Buddha | ExpatWoman.com
 

Buddha

Buddha
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 14:58
Can I ask what happens if visas are not cancelled on leaving Dubai.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 20:04
If you are paying fees yourself then take EC...way cheaper than DESC. I am not sure that meydan to DESC and JC would be very easy. I used to drop at DESC and then DESS but kind of did a big circle...had to drop at DESC before 7am. I'm not sure how easy it is to get between DESC and JC. It is likely that places at JC may open up for your daughter. I have many friends with kids at EC..if I had known about it when moving here I would have had no problem putting mine into EC.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 16:52
Seems very strange that kids can't sit in current school. My DD just sat hers in the head's office whilst the head worked. Can you try again speaking to the school? Maybe speak to the head rather than office. Failing that. I would give your LEA a call and ask them...if get nowhere with them then ask to speak to the education Welfare Officer.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 19:36
Oops..sorry..just read that you aren't arriving till Sept. Yes, you can apply without an address...we did.
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 19:35
I have friends who go to DBS and are happy. I think the biggest issue will be getting places as DBS is popular and over subscribed. Children living in Dubai are not allowed to switch schools in summer term so if places do become available they can only go to kids arriving in Dubai. With a bit of luck you may be lucky. Be aware that most schools break up for spring break this Thursday. I would say that it is urgent that you get application in as soon as possible. I can't comment on DIA but anecdotally I think places there are even more at a premium. It may be that you require to widen your search to other schools within the area.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 21:52
Beryl comar at change associates is excellent.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2015 - 19:46
I would be very very surprised if you are able to drive at the speed you think you will drive. There are not motorways in New Zealand..you can get stuck behind lorries...some bridges are long but only single track so you can wait a few mins to cross. If winds are high, it isn't unusual for trailers to tip over and you can be stuck a while till a farmer comes along with a tractor to clear the road. Traffic through cites and built up areas can be slow. I would def concentrate on just one island if you only have a week. We had longer and still found it a squeeze to get round South Island. Pace of life is slower in NZ.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2015 - 20:33
Your proposed schedule looks like a lot...it doesn't appear that you have factored in a lot of travel time. Roads in NZ can be very slow and it can take a long time to get between places. If you carry out your proposed north and South Island schedule I can't see you having a lot of time to spend at each place. I think you probably need longer. I know from Wellington we did a four or five trip to Rotorua and Napier and back to Wellington and still didn't see everything. We also did a seven tour of South Island taking in most of what you describe. It was many years ago so I can't be entirely sure. Are you planning to hire a car and drive? Many people pick up a camper van in Auckland and drive it to Christchurch. It used to be a lot cheaper if you cpuld go from Christchurch to Auckland. When we were there the cost of hiring a car and booking a one bed chalet like place every night was approx the same price as a camper van. Because my kids were young I actually preferred this option as meant could go food shopping etc but kids stay home in bed whereas with camper van you can't settle down for night till shopping done. Now kids are older, I would prefer the camper van option.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 09:00
Fairydust. - apologies if I came over critical and judgemental. Not my intention at all, it just really upsets me that people have such struggles and put themselves through such mental deprivation and torture. I firmly stand by fact that there is no need....as I said the menu and meal plans in Clean 9 are very good and similar to how myself and majority of my athletic friends etc but. I still maintain that the additional components are a marketing gimmick and a way of lining distributors pockets. I hate to think that people like Starsouthern are lining others pockets and putting themselves through nine days of deprivation etc etc. Re competition...I have many, many athletic friends and I can count on one hand those of us who actively follow diets or cleanses. I also truly believe that what leads to increasing weight issues is constantly subjecting one's body to diets and so called cleanses. So , yes in a way. I guess I am maybe being judgemental but it's because it pains me to see women struggle and deprive themselves. I detest the "brain washing" that diet industries use. I am sure people will lose weight on Clean 9 simply cos of the restricted calories and different meal plans but how many maintain this loss long term?
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 23:23
Ps..it might be worth googling the health risks associated with soy products.
