Clairehdp | ExpatWoman.com
 

Clairehdp

Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 12:47
How about a drive to fujairah and book into the le meridien hotel for yhe night they have some good deals on.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 09 January 2011 - 09:40
I have never registered at a Drs at all. It's pretty different here than like in the UK where you have your family GP. If my kids are sick I take them to the nearest dr for non urgent stuff and for something more serious a recommended 'specialist'. We have never had to put down a specific dr on a school form.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 18:53
In the UK they have stalls inside some shopping malls who can stitch anything in terms of a picture or writing. Basically we took our school logo on a usb and then just get all the stuff from Tesco/Asda/M&S etc and get the guy to machine it on. Let me tell you nobody has ever known the difference ;-) The first time its expensive but afterwards cheap as chips. If I was organised or had more than one child I would be getting together with a friend and sharing the cost. you can get that done here in Satwa!
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 16:13
Hi Ladies Just to let you know that I tried Yes Chef last night for my DH's surprise BBQ and it was amazing - everything was done to perfection the timings were good everything cleared up at the end of the evening and the presentation as well as the food was amazing. They definitely get my vote and I use caterers often as I work for an events company and these guys are very very good. Thanks for the recommendation that's really good to know - did you have them cook your food or did you get them to do all the catering too as you were initially looking just for a cook..... will keep their details as it sounds excellent.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 15:26
there was a post on here raving about the italian with fresh pasta in the Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 15:22
They will also make them completely to order, just takes a couple weeks. But that said, I hate the quality of their clothes. Would love to know the influence behind Zak's that manages to get all the schools to require students buy exclusively from them...needs to be stopped... Our school doesn't have the uniform stocked by Zacs - we have a topsy turvy school uniform shop and other stock is available from Magrudys but I think most uniforms here are pretty awful quality.
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 15:13
They are useless ! My older one thinks she is fat now cause she is wearing age 14 uniform but she doesnt understand that it is just a label that means nothing and that she is only wearing age 7 in other parts of the uniform ! It is time to either make the schools listen or Zaks , either change the supplier or the supplier needs to get better. Maybe we should put our foot down and refuse to buy new uniforms for our kids until something is done about it ! snip the label out!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 15:08
Al Hilal are also really good in AR. I prefer them over the Emaar guys.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 15:05
This was on here a while ago - here's the link - they were found in Daiso! http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=95406
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 10:21
have sent her a note for you....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 08:49
Might work out cheaper t buy from dragon mart and let them take them home after the party!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 08:46
She has a room too small to actually fit a single bed? Many of the maid rooms are too small for a standard single bed - sad but true
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 08:43
You need the organised mum planner I have one that's magnetic on my fridge and it's great when I keep it updated! Simone on here does them. Il send her a note o take a look on here.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 08:20
DD who is 3 in August will start this sept in FS1 in British cirriculum. I know its so confusing. We were told cut off by sept 1. That's correct as long as they are 3 by 1st sept they can go into fs1/nursery. She will be one of the youngest in her class all the way through and you'll be amazed at how many birthday party invites you will get as soon as you start because the eldest children in the class will be turning 4 !
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 08:15
Thank you so much! DH will be in Dubai today to view as many properties as he can. The one check issue is easy for us as DH's company will give us all of our allowance in one lump check to give to the landlord. That's the only way we've done it for our place in Abu Dhabi. About this 25K DEWA connection fee, are we going to have to pay that when we move into a villa in AR?? Tell yr dh to hold back on the 1 cheq till right at the end it's worked like a dream for us. No the 25k connection is or the owners at the villa to pay to get connected Ar is connected you just hv to citrate your own dewa account. Good luck Ar is a great place to live. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 08/01/2011</em>
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 08:11
Was this at T1? You have to scan everything before getting into the check in area. Last time I tried to accompany my daughter who was travelling out of T1 they would not let me through, even though the place was empty and deserted. I was really upset but could not do a thing! I always go through with my parents - maybe they are more flexible with elderly travellers I've never tried with younger travellers
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 08:09
hard to believe! plus i do not think there are any scanners at the gate at dubai airport. you just go through once after passport controll, the finish halas no more scanning. Yes there are scanners at the gates - why on earth would you not believe this how odd..... Thanks to the op we will all be more aware of what can happen
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 08:04
There are just so many different factors that affect your bargaining power. Many ndlords n relly bother if the property s rented out or not so you need to find the ones who want the income - ad that's the tricky it but made easier with a good agent but they are an endangered species! One of your best bargaining tools now is the number of chqs. If you are still paying with one cheque that's a big plus and you should see a bigger discount. I would start negotiating with 4chqs, then 2 and if it's going well name your price for 1 at a big discount be sure you can sign that day and move within the week and bobs your uncle!!!!!! People do look to far in advance a bt of desperation helps with your negotiating process too! I love doing this maybe I should start a rent negotiating service!!!!!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 08 January 2011 - 07:55
IT was a very odd store and I loved auchan when we lived in Paris - this one was so different.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 19:29
yeah I would think that it will be held at the Karama PO. We have found stuff there......
