BessTruman | ExpatWoman.com
 

BessTruman

BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 19:09
Nice that the mods deleted my response to Marroosh in which I encourage people to write to the companies responsible for housing human beings in inhumane conditions ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 17:56
Craftland does sewing classes. www.mycraftland.com/ This also looks cool: http://dubaiindesign.wordpress.com/behind-the-scenes/courses/ There are all sorts of cooking classes around. And DIAC has fab courses of all types.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 15:46
We're travelling to Berlin this summer with our children ... does anyone have any recommendations of best things to do with them? TIA
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 13:15
Mini Monsters usually lets you eat in a separate room. Last year, Favorite Things had a cafe where food was served during Ramadan.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 07:49
Printer, some sort of memory card reader thing (which they recommended), arm bands for swimming ... all not working. Printer not returnable because I opened it and tried to use it before finding out that it doesn't work ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 07:42
We are all fasting yet daily we get gifts of food...... So far we have had 2 boxes of dates and 1 of turkish delight delivered at work - only day 2 :) I'll take the Turkish delight! I always gain weight during Ramadan out of solidarity with the fasters ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 07:40
Complete scam. http://www.devicewatch.org/reports/kinoki.shtml The question you should ask yourself is detox from what? Precisely what toxins are you trying to rid your body of and why? In any case, putting some pad on your foot and hoping that you will miraculously lose weight or have better skin or feel more energetic is simply ridiculous.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2014 - 10:40
Has anyone been allergey tested? was it worth it? was it all pseudoscience? Mr Dr has referred me to an allergist for blood allergy testing and would like some feedback as this has a pretty hefty bill and am not sure insurance will cover it. Thanks. My insurance covered it - BUPA, & I do think it was useful as I found out I had food allergies! Everyone always comes back with food allergies! My friend came back with a list so long she would literally have to be living on carrots if she avoided all those foods. I've never heard of anyone come back and say, not allergic to anything. I think it's pseudoscience ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2014 - 10:29
And I'm sure it will be non-refundable since I opened it and tried to see if it would work, silly me.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2014 - 10:20
Why don't you look at a school near knowledge Village, like Kings, Star or Raffles? There is also the new Safa school straight up Umm Suqueim. Its certainly closer than DESS.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2014 - 14:05
We will, just came out this morning. But in the US, they would contact us if we are included in the recall ... not sure I trust them to even know about the recall. The salesman didn't know when I asked him about it before we bought :)
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 18:27
I was just wondering the same thing ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 17:18
And now Borders has closed at Mall of the Emirates? What *is* the world coming to?
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 14:16
Hi My children aged 4 & 6 have been offered a place at the new Safa Community School. Does anyone know if this is likely to be a good school to enrol them in? We have to confirm the places by Sunday! Myself and the children will not be moving out to Dubai until christmas because I am expecting my third baby in November and my husbands medical insurance doesn't cover me for maternity care. The school will hold the places if we pay the terms fees minus 20%. If you are not moving until Christmas, you will have plenty of options to choose from. There are so many new schools - including Kings, Nord Anglia and the new Safa school within a few blocks - that I would opt not to reserve a space and wait until you arrive.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2014 - 14:04
I see all of this as a decline in society - people as a whole no longer feel empowered to say something or stop something that they see happening that is wrong... Society as a whole should feel able to stand up to a thug attacking a woman or to a reprimand a naughty child..... (i know that they are not the same thing) Nah, it's been going on since we were all monkeys and one celled blobs. People are for the most part just animals ... I personally think we've come a long way and the outrage people feel is a sign of improvement.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 17:33
Yes, they are all good, but you see the problem here: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/03/22/vietnam_kids_google_interview_pass/ Our kids are learning by playing games which is good and all but coding is going to be like reading and writing in a few years - extremely important and there will be a huge divide between people who can code and people who can't. Meanwhile my son will play on scratch or hopscotch or one of the software games for a few minutes and then get bored.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 17:26
Female Libyan scholar killed in front of her house. Baby bear cub killed and stuffed at zoo. What is wrong with people?
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 13:47
Diet?
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 13:35
She's been keeping him home with no teaching or support for five years? Why does she want to have him taught now? Is that legal? <em>edited by BessTruman on 26/06/2014</em>
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 12:11
Then get out while you can. But before you make it official, start going out. Meet some new people. Get your confidence back. See that there are other interesting fish in the sea. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Remember, relationships are like habits. Hard to break but frequently worth it.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 12:07
Do you have kids?