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 23:21
None of what you sent is actually hard scientific fact. what you sent is advertising. I was hoping for hard clinical facts and evidence. I love the wording re doctors, olympic athletes. ...lol. I would find it much more credible if they actualky named doctors or sports people. Maby, many foods contain all essential amino acids. I am sorry but as a scientist this is a bit of jargon hyped to sound good. There is nothing in what your distributor has sent you that would stand up in a scientific argument. I am lucky in that with my job I dont need to wake till after 8am so easily get 8hrs plus skeep a night. it just struck me that if you don't get 8hrs sleep then this may be a reason you find it difficult to maintain heakthy weight.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 20:14
Just before you bow out could you please post a scientific link to evidence that aloe Vera helps with absorption of nutrients from food. I am not being argumentative but would genuinely love to read a scientific report on this quality.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 20:12
No worries..I just worry that you are being taken advantage of by someone who is primarily interested in lining their own pockets. I can assure you that very, very few Tri Dubai athletes would be using this product. As I said in an earlier post everyone is adult enough to make up their own minds..I just hate people being fleeced to line others pockets...
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 19:52
Geeps..I did not want to get into argument but none of my athletic frirnds count calories. Put a query on Tridubai and most will say no. I competed in major international games and had zero nutrionist back up. I had a coach who I spoke to maybe twice a week and saw maybe once a month. None of my fellow athletes counted calories. I have coached many many athletes including international athletes and still do...none count calories. They eat in a healthy manner. Contrary to what you may believe very very few now take supplements. .partly due to the risknof cross contamination and testing positive in a dope test..it happened to two Welsh athletes last summer..the messsge in athletic world is to avoid supplement abd get nutritients through good eating.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 18:57
Starsouthern....I may be wrong but I kind of think we don't struggle with our weight because we have never dieted and because from a young age we made different food choices from those who have weight issues...probably can thank our parents for that. I honestly believe that diets are what beget food weight issues. I am not being unsupportive or critical but what you describe you are now eating and feel satisfied is how I and my fellow athletes always feel after eating. I have never counted calories but I do know I can have a plate piled high with food which in total will probably contain way less calories than the meagre portions my friend on a diet will be sitting with. I have researched the Forever 9 very thoroughly and yes the meal plans and meal ideas are fab BUT are very, very similar to what myself and many of my friends eat. I honestly believe you could follow the eating plan and recipes that you are currently using and you would lose the weight without the aloe Vera and additives which you are currently putting into your body. Re your reference to calories..generally people who don't have weight issues have no idea of calorific content of food. We tend to roughly know what foods will fill us up and not be overly laden in calories. A few extra carrots and one less potato for eg can make a huge difference as can be the way we cook food. Reduced fat and reduced sugar foods can also add to weight issues yet many people use them misguidedly thinking that they will help them to lose weight. Compared to my dieting friends I eat HUGE volumes of food but I would bet that if it were all monitored I would probably be consuming fewer calories than them. I do sympathise with weight issues but I think that's one of the reasons that plans like Clean 9 make me so sad. At the minute you are losing weight but not hungry becasue you are increasing your volume of food BUT probably decreasing your calorie imtake. This is what you would find people without weight issues have probably done all their lives. People ask how I can eat so much...I look at their daily food intake and know that the volume of what they eat is tiny and yet calories probably higher than mine. I def agree with the meal ideas etc in Clean 9 but I just question the supplements and first nine days of deprivation. And yes, I stand by the fact that low calorie diets simply reduce metabolic rate but by increasing volume of food and slightly decreasing calories ( although again I would never count calories..the minute you start counting it plays havoc with your mind and a lot of weight issues have a psychological component) people will lose weight particularly of combined with increasing activity. <em>edited by Buddha on 16/03/2015</em>
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 16:35
I am a triathlete in my late 40's and what I would say is that fellow athletes generally eat very very differently from our friends who are constantly on diets or using ckeanses. Very few of us believe in diets but we do make different food choices. I still believe that constant dieting and periods of very low calorie intake slow down metabolic rate . It has been shown clinically that years of dieting lowers metsbolic rate which leads to increasing weight gain. I guess it just saddens me that so many people deprive themselves and "punish" themselves when there is a simple solution <em>edited by Buddha on 16/03/2015</em>
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 16:13
At the risk of getting into a debate I would suggest tjat a fruit salad for breakfast is not an optimal food choice. Ditto re salad for evening meal. More optimal for health of body would be a protein choice eith losds of vegs. also if this implemented then it would look as if you were eating same as your kids. Surely it isnt good for kids yo think yhat adults must eat differently.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 15:07
I agree that maintaining healthy weight is not as much about calorie counting. it is about making good food choices, increasing activity levels and changing one's mind set. I do agree for some people that it may be the kick they need but I still stand by fact that the body is totally capable of cleansing itself and that by cutting calories so low you ate not encouraging a heakthy mental attitude towards food. As I said I shudder to think what cleanses like this teach children who watch their parents using them. why take something manufactured in a lab when you could simply cook using simple healthy food. I just hate to see people depriving themself and wasting money. Eat clean and get moving....
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 15:06
I agree that maintaining healthy weight is not as much about calorie counting. it is about making good food choices, increasing activity levels and changing one's mind set. I do agree for some people that it may be the kick they need but I still stand by fact that the body is totally capable of cleansing itself and that by cutting calories so low you ate not encouraging a heakthy mental attitude towards food. As I said I shudder to think what cleanses like this teach children who watch their parents using them. why take something manufactured in a lab when you could simply cook using simple healthy food. I just hate to see people depriving themself and wasting money. Eat clean and get moving....
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 12:50
Cheeky monkey..thanks. You saved me a lot of time as summed up my thoughts. Dieting is a billion dollar industry because they don't work long term. If thry did work then the industry would go bust. It is NOT in th diet industry best interest to find something that works long term. as I said earlier it is as much about the mental and pyschological mindset around food. what worries me is what these so called cleanses are doing to the pysche of our kids. What messages are we giving them. It is about getting moving, cooking from scratch and avoiding depriving ourselves. i rarely eat chocolate because it is not something that tempts me but if someone suggested I not eat any for a period of time then rest assured I would probably crave it.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 11:56
Where is the fibre?
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2015 - 09:13
If you cut the c**p from your diet then your liver is more than capable of cleansing your body.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 March 2015 - 20:45
Appletiser - well said. Beats me why people get taken in by all those "diets" For anyone considering one of those diets, consider reading the article below from someone very well qualified. http://dietitianwithoutborders.com/clean-9-diet/ Just to add to the article. 1. If you are losing more than 2kg a week it is almost certainly fluid you are losing..do you know that majority of these cleanses contain mild diuretics. 2. If you put your body into starvation mode then as soon as you up your calorie intake your body will just hang onto fat in preparation for another "famine" 3. I am not sure how the supplements can be called natural when they are made in a laboratory...why not take minerals and vitamins from foodstuffs. 4. Weight loss is about educating your body, food choices combined with exercise. Go somewhere like Balance Cafe or kcal and you will see meals which fill an entire dinner plate for 300 or 400 calories AND fill you up , yet snacking on a few items leaving you unsatisfied can easily be double the amount of calories. As others have said it is about kick starting the body and re educating yourself re food choices. 5. Diets should never be about deprivation..the more we deprive ourselves the more we want something. 6. Huge worry of mine is what seeing this sort of thing does to our children's attitude towards food and healthy eating...see Mom forcing grunge looking drinks down her throat and skipping meals...surely better by far if we instill healthy eating habits in our kids using natural ingredients as much as possible. Rant over...guess people can make their own decisions and yes, I agree it can kick start people into better eating patterns but then why don't omit the first nine days and go straight to the healthy eating. Very impressed at a 66.5kg weight loss though in 9 days...I don't even weigh that much lol.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2015 - 17:02
I think they have applied for another increase in school fees for Sept 2015. The last few years there has been an increase every year. School uniform from Stitches inc PE kit required. Generally a couple of school trips a year ..tend to be about AED 100 a time. Year 5 and 6 they do overnight ones which aren't cheap. Pencil case with various items required. AED10 every now and again for non uniform days etc. A fair few dress up days so it depends how creative you are how much this costs. School led after school clubs are free but there are several provided by external agencies which are costly.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 21:33
Would Dragonmart maybe have them?
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 11:31
Cherpie ..you are welcome. Also, I still don't always manage but what I found best is I if can "accept" the way things are. I don't mean this in a weak, passive way but when I have attempted to get any points across I find it is futile and all I do is wind up upsetting myself and feeling even more trapped. As much as possible, I accepted that I needed " to do my time" so as to speak. I cope by keeping very busy, plenty hobbies, I also give myself small, inexpensive treats even if it's just buying a cheap mag. Getting up to date with studying and keeping my mind active has also helped a lot and hopefully should make it easier to return to the workplace. Even if you just keep up to date with computing skills. There are some interesting group talks etc on Meetup etc ( I know childcare is probably an issue at the minute but perhaps when school age.). I find these help me meet other people and gain more perspective. If possible look at starting meditation or yoga . If you can't get out to classes there are a lot of online classes. Several "big names" in the meditation world etc run a couple of weeks free meditation. I will post when I see the next one. Once kids are school age then it might be worth looking for a parttime job, usually jobs are going in schools which fit around the kids. This would assist you in becoming independent, would boost confidence and get you out and about meeting people and probably allow you to squirrel money away. Good luck x <em>edited by Buddha on 24/02/2015</em>
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2015 - 19:29
I really feel for you. I understand when you say you feel trapped and no way out. I know many people will say things along the lines of " if you really want out, you will" but I know that in some situations it isn't that easy. I'm very envious of those who can find a way and no it isn't making excuses when some of us can't "get out" (Sometimes I find those sorts of comments almost as hard to deal with as the feeling of being trapped). Cherpie, all I can suggest is keep speaking to and meeting friends. Make every effort to keep up hobbies and do things for yourself and that you enjoy. Give yourself little treats from time to time. I know it might sound silly when you are so unhappy but what I did and really helped was to buy myself a little notebook. Every night before I go to bed I write down three things that I am thankful for or that made me happy...small things but it means I go to sleep thinking of good things and not the bad things. I can't remember if you are working or not but maybe if not then do some home study so that when your kids are older it will be easier for you to become independent. ( www.coursera.com do a lot of free online courses). Kids do grow up quickly..it seems like no time since mine were babies and I felt hopelessly trapped but now they are almost old enough that I can extricate myself...on one level time goes slowly but on other level it has flown by. If possible attempt to stash a little bit of money, even if you just start collecting AED20 notes...keep this as your nest egg, escape plan. Is there any support at all to be had from your family? I know I have none, so again I understand if none is forthcoming. I wish you all the very best .will be watching to see how you get on.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2015 - 17:20
I feel sick if I drink it on an empty stomach. I prefer Roobos or Redbush tea
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2015 - 22:04
I suggest you speak to someone on Leaves Dubai Facebook group. They are very helpful and will give free advice. You DEF can divorce out here as I know a few who have but I believe it was rather costly and I don't think they had custody issues. As another person says you may be better going to your home country and doing it from there. There are pros and cons for both options.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2015 - 21:45
Long time since I lived in Malaysia but a few points 1. I found the humidity tough. I actually find it easier here even in the higher temps. 2. School places are not that easy to find and a lot of schools ask for a building bond which is non refundable in addition to the school fees ie when your child gets admitted you pay a sum of money towards the cost of the actual building 3. I always felt safe in KL. 4. I think it's changed,maybe someone else can confirm but when I lived there it was illegal to work if sponsored by your husband but I am sure someone told me that that has changed. 5. I liked the cross proximity to other parts of Asia but hated being so far from beaches. 6. Loads of expats and some areas more expat than others. Sorry that I can't help more. I did have friends that moved to Bangkok and they say that traffic is horrid and it takes ages to get anywhere. We used to go to Singapore on holiday. Very different from KL - more sterile. Rent costs high but again a good expat community but I believe difficult to get school places. Several people it know travel over the border to Malaysia to school there.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2015 - 21:37
Coursera.com has some good free courses The courses are all from universities and are free Www.coursera.com
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2015 - 21:36
There is one at festival city. I can't remember what it is called
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2015 - 21:35
Salaries are massive and everyone is minted, I wish
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 21:32
I think JESS AR is almost impossible to get into alothugh there is rumoured to be a new school opening in AR but thought to find accommodation at 150k or less in AR.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 20:54
Not driving is probably your biggest problem. It is very difficult to get about without driving. As others said unless you get kids on school bus you will have an issue but you will still have an issue if they want to do extra curricular activities or if they have shows etc at school. Jebel Ali village is possible if you can get your kids into Jebel Ali primary school but I think it Is way over subscribed. I believe the houses are old with some maintenance issues. The Metro is near by but even moi who runs and walks everywhere all year round would not fancy walking from a house in Jebel Ali village to the metro or to the big shopping mall. Budget wise people are always going to disagree on what is required. All I can say is that on not much more than 30k a month we pay two secondary school fees, pay our own own rent and run two cheap cars BUT we save nothing. I would love to have 30k after school fees and rent but unfortunately reality is we don't. Our DEWA is around AED700 to 800 a month and that includes the 5% housing tax thing BUT if you live in a villa this can easily be 1500 upwards. The two beds in springs are TINY..two small bedrooms upstairs and a tiny room off the lounge which I guess you could use as a third bedroom. Very little storage. DBS school is in springs and I guess if you could find one close to DBS and the big shopping centre there you could manage without a car BUT again DBS is heavily over subscribed so it may be tough to get kids into there. I believe the houses in that area of springs are more expensive as well. You ask why people don't walk to school...when we moved here one of my daughters went to school 35km from where I lived and one went 20 kms in the opposite direction. VERY few schools are right next to housing areas...very few pavements. A lot of roads are six lane highways. Then , as others say there is the heat... I'm prob as hard core as they get re exercising in the heat but May, June, sept, most of Oct I wouldn't contemplate walking maybe more than say 800m to school..it's just too hot.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 07:43
Lol..most people wouldn't walk their kids to school but it IS more than possible. My kids like many out here play sport ALL year round AND run all year round...they run around 8am in summerholidays or in May and June they often run at 4pm on their return from school. Some of their friends do as well... Believe it or not, there is a running race at 6pm once a week throughout the year so yes, many people don't go out much in the summer but there are a large number of people who do still engage in outdoor activites. For two years I parked about 400m from school and walked to and fro every day..not a problem and they would easily walk further if required. From Sept kids play rugby on a Fri morning, the younger kids do play early but the bigger ones are playing at noon....it IS very hot but they survive . So, yes, many people will say it is impossible to go outside in Dubai at certain times of year but some do. I am not the only one, lol. All I know is that myself and many of my friends would love to be on your package so I think you will be fine. Yep, Dubai could be tough on a shoe string but there an increasing amount or people living out here on similar amounts to what you say you will be getting but with nothing paid. Yes, we can't do the brunches, concerts stc that others do but I figure that we couldn't in uk either. My kids love the outdoor life and there are loads of sporting opportunities available all year round. Some of those cost massive amounts of money but others can be found cheaply or for free. There is a book or a app called the Entertainer which gives a plethora of two for one vouchers which is worth buying as it soon pays for itself. I have several friends at DBS and all are happy. If you can get them in there then the fees are cheaper than many in Dubai. Stock up on clothes on trips back to uk as they are expensive here but to be honest my kids live in shorts and t shirts so we don't need a lot... My only reservation re your package is that school fees DO go up a lot when your kids go to secondary school so your allowance will fall short then. School fees tend to go up every year as well....think ours have gone from 60 to 70k in three years. Housing is also going up And most years you tend to find your landlord will want to put up your rent. You, therefore need to factor in that expendable income you have available this year will not be the same in say five years time. <em>edited by Buddha on 19/02/2015</em>
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2015 - 18:33
Lol. Laughing at the replies saying 35 -40k. My DH doesn't even get that and gets nothing apart from medical insurance and we manage to pay two x secondary fees at a good British school and pay our own rent all from his salary. <em>edited by Buddha on 18/02/2015</em>
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 February 2015 - 07:21
How long is a piece of string. Depends where you go. We on a very tight budget. Can easily go food court for all four of us for less than AED100. Even restaurants like chillis can be done for under AEd120 for if use entertainer voucher and careful what you order. Picnic on beach costs very little. On the other hand you can easily spend AED400 or more on not very much. Even a brunch with Entertainer vouchers will cost over AED1000 for all of you. Cinema tickets vary from AED35 to AED50 or higher. Weather is perfect just now, so you can use beaches and parks. It's possible to get takeaway ordered to many of the beaches or parks. Places like JBR are more expensive but we had a lovely day there yesterday and only spent AED105 to feed four of us which gave us free parking. It really depends on your budget.
