) that lasted 2 kids and was unassembled and reassembled at least 6 times. I sold it in perfect condition before moving to Dubai. Both my kids now have ikea beds. We have heaps of other ikea furniture - cupboards, shelves, computer desk/chair etc. Never any problems whatsover.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 09:16
No advice whatsover sorry. Can share your pain though! My DS1 has gotten up before 6 am for almost 7 years straight now. We've tried everything possible. Although I can see he is sleeping a bit longer now and can make it to 6.30am. We've tried black out curtains, different bed times, a toddler alarm clock, bribery, rewards charts, sending him back to bed etc etc.
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 09:13
My kids did a week camp over the last school holidays. It was very good. The teachers were all of a good standard and I had no hesitation leaving the kids for the hour while I went and had coffee. One hour every morning for 5 days. We did the 10am classes because it's quieter then and my kids are less tired at this time. They are 3 and 6 years old. 3 is really a bit young to ski but I couldn't put the 6 year old in and not the 3 year without a tantrum every morning for the week. 4 is a great age to start and my older son has skied since he was 3 and is now an advanced level 3/4 skier.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 20:33
those tests are notoriously unreliable and not worth the paper they are written on. My SIL had a test that showed she was anaphalactic to seafood - something she was regularly eaten for years without issue! I would take a more reliable method. Keep a food diary and stick to simple meals with limited ingredients for a while to make it easier to link reaction with intake. Ie. just eat one potential allergen a day and see how you go.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 08:33
Having now been here for 4 months this is what I need... - Biozet washing powder (nothing here is the same that I have found). - milo made in Australia - mint stripe colgate total toothpaste (this is hard to find in Australia now too) - basic bonds undies - volleys shoes for the kids - real vanilla extract - cheap long sleeve rashies (from Target or BigW or KMart) I am keeping a list for my trip back to Aus in August. The things that I would love but are too bulky for the suitcase - cartons of stock (you can only get tins here) and weetbix. I also have a list of things to do in Aus when we're there - get 4 year old immunised to Aus schedule and for free, dermatology checkup (history of melanoma). Vegemite is exactly the same here and readily available.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 14:11
only querying the use of the OP's 'has to be done'. I have no problem with a person choosing to do it, but if the OP says she can't bare for it to be done - the reality it does not 'have to be done'.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 13:49
just wondering why it has to be done????? its not necessary for most babies.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 21:41
But will it bleach the colour out of the school logo????
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 21:33
I did that once to DH's white undershirts and socks!!! He had to wear them in light pink until they wore out and he got new ones.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 21:28
no one in this house has pink knickers!!! haha I can be a bit slack and accidently put black ones in but I do try to keep things separate. I am not the best housekeeper!
australiajudy
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Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 21:26
Must admit I love my Dyson. I have a DC22 which is the littlest one with a powerhead sucker thingi. Space was a deciding factor when I bought it in Australia years ago.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 29 April 2012 - 20:44
I lived in Perth for 11 years before we recently moved to Dubai. Perth is expensive in comparison to Dubai. The only thing cheaper is rent...especially if you are happy living a fair way out of the city (which Joondalup is) and so you could easily get a McMansion in one of these northern suburbs for a good price. That's if the mcmansion suits you.....The housing will be mostly new and large but fairly cookie cutter if you know what I mean. I definatley recommend www.realestate.com.au - anywhere around joondalup and on the beach side of the Freeway is fairly reasonable. Other things will be expensive - food, cars, petrol, private health insurance etc. My children went to a public school in Perth and I never even considered a private school - especially for primary. the quality of the primary school will be dependent on the area and you will be usually limited to the school in which zone you live. Although you might get some leeway don't bank on it. Tax is a killer in Aus. Getting your 'package' split into housing, education etc won't make any difference. These