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 12:05
Most schools (British curric anyway) teach it, but there are lots of websites and tutorials. Depending on the age of the kids, try searching Hour of Code, Codecademy, Khan Academy or Python tutorials. There are loads of resources out there. Thanks, I know there are resources and our school teaches Scratch. But having started out programming in Basic myself back when computers brand new, I really want my children to learn the languages of coding. And those apps are nice but my kids have done them and need something more ... In the states "coding for kids' is a great after school activity. Wish we had it here ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 11:51
Just because employees live in staff accommodation, does not mean they need hand outs. :O oh the Dubai bubble.... Have you ever thought about how little income this people have? The debts they have gotten themselves into to come here and try to provide their families with a better future? And you reckon a few old shoes is going to change that? Plus, making the workers into charity cases doesn't solve the problem. You need to put pressure on the companies to pay them a decent minimum wage. And how do you think you can do that? The same way you change any laws, by using the media, civil society, international actors and influential policy makers to put pressure on the government. Write to your government and ask them to bring it up with the government of the UAE. Educate yourself about whose workers are living in the worst conditions and then write to the heads of those companies. Start an online campaign. You'd be surprised at the laws that have been changed around the world by people actually taking proactive steps to raise awareness. Maybe not the immediate feel-good, I dropped some clothes off to some needy men, but in the end much more useful. You might be aware of the fact that we have no say or influence in laws here. And if you would have paid attention the past few years you would have seen many changes have been made, and not by pressure from some actor. It changes because people here also can think. By the way, there are laws that protect for example domestic workers rights. Rights you didn't find necessary. What do you mean rights I don't find necessary Marroosh? And in fact *all* laws are made with pressure from some actor. And look at all the success Buckle Up In The Back is having. I remember when she first moved here and came on here with the idea ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 11:48
Thanks Londia but I meant coding like for computers :)
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 11:40
Does anyone know anyone who teaches it? Not just the Scratch app but proper coding?
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 11:32
Just because employees live in staff accommodation, does not mean they need hand outs. :O oh the Dubai bubble.... Have you ever thought about how little income this people have? The debts they have gotten themselves into to come here and try to provide their families with a better future? And you reckon a few old shoes is going to change that? Plus, making the workers into charity cases doesn't solve the problem. You need to put pressure on the companies to pay them a decent minimum wage. And how do you think you can do that? The same way you change any laws, by using the media, civil society, international actors and influential policy makers to put pressure on the government. Write to your government and ask them to bring it up with the government of the UAE. Educate yourself about whose workers are living in the worst conditions and then write to the heads of those companies. Start an online campaign. You'd be surprised at the laws that have been changed around the world by people actually taking proactive steps to raise awareness. Maybe not the immediate feel-good, I dropped some clothes off to some needy men, but in the end much more useful.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 11:20
Just because employees live in staff accommodation, does not mean they need hand outs. :O oh the Dubai bubble.... Have you ever thought about how little income this people have? The debts they have gotten themselves into to come here and try to provide their families with a better future? And you reckon a few old shoes is going to change that? Plus, making the workers into charity cases doesn't solve the problem. You need to put pressure on the companies to pay them a decent minimum wage.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 10:05
Don't know about the canal works, but DESS is a much better school anyways ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 07:47
I'm actually not sure at all why you would want to do this. You are likely to start fights among the men over the best boots or whatever and it's possible it won't end the way you expect at all. Just don't go out there expecting them to fall at your feet in gratitude. There is a reason we all don't pop over to the labour camp with our castoffs whenever we feel like it. It has to be done properly or it won't end well for anyone.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 13:05
What about her privacy? What about the fact that she needs a job and any job is better than no job and she wouldn't have any privacy if she went back to her home country anyways? And no one worried about my privacy when I was in the Army and bunked up with 49 other people. No one complained that my human rights were being violated ... you were bunked up with your equals, your colleagues, your comrades.... not sharing wiht your boss' children..... You probably didn't get yourself into debt to take this job which was sold to you with different terms, not in a position to complain or resign.... I was bunked up with a bunch of ex-drug dealers from Chicago who wanted to beat the **** out of me from day one and told me so ... But I knew what the job entailed and so did the maid. Most maids come expecting the worst. Have any of you seen how maids live in other parts of the middle east? My maid in Jordan lived in someone's kitchen for two years before we hired her. Worked all day in the store, then cleaned all night. And she supported her family on it for $150 usd a month.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 13:00
What about her privacy? What about the fact that she needs a job and any job is better than no job and she wouldn't have any privacy if she went back to her home country anyways? And no one worried about my privacy when I was in the Army and bunked up with 49 other people. No one complained that my human rights were being violated ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 11:12
Now this is a proper, respectable EW topic. No cats or politics.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 10:22
No, apparently it's really bad to use the top load detergent if you have a front loader. That's from one of their sales people, though, so nothing really scientific about it ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 07:47
