Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 22:15
Yes there's the panto at the madinat - we've already booked our tickets - its peter pan this year. They are also doing little red riding hood before the panto - not sure of the dates as we are not there for that. The panto at the madinat is always fantastic.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 22:13
Ace at festival city have lots of wallpaper books - don't know what they are like but I've seen people looking through them. they're near all the paint pots.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 22:09
I can tell you my experience. My little girl was in a nursery/school that had a december cut off. her birthday is November so she was one of the youngest in the year. As she is our 2nd child she was keen to start nursery and had loads of fun there. I wanted to move both of my children to a british curriculum school and when I took her for assessment I realised that the cut off date was September as opposed to December and if she joined this school (or indeed any other school with a September cut off date) she would have to repeat that year. I was really keen to have her stay in the year group she was already in and had a couple of meetings about it but I was assured that the kids never get the learning through play years again and I was encouraged to let her repeat that year. I spoke to alot of people (many of whom are teachers) and the same thing came through loud and clear - let her be one of the older ones rather than a younger one and let her continue to learn through play. I went ahead with the move to british curriculum and she has flourished. Being one of the older kids (nowhere near the oldest though) in the class did wonders for her confidence. Her reading is superb and I am extremely glad that I listened and went with the advice of those who know better! I would keep your son in pre-nursery/nursery for as long as you can before joining reception class in british curriculum. We are now back in the UK and I'm absolutely delighted to see that both my children are exactly where they need to be - it's been a very very easy transition from education in Dubai to education in the UK. I hope that's helped you.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 18:07
best potatoes for creamy mash are the floury potatoes like maris piper or King edwards. Lots of butter and lots of milk and lots of elbow grease - I've never had a good result with a whisk but can do really lovely creamy mash with an old fashioned potatoe masher.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 17:21
do a day pass at jebel ali resort and spa and then have a camel ride on the beach at the end of the day - it's lovely I don't think I'd take a baby to the desert. you could call some of the desert experience companies and see if they can come up with a suitable experience. a friend of mine couldn't do the dune bashing because she had a back injury so they just took her on a gentle drive around the desert while the rest of the group did the dune bashing but she still ended up with them at the desert camp for the meal and entertainment. the companies are pretty good and flexible but I personally would not do a desert experience with a baby.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 17:01
OOOOh BM you won't like me but........you could make your own....!!!!! I have a recipe in my A taste of arabia cook book but I cant find it on line but I've found this one..... Hope that helps. I'm pretty sure I've bought it in the Coop in Safa Park. Here's the recipe http://sultanaspalate.blogspot.com/2007/08/its-in-mixbezar-spice-mix.html
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 16:53
We took our 6 year old to Mauritius and explored the island. He saw the sugar plantations. we took glass bottom boats out so he could look at all the coral and the fish. We visited the market in the town and he tried different fruits - really you don't need to book a course - just enjoy the different things that a different place can offer you. We also went to thailand with our 2 kids - we did an elephant trek in the forest, we hired a speed boat and explored some beautiful uninhabited islands - we pretended to be pirates looking for treasure. The crew we had took the kids snorkelling and pointed out al the different fish - they dived for the kids and brought up shells and hermit crabs - we explored and enjoyed everything with the children. We have taken them to Oman which they loved - we did an evening in the souk which again, they enjoyed and got into bartering for things that they saw and wanted to buy. there are some great places to visit and just enjoy with your child. they don't need to be entertained every minute - sometimes they need some quiet times too after being at school. Just enjoy your time together and have a lovely holiday.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 15:58
It would help if you said where you were moving to as some companies specialise in moving to specific countries. If you are moving to the UK I would highly recommend DASA we used them and they were superb.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 15:55
Call the Centre for cultural understanding they may well be able help you or at least point you in the right direction Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding House 26, Al Mussallah Road Bastakiya, Bur Dubai Phone: +971 4 353 6666
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 15:52
There's a lovely shop on the top floor opposite Lulus near MOE. they stock very reasonably priced abayas in there for little girls. Take your daughter in with you and they will know exactly the right one for her. sorry can't remember the name of it but it's upstairs.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 15:46
I always take in mince pies and luxury xmas puddings and if I wasn't travelling then my guests who were coming over for xmas would always bring them. I really like the Waitrose mini luxury ones - you can easily get them there but they are quite a bit more expensive so if there was room in the case a few packs would always come back. For those who order hampers -M & S are doing 25% discount on certain hampers i think it finishes today so you might want to go on and order and save yourself a load of money!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 11:07
The al a carte Indian restaurant at zabeel Saray is fab. I also really like west 14th on the palm for superb steak Enjoy our night out ! How about the ivy in emirates towers - really lovely too
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 11:00
All the hotels offer a non lcoholic version of their brunch and it's always alot less than the boozy ones. When you sy cheap why figure are you looking at?
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 10:54
Where in Festival City is it? Next to marks and spencers
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 22 November 2011 - 10:51
Bab al shams is amazing. Santa arrived last year over the sand dunes on a camel - the kids were mesmerised. Great atmosphere superb food and something you'll never forget! Plus lovely tent outside with loads of things for the kids to do. We all loved it. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 22/11/2011</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 22:30
Rainforest cafe at Dubai Mall TGI Fridays at Mall of the Emirates Cucina in the Marriott at the Dubai Investment Park would probably be able to do a pizza and pasta menu for them.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 14:57
HEE HEE. If I had to guess I would have said it was the alcohol license. That is JUST a guess since maybe they won't sell it? Hard pressed to find a HRC with no alcohol though as it would seem kind of against the whole Rock n Roll thing. I was actually hired by them to work in their marketing department. They also had hired the waiters and were ready to open! That was 1 year ago. Then POOF...it was shut down with no estimated opening. I was told I might want to look elsewhere. Glad I did or I would have been waiting forever! edited by americanfamily3 on 21/11/2011 The old Hard Rock had no alcohol at the end - their licence was linked to the Palm Hotel and when that closed down they could get no more alcohol so it was very odd being there and having a coke rather than a glass of wine or a cold beer!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 14:54
We have had turkeys from Oasis Beach Hotel (no longer there!), Sheraton Jumeirah Beach (delicious), Hilton Jumeirah Beach (very good), Marriott Harbour Hotel (superb!). I always do my own roast potatoes as I'm not a huge fan of hotel roasties but all came iwth all the trimmings and were superb.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 14:51
Try speaking to them cos we only paid 3.5% of the deposit. We had to pay all the other things as well, but they get added to the amounts that he has to pay as compensation if it gets to be a case. I think you'll find that once he knows you mean business (maybe just after starting the case and before you incur all the fees) he'll pay up. Fingers crossed anyways I agree - if he has so many properties he knows full well he will lose if you file a case against him - it's worth trying it on for him to keep 6k. If he knows you mean business and gets a call from the RC then he may well back down very quickly. For others facing this - I would not hand over any keys if there is any doubt that your deposit will not be returned. Instead I would take the keys to the rent committee together with the photos of the poperty and let them advise you how to handle it. I'm sure if they call a LL and state they have the keys and can see from the photos that the property is being handed back in good condition that the LL will stump up what is yours to have back...... play them at their own game - so many get away with it and so many just don't stand up to this scam. Good luck - I hope it all works for you. The guys at the rent committee are really fair and nice people to deal with.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 14:48
Marks and Spencer Debenhams John Lewis Fortnum & Mason Harrods
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 14:46
This is if you go ahead and file a case. You may well find that if you go into the rent committee armed with your receipts for the work you had done they may well call him and advise him to pay up. I was there once and this is what the guy did - called the LL and told him it was not worth going to the rent comm court - he was at fault and it would be better for him to return the deposit. The guy agreed and made arrangements with the rent comm guy to pay the deposit back to the man who had gone in for the advice. It's worth filing a case when you are being evicted and facing relocation fees and a massive rent increase - this is why we were there and we won our case which allowed us to stay in the property for up to 3 years and not just 1 like our LL thought would be the way to go!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 21 November 2011 - 13:32
Exactly what I was going to put...... please tell me you've taken photos of each room to prove you have left the property in good condition. If not - can you go back in and take photos. Every time we left a property I walked around and took photos of every room. As soon as our deposits were handed back I just deleted them off my camera. Just an insurance against a bad landlord. If it goes on get to the rent committee. 6k dhs is not to be missed out and is a lovely bonus in his pocket - so don't let him get away with it. If yuo have a receipt for the work you had done before leaving the apartment - that will also help your case with the rent committee. Good luck!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 14:05
I've sent you a text but just had another thought - if Tumble Time can't help you how about calling the jebel Ali Resort as they ahve their own camels there and maybe they rent them and the man out - if they don't they might know of someone else.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 11:52
Check out these guys http://m.allfancydress.com/mobile/Fancy-Dress-Costumes/979/Father-Christmas-Fancy-Dress-Costumes.aspx Of amazon and also tescos!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 11:47
Order one on line and shop n ship it they're so much cheaper in the uk. When s the party do you know anyone coming over that could bring one for you? It's on the 16th December would I have time to shop and ship still? Definitely you'll get it within a week if you do it today
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 11:23
Order one on line and shop n ship it they're so much cheaper in the uk. When s the party do you know anyone coming over that could bring one for you?
