blimey | ExpatWoman.com
 

blimey

blimey
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Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 16:47
I personally would spend that much to be honest I just do the party bags and so do the rest of the kids in my sons class. Wow - I'm only used to party bags if your child is actually having a party! Clearly different in Dubai. What do you put in them? It's not a normal practice...some do, some don't. At DD's school, if there is no birthday party planned, the birthday kid usually bring cupcakes on his/her birthday as it is easier for the teacher/TA to distribute them during break time.
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 11:10
Now Andy Murray will always be a BRITISH rather than just a Scots ;)
blimey
482
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 13:45
We recently used Continental Broker (meera.thakkar@continental-intl.com) and get our maid Euromed Gold Plan. We paid AED2750 per year and do not need to go through the 9 months "you pay first, claim later" period that AXA imposes. HTH.
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 20:07
Try Safa School. I am sure they have places since they are starting at a bigger campus. https://www.facebook.com/Safaschooldxb
blimey
482
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 14:32
Sometimes Belacan Kiosk (FB) get stock from Malaysia. Unfortunately they are away at the moment until mid Sept. Do check them out as sometimes they have some good stuff for Malaysian/Singaporean who miss stuff from home ;-)
blimey
482
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Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 11:19
I guess since they are starting at the new location this Sept, the old number is no longer valid. I found this temporary number on their website - 056 2146 750. HTH http://www.safaschooldubai.com/?nav=contact_us
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 18:20
To blimey, "[i'>Selamat Hari Raya[/i'>"! :o) (I know you're not celebrating but everyone seems to wish everyone else the same in Malaysia from what I've observed!) Thanks GM. I have not celebrated any festivities in a true Malaysian way for many years. I hope you are enjoying your stay. I don't know where you are but if you are friendly, I bet some Malay family will invite you to their house......actually if you are there on the first two day of eid, just go to any Malay house. I am telling you......they would welcome you and make you eat and eat :) Selamat hari raya!!!
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 August 2012 - 11:25
Found this link: http://losu.org/religion/similar-arab-christian-names I know a few Muslims in my country by the name Danial, Isaac, Aaron, Mikhail and Ezra.
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 August 2012 - 17:35
When DD was at Safa, I bought navy blue cardigan, navy blue swimsuits, white collared t-shirt and shorts for PE without school logo. The school shoes is black. You can also buy trainer for PE with white as the main color. HTH. http://www.safaschooldubai.com/?nav=admissions&id=466 <em>edited by blimey on 12/08/2012</em>
blimey
482
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Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 17:31
I used skyscanner and cleartrip websites to find the local flights within the Philippines. HTH http://www.skyscanner.net/flights/mnl/dpl/121201/121229/airfares-from-manila-ninoy-aquino-to-dipolog-in-december-2012.html http://www.cleartrip.ae/flights/international/results?from=MNL&to=DPL&depart_date=01/12/2012&return_date=29/12/2012&adults=1&childs=0&infants=0&dep_time=0&class=Economy&airline=&carrier=&x=57&y=16&intl=y
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 July 2012 - 11:42
It would also take months in UK to get the transactions reversed ( Not just Dubai). Unfortunately for the poor person it takes forever to do. It's okay to take months to reverse as I do understand that there are investigation involved but both banks' (mine and my friend) response was to wash their hand and asked us to deal directly with Abu Dhabi Police and unlike the bank in this particular news, they never call us or do not find these transactions weird at all. They said it's a SECURED TRANSACTION. :( My friend didn't get any help at all from his "international" bank all those 3 months. Anyway, thanks to Ishehere, at least my case is progressing in the right direction now. Believe me, this is not "Dubai" bashing case at all ;) <em>edited by blimey on 19/07/2012</em>
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 July 2012 - 10:46
Do you have any idea what the balance has to be to keep the bank account open. According to NBAD website, there is no minimum balance for current account. So, she will need to check about the residency visa requirement. http://www.nbaddirect.com/currentaccount.html
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 July 2012 - 10:21
It's normal practice for banks in UAE to contact account holders whose passport or visa has expired. Their database will alert them to get new details and copy of documentation. I am however not sure whether or not they will freeze the account if there is no credit card or outstanding loan. I know that if the account becomes inactive after sometime and can no longer be considered salaried account, they will start charging you for not maintaining the minimum balance. At least that was my experience. I had to close the account in the end.
