Betti | ExpatWoman.com
 

Betti

Betti
162
Posts
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Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 11:55
thank you!
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2012 - 09:13
Hi there Betti and Malibumandy, We have now had 3 days of school at WSO. Do you still fancy meeting up? How are they doing at school? What classes are they in and where are you living? Sorry sounds like an inquisition!!!!! But we might actually have met in the real world! :-)
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 19:55
Thank you both. The Bupa article is very interesting. Thanks for that.
Betti
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 10:14
Ok so comparing schools here with state schools in the UK? I've been told that DC is the only school worth going to to get results otherwise you would be better off returning to the UK. Funnily enough whilst I was in the UK this summer I met a girl who had attended JC and she raved about her standard of education (couldn't work out why she'd returned to the Uk to do her A levels though). Why would you compare a state school with a private school? I'm not comparing state schools with private schools. The majority of schools here are just fee paying schools. They are not private in the same sense as private schools in the UK. I was just looking to compare the non-selective schools here with the state schools in the UK. My children went to Ofsted rated "outstanding" schools in the UK (whatever that might mean) and were doing really well. I don't know whether that is down to the teaching or my children's ability. My concern is that if the standard of teaching here is poorer, then the children will not achieve what they would have done in the UK. I'd be interested in knowing why teachers come to Dubai to teach. Is it just for the tax-free salaries?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 17:05
Ok so comparing schools here with state schools in the UK? I've been told that DC is the only school worth going to to get results otherwise you would be better off returning to the UK. Funnily enough whilst I was in the UK this summer I met a girl who had attended JC and she raved about her standard of education (couldn't work out why she'd returned to the Uk to do her A levels though).
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 16:59
We live on The Villa and I'm not aware of any open houses at the moment. We live in a 5 bedroom Granada (Dubai Properties) and pay 185k. I know the Mazaya B1 & B2 is about the same and you get a pool too (although these aren't without their problems). Mazaya A1/A2 are about 140k. I don't know about any of the others. There is a website http://thevilladubai.webs.com/
Betti
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 12:30
The pack leader left at the end of last term but apparently they have had 2 mums offer to help run it. I'm sure there will be a space as it is only a small pack. As parents we have been asked to volunteer to help occasionally.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 12:28
We have been in Dubai for a year and are very happy with the school the children attend. They are doing very well but they were also doing very well back in the UK. Talking to a friend yesterday she's of the opinion that there is only 1 good school in Dubai (british curriculum) and that children's education here suffers and is not up to the same standard as back in the UK. So I just wanted to see what people's opinions are. Do you think the standard of teaching is as good as in the UK? Do you think it does depend a lot on which school your child attends? Are the GCSE grades as good as the UK. Be interested to hear what people think.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 08:41
Beavers are in Mirdif too at Uptown primary school on a tuesday night (I think). [email protected] is Zorina Vondracek email. She leads both beavers and cubs.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2012 - 08:20
Wow loads of ideas there. Thanks ladies
Betti
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 15:04
Thanks have found them in Geant.