Dead match. They have to play all three other teams in their division, but they've lost the first two so they are out.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 07:22
Ooh what happened Mrs Truman? Well, we agreed to meet in Jumeirah. He called me just before we were supposed to meet and changed the location to a gate at Safa park! Now I know there are places like the Archive at Safa and restaurants across from it, so I didn't take much notice. But when I got there, there was no obvious cafe. Then he gives me this sob story about his car having broken down and could I give him a lift to Sharjah and we could practice on the way? And in one of those "sleepwalking to your doom" kind of moments, I said ok - he was a tiny little man and I didn't get any weird vibes from him. Anyways, after about 30 minutes of driving - and he couldn't teach Arabic to save his life although he spoke it - I finally realized how foolish I'd been and he and I agreed he would get out on the side of the road and hail a taxi!!! And then he called for weeks after asking when I'd like to schedule my next lesson. <em>edited by BessTruman on 24/06/2014</em>
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 10:10
Go to intersport in Times Square. And Go Sport has closed at MOE.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 10:02
Leaving! I wonder how many of you who are staying have small children. I used to love Ramadan and fasting before I had kids. Now there is nothing worse IMHO than having to look after the kids in the heat and not even being able to have a cup of coffee! A lot of ladies who have small children are here for all or some of Ramadan. I've done about six Ramadans here with little ones and it's fine. Play areas open as usual but lovely and quiet, coffee before leaving home. Pool, playing with water in the garden and seeing friends in the afternoon. I'm finding the older they get the harder it gets but it's fine with little ones over Ramadan. I just wish they could stay awake late enough for family iftars. My kids were born and raised in Arab countries so we've done our fair share of Ramadans. Most of those Ramadans were during the winter and during the school year which is fine and we stayed. But in the heat, all they want to do is watch tv and play on the IPAD which is not ok for me. A lot of my friends who are staying with young kids work so they actually don't see what goes on at home and they like to stay. But for me, its torture having my kids ask over and over again if they can watch tv and having to constantly say no. And we don't fast so we don't do Iftars either - or brunches or anywhere where everyone is eating as much as possible. So this year, we go.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 09:53
Here are few contacts of home tutors for spoken Arabic lessons in Dubai: 1. 056-6508531 2. 055-2079020 3. 056-2136927 4. 050-9219891 Hope it helps! Do you know these people personally? Had a very, very strange experience with one tutor from Dubizzle. Would never randomly call someone again.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 07:29
The trouble with Al Furjan is that it is quite far out. Good if your kids are going to Jebel Ali Primary, but otherwise, you'll spend half your life in the car. I have also heard that the traffic in and out can be a problem, although I haven't heard specifics in a while. Plus, there are parks but for some houses, they are quite a walk and I didn't see swimming pools. We also have young kids and for us the best location is either the Ranches (for great little parks and amazing swimming pools) or Victory Heights (for lovely green areas and pathways for scooting and biking). It also depends where you plan to send them to school. The new schools Formarke, the new Safa, the new Kings, and Nord Anglia are all five minutes from Victory Heights and Arabian Ranches.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 07:23
Love Dr Grace and City Hospital too. A doctor friend of mine recommended Dr Grace for my first pregnancy which was high risk. She asked around and said Dr Grace was the best for high risk. But when I had my twins, she had left American and I wasn't sure where she was going so I went with Dr Elsa, who is also brilliant. Can't comment about their PICU because mine were happy to stay as long as they were allowed ...
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 07:15
Leaving! I wonder how many of you who are staying have small children. I used to love Ramadan and fasting before I had kids. Now there is nothing worse IMHO than having to look after the kids in the heat and not even being able to have a cup of coffee!
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 20:19
Can't you all just stick to jam? Cats and politics are banned on this board!
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 11:33
You'll probably find that the shopping in Dubai is better than the junk you'll find at an outlet store.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 17:31
It's like complaining that the doctor touched you!
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 17:14
The trouble is Mirena uses one of the most androgenic progestins - Levonorgestral - and could exacerbate the OP's trouble.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2014 - 17:46
All pills aren't the same. The progestin causes different reactions, generally categorized as highly androgenic or less androgenic - and its the androgens that can affect your skin. The progestin in Yaz has very low androgenic activity and while I don't know specifically Marvelon, I'll bet it has very high activity. You might try Belara which also has low androgenic activity. However, you can also take a look at this chart and it will tell you about the more common ones. Belara isn't on there for some reason, but you can look it up separately. http://www.nhpri.org/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/NOTE_2_TABS_Contraceptive_Comparison_Chart_01_2012_2.pdf
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 08:12
How much are they talking about?
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 08:02
Good thing there is a lot going on this summer here in Dubai - and the heat's not that bad so far ... Lots of Brits stranded here for the summer!
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 08:01
Oh my, legal or not, it is really really bad! Highway robbery.
BessTruman
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 16:33
I don't know about surgeries, but did you know that wheat is one of the most addictive foods out there? They've been telling us to eat "healthy whole grains" and "low fat" when in fact wheat is extremely bad for your blood sugar and fatty foods are good for reducing hunger. Don't you feel let down by the USDA food pyramid? I for one am on the chocolate and cheese diet and it's doing wonders for me ... http://www.fooducate.com/blog/wp-content/media/old-food-pyramid.jpg
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing