Buddha | ExpatWoman.com
 

Buddha

Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 11:36
It all depends. We pay AED144k a year for two kids at secondary. DH gets AED35k a month. We manage and manage to run two cars. Apart from medical insurance , nothing is paid for not even flights. On downside we save nothing therefore in my opinion not sustainable for much longer. On salary you mention should be fine but depends where you choose to live and what type of cars you plan to run . <em>edited by Buddha on 15/10/2014</em>
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2014 - 11:34
It all depends. We pay AED144k a year for two kids at secondary. DH gets AED35k a month. We manage and manage to run two cars. Apart from medical insurance , nothing is paid for not even flights. On downside we safe nothing therefore in my opinion not sustainable for much longer. On salary you mention should be fine but depends where you choose to live and what type of cars you plan to run .
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 October 2014 - 21:17
If you use search function there was a posting some time back re this and some places were given.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2014 - 21:33
Oasis centre has one..think it is 6D. Also perhaps festival city..
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 20:58
Sorry it's Gems. http://www.gemseducation.com/teachertraining/
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 20:54
I think Repton do one where you work and study at the same time abd then are guaranteed a job with them. If it's not Repton then it is Gems but pretty sure it is Repton. Just google it.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2014 - 14:17
12 years ago,I had to get my new born DD's photo retaken because they wouldn't accept with her eyes closed.UK passport.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2014 - 17:52
Not sure but GEMS schools may pay more but I think the hours are longer than you are looking for. I may be wrong on the pay but worth checking.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2014 - 14:01
I can't help very much but I do know that a lot of the schools pay very poorly and only local contract so no medical, reduction on school fees etc. I knew someone who did get a job in a GEMS school on admissions and gets paid better but I don't think she gets any benefits. She does only get five weeks holiday a year and I believe works 7.30am till 4pm during term time but shorter days during school holidays.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2014 - 06:45
Diets where you go to bed hungry are very unlikely to work long term. It is entirely possible to substantially cut calories but never feel hungry if you make good food choices. As others before have said the best way to encourage weight loss is to change how and what you eat rather than diet. If it were me, I would definitely look at changing the diet I was on. I also wouldn't recommend sleeping pill for several reasons. There is some evidence at the minute suggesting that lack of sleep may contribute to weight problems. Sleeping pills don't provide a natural sleeping pattern so again could compromise any wright loss.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2014 - 23:03
Loved it as did my kids...just back. Great show. Tickets looked expensive...we luckily had freebies. <em>edited by Buddha on 02/10/2014</em>
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2014 - 13:12
Someone in AR posted today on Facebook that they got theirs back recently exactly four weeks after sending it.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2014 - 08:12
There is a Facebook group. Dubai and Northern Emirates homeschooling. They appear to meet regularly.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 06:44
We normally ok at beach from around 8.30till 11am ish. Worst bit is walking back to car carrying all the gear...
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 06:22
I know people currently living there.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 21:14
There is a programme of cookery classes at Balance Cafe in Oasis centre. I've seen all ages take part in them and pretty sure they run at weekends
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 13:14
Stayed there two years ago on the romantic deal package...got upgraded. Very quiet but my kids loved it. Food was amazing! Only issue was that they send you the menu a few days in advance and you have to choose in advance. It's a good couple of hour drive from AD and the two glasses of wine with dinner is actually one per adult totalling two. Both days we were there we got a bottle of sparkling and fruit bowl in our room. My kids keep asking to go back.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 21:40
I might be wrong but I thought that without Emirates ID you can only drive a hire car otherwise you are driving illegally. I might be wrong but I thought this was the case. <em>edited by Buddha on 15/09/2014</em>
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 17:29
Busybee2.... I was told by one person that only I needed to be there as I was the applicant but then another told me that as their dad holds a kiwi passport he had to be there as well...mind you, this was the same person who told me I cpuld do the 24hr renewal for a child..I had to tell him that his organisation had stopped doing this earlier in the year. I kind of lost the will to live after this as had spent ages on hold to call centres both times so decided not to risk it as I couldn't get clarification. If anyone has done this 7 day process in UK it wpuld be useful to know whether they required presence of both parents or just one...TIA
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 14:03
Lol..Re OP driving a 100km a day, I drive over 250km a day, no maid and work parttime...I must be well knackered .... <em>edited by Buddha on 15/09/2014</em>
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 13:58
Gawd, I ain't been in ages. That was my secret, lol. What is Gems Motorpool? Another school?
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 13:57
If you do the 7 day process you def need to turn up at office in person. One member of staff told me that it would be ok if only I turned up. Another told me that my husband must turn up as well. This was to process my DD renewal. If you do the general renewal which takes week you only need one person to be in uk ie the person applying.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 13:17
Technically you do need insurance for visa run but many people do it without. I guess the issue is if there is an accident. Also, one time we were at the first checkpoint and couple next to us were asking where to buy insurance and directed to drive further to go to the building where you renew visas. Several times I have been stood in queue talking to people where you renew visas and they are about to purchase their insurance. I think it's a grey area..I did do it several times wirhout insurance..kept my fingers crossed but used to make me nervous.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 13:14
If you drive past Spinneys in motor City and take the first left there is an overflow car park on your left which always has spaces. Geeps, maybe I shouldn't have posted this, lol.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2014 - 13:12
Farthestpoint...I suggest you email the CEO [email protected] I got a reply almost immediately and passport processed within 48 hrs of writing. Alismum...you don't need 4 weeks in England. You can make an appt from here but can only do so for three weeks or less from when you wish the appointment. It then takes 7days from your appointment. What you need to be careful with and I kept getting conflicting advice is whether both parents require to be present to do the 7 day service.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 20:33
Gilly3 I think that's what is saddest about this whole thing. I know families who are at loggerheads over this. I have friends who have never said a cross word to each other who have fallen out massively. Just today, a friend of mine posted on Facebook after a bitter row - basically they said they had been friends for over thirty years without exchanging a cross word but now couldn't even be civil to each other..he was begging for it to stop. Whatever happens, it has completely divided the nation. My own family is totally split and two brothers now refuse even to talk to each other. I think part of the problem is that NEITHER side has been honest and for the average person to make head nor tail of all the pros and cons is well nigh impossible due to distorted and missing information presented. I personally feel that Scotland has it good and the issues of passport, finances, EU subsidies, sports etc all concern me if a YES vote wins. Again, I don't think enough clear facts have been presented to allow people to make up their own minds. It's a minority I know , but sports people also stand to lose out. Most sports people dream of competing at the Olympics..for the present generation of Scots they will be very unlikely to be able to compete at Rio as it has been clearly stated that there probably won't be time to grant Scotland membership. I know it's a small issue in scheme of things but my concern is that there are many other possible such situations that people haven't even thought about that might arise. Passport for me is a concern, i would like to keep my UK one and would feel very aggrieved at having to give it up for something I had no say in. As I said, the saddest thing is the division that it has caused and I don't think this will end even after this week.basically around half the population are going to be unhappy and then if things go awry the blame game will no doubt come into effect.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 20:20
Also people don't seem to realise that EU has pumped huge money into Scotland recently.....there are EU grants available for just about everything if you apply. This gravy train will stop. As Geordieexpat says what about passports, finances, army and navy. I personally want to keep my UK passport...will I be allowed to? What about my kids, what passport will they have ? I might stand corrected on this but I thought cost of living in Eire was way higher than in NI. Again ,that doesn't augur too well to me..
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 19:37
I am Scottish but for last few years lived in England before moving out here. What struck me on EVERY trip to Scotland was how much better people have it living in Scotland than living in England. It just perplexes me when people say that Scotland is going to the dogs etc.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 September 2014 - 06:18
Guiness2 ..yep, she told my DD they were offered another house at twice price. Said it was JVC or JVT and they were putting in some sort of waterway for people to walk along and her house was right on the route. All info between kids so who knows..
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 20:33
I think you have to be careful. Not sure how true it is but my DD said a classmate of hers has just had to leave Dubai becos the house they bought two years ago was compulsorily purchased for less than they paid for it for the new canal development. Might be just a story as you know what kids are like but would worry me.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 September 2014 - 08:37
As others said all babies do things at a different rate. 7 months is still early for crawling. Also, my eldest DD wouldn't crawl for ages but we were living in apartment with marble floors..went out one day for afternoon tea to a place with soft pile carpets...she crawled everywhere for the first time. Got back home and still wouldn't crawl...I'm guessing the marble floor was too hard for her..
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 19:53
One of the ways I used to get round buying kid's meal was to buy one adult meal and let my kids share. Now they are older I often order two mains and my two DD's and I share...means I don't *** out too much and they eat healthier than the rubbish which is often served with kid's meals.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 September 2014 - 10:15
Someone posted last week on AR Facebook site that they had contacted O2 directly via email and they had unlocked it for them.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 September 2014 - 01:00
Loads of natural,methods of increasing milk supply..just google.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 22:04
I am 50, not a single grey hair and often at the beach....lol.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2014 - 22:56
Apart from the car seats ( and actually they could even fly with them, might have changed but they never used to count towards luggage allowance) you shouldn't need to acquire anything. I used to just fly with a travel cot therefore no need for you to get cots, stroller can go all the way to the plane door. High chair would be good but not essential - I either fed mine in their buggies or you can get portable cloth like things from Morhercare that you can use on an ordinary seat in lieu of high chairs. Good luck.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 17:06
Daza...sorry to hijack this but does your step sister get a lot of work and which course did she do? Returning to UK soon but need to be able to support my kids but also be around for them as no other family members in uk to assist with childcare in holidays etc. I currently mark exam papers ( but this won't be available in UK) so am used to working accurately and in fine detail.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 August 2014 - 12:04
Layan properties are all standard price. If you look on Dubai properties you will get a list of prices..think it might be 175k for a 3 bed and 195 for a 4 bed but I would need to recheck. The great thing is that you are not at beck and call re landlords putting prices up to silly levels. Roads around Layan are fast and you can get pretty much anywhere quickly.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 15:08
Other option re a pool is to take a membership somewhere like the Polo club which gives you use of pool,and facilities. It can be way cheaper than the extra rent required to get a place with. Pool. Villas in Layan, Dubailand are nice and access to a 25m pool, gym, community shop etc etc. it is far out but basically I can get pretty much anywhere in Dubai in 25 mins.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 20:52
Thanks..that seemed logical but wasn't sure re Dubai, lol.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 20:27
Thanks in advance. I just bought a Samsung phone in uk, mine got dropped in water accidentally so I had to replace. It comes with a micro SIM card rather than a standard but guy who sold it said the Du standard phone card should be able to be cut down...I didn't have it with me when I purchased the phone. Just taken SIM card into Carphone Warehouse and they told me it can't be cut down as plastic. I'm total technophobe...how can I get a micro card when I arrive back in Dubai..I'm with Du and don't want to change my number as lots of things linked to it. Thanks.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 August 2014 - 22:51
We earn way less than AED45k a month and send one to secondary school which is over AED6k a month and one to primary which is almost AED4k. Live in a 3 bed in lovely compound and nothing run cars. Pay our own flights etc.i take kids back to uk for min of 6 weeks every summer and have to pay accomm there and hire car..I put some money by every month for this. Not easy but not half as difficult as it sounds. I am sure that as long as you don't go crazy then AED45 will be fine but just be aware that start up costs can be high..we were lucky as had savings.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 August 2014 - 12:38
Lolacat....it may not be that difficult. Kids don't need to be properly sorted and dressed. I only had two but I spent three months taking a 6month old and a 2 year old in the car at 7am to drop my DH at work and then same in evening. I did this every day but even if OP just did it once or twice a week. Sometimes kids would go straight in car in pjs and I would sort them on my return. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2014 - 21:55
I have a daughter going into year 9... Uniform def tight. I can't even buy the grey trousers in UK as they require to be the official ones with DESC logo. Black socks are mandatory. Shoes not quite as strict. Loads of kids get the bus but as someone said getting a place on the bus may be a bigger issue. Probably good to email now as I think some staff do work over the summer.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 August 2014 - 21:52
Being on a tight budget in Dubai is tough but believe me there are cheap or free options ie when schools go back there is a surf club on umm Sequim beach on a Fri am which is free and good way of meeting people. Your eldest could take part whilst you or DH plays with the other 2 and at least you would meet people. I often see groups of mums at Barsha park with their kids. Maybe trying some of the Mums groups on EW would enable you to meet other mums. We were on tight budget ( still tight but not quite as bad) but as I didn't want to eat into household money by constantly buying coffees etc I bought a little wallet for AED7 from Daiso and every week I allocated myself AED100 for going out or to play areas. It was amazing how often I could get out with this money. Not driving is an an issue though as taxi costs add up. Are you near the Metro? I hope thongs improve for you but try to get along to some of the mums groups. Someone else may know but I believe a couple of playgrouos meet in a church in Jebal Ali..I can't imagine they would be expensive but I guess taxi costs could preclude this. I hope things improve for you.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2014 - 19:45
Kids are not allowed to swim at Hamdan unless with a swim club. Polo club has three month memberships but I believe with negotiation they can do one month family membership. I think you can pay a daily rate there as well.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2014 - 00:06
Yep, you can get travel insurance which I did but from what I remember it was very difficult to find a policy for more than ( I think) two months which didn't necessitate at trip back to country where one took the insurance out ie the world wide year cover doesn't work as when you look at the small print you can only be out of uk for a certain amount of time. I took the max one I could find which. I think was two months but then it took longer to get our visas so we had no cover for a period of time.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 July 2014 - 00:04
I tend to find a kids play park and loop it over the swing metal pole that swings are suspended from.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2014 - 17:47
Re visa..initially my DH went over before us and got his visa processed, until his is done you can't rent a property, open a bank account etc. We then went over on a 30 day tourist visa then kept doing visa runs to Hatta till our residency visa was processed. Several problems made this quite a lengthy procedure and we ended up doing several visa runs. During the time you have no residency visa you can not acquire medical insurance so we had several months of no medical insurance ( this made me very nervous) and the schools repeatedly requesting the residency visas. Until you have a residency visa you can only rent and not buy a car. Good luck with everything.
Buddha
553
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 July 2014 - 16:57
Most schools do not have after school childcare. There are extra curricular clubs but they tend not to run first and last couple of weeks of each term therefore can't be relied upon. Some schools restrict kids to maybe two clubs per week. Primary schools tend to finish around 2.30pm or even earlier. Many schools finish 12.30 or thereabouts on a Thurs. My DD's school has no facility for buying lunch. I have to send a packed lunch.
 
 
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