Betti
162
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 14:59
London Fish and Chips in Motor City is the only one I know.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 13:03
Hi there. My 2 eldest children have been at the school since last Sept. They will be in Y3 (boy) and Y5 (girl) when they go back in Sept. I also have a son starting in FS1 in Sept. You need to purchase the uniform from Zaks in the Beach Centre, Jumeirah. I think you can phone and place an order but the sizes are really random so best to take the kids in and try things on. The only thing I managed to get away with buying in the UK was navy blue swimsuit/trunks, black socks (boys), white socks (girls), school shoes. Everything else needs to be the official school uniform. Where will you be living when you move over here?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 16:22
gentle bump
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 10:35
!! Yikes, do you give your laundry to anyone who knocks at your door claiming they're from a laundry service? How do you expect to take any action against them? If you know the name of the company, then you can find out their location. I know, it does sound very irresponsible but we have used them many times before and haven't had a problem. Usually I would always ask for a receipt but it was DH who answered the door this time and he didn't know to ask. I will do a google search for them.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 10:24
First thing is not to rely on phone calls or email. You need to go to the shop and ask them face to face. I don't know where they are. They collect and deliver to the house :-(
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 10:16
2 weeks ago my DH arranged for a duvet to be collected by a laundry service (one we have used before) but he wasn't given a receipt. The duvet still hasn't been returned to us. I have spoken to someone who said, yes it was his son who collected and he would talk to him and call me back. He hasn't called and now when I call, they just hang up. I have sent them an email which they haven't responded to. Is there anything I can do to complain and get my duvet back?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 20:47
My dd has been studying piano at school since sept and she is going backwards rather than forwards! How do I find a good piano teacher that I can trust here in Dubai. Not being musical myself, it's difficult to know what to look for in a good teacher. Any recommendations? Thanks
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 17:50
15 classes in a year, wow, I know they are extending but even with that it doesn't look as though there would be enough space to accomodate 15 classes in a year group. Rumour surely.. It's come from the class reps. The figures they have show 550 children in FS1 & 2 starting Sept '12
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 17:48
I have a friend who has taken her dd out of JESS as she's really unhappy with the standard of teaching. This is however just her personal experience. If I were you I would get a cross section of people's opinions. Just because it has a long waiting list doesn't mean it's a good school. [b'>Hi Betti, Are you able to share why your friend was unhappy with the standard of teaching? SH [/b'> edited by sleepyhead on 10/06/2012 She felt her daughter needed extra help which wasn't picked up on. When she queried her daughter's progress, nothing was done to help her. She also said that because they have a long waiting list, they don't really care if you are unhappy as there is always someone else to take their place. I have to stress this is her personal opinion, not mine. I don't want to start a fight with other JESS parents
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 12:22
I have a friend who has taken her dd out of JESS as she's really unhappy with the standard of teaching. This is however just her personal experience. If I were you I would get a cross section of people's opinions. Just because it has a long waiting list doesn't mean it's a good school. I currently have children at GEMS DSO and I'm very pleased with the school so far. my DS is due to start in FS1 in Sept and I must say I have a few reservations due to the fact that there are rumours that there will be 15 classes in his year alone. This is a profit making business and I wonder how greedy they are being and to what extent this will impact the children. I guess only time will tell. Good luck with your decision. I guess as parents we will always question whether we've made the right choices.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 21:42
If you go for lunch at the weekend, make sure you book. We couldn't get a table last weekend.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 17:58
You used to be able to get licorice tea at the Organic Cafe & Supermarket. They had licorice on its own or a licorice & mint version. Where is the Organic cafe?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 07:41
I recently used a Groupon for a cut, conditioning treatment, mani/pedi there. The stylist was fab. His name was Davide and he did a really good cut. The mani/pedi however wasn't so good. The girl rushed it and nipped my cuticles. My toes were sore for a couple of days afterwards. She also insisted that the varnish was dry (I didn't think it was) and put my shoes back on so by the time I got home, the polish was smudged. I have to say too that I was surprised at how shabby the salon was. I expected luxury but felt like I was in a cupboard ;-)
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 20:16
Not having lived in Dubai very long, I'm not sure what to do for my son's 7th birthday party. Can anyone recommend any activities or party ideas that aren't going to cost a fortune.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 16:06
I am still waiting too! Betti, please can you give us the supplier's telephone number or email address so we can try reaching out to them..? Am 36 weeks preggers and really did not need all this hassle..arrgh! Having said that it seems I still haven't learned my lesson as I just bought a discounted Aramex Shop and Ship membership from Living Social - hope its worth it! Sorry for the delay. The email address is [email protected]
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 15:56
bump?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2012 - 11:04
Decided we need to get away. Can anyone recommend a child friendly hotel within a 4 hour drive of Dubai that won't cost an arm and a leg over Easter.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 March 2012 - 16:10
We did quite a bit of research and eventually bought ours in Dragonmart. There are a few shops there that sell it so shop around and barter.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 11:15
Thanks for all your help. I called RERA and incase anyone is interested....the LL must give 12 months notice if he wishes to sell or move into the property himself, 3 months notice to vacate (needs to have a very good reason to ask you to leave).Don't understand why he wants to be spending all this money on landscaping and installing a pool just for our benefit. Have we found the kindest LL in Dubai???? I don't think so.....
