bodabz | ExpatWoman.com
 

bodabz

bodabz
68
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 17:00
There are a bunch of us who meet at Costa Coffee after school drop off if you are interested? I tend to go round on a Sunday morning as there is normally quite a good turnout. You can email me on audsabz@yahoo.co.uk if you want more info.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 17:00
There are a bunch of us who meet at Costa Coffee after school drop off if you are interested? I tend to go round on a Sunday morning as there is normally quite a good turnout. You can email me on audsabz@yahoo.co.uk if you want more info.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 11:57
Hi Joymum. I live in The Wave and don't drive. I get by just fine without a car. I walk round to Costa, Al Fair etc. Yes it is hot but it is possible if you go early in the morning. The buildings provide a lot of shade. I have actually felt cold the last few months! I go shopping to Lulu during the weekends with my hubby and stock up. I make good use of the freezer! My daughter goes to TAISM, they provide a door to door bus service. Even my friends who drive use the bus service as it is very well organised. It does depend where about in The Wave you would stay though to be able to walk round to the shops/restaurants.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 09:12
You like the same series as me! I loved Nurse Jackie and I'm just waiting for season 3 to be delivered.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 09:21
Just wanted to say what a lovely thing to do! Unfortunately there is no way my little girl will give up her Barbies at the moment but will keep you in mind for the future. Good luck with collecting some dolls.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 13:47
Thanks Myriambill. How are you finding the TLC school? We are still not sure when we are going to be moving, it will either be in aprrox. 1 month or mid June. I am looking at TAISM school as it looks like they might have a space and they deal a lot with Hubby's company. I like the sound of The Wave and am keen to have a look along with some stand alone villas etc. Thanks again for your help.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2012 - 09:16
This is a problem that we have at the Green Community also. We just don't go out on a Thursday as a result. I previously tried to book a taxi in advance but it didn't turn up. When I called the call centre they told me that no matter how early you book it, it only goes into there system 20 minutes before the time you request. My husband has called for a taxi and gets told there is none in the area. He decided to try the bus (which is so not him), but he was able to flag a taxi down no problem when he got to the main road. Not useful when the weather will be hot and I'm tottering in high heals! I agree with Shamat.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2012 - 09:54
I looked for ages for a nice jewellery box for myself. All the ones I seen here were of very poor quality and were expensive! I ended up ordering a set of Stackers from Amazon and am really pleased with what I got. Have got lots of little sections for keeping ear-rings separate etc. It was cheaper than the ones I seen here and is very nice. They don't lock.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 11:06
What would nbe the best areas to stay in for TAISM?
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 11:04
Yes that was me! I've just spoken with TAISM and am quite happy. They offer a school bus and might have a place. They are the preferred school for my hubbies company also. My daughter currently goes to The Children's Garden so would fit in well to TAISM curriculum as she would still be in KG2. She would jump a year if going to a British School. Once I know when we are going to visit I will make some appointments for the school but am going to apply now. It seems the BSM have no space. I've spent all morning researching Muscat and my brain is turning to mush! Time for a break.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2012 - 09:52
The FB group is great, there is lots of great info. on there. I'm busy trying to think of things to buy before the move. Will be going to Ikea soon! My only worries are getting a school place and the school transport. There are long waiting lists for the schools but I'm wondering how genuine are they. Are people putting there names down at more than one school etc? Don't know what we will do if we cannot get a place.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 09:32
Thank you so much Arohadxb! You are right, there isn't much traffic on here. I've just sent a request to join the FB group you told me about. I'm excited about the move. If I can get a school place, we will be able to move there sooner. I currently live in The Green Community in an apartment which gets zero sun. Anything with some outdoor space which gets sun will be good! My little girl would love for us to be able to grow some plants. I do have a drivers license for UAE but never drive here as I hate it. Maybe I might feel different about Muscat but I doubt it! Do you have any household help? At the moment I have someone who comes in to clean a couple of times a week. How does it work in Muscat? I don't mind doing the cleaning myself but it is nice to have some help if it is easily arranged. Thanks again for your help, much appreciated.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 10:55
Happy Burns day! Choitram at the Green Community had them 2 days ago, don't know if there are still any left. They had quite a lot.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 January 2012 - 10:01
Hi. I used to go to a weekly playgroup when I came here at first. I found out about it on this forum and it was how I got to know people. I don't know if it is still running? Have a search on this forum.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 January 2012 - 18:37
Hi Robertj77. Welcome to Dubai. I live in the GCE and used to live in Aberdeen. I can easily meet you for a coffee if you would like. I remember what it is like to be new! I never managed to meet anyone at the park as there was so many maids/nannies there. My little girl is in school now which makes it so much easier to make friends.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 January 2012 - 13:38
Thanks for that chumpsteak. Am unable to do online at the moment as my husband has my ID card at his office for my visa renewal. Good to know for the future though.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 16:36
Thanks Myriambill. It is good that you got a place, I know that I shouldn't believe everything I read. People tend to only post negative comments or make complaints rather than the opposite. It might not happen for us but I kind of hope does. I find Dubai a bit manic, think I would be much more suited to Muscat. If we go, I am sure our DD will be at TLC or TAISM. Best of luck again with the move.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2011 - 13:25
We are still waiting to hear if we are going to have to move but it is now looking more likely. Unfortunately I have only read negative reviews regarding TAISM and TLC schools. I am unable to get a place at the BSM or ABA which are my preferred choices. Myriambill - did you manage to secure a place yet? Has anyone got positive reviews regarding TAISM or TLC. I also like the sound of the PDO school but have not yet contacted them. It will be damaging to my husband's career if we don't relocate but we cannot go without a good school place.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 09:02
Nespresso is great. I took a machine home from Scotland earlier this year as it was a third of the price compared to the shop in Dubai Mall. I got my machine on Amazon as it was cheaper than the online Nespresso shop, however I got my capsules from the online Nespresso Shop. I just got my dad to post me new capsules along with some other Xmas stuff which I can't get here. He used Interparcel and I got the stuff 2 days after he sent it. The saving I made compared to trying to shop here easily paid for the postage.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 20:43
When I called DBS, they said there wasn't even any point in applying. They have a huge waiting list and she said I would be wasting my time and they didn't want to give false hope. Looks like I'm stuck with Greenfield. I'm hearing lots of mixed reports about Greenfields but all positive ones for the younger years. Reckon we will not be in Dubai much longer so applying for place at Greenfield just incase. I have heard that there is waiting lists for Greenfield also but I have a guaranteed place if I apply before end of Dec.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 10:17
Two weeks ago at Choitram in the Green Community I bought a six pack of galaxy chocolate milk. When I got home I checked over my receipt (I always do this) and seen that I had been charged 60AED for the choc. milk. They normally cost 15 AED. I had to go back and got a refund of 45 dirhams. Makes you wonder how many times they over charge us and what about the people who don't notice. Now I try and watch very carefully as they put the items through the checkout and have a quick scan of my receipt before leaving the shop.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2011 - 12:17
Thanks DesertRose. This was really useful, I hadn't come across this school. My daughter is 5 years old. This certainly looks like an option. I've called some other schools but basically stand no chance of getting a place. My daughter currently goes to a very small school so TLC may be just the right place for her.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2011 - 11:21
Thanks Myriambill. We should hear over the next few days if we have to move or not. Thanks to the advice on here we will say it is subject to a school place (to be sourced by the company) if we are asked to go. I do like the sound of Muscat, I personally am not a huge fan of Dubai. Lets wait and see what happens. Best of luck with your move.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 15:53
Can someone tell me what school is closet to The Wave complex? Thanks.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 08:30
Staying in dubai isn't going to be an option if the move goes ahead. It will either be that we go Muscat or 2 years of go back home. It looks like it will depend on getting a school place. Is there school buses? I don't mind not being able to go out and about too much as long as I have a nice home. I quite like the sound of Muscat and I don't mind leaving Dubai.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 16:09
Thanks everyone. Hmmm. it doesn't sound too promising. I thought I had heard about school place problems there. It might only be a short term posting so might be best if my hubby commutes and DD and I stay put for now. My hubby is in the Oil Industry. What are the compound names that they are in?
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 15:09
Thanks Azaiba. Does anyone know what other schools people choose after the British School? Is there school bus services? I currently live in a very large gated community and I can cycle to the shops, Doctors etc. Is there anything like this in Muscat? Is the driving worse than Dubai?
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 November 2011 - 20:37
I did see rats in Jakarta but to be honest I have seen more here! They are not quite as big though! I found the storms exciting, better than the same dry weather here day in and day out. I had never heard of car jacking, I have friends who have been living there for years and they've never mentioned it either. There are no pavements which makes taking a buggy out and about a waste of time unless you go to the malls. The weather is no worse than what it is on average 8 months of the year here. It does not get any where as hot as here, however the cooler weather months here are very nice. It is true that you have to clean all your fruit/veg with a special cleaner which is a bit of a pain. Some days are nice and sunny but yes there is a lot of pollution. It is true that a lot of the locals do laugh at you, especially the girls in malls. They are tiny and they think you buying a UK size 10 is huge! I used to shop in a supermarket called Ranch Market which was really nice, it was more expensive but it was a pleasure to shop there and had no bad smells. Jakarta has changed hugely over the last few years and is a surprising city. I went there expecting the worst (only ever used to see disasters on TV) and was pleasantly surprised. You always have the option to see and expat Dr at the SOS clinic if you are unhappy with the local Dr. Flooding can be an issue but I lived in a compound with excellent drainage. The company we rented from were Lembong and they were excellent. They sorted out any problems very quickly and had good security. A lot of Embassies have there staff living in there compounds. My house was of an excellent standard, there was generators for when the power went. I had a private swimming pool, something our budget here would never allow. It can be an amazing opportunity and yes very frustrating at times. It could be an important move for you DH's career and maybe you do not need to stay there for long. One of the most annoying things I remember was trying to get in out of the lifts in the malls with my baby in her buggy. It was next to impossible, people in the malls seem to be allergic to using escalators and they are very rude and just shove. I used to get very upset by this! People in Dubai are much more polite in this regards. Ramadan is a lot more relaxed than here, restaurants are still open and just put curtains up. Will let you know if I think of anything else.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 17:45
I'm going to disagree with Barbie doll. I only knew very little Bahasa and I got by fine. There is staff who speak enough English if you look hard enough. Some of the nannies who lived in our compound spoke perfect English. You may have to pay extra for them but believe the cost of staff is peanuts compared to here. I didn't have anyone live in with me but that was my choice as I like my privacy. There is lots of challenging voluntary work if that is something you are interested in. I forgot to mention that some companies will pay hardship allowance which is a bonus.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 09:17
http://www.jakartaexpat.com/community/schools http://www.anzajakarta.net/
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 09:15
Hi Owls I lived there. It was my first expat posting. I would return tomorrow if given the chance. My DD wasn't in school then but I did visit a few schools for some running events and thought they looked very good. JIS is quite central and looked fab and then the BIS is quite far out but there are school buses from the compounds. I would put my DD on a bus in Jakarta long before I would here. My friends used both of these schools and were happy. THe malls are great and have all the well known shops e.g. Debenhams, Marks and Spencers, ELC, Mothercare etc. You can get some Waitrose products in some shops. The roads are very congested so not high speed like Dubai. It is very likely that you will have to get a driver. We got a car and driver provided with hubbies company. It is very unusual to see expats drive. There are lots of advantages to this, you don't have to find parking etc. You get dropped off at the door of where you want to go, as a result of this you also get very spoilt! It is very cheap to get help, gardeners, drivers, helpers etc. Indonesians are very friendly people and love children. Children are very welcome at restaurants etc. We lived in Kemang which is a popular area. There are lots of expat clubs in this area. The houses are of the same standard as here (depends where you look). They are mainly in compounds and are very nice. I can't help you with the package as we had everything included, e.g. house, utility bills, car, schools etc. We had someone help us with all the paperwork from the company which I think is important. It is quite overwhelming when you go to get fingerprints etc and am glad we had someone with us. I had a much better social life in Jakarta that I have now. There are lots of expats balls etc. Where are you from? When I was in Jakarta, I made new friends that had previously lived in Dubai, they all preferred Jakarta. It is quite dirty, noisy and you can get stuck in traffic for a long time but you can take a book etc. It is a exciting city and close to lots of great places for holidays such as Bali! It is very close to Singapore too. The healthcare was okay, we used the SOS clinic. For anything major you would tend to go to Singapore. Here are some useful websites. Just google and keep looking. http://awajakarta.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=31 http://www.bwajakarta.org/ On the negative side, the mozzies are bad and dengue fever is a problem. Overall I have good memories and as I said I would move back tomorrow given the chance.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 14:28
What is it with dog owners who think they are above themselves from picking up their dogs poo? This morning I passed a woman who didn't clean up after her dog, I've been kicking myself for not confronting her. I walk my daughter to school and lately the path/beside the path has lots of disgusting mess. I have another guy who walks his dog outside my apartment and the dogs pooped where the kids play and he didn't pick it up. Tips please on how I should confront future offenders welcome. I am tempted to take their photo and report them but would anyone listen? The Green Community is a great place for dogs but would you please clean up after them if you are guilty.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 November 2011 - 19:56
Spice Island has loads of kids running about!
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 12:14
I totally agree. I really wish there was on-line shopping available for lots of items. I just hate going to the Malls etc. You are missing out on my money too!
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 12:03
I tried to get it yesterday at Kinokuniya but it was sold out. The information desk said the supplier was out of stock too, so they've no idea when they will get more. Congratulations Ghostwriter! It must be nice to know that your book is in demand. Well done on your first book!
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 12:29
I read in the paper that they were going to do a rescue drill for Dubai Air Show today. I hope that is what you have seen.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 12:23
I personally don't understand why people feel it is okay in any country. Most people don't have the option of having a maid so that does not justify it.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 11:45
I'm going to get my parents who are visiting in Jan to take some capsules with them. They cost 25 - 30 aed for a box of 10 in Dubai Mall.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 11:42
I witness this often at my DD school. They seem to think it is perfectly fine to leave car running and leave their children in car unattended. This is done at the back of the school so no security are there and they park close to the gate which makes it unsafe for other children/parents/carers entering and leaving. I simply don't understand it, they admit that they wouldn't do it in their home countries so why do it here?
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 08:51
I'm with Dentro on this. The dancing was very artificial and the staff looked hacked off being made to dance. I couldn't eat the ribs, they were very fatty. However the buffalo wings were very good.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 13:58
Different cultures have different food for breakfast. When I was in India I found it hard having curry for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 16:27
They both start and keep stopping. Had the problem a lot during the summer holidays but was okay recently. Will wait and see. Thanks for letting me know.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 13:09
Thanks for this. I live in Green Comm and knew nothing about it. I just went to look on the website and see that you now need a password which I also didn't know. Is it only owners who can access the website?
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 12:51
I bought a nespresso machine from Amazon when I was in UK over the summer, it cost 117 sterling. Exact same machine in Dubai Mall shop is 1800AED which is SOOOO expensive.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 13:02
I meant some of the staff looked very uncomfortable dancing, they clearly were not enjoying it! Suppose they can go and work somewhere else if they don't like it. I certainly wouldn't say trying to order an orange juice was complex!
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 09:53
I went to Texas Roadhouse at the weekend and I didn't really like it. We sat in some booth which was extremely cramped, I am small and found it uncomfortable. I had to repeat my order over and over, the waiter didn't understand me. I thought the food was expensive for what seemed like a fast food restaurant. The staff are made to dance and you could see that some were clearly uncomfortable with it. It just seemed so fake having the waiters dance.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 13:56
I've bought it a Choitram's. They can go a few months without the quorn mince though which seems to be popular.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2011 - 13:53
We normally go to The Courtyard Marriott which is good. They have face painting and a room with a DVD and popcorn. However you cannot see this room from where you will be eating. It is very good value for money at 250 for alcohol package and 150 without. Kids under 6 eat free. It is very relaxing as lots of other children around. I went to Meydan last weekend for a change and doubt I would go back. It was badly organised and was 500 aed for adults. The kids buffet looked a bit sad, only all fried food - chicken nuggets and fish with fries. There was no plates, spoons, knifes or forks either and we had to keep on asking for them, they would come with spoons but nothing else etc. Also didn't like the atmosphere much. I've done Westin once, the food was lovely but my friends and I couldn't relax as it is spread over a large area. The little ones kept disappearing etc. Lots of water features etc so a bit nerve wracking! Beachcombers is also pretty nice and is relaxing as lots of families there.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 14:48
That's great Amalwaleed! Does your landlord pay the service fee? I am currently tied into my apartment so haven't looked over the last few months.
bodabz
68
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2011 - 14:43
Bump for this! I was going to ask exactly the same thing! I haven't seen them at Toys R Us at Festival city. My DD wants Santa to bring her some Sylvanian Family stuff.
 
 
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