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 12:32
My friend used to send her son to Kensington Nursery for after school daycare and holiday camp during term holiday. HTH. http://www.thekensingtonnursery.com/nursery-curriculum/activities-for-children.aspx
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 15:48
in fact i dont really look for acedemic oriented school, will like the school with more focus on personal development, learn from play, no heavy schoolwork pressure `:p what makes me worried a b it is my elder (4) who is a bit difficult to adapt to new place, he cried for 2 mths when he enter kindergarten in malaysia (his own native language school), i cant imagine when he goes to the school with fulled of "unknown" language to him, so i hope can find a school with not many students & the teachers are kind enough to tolerate the sensitive kid like my son. Yeap, that's my email....can't do straight forward one here on EW ;) I know another Malaysian who face similar situation even though they have been in Dubai for quite some times. I will find out if she is okay for you to contact her directly. <em>edited by blimey on 10/07/2012</em>
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 14:08
I was waiting for you to pop up, blimey ;) :) btw, did you ever try that laksa or are you waiting for your trip?
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 July 2012 - 14:01
zenzac, Fellow Malaysian here. If you email me, I can tell you where many Malaysian kids can be found ;) Don't worry about your children level of english. After several months of mixing with children of other nationalities, their english will improve tremendously. <em>edited by blimey on 11/07/2012</em>
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 13:07
I am Team Suri.....she is the one who will suffer the most. It's a well known fact about TC devotion to Scientology. Nothing new. I did get put off by the couch jumping. Anyway, KH team should have advise her better before she agreed to marry him. I guess she was hoping to jump start her career and well, even with pre-nup....it was a decent deal after Dawson Creek. <em>edited by blimey on 04/07/2012</em>
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 07:53
I was in Amsterdam and Bruges a couples of weeks ago for a week. It did rain but when the sun was out, it was really really lovely. I wore light spring coat and carried around scarf and umbrella all the times. I did wear summer dresses but sometimes, wore knee length legging and tops underneath to keep me warm. HTH. Have a good holiday. <em>edited by blimey on 04/07/2012</em>
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 10:56
Thanks ladies. blimey, it's nice to hear that you had a nice time there in July; thought made a mistake by planning to go there in July. I don't remember wearing any coat/jacket while I was in Paris as it only rains once in that 1 week. Had to be on Bastille Day too :( I walked everywhere....even got lost in a beautiful park outside the city. Personally, I find that it is warmer in Paris in July/August compare to in Ireland or England. But if you are still worry, just bring a light spring jacket/coat ;)
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 July 2012 - 07:54
When I went to Paris in July 2 years ago. I wore dresses and shorts. I carried around with me cardigan, scarf and umbrella. Coming from SEA and Dubai, I found the weather there really really nice at that time of the year :)
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 10:58
Dont go to KL. Just went for a week and it was a big disappointment. Never saw blue skies as the city is constantly covered with pollution smog. People are rude and impatient. Strange as they market themselves so strongly as a tourist friendly country. The haze is from the fire burning in Sumatra....every year. Unfortunately Indonesia do not listen to the plea from their neighbors ;-) Life in KL can be hectic with people rushing and pushing especially during peak/rush hours and SALES. Compare KL to Bangkok, don't compare KL to Phuket as life in the islands can be very.....slow ;) But it's true, we Malaysians are not as friendly as our neighbors.
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 11:45
When we arrived here almost 7 years ago, DH salary was around that much and mine was.... well, non-western expat's salary ;) Though nothing extravagance had changed in our lifestyle, it was still definitely better than when we lived either in England or Malaysia. Fast forward, with 5 y.o. kid and still without housing or school packages, we are both doing tremendously well in our respective career while balancing family life, healthier, great holiday experience, good saving for retirement and DD's college fund......best decision we have made for our family. Nevertheless, if the move will not improve any aspect of their life and they are better off at home, maybe they shouldn't. Good luck to your friend. <em>edited by blimey on 26/06/2012</em>
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 12:30
Sorry for bumping the old thread. @ Bowles - did you put the sun sail in the end? Did you buy from ACE or get Anthony to custom made it for you? Would appreciate if you could share the cost with me as we want to put sun sail in our small garden as well. Thanks.
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 10:28
DD had a minor surgery several years ago with Dr. Bahgat at the hospital. Everything went well. No problem with either the hospital or staff. Good luck.