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 14:40
Best to ask hire company. Some are ok but others not. Also with some you can't buy insurance cover at the portacabins.
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 18:19
Marblesxx - I think it is law in AD that an employer must provide medical insurance which is probably what is confusing you.
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 18:16
I think the one at MCC allows you to take a ticket so you can go off and shop as they call you just before your number comes up. ( I can't remember if it was Du or etisalat there that offered that service but I think etisalat
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 13:36
You can't get medical insurance till you get your visa. I took holiday insurance from UK to initially cover us. Be warned that it isn't cheap. You can get cheapish cover but when you read the small print it doesn't cover for much. Many policies have a max claim every year which can sometimes be pretty low. Other policies make you pay and then claim back. Direct billing is better but more expensive. I found aurora at Pacific Prime very helpful and knowledgeable. Also , ask if your husband's company will add you, if they have a group policy it shouldn't cost them much to add you.
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 12:50
I'm not sure but in all of my pregnancies I was a day or two late and got my hopes up but then started what I thought was my period albeit very light but with bad cramps. I thought it was my period but it was only when I started vomiting a few weeks later that I tested and discovered I was pregnant. Is it possible to book with another doctor or ask for an available cancellation . Good luck.
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 February 2015 - 07:02
Many people have live in maids and use them to babysit. If it's a uk licence then it's easy but you need to wait until you have your residency. Prior to this u can only drive a hire car on your UK licence. As soon as your residency comes through you MUST convert your licence. It's a very simple process which is detailed on the info section on this site. You first go to an optician out here and get a eye sight trust and they give you a form. You take that with copies of your passport, residency visa and your husbands and a letter of permission from him, photos and money.
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 14:46
Decathlon..MCC
Buddha
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 13:15
DESC
Buddha
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 09:31
In three years I was only whipped out of a mall once for not covering my hair but I did always carry a lightweight one in my bag. If I was in the old souk or out with a guy I carried it round my neck ready to cover at slightest hint of trouble.
Buddha
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 February 2015 - 09:27
They now check insurance at the check point BEFORE Hatta Hotel. There is now a portacabin in the service station but they will not provide insurance for some hire car companies as I found out to my cost a few weeks ago.
Buddha
553
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 February 2015 - 17:49
I never wore a head scarf when in Saudi. I used to carry one in my bag in case I ran into mutawa but that was it. Used to put abaya on in arrivals at airport...over my clothes.
Buddha
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2015 - 18:31
I had two young kids , no family and husband working overseas. Nearly went under as neither were good sleepers. When I look back I would have killed for a maid but was in UK at the time so not an option. I survived but that's about all I did. I work out and here do huge school runs and manage just with someone coming into clean once a week. TBH, I don't have enough work for a full time maid but I do love having house cleaned thoroughly once a week. I guess my ideal situation might be a maid five days a week for a couple of hours at a time.
 
 
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