add-ons are also taxed. I don't know anyone in Aus who get a 'package' as opposed to an all in lump sum payment which they spend as they choose. This included 'expats' although the use of this term is almost unheard of in Australia. The other issue with Perth is it so isolated and really a bit boring. I craved my annual trip to Melbourne to get a bit of a really amazing city! but the flights are expensive within Australia. Local holidays are also very expensive. People go to Bali for less than going 3 hours south to the winery region. going out to dinner will cost an absolute fortune and the service will be dreadful 90% of the time. As an idea Maccas would cost about double what it costs in Dubai. Joondalup (and those type of newer suburbs) itself will be a bit lacking in great restaurants and stuff. A babysitter or cleaner will cost you big time. My cleaner got paid $25/hour and my 19 year old babysitter $22/hour. The taxi to the pub will also cost at least 4 times what it would cost in Dubai. So beware that simple things like a night at a pub/restaurant will be expensive compared to Dubai. Me personally we always lived inner city, so it cost more but we were close to a cafe strip but obviously cost more and we got less house/land for our money. We only owned one car (for 11 years) and walked/cycled/bus/train places. But if you lived in an outer suburb you would need 2 cars. We could also walk to restaurants/cafes/pubs. But in the outer suburbs it won't be like this. TBH - a single income of $120k is not rich territory in Perth by any means. A truck driver on a mine would earn more than this easy. Perth is boomtown and so there are a lot of people earning a lot of money.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 20:18
would depend what he intends to use it for? if he has a particular sport or hobby where he would like to be able to share the experience or watch over again then it might be suitable. My DH has one and likes it.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 16:49
I used to read Marian Keyes but haven't read one of hers for years. Must see if there is more since I stopped.... I don't read Jodi Piccolt anymore. She annoys me.
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Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 15:36
This is what I posted a week or so on the books forum.....I have read 2 more since! they are added to the bottom Just finished 'Me before You'. Still have tears in my eyes hours later! I could not put this book down. You must read it. Since CHristmas I have read 15 books (got a Kindle for christmas). This is what I have read: 1. The Hunger Games - I didn't particularly like this one. It feels too teen literature to me. Like reading 'Tomorrow, When the War Began' as an adult. A fantastic book for a teenager but not quite the same when you're in your 30's. 2. The Help - a great easy read that was beautiful to read.I have subsequently seen the movie which I also loved. 3. Saving Katya - a short story but pleasant enough 4. The Bridge - another short story and quite enjoyable 5. Chasing Rainbows - I can't even recall what this was about so was obviously totally unmemorable. 6. Chasing China - interesting if a bit farfetched to totally hit it's mark. 7. The Collectibles - I really enjoyed this book. 8. Leaving the Comfort Cafe - unmemorable 9. The Language of Flowers - read this for a bookclub and loved it. so different and beautiful to read. 10. Growing up Amish - I found this too self indulgent and all a bit tedious. But interesting to give insight into this different world. 11. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - interesting and totally different to what I normally read. Recommend if you are looking for somehting a bit unique. 12. Children of the Fog - a good story but not that fantastic. 13. Annie Begins - an easy read but I found it a bit slow and boring. 14. Watch Me Die- this was an intereting book. Lighthearted but serious mixed together. 15. Me Before You - This is the best book I'd read in ages. 16. The Trunk Key - a Kindle short story - an interesting read. Only took about an 50 minutes so read it in one go. 17. Table for Five - I loved and hated this book. It's a beautiful little story and I really enjoyed reading it. But the author just about spoon feeds you the emotional dialogue. there was no thinking required on the readers behalf. And if you didn't understand the first time you got it told to you again and again. But an enjoyable read and I read in one day.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 20 April 2012 - 15:17
Couldn't see any yesterday afternoon. We're on the Palm. There was a guy swimming laps for about an hour and he just had swimmers on so must have been fine.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 21:13
I would recommend speaking to Fiona Coutts. She helped us choose a school (and helped get him in) here in Dubai. She is an education consultant and I had a good experience using her services. Her children are French speaking too!
australiajudy
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Latest post on 16 April 2012 - 20:27
I know my maid (who I get through SMS agency) works for the same family every day after school looking after their 3 children. She also babysits for them into the evening some nights and they just pay for the taxi home for her. Her agency drops her off and picks her up in normal hours. she does 2 mornings a week for me and I assume other mornings for other people.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 15:51
Just finished 'Me before You'. Still have tears in my eyes hours later! Since CHristmas I have read 15 books (got a Kindle for christmas). This is what I have read: 1. The Hunger Games - I didn't particularly like this one. It feels too teen literature to me. Like reading 'Tomorrow, When the War Began' as an adult. A fantastic book for a teenager but not quite the same when you're in your 30's. 2. The Help - a great easy read that was beautiful to read.I have subsequently seen the movie which I also loved. 3. Saving Katya - a short story but pleasant enough 4. The Bridge - another short story and quite enjoyable 5. Chasing Rainbows - I can't even recall what this was about so was obviously totally unmemorable. 6. Chasing China - interesting if a bit farfetched to totally hit it's mark. 7. The Collectibles - I really enjoyed this book. 8. Leaving the Comfort Cafe - unmemorable 9. The Language of Flowers - read this for a bookclub and loved it. so different and beautiful to read. 10. Growing up Amish - I found this too self indulgent and all a bit tedious. But interesting to give insight into this different world. 11. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - interesting and totally different to what I normally read. Recommend if you are looking for somehting a bit unique. 12. Children of the Fog - a good story but not that fantastic. 13. Annie Begins - an easy read but I found it a bit slow and boring. 14. Watch Me Die- this was an intereting book. Lighthearted but serious mixed together. 15. Me Before You - This is the best book I'd read in ages.
australiajudy
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Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 11:48
I am doing my MBA externally through the University of New England (UNE) in Australia. I live in Dubai. I am an Australian though... Just doing 1 subject this term but probably do 2 next time round - if I pass this subject which seems to be the hardest of all the MBA subjects (according to other students on the forums). UNE is set up very well for external students. I get my lectures via podcast, textbook on my ipad and all assignments are done online submission. There is also an active forum for students. I am doing my exam here in Dubai.
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 18:23
Isofix has metal 'teeth' for a better word. See this website page. http://www.wak-tt.com/mods/ISOFIX.htm Latch has a seatbelt kind of system that loops through the seat and then anchors to the points in the car. http://www.walmart.com/cp/LATCH-Car-Seats/538404#34447
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 13:47
I was so excited to be able to choose a seat of any standard when we moved to Dubai!!!! After 6 years of being confined to the backwards Australian standard I got to do quite a bit of research and choose what I wanted from anywhere in the world. I just got a MAxiCosi Ferofix booster which would have been illegal in Aus so was very happy. But it was for a 6 year old not a baby. You mainly get UK and US seats here in Dubai - there is quite a good selection if you look around. But for a newborn I believe that the EU standard with a rigid connection to the car (ISOFIX) is the best. The US system called LATCH uses a flexible attachment to the same anchor points in the car. Make sure your Dubai car has isofix points before you buy one! The main benefit of US seats is that some of them allow you to keep you child in a full harness to a higher weight. For example there is a seat called a Sunshine Kids Radian that has a harness that goes very high and another one called a Britax Frontier. I am considering these types of seats for my 3.5 year old but for now he's way under 18kg so I can keep in a harness for an EU/UK or Australian seat. But under 18kg I would stick with an isofix seat (ie. an EU or UK standard). Or be daring and go Swedish - which wasn't an option for me as my youngest is already 3.5 yrs old and been forward facing for 2 years as the Australian system doesn't allow extended rearfacing and I wasn't willing to turn him back again. HAd he never have known any different....
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 08:31
For a newborn you can choose between a capsule or a rear facing convertible seat. Then you have other choices like isofix, latch, seatbelt installation, base or no base. What you get will depend on the standard it conforms to - ie. USA, UK, EU, Australia etc. If I had lived in Dubai at the time when my kids were newborn I would have got a Maxi Cosi seat with an isofix base. Either the Pebble or the Cabriofix seats which go up to 13kg. These click into a number of prams so you can get baby out without waking them. My preference of the 2 is the Cabriofix seat. Like this one http://www.maxi-cosi.co.uk/gb-en/products/car-seats/baby/cabriofix.aspx You should aim to keep your baby rearfacing as long as possible as this is much safer than turning to forward facing. 12 months is a real minimum. But for example in Sweden they require rearfacing to 4 years of age and their statistics are amazing compared to other countries. Their rearfacing seats are quite different to the capsules that the rest of the world sells. I have seen some people using swedish seats in Dubai. I would also check buying on the internet and having it shipped. I recently got a booster for my 6 year old shipped from this site Babycare.nl for 400 AED less than I could get it locally in Dubai. I would definitely choose a European seat and isofix. Firstly because the European/British testing regime is more stringent than the US one (better side impact testing). And secondly because isofix has been repeatedly been shown to be more failsafe to install and performs better in side impacts than a seat installed with either the American Latch system or the seatbelt method (like they use in Australia). HOpe this helps and not confuses.
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Latest post on 07 April 2012 - 19:51
Did you see the Lorax in 3D or 2D? I have a 6 year old who hates 3D movies......but we would like to see this one.
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 14:28
It really is about weighing up what's possible! I find it's a good option when nothing else works. Nothing like this exists in australia as it wouldn't pass teh standard...but it's hardly possible to lug a full carseat everywhere. Even for me and I am a carseat nerd! I just got a seat from Europe that I am happy with)
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 14:24
Anything from Ikea you know you will want....get it here if it fits in the container. It's up to 40% more for the same stuff in Aus. Only thing to note is the beds aren't the same size. I have 2 Ikea loft beds (the blue ones that turn upside down for when they're older), one from Aus and one from Dubai. They are 10 cm different in length!
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 11:41
Quick query on DEWA billing...How often do you get billed. We moved into our apartment nearly 2 months ago but have not received a bill. We've had 2 cooling bills to date but no DEWA. SHould I start worrying they're going to cut the power?
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 11:30
I've had 2 babies in Australia and both were delivered entirely by midwives. Including my first DS who was born at 36 weeks and only 2kg (4 pd 5oz). A paed was told to wait outside until he was born! but no obstetrician. Best way to deliver! Of course the doctor gets called in the US - that's how they make money! You should watch 'The Business of Being Born' which shows how it works in the US and dare I say the UAE too.
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 11:18
I have one and use it with my 6 year old (or more commonly his school friends). He usually travels in a full booster. I have a 3 year and I have never let him use it. I am even very very reluctant to let him travel in a full backed booster (and I have one of the best in the world - my opinion after extensive research). He will be in a full five point harness until he is 5 years old. That said - recently we went to Europe and he travelled in a full backed booster because that is what the company who did our transfers had installed. And we regularly travel in taxis with nothing whatsover. I would weigh up all the options and if there is no other option available then maybe it would be better than nothing. It will also depend where you are travelling. In many countries - Australia, UK etc. it wouldn't meet the requirements of the law for a 3 year old.
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Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 20:01
Just remember that July/August is winter in Australia. Sydney could be quite cold. And though not freezing the GC won't really be beach going weather. The further north you go the better the winter conditions if you're looking for swimming/beach weather. Cairns/North Qld is great in winter - no stingers in the water and fairly mild weather. You must go to the Barrier Reef for a day - on a good day it can be amazing. You can go out from the Whitsundays or from Cairns.
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Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 07:26
You may struggle to get a 4 bedroom apartment. They do exist but 1/2/3 is the norm. I know the 4 bedders in our building are all penthouses and go for 400,000 AED. I am quite happy with the apartment living at the moment. no lawn or yard to look after which after 5 years of renovating, a pool and a lawn is almost as good as a holiday! Our apartment is very soundproof (thank goodness as we have a 3 and 6 yr old). we very occasionally here chair scraping above but only if it's really quiet like when we're going to sleep in the evening. it wouldn't wake you up. Other apartments are renowned for not being so great. I know Shoreline on the Palm gets a lot of complaints about thin walls. The apartment we stayed in temporarily (also on Palm) had no noise issues either. With regard to your other post on uni student in Aus. I would take the best of both worlds. leave him as an Australian resident for tax purposes - essentially more than 6 months a year in Australia. And get him Dubai residency which works a bit differently in that you can't leave for more than 6 months straight. He probably wouldn't want to work here in Dubai but you may find after a year he might want to spend more and more time in Australia - especially if he has a part time job and a good social life (which lots of uni students do). He will continue to have Medicare then but will obviously have to pay tax in Aus. It would be near impossible to forego Australian residency if you were studying in Australia. There is stuff on the ato.gov.au website about whether you are considered an aus resident for tax purposes. For you and DH you would definatley want to be a Dubai Resident and become an Australian non-resident. This works best for tax.
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 16:59
Your budget for housing is about right in those 2 areas. We narrowed it down to Downtown or the Palm in the end. Downtown is nice (the old town bit is lovely) but it's not all finished. Even the first bits of downtown have a lot of construction around them. In the end we couldn't find an affordable 3 bedroom apartment that had a living space that would be good with 2 kids. But if you are kidless they might be more suitable. If you can get an apartment in Old Town you would be lucky. We couldn't find one in time to move. Hey you could live in Burj Khalifa! I would love to live in an area like that if we didn't have kids. Maids rooms might work as a study. Might not.... in our Palm apartment we have a room marketed as a Maids Room. It's really an internal shoebox with a washing machine in it. I would hate it to be my study! In some apartments they don't even have proper airconditioning. Most apartments we saw had an internal maids room without windows. Marina has a big variety and a bit variance in price and quality. My understanding is the best buildings in Marina are the original Emaar '6'. Yes going out is fairly cheap. There is obviously a lot of high end food, but there is also so much middle/cheap stuff which doesn't really exist in Perth. As an example - a bad one I know - but a kids happy meal at MAccas costs 10 AED. Just over $2.50! We get an indian curry delivery regularly that costs us $30, which is the same order we got in Perth but at $70. We are creatures of habit and my boys only eat one indian curry (butter chicken).
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 15:10
Oh - i misunderstood - you are moving from Perth to Dubai.... We did this recently. Some things are a lot cheaper in Dubai...Rent is a real killer. The housing quality is way behind what you will find in Perth for a similar price. Our lovely house in Perth with private pool and lovely backyard, fully renovated to a high standard rents around $700 a week (we rent it to friends for less by choice but this is market value). On a beautiful inner city block of 700 sqm. Which equates to about 140,000 AED a year. For that price in Dubai you will not be getting anything near the same standard of housing. We pay 230,000 AED a year for a 3 bedroom apartment on the Palm. Yes it's lovely but not even a look in compared to our Aussie house. We looked at many villas in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim and the quality is very poor on the whole. Eating out is SO much cheaper here in Dubai. We went out to a family type italian place last night. for 2 adults and 2 children with drinks (not alcohol) it was $40 Aus dollars. and help is cheap as is getting stuff delivered! The biggest money issue for us was that at the least for a while I can't really work. Whereas in Australia my husband worked full time and I worked 0.8. I will see if I can get a job later in the year.