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2012 - 16:28
It would be lovely to meet up with you all. We are away from 2nd week of July but back at the beginning of August. Will you be around then? The boy and DD will be around till just before Eid but it's Ramadan. So, a bit restrictive. Will ask my friend. I can only meet after office hours or weekend as I work full time. <em>edited by blimey on 22/06/2012</em>
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 June 2012 - 13:01
DD will be in year 1 this Sept. She moved from other school in Jan (FS2). She settled really well despite her initial reservation. A friend of hers from the old school is also joining Year 1 in EC this Sept. So, your DS will not be the only new kid on the block as 4 kids in FS2 classes are leaving by the end of this school year. I think there will be about 8 new kids altogether in Year 1 this Sept. Will you be here in the Summer? If you are here, we could arrange a play date some time in July with my DD, another boy from EC and their old classmate who will join them this Sept.
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 18:35
For KL: If you are looking for accessories I would recommend the following places: 1. Central Market (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g298570-d450992-Reviews-Central_Market-Kuala_Lumpur_Wilayah_Persekutuan.html) 2. The Curve - http://www.thecurve.com.my/ 3. Ampang Point, Jalan Ampang (http://www.ampangpoint.com.my/floor_directory.html) For other shopping madness: 1. Suria KLCC 2. Mid Valley Megamall 3. One Utama 4. Pavillion HTH. Shop till you drop :)
blimey
482
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Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 10:05
So what will next big event be hearing kate is pregnant? Should be happening soon!;) Definitely not before the Olympic :)
blimey
482
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Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 15:39
Sorry, I only know that DH will go to Etisalat today to sort it out. Maybe you can try 101 ;) http://www.etisalat.ae/eportal/en/personal/tv-packages.html
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 12:57
I don't know about Du but for Etisalat - Al Jazeera 1-2 for AED39 per month. DH going today to pay for the channels ;)
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 09:54
3 to 4 hours standing with heavy rains pouring around you.....have to admire the Queen and Prince Philip for their energy and commitment. Can't think of any President who would endure the same ;)
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 13:11
It's really depend on what you and DH like and enjoy to do. I spent a week in Salzburg and Vienna.....Sounds of Music related tour and visit, classical concerts, opera and a lot of walking to various historical buildings. I also spent a week in Paris....not into the "must see" Mona lisa painting but enjoy Monet's museum, house and garden in Giverny tremendously, walk and picnic at various beautiful parks, love Versailles Palace and the maze, moulin rouge, evening cruise, etc. 1 week just flew by. I didn't use any tour operator as at the end of the day, only I know what I would enjoy and not ;) Off to another 1 week escapade next week :) Pick a country (or 2) that you really want to see and then choose what you want to see and/or do. Personally I will not do so many countries in 1 week. Unless this is one of a lifetime opportunity and you want to cover as many country as you want irregardless of what you can or won't see.
blimey
482
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Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 13:08
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=509216&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16 It's really heartbreaking to read the letter and watch the interview. It was a well written letter and a courageous interview. Trying to put myself in their shoes, I honestly do not think I would have the same willpower to do what they did.
blimey
482
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 09:54
Dolphinsuae, Unless things have changed, as far as I know most camps are organised according to the national schools' holiday term. When I was a boarding school student, there were times when I didn't go home as the holiday was too short or before or after the weekend. My friends whose houses were closer to our school would invite me over to their house during this time. I don't know what the school's rules would be but my friends and I had also stayed at the hostel during the short break when the resident warden were there as well. Your son will make friend with the other students who stayed at the hostel with him and the ones who stay outside. I am sure his friends would invite him over to their house once in a while. There are so many things to do in Penang and I am sure he will cope with the short break well. Good luck.
blimey
482
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Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 21:08
My condolence to affected families and friends for their lost.
blimey
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Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 23:14
http://www.airasia.com/ot/en/home.page
blimey
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 11:03
8 days is okay to do both Singapore and KL but don't add Langkawi or Kota Kinabalu ;). Maybe Genting Highland or Melaka as they are not too far and can be covered in 1 day. Personally, I prefer hotel apartments since I have DD. I stayed at The Garden Residence the last time I went to KL. It's attached to Garden Mall and Mid Valley Mall. Have stayed at Fraser Place and PNB Darby Park as well in the past (Both are close to Twin Tower). There is a play area in MV Mall where they charge MYR22 per entry. You can also take your kid to Sunway Lagoon (http://www.sunway.com.my/lagoon/), butterfly park (http://www.visit-to-kl.com/visit/butterfly%20park.html - not as good as Penang ;) ), national science centre (http://www.malaysia-traveller.com/science-museum.html), National Planetarium ( http://www.malaysia-traveller.com/national-planetarium.html). I honestly won't recommend National Zoo :( There are quite a few parks that you can go to.
blimey
482
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 20:50
No prob Dolpinsuae...glad I could give suggestion and relief that SS could share her experience with you. Good luck!
blimey
482
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 14:10
I don't have first hand experience with international boarding schools in Malaysia even though I studied in one of boarding schools in Malaysia. To the average Malaysians, boarding schools represent completely different thing ;) Nevertheless, if I ever want to send DD to an international boarding school in Malaysia, I would choose the International School of Penang (http://www.uplands.org/UPLANDS/History) as it is well established and have a very good reputation. I even met a wealthy Indonesian here who used to study in that school when she was a young girl.
blimey
482
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Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 22:21
In my culture, we would cut a tiny bit of a cat's whiskers (both side) whenever we bring him to a new home. Old folk tale of course, but apparently it would help a cat who likes to wander to find his way home. It works in the past with our family cats, so I just do the same. Anyway, my cat is almost 10...so, maybe he is wiser now and know what is good for him too. <em>edited by blimey on 20/05/2012</em>
blimey
482
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 12:58
My sister flew Thai Airways when she took her DD's cat back to KL from Moscow. The cat was with her in the cabin.
blimey
482
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 12:41
Have my cat since he was 2 months. Brought him here when he was 3 y.o and he will be 10 soon. Even after DD come into my life, still love him to bits. One of the reason why DH and I agree that we couldn't adopt or re-home another pet is that we are not sure we could afford to include the new pet into relocation cost should that ever happen. Someone I know, adopted a dog and a cat here. Told me that if they are relocating, the dog would go with them but the cat....well, she will need new home :(
blimey
482
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Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 11:33
Try calling Tower Rotana...near the Financial Centre Metro station. Before joining the gym, I used to go to body pump classes there. AED45 per class if I am not mistaken. HTH
blimey
482
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 11:30
Sent mine to Balance Cafe and L'atelier des chefs classes several times for the past 1 year. They give copy of recipes after the classes.
blimey
482
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 14:13
*goes off to eat oreo cookies in consolation* edited by GoodMorning on 25/04/2012 GM, just in case your craving for laksa still there. They are still taking order for tomorrow but you will have to pick it up from Tecom though. http://www.facebook.com/makwan.harisyanihuhuhu Hmmm....not sure if you could view their FB or not. If you can't but fancy some laksa for tomorrow, do let me know. It's AED20 a pack (quite a big bowl ;) ) <em>edited by blimey on 26/04/2012</em>
blimey
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Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 11:12
Well, it's just similar to Kedah laksa.... Kedah laksa is new to me, there's so many different flavours! Not sure which laksa I ate - but it's sourish. It's not curry laksa, that bit I know. ... and I wonder what what's the difference with Singapore Curry Laksa, possibly inherited flavours from the Malaysian main land peninsular?! *goes of to eat oreo cookies in consolation* Penang laksa is sourish and the sellers are usually Chinese. Kedah/Kuala Kangsar laksa are usually referred to only as laksa, spicier, use torch ginger and vietnamese leaves and more popular among the malays. Like Singapore laksa, Johor laksa also use coconut milk. I don't know how to describe Sarawak laksa to you....been ages since I have them. Other than Kelantan laksa....I like all of them but favourite of course Penang laksa and Kedah laksa :) Curry laksa is chinese's version of curry mee. Love them too! If they sell again in the future, promise I will let you know ;) Btw, when you are in Malaysia this summer, try eat at one of those Laksa Shack outlet ;) <em>edited by blimey on 25/04/2012</em>
blimey
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Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 10:51
GM, don't be jealous but DD and I stuffed ourselves with laksa last weekend.....over ordered and over eating ;) Thought of asking you but you might not like Kuala Kangsar version. :-P ptbhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. What's Kuala Kangsar version? Well, it's just similar to Kedah laksa....but I think the seller is from Kuala Kangsar ;) He/his wife made their own laksa noodle but they sure put A LOT of daun kesum/vietnamese mint leaves. Probably to compensate the lack of torch ginger/bunga kantan.
blimey
482
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Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 10:41
I love Malaysian laksa. blimey, where are you? :D GM, don't be jealous but DD and I stuffed ourselves with laksa last weekend.....over ordered and over eating ;) Thought of asking you but you might not like Kuala Kangsar version.
blimey
482
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Latest post on 10 April 2012 - 07:58
I bought a couple of Singapore Math books recently from ebay. I could be wrong but I doubt you could find them here.
 
 
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