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 11:02
My 2 loved hairy mcclary books, Charlie cook and his favourite book, room on the broom and guess how much I love you. They both still pick them up and read them themselves now they are older.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 02:16
Best view of burj Al arab is at Beachcombers at JBH - get a table on the terrace. I think though that I would do cocktails at Shimmers on the beach for Burj al arab view but go over to the Mango Tree for fab thai food or the Rivington Grill and book an outside terrace table at either restaurant for superb food and the best view of either the Burj Khalifa or the fountains.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 02:16
Best view of burj Al arab is at Beachcombers at JBH - get a table on the terrace. I think though that I would do cocktails at Shimmers on the beach for Burj al arab view but go over to the Mango Tree for fab thai food or the Rivington Grill and book an outside terrace table at either restaurant for superb food and the best view of either the Burj Khalifa or the fountains.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 23:45
DH moved back to the UK from Dubai at the end of April this year. The papers couldn't be served in Dubai because his job had him posted to Afghanistan for months at a time and a process server couln't be used. (Numerous military bases. Though he is not military, he was there through choice). There have been a couple of other niggly financial issues on my part that needed sorting but finally Im in a position to proceed. I looked after our son on my own here in the UK while i work as a nurse part time. My family are in Ireland so rarely had 'time out' to breathe untill he came back as his family only saw our son an a thursday afternoon. Up untill Christmas this year he tried everyting to woo me back. Trips abroad, Jewellery, money gifts and the like. But thats the life i left. Thats what i was used to.....a material solution to a problem rather than a shoulder to cry on. Since returning to the UK he has followed closely my every move (not to stalker level) so he clearly is still interested in there being an 'us'. He claims not to have met anyone else. There is no one involved on my part either. Well I would say - let him woo you - spend some family time together and have some time on your own with him. See how you feel and if you feel strong enough give it a go - worse case is you find out it's not right and continue with the divorce...... Wishing you good luck and if you need a person to chat to I'm happy for you to contact me.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 23:00
Repton and Gems World Academy are 2 other schools that are close by and easy to get to from the ranches.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 22:56
Have you been to the Dragonmart - they have some pretty good prices rattan garden furniture.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 22:54
Is your DH back in the UK or has he chosen to stay in the middle east since Jan 2009 - I can't work out from your post if he's still in Dubai? There's also no mention of him trying to woo you back and begging you to re-consider. You say for various reasons the divorce papers were delayed - what's happened now to get them to the court? Has he found someone else and is now happy for the papers to go through. You say you co-parent but he didn't see you for 22 weeks - that's almost 6 months so that's not really co-parenting. I think getting cold feet is a natural feeling at this time - you go from someone's wife to someone's ex wife...... its strange but.....if you have coped well and have your family around you and there's been no calling day and night asking you to come over I would say it's probably better to keep settled with your little boy. How would it be if you went over to Dubai and you find it so hard and your little one is in the middle of an unhappy relationship. Over the 2 years since you've been apart - has your DH done anything to make you truly believe that it's worth giving up everything? Only you will really know if you can cope with getting back after all this time. I don't envy you but maybe if he's not been in touch that there really isn't an option there. I am now in the UK and you are very welcome to contact me if you want someone to talk to - I was married before and do know what you going through although lucky for me there were no children involved. I did give it a few go's but it was just never ever the same and I knew I could not live happily in what the relationship was - I will say I met a great guy, got married again and have 2 fabulous children so you never know what's around the corner.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 18:24
Hilton Resort and Spa RAK do good deals for a suite - we have stayed there with the 2 kids in a 2 bed suite Le Meridien al Aqah does interconnecting rooms and often have good deals too
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 19:40
Manuri does the most delicious amazing cakes. I'm pretty sure she's done barney cakes - check out her website and look under kids cakes. she's close to jps. http://www.decorativecakes.piczo.com/?cr=5
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Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 18:35
If it's your first renewal there should be no changes - just another year on the same terms. No fee payable. the agent doesn't even need to be involved......
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 17:48
Sooooo angry - DH has just told me he's signed the contract and the agency has collected it. ARRRRGGGHHHHH, I cannot believe he's done that!!!!!! Ooops...... no dinner for him tonight then!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 17:37
Sounds like a scam...... I'd call Rera and check - as far as I'm aware you can renew with no fee.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 16:35
It's illegal to have a part timer working for you if they are not under your sponsorship - it carries a big fine if you are caught. You're better contacting an maid agency for help. Ask for the same person every time.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 16:31
When we first came to Dubai and knew no one and had not recruited our own housemaid I used Howdra for cleaning, ironing and babysitting. I had the same girls come to the villa so they got to know the children. They offer a babysitting service they bring the girl to you but you have to pay to send her back to her accommodation after the babysitting. It worked really well for us. I also got to know another lady there and used her too for babysitting. You could call them and ask for someone specific to babysit for you - ask for one of the ladies there who has their own children if you feel more comfortable. It's worth booking them to come in and help you a couple of times in the house so you get to know them and the kids get to meet them. My 2 loved it when they babysat and were sad when we got our own housemaid as they had to say goodbye to the Howdra girls. did you make contact with the Fairy Godmothers? I'm sure one of them would be able to help you.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 16:22
i have heard good things about the montgomerie and the jumeirah beach hotel. They don't deliver though. You can order through room service.ae and they deliver - quite a few of the hotels use their delivery service. Not sure if they are set up for taking orders yet usually a bit later than now but you can call them and ask.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 23:45
Go to the right of the persons update and there's a little drop down arrow with a menu - choose unsubscribe from updates
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Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 23:02
Oooops! No - not being sarcastic at all!!!! Got my Al Hamras and Hattas mixed up! sorry the checks I mean are on the way to Hatta - not Al Hamra!!!!!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 18:27
My parents loved going to Bab Al shams for lunch - really lovely setting. The Address Brunch is really nice Al Qasr is my favourite. Another brunch that I thought was superb was at the Al Badia golf club - stunning food and beautiful location
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 18:17
Yes - it's fine. Remember to take your passport though as they now have checks before you get to Al Hamra.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 18:17
You could sell it yourself on Dubizzle. Direct from owner.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 16:30
If I were you I would get the name of the drugs he uses and check with a big pharmacy like Life Pharmacy on Al Wasle Road to see if they stock them - if there is any problem with getting them I would get him to bring a big supply when he comes over rather than chance getting them in Dubai.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 15:26
Spice souk, gold souk, beach, desert, souk al bahar, burj Khalife, Difc, Bastakiya, the creek day and night. There are some amazing places to capture - its a pretty amazing pace with so much to offer a photographer. I would recommend getting him to take a day on the metro and explore getting on and off at places he likes the look of. Book him on the captain jacks dhow cruise from the marina and he can shoot from the water
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 14:27
can you give me location pls & timings too http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=163270
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 11:32
Can you give me a rough idea where falcon gallery is located? Any landmarks? TIA Yes it's right by the cemetery and a block behind the Toyota garage turn right at the end of the road where Toyota service centre is and then take first left by the cemetery and it will be on your right <em>edited by Clairehdp on 12/11/2011</em>
 
 
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