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2012 - 09:00
So am I understanding this correctly....he can put the pool in etc. but as tenants we have the right to live there until the end of this lease (october) and then for another 12 months after and he can't put the rent up or make us leave?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2012 - 21:07
Probably he wants to sell the property. Tell him real grass and shrubs irritate your allergies and he'll have to wait until you move out! Is he able to sell the property at the end of our 12month contract or does he need to give us notice. I really don't want the disruption of a pool being installed only to find that once it's finished we will have to move.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 18:59
Having done both with children aged 3, 6 and 9, I would say definitely Westin. They put on a great acrobat show that kept my children glued to their seats (our table was really close to the entertainment). They also liked the petting zoo. Ask for a table in the Blue Orange.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 21:55
Thank you both. I feel a lot happier now after reading your comments. I have 3 young children at home so you are right, she will get more rest staying there. Can't wait to see her in the morning. The house seems very quiet and still without her.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:58
My lovely dog went in to be spayed today and the vet called me this afternoon to say the op had gone well but she was still very sleepy so they were going to put her on a drip and keep her in overnight. Now I'm worrying that they 'prettified' things for me and she is really poorly. Is it normal for them to be kept in overnight?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 16:45
Yes there is - think they meet at JESS Thanks. Is that Jumeriah or Arabian Ranches?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 22:11
Thanks for your advice. He seems to be washing himself a lot more now and smells a bit sweeter. Perhaps he was just miserable in the shelter and didnt feel like keeping himself clean! Will see about a bit of pampering. He's very sweet and 'chats' away to me! Can't believe people can just dump them. So sad.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 17:47
hi, he should be neutered...., i am surprised that they have released the cat without been neutered.... , i am volunteer for animal welfare and we spay/neuter and microchip animals before adoption...., but may be it s a kitten ? edited by nath on 19/02/2012 He has a vet's appointment to be neutered next week but we asked whether we could take him home rather than leave him in the rescue centre.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 February 2012 - 08:51
My children need to have their Hep A & B booster. Where should I take them? Can anyone recommend somewhere. Thanks
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 17:57
I had the same problem. Waited about 6 or 7 weeks for delivery. I contacted the supplier directly in the end and took delivery within a week of emailing them. worth a try.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2012 - 21:57
An Ipod, clothes, craft stuff, WII games, karaoke machine, camera, makeup, new bike, rollerblades......these are all things my 9yr old DD asked for!
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 22:04
My 9 year old turing 10 in July wears some from H & M and fits into some ladies sizes from a few other stores that i buy from. Got some for her from GAP recently too. Thanks for that. I hadn't tried eitherof those stores. Will take a look.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 January 2012 - 15:05
You could try Clark's, they have some lovely ones for children. They last quite long as well. I looked in clarks at dubai mall but they didn't have any ballerina pumps. Do you think they have different stock at different shops?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2012 - 20:31
I have spent days searching the malls looking for casual pumps for my DD. I found a pair in New Look but they are cheap and will not do her feet any favours. where can I buy decent, well fitting shoes in Dubai? thanks
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2012 - 20:25
OK slight change of plan. I will be in the Uk and my DH will be in Dubai. We need to find somewhere inbetween that offers nice hotels with good kids entertainment and that we can fly back to Dubai from directly.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 12:26
are you based here in dubai too? if so the children will be in your care by default... if you have wills in the UK you need to get them legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here... and once that is done this will override the Sharia law... Yes, we are all here in Dubai.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2012 - 12:13
I have heard that if your DH dies whilst you are in Dubai, your children will be put into care until a male relative of your husbands comes to claim them. The only male relative my DH has is his father who is well into his 70s and has never been on a plane. We have wills in the UK but how do they stand here? thanks
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 January 2012 - 10:58
Are there any websites where I can find out about affordable accommodation? I'm so used to just popping into the travel agent.
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 22:29
I have just been told today that if I don't have a car insured back in the UK then I will lose my no claims discount and when I eventually go back there to live, I will have to start my insurance from scratch. anyone know if this is true and know a way of getting round it?
Betti
162
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2012 - 09:29
Can you give me a road to head for so I can plug it into satnav. I think we went near the fish market last time. Is that a good place?
 
 
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