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 17:15
Thanks for this - sounds really good will definitely give it a try.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 17:07
They scan everyone dont they? No it's random but we always get pulled to be scanned!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 10:27
it's just gone up to 41 dhs - still good You can use this to calculate how much - I think it's weight - you can check on their website. http://www.aramex.com/express/rate_and_time.aspx
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 09:03
Thanks everyone for the replies... we went to the Ranches today.... managed to secure a townhouse opposite a park/pool/tennis courts etc, walking distance to she shopping area and the golf club!! very happy :-). I'll just have to figure out the bus service... Thanks again The buses are great they come very regularly ( every 15 minutes I think and sometimes quicker) and it's an easy trip to mall of the emirates to the metro and then you can get to so many places with the new stations opening up. We love Ar and so do our kids. I'm sure you will make some lovely friends and have fun there.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 07 January 2011 - 08:59
From AR you would head onto Emirates Rd, down one junction and then in through Al Barsha south. That road is being improved hugely with new flyovers. I can get from AR to Dubai College easily in 15 mins even at peak times. I would say no more than 20 mins to Internet city. Yep 20 mins easy drive to Internet city from ar
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 06 January 2011 - 16:35
Hi all, Me and my Husband are going to have first night out in Dubai after 4 months of been here on Friday, My Mother in law is over for a visit and she has offered to have our son so we can go out for a nice meal and drinks after, Wheres the best place to go? Many Thanks Clair xx so......lots of recommendations - out of interest - where have you decided to go?
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 20:47
Most UK private schools have a Bursar who is more than happy to negotiate and be as helpful as possible when families hit hard times. There are many forms of payment schemes available to parents, bursaries and scholarships, sibling discounts and forces discounts. I have always found them more than approachable and understanding, unlike here. I agree but they've been in the business far longer than many of the schools here..... Whats that got to do with anything ? Its simple business management. Happy customers + happy bank balance What I mean is they have a lot to learn........
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 19:07
It is long haired. Thanks - I've tried calling her but can't get her so I've texted her....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 18:27
I never thought I would say this, but YES, YES, YES! I really do like it here. Having said that it did take me a couple of years to adjust and I will be the first to admit that I was most definitely a Dubai Hater. Love it now, though! (will add that my DH is SHOCKED by complete 180!) or a 360!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 18:19
Most UK private schools have a Bursar who is more than happy to negotiate and be as helpful as possible when families hit hard times. There are many forms of payment schemes available to parents, bursaries and scholarships, sibling discounts and forces discounts. I have always found them more than approachable and understanding, unlike here. I agree but they've been in the business far longer than many of the schools here.....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 18:18
Most companies have grace periods before terminating a service (ie Etisalat). Schools should give some period of time (something reasonable for both parties, a week maybe) to sort this out. There can be a number of reasons, this weird check thing may be one of them. I agree, you stop paying, your child should be withdrawn. But immediately? I mean the term has just started for some schools (or will just be starting in a week). Seems really harsh. Gleek - the problem is that since the downturn and so many people losing their jobs many of the schools were left with people who had not paid and who left without paying.....so now they are much more focused on getting those fees in. To be honest - as soon as your child starts in the September you know with loads of notice exactly when the fees are due and how much they are going to be - so......if you have a problem you need to make an appointment and speak to the school in plenty of time.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 18:14
Did you look at Green Community? Is there a good bus service from there now? If you don't drive I would not consider Green Community although I personally love it there but I drive. Meadows, Springs, Arabian Ranches, Lakes would all tick your boxes. We are in Arabