bubby1234 | ExpatWoman.com
 

bubby1234

bubby1234
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Latest post on 20 October 2013 - 23:38
Oopsiedaisy- trust that you have been to Jordan yourself recently and is aware of prices there? Have withdrawn my recommendation as suggested as I have only had this one experience of Jordan and I don't want to land anyone in trouble. edited to say: I don't think the tour company was ripping us off- they only recommended tips in 3 places: once in Jerasha, once in Wadi rum and once in Petra- in Petra our tour guy did not even see the guide in Petra after we were dropped off there and nor did he see the chap in Jerusulem at all or recommend any tips. In addition, he paid for a meal that was not included in the trip according to our itinery- my husband had to remind him to ask for the cost so that we could re imburse him before we left as he did not ask us for it. He also upgraded us where possible and threw in another meal and a few other personal touches that were not included in the trip. So thinking about it, if our tips went on this, then I am happy to have paid what I did. <em>edited by bubby1234 on 20/10/2013</em>
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 07 October 2013 - 06:29
[b'> Btw, I've heard that children in JPS no longer have a guaranteed spot in JC.[/b'> where did you hear this? I think after assessment places are handed over in priority order and JPS kids still get first dibs. Please advise if you have heard differently
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 13:33
Hi got a quote from dragon mart as lots of people said they are the cheapest for a garden of 5 x 10m (50sq mtrs) it was 6000dhs which included installation, this seems a lot??? It was the better stuff? Anyone got any other recommendations/ companies they used? Thanks we had a similar quote and at that price we would have to be in our villa for more than a year to make it the cost effective option, water would still need to be used to water plants in the garden.
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 08:04
Not sure if anyone has already mentioned it but if you want kids to participate in any activities/ sports, the prices are much higher than in the UK. Not sure how they would compare to Sweden. In addition, whilst you may be living on a budget, a lot of other people may not be. This makes socialising difficult. Unlike back home, I find that not many people entertain at home in Dubai but tends to go out more?
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 19:44
Noddy2- did you manage the visit to Oman OK? My parents are coming from the UK and I want to visit Oman with them. They are coming to Dubai for 3 months and I plan to do visa runs for the duration of their visit. I was wondering if there will be a problem entering Oman
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 23:23
thank you for the info-really looking forward to our trip!! H1989- I have asked the tour organiser if we can fit in a trip to aquaba
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 19:50
thank you for all your helpful replies. we are visiting all the places on your list apart from aqaba as we simply don't have time
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 17:31
does anyone know where I can get a 90 x 190cm memory foam mattress for less than 1036AED? That is the cheapest I could source at the moment. In addition does anyone know if they sell mattresses in dragon mart and if so if they sell memory foam ones? Thank you in advance! Sashini
bubby1234
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Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 15:20
unfortunately restricted to the school holidays hence will have to pay the more expensive price
bubby1234
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Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 15:17
this is why I gave up trying to purchase home insurance
bubby1234
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Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 23:25
of course I am happy to recommend ...email me at myvillapoolathotmail.com let me know when you have it and I will remove x thank you, I have your e-mail, you can remove it now
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 10:14
thank you for the information. Would you mind asking hubby how much he pays for the Emirates or Royal Jordanian flights please?
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 08:27
are there any good deals around for either hotel?
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 08:19
I don't like to bad mouth up and coming salons such as Beauty Plus but the treatment I had was so bad I feel I need to get it off my chest. I thought the offers at this pinkladydeals was true good to be true but if people are lovely and willing to please, I thought I will give it a go. The lady I made the appointment with on the telephone was lovely and said to call when I am at the satwa bus station to get directions. Well when I arrived there, I called two numbers I had for the salon and both were switched off! I eventually found the place and the door was locked. But someone opened the door and they were surprised to see me. They had no knowledge of my appointment and certainly no knowledge of the offer I bought (the Moroccan bath offer). Yes I should have known better than to go for this as there were so many services for so little money. After arguing amongst themselves in their language one of them said "give me the money and we will do your service". I am OK with not having nice surroundings but the people should be nice and kind. The Moroccan bath was just leaving me in the room where there is only enough place to sit with the steamer on. She then came and scrubbed me down- I did not feel pampered- Just felt as though I was being cleaned! The hot oil, shoulder massage and blow dry were just tick boxes- just to say they have done the service. They forgot about the facial until I mentioned it and they asked "you want it". I did enjoy the facial though. I felt sorry for the two ladies as it was a lot of services for only 85AED. I left a small tip even though I was unhappy as even one of the services may have cost me that much in another salon. However the person making up these offers should advise the people at the salon that if they give a great service, the customer will come back even when the offer is not there. Needless to say I do accept it is my fault as I should have realised that having all these services for so little money would be just what it sounds like - cheap and nasty. Maybe they are good for hair services. However, this salon made me feel so bad and not pampered or rejuvenated, and I would not recommend anyone to go there for anything other than getting your hair done.
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 15 August 2013 - 23:39
thank you both
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 August 2013 - 10:56
Does anyone know the contact details of a laundry service in Satwa that could collect and deliver (and clean in between!) duvets and bedspreads? Thanks in advance
bubby1234
151
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 17:29
thank you!!
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 13:07
Sorry if I am missing anything- I am looking for a guitar teacher for August. Are you able to give me the contact details of Mr Peter.
bubby1234
151
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2013 - 20:06
I can't for the life of me find our policy document and the number is nowhere on the internet. I have burst my tire and need to replace it. Thanks in advance
bubby1234
151
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 13:43
Please see another pediatrician , and request a head MRI . I don't want to scare you , I am sorry , but I don't like it...Vomiting at school , that's morning. Happening for almost 6 weeks in a healthy teenager with no other symptoms at the moment I second this opinion. daily vomiting can be due to a variety of conditions, some of which have been mentioned here. However the most important one not to miss is something in the brain- so please ensure that the doctor you will be seeing has considered this as an option.
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 06:17
Missing family- yes unfortunately this is a fact. Yes you can skype a lot, visit, they can come here but agree it is not the same. Everything else Cushion- don't feel powerless. In a lot of ways, things in Dubai makes life a lot easier and the maid is one of them. If she is not making life easier for you and is getting you stressed, there is something wrong. As someone else said, you can change to suit the situation
bubby1234
151
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2013 - 22:16
cushion- why do you think you are feeling homesick? Is it your parents and family, or????
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 10 April 2013 - 09:39
Don't know fit is te same but I saw a magnolia cafe in lower ground floor of Dubai mall
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 April 2013 - 09:05
Thank you!
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2013 - 19:04
Pkchau do you remember the name of the restaurant you went to?
bubby1234
151
Posts
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Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 21:31
I am not sure if I have any real advise about schools but was really excited as they would be the first British Sri Lankans apart from us that i have heard of in Dubai!!! We looked at 5 schools in Nov 2011 and put our 3 kids down for 3 schools- English College, DESS and GEMS Wellington Primary. The third school was the only one who had places for all three kids but that may be because I paid for a term in advance to secure their places even though we were not moving til April. I don't advise this but my kids were so happy at school and settled in the UK that I didn't want to have them in different schools or not have places for them. It has a nice mix of nationalities including Sri Lankan, and I have been really pleased with it. Background- private primary school in the UK. Other schools my friends kids' go to and they are happy with are: JPS, JAPS, JESS AR and JESS Jumeirah, Repton, even Regent and GEMS Wellington DSO.
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 18 March 2013 - 21:25
Hi! I have a friend who is planning on bringing down his family to Dubai and is on the look out for schools here in Dubai. His eldest daughter is in year 9 and the second one is in year 4. They are British Sri lankans. I have already given him the KHDA reports and links, however he wants a few recommendations to start off with. I'm a little rusty on the school front. Can you guys please recommend schools that they should be looking at it! TIA!
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 20:06
thanks. how did you go about organising your trip? Which website did you look at to book your flights? I am thinking more of a package tour?
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 22:00
Shamrock- I could also have written this post a few months ago when I first arrived. You have lots of offers of new friendships here but if you like one more, feel free to contact me on sashinip at hotmail dot com. One good friend told me a few months down the line to stop trying too hard and the friendships will come. This is what I did but largely cos I was fed up, and sure enough, frienships have evolved naturally
bubby1234
151
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 21:57
I arrived here in Dubai about 2 months ago and I have to say I am finding it really hard to make any friends not for the lack of trying! My husband has been here through his work a few months longer than me and has many friends and colleagues from Europe along with bonding with new people that started work here at the same time as him. My kids have made friends in school and on the street are happy enough. Now as for Me, the Mum here I've settled the kids and my Husband reset up home here and now would love some company outside of doing the normal daily chores of motherhood. I have lived in other countries before and must say that I expected it to be easier to make friends in Dubai as there is such a huge expat community.... But I feel that the people you meet in the community, at schools etc will say Hello and enquire as to how you are getting on but don't have room for another friend as the seem to have reached their quota....even forgetting how hard it may have been for them when they first started out. When I lived back home a few years back I used to run a Mother & Toddler playgroup and anyone new who joined I would match up with someone else there who had of child the same age or lived in the same area or where from the same part of their country. I made sure people felt welcome. I also did this in the kids school back home for new joining parents and kids... Some even came to thank me before I emigrated...... So far I've tried local coffee mornings, chatted with neighbours on the streets, out in the supermarkets, gym, walking. I'm trying to stay positive. Will any door open soon? Whats Up with the Expats in Dubai?!! Spare a thought for any of us Newbie Expat Mums Please...we are the ones who hold the fort for the family and wipe their tears away but hide our own tears on how sad we feel about living in a new country and starting out again........ edited by shamrock3 on 27/01/2013
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 19:29
I asked because I may consider either school for my child for Sept 2014 entry. Therefore he would not be in competition with anyone who has just sat the exam, who will be entering in Sept 2013. I have already asked the schools but very little information is given out to parents. However, I realise now that this was a stupid question to ask in the first place, as one user correctly pointed out- the parents don't actually get to see the papers so can't really respond anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 10:34
thank you Asti but that thread was before the exams which were held on 12th and 19th Jan, So wanted to know from parents whose kids have just sat it
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 09:18
Hello, Cross posted from the schools forum. For those of you whose kids have sat either of these exams, would you mind sharing with us what the exams entailed? Similar to year 6 SATS or UK 11 plus exam? Thank you in advance!!
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 19:45
The only reason we ended up at Wellington Primary was because it was the only school that could offer places for all three kids. However, I have been pleasantly surprised. Due to all the negative opinions about GEMS schools, I was weary. The school leadership is fabulous, it is run well, the academic standards are high. The staff all work very hard. There is a wide range fo extra curricular activities on offer and communication is good. My kids came from a small private school in the UK with a great community feel. Despite its large size (but small for Dubai), I think the school does its best to create such a feel. The majority of students are not caucasian English. I find this a blessing and a curse. It is natural for some cutlures to really push their kids and work hard so as a result, in order to keep up with the competition, my kids also have to work harder. This is not necessarily a bad thing though. To be honest, I don't really have anything negative to stay about the school. The fact that it is profit making has not affected my children in any way. In fact the school supports a charity and the kids are encouraged to raise funds for that. Enough praise about the school. However one of my good friend's kids goes to Regeant School. She was also aware of its poor rating but liked the school. She is very pleased with it.
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 16:16
Little cuddly toy camels with UAE colours for saddles, and soft camel key rings to add to the collection on their school bags or satchels. hey rings................yes would be perfect. thanks for the ideas.
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 11:14
no idea about Aileen sorry... but I do know another FAB piano teacher who lives in Jumeirah... let me know if u want more details I will be interested if can come to our villa in Al Manara. Pls contact me on sashinip at hot mail dot com
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 12:41
how was it bubby? I took my 4 year old daughter- she enjoyed the first 10 mins! It was also my first ballet- I enjoyed it althought felt it could have been a little shorter
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 16:46
as with all things in marriage- compromise. When I first ready your post, I told my DH that it wasn't me that wrote it (!) so my DH is the same. But over the years, he has compromised. So one day during the weekend we stay in, and on the other day, we go out. To be honest our two sons play sport on fri and sat so lounging around at home all day is not an option anyway. Also in Dubai, I find that people are a lot more social so I go out with the ladies at least once a week
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2012 - 16:34
most people were dressed up- dresses, shawls..................
bubby1234
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Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 23:35
only two good universities in the UK?!!!! What nonsense!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 06:49
does anyone know if there are any taekwondo classes apart from taekwondo kids that follow the ITF taek wondo syllabus?
bubby1234
151
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 14:00
Kandy- temple of tooth, walk around lake/ take boat ride, botannical gardens Nuwara Eliya- tea plantations- not sure if one if better than another but some have tours where they show you how they make the tea, round of golf at the golf club, gregory's lake Dambulla- rock temple near sigiriya Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa- ancient temples/ ruins I think no trip to sri lanka will be complete without some relaxation on the beach. Trincomalee is supposed to have lovely beaches but I think the ones in Negombo or down south- Beruwela, Bentota, hikkaduwa are just as nice. The Chaaya Tranz in Hikkaduwa was one of the most scenic hotel I have been to. You can also do several watersports but not sure about health and safety travel agents: http://www.facebook.com/GaboTravels?ref=ts&fref=ts HTH
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 08:36
juzzrach- I am in no way trying to advertise- but would you like me to put you in contact with a travel agency in sri lanka who can advise you about all the must see's. if not maybe when I have more time, I will write back
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 04 November 2012 - 07:36
Kandalama is by far the best hotel around Sigiriya. Habarana Lodge is also lovely and is a short drive away. I am not sure about Hotels in Anuradhapura but Deer Park in Giritale is good for Polonnaruwa. In Kandy you can get your pick of hotels- Citadel, Earl's Regency, Hotel Hilltop..................... in Nuwara Eliya you won't go wrong with the Tea Factory or the Grand Hotel. (I am Sri Lankan hence all this info)
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 12:53
We are looking to move to Dubai in the new year, but would like to go back to the UK for 6 weeks or so in the summer. Do any of you do the same and if so, do you find it easy to find short-let properties? We have had a look at holiday lets in Kent (where we live at the moment near Sevenoaks), but the prices are at least double what you would usually pay on a monthly basis. Have any of you done home exchanges? Any other ideas and advice would be much appreciated! No advise for you but was just excited at seeing where you are moving from as we moved over from tonbridge!!
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 13:49
does anyone know of any good companies for this? Arabian nights quoted 490AED per person and does not accept the entertainer voucher for the overnight camping............thank you in advance.
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 19:56
We pay 75 Dhms per month and are in a 4 bedroom villa. wow, would you mind sharing the details of your window cleaner please?
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 08:10
I have lived by the Central Arab Timings (30 min late) for a long time now. When I am to meet someone at 1PM, I am there1.30PM and the other person probably at 1.45PM. I have to say, when it comes to "official" appointments, work, etc. I do like to be on time. damn..............wish I knew this before!!! OK. now to be 30mins late without my heart racing.........
bubby1234
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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 08:05
it is so inconsiderate for the person waiting. During the daytime I could have handled- but at night I am sure the doormen probably thought I was waiting for business!!!!!!!!!!!!
bubby1234
151
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 20:42
I've agreement for external windows with Tool Time; I've decided to clean them once a month, but you can call only for 1 service, or every 3 months, every 6 months....as you like. very efficient and not expensive at all. and they are so nice and helpful!!:) you can call - if you wish - [b'>800 88[/b'> do you mind letting us know how much is not expensive? We have a 5 bed villa and was recently quoted 900AED by another company
 
 
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