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 11:46
some things are more expensive and some less expensive. it will also depend on where you live. being in Perth/Sydney/Melbourne will be more than other locations. More expensive: Cars, petrol, childcare, home help, restaurants and home delivery food. flying anywhere in the world. local holidays. private health insurance if you company doesn't pay it and the government forces you to get it. Less expensive; rent can be cheaper depending on where you are. some foods, schooling if you go to a public school as then it's generally free. going to bali. About the same: utilities, most food, clothes oh then there's that lovely thing called TAX.... The Aussie dollar is very valuable at the moment and it's unlikely to stay that way forever (it's been very high over the last year compared to the last 30 years). Okay for us earning in AED/US and transferring it home to Aus to pay the mortgage/save for long term when it falls. (and that we negotiated salary at a high point in the dollar) Bad for expats living in Aus who want to transfer it elsewhere in the future. I would be very mindful of this when negotiating an Aussie salary if I had bills elsewhere in the world.
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 11:38
I also recommend Earlybird.ae so easy to order on the internet. we get a regular delivery every second week including all the heavy drinks/juice/softdrink I don't want to lug from the car to the door (in apartment). I have had no problems. I just leave the money in an envelope with the empty bottles and all sorted.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2012 - 08:58
I had an Iphone 3S and just got a 4S. Didn't even consider anything else. The very abused 3S survived well over 2 years. which is a miracle as I have a 3 year old who would have dropped the poor thing about 100 times. I do have a cover that goes partly over the front (not the touch screen bit) and it would break off when it was dropped and i would just put it back together. Towards the end it was becoming a bit temperamental but it owed me nothing. I really wanted facetime so mine is an Australian iphone. I ordered it online via our itunes account, had it sent to a local address and they sent it to me. then just went to etisalat and got a micro sim (was 25 aed) and then it worked. If you want facetime you obviously need to get one from something other than the UAE. I find facetime works better than skype. we do use both but now my parents have a an ipad i find this better for us. We operate an australian itunes account with an australian credit card. not sure if this is necessary but we do anyways. We have 2 iphones, 2 ipads, 1 ipod, apple tv......and hopefully today will be buying a new apple airport. next computer will be a mac! My mum has a samsung (her first smartphone) and she is switching to an iphone in december when it's out of contract. <em>edited by australiajudy on 31/03/2012</em>
australiajudy
391
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 March 2012 - 14:56
I have a son at JPS. I have no great issues with the school except 1. the dreadful uniform - the tie and white shirt are doing my head in. DS hates wearing the tie and my laundry skills aren't up to a white shirt! (okay that was the petty dislike)... 2. it's got fairly large classes (27 kids from year 1), which in itself isn't bad but it means you have a higher chance of a couple of naughty kids which DS's class has ended up with. On the plus there is a teacher aid in each class until end year 2. 3. the school is HUGE. 7 classes per year group. It means that for sports teams etc, my less than amazing athletic DS has little chance of being on school teams. It also seems to be able to get lost in the system a bit. On the plus. 1. it's academic standards are high, which suits my DS as he is bright and fairly nerdy. 2. they do lots of school things like theatre, after school activities, excursions, etc. etc. 3. the teacher quality is high, although like every school you will ever go to anywhere in the world there will be amazing ones and some that you think less of. We didn't get any choice in schooling due to when we arrived in Dubai. We were lucky that JPS just happened to have a spot at the right time that we got here. and TBH is wasn't on my original list of schools. My personal preference would have been a smaller, more community feel school. but that's just me.
australiajudy
391
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 March 2012 - 14:41
I just got a new Iphone from Australia. I ordered it from the apple shop (we have an Aus itunes account) and had it sent to my parents. then they posted it to me. took 7 days including both lots of shipping! If you want facetime it needs to come from somewhere else. The 4g on the ipads will be the same everywhere but not all countries are compatible. There is a lawsuit going on in Australia as the 4G on the ipad doesn't work on the Aus 4G network. Australia probably not the best place in the world to buy...due to very strong aus dollar and everything seems to cost more there. But we have Aussie dollars and it's easy for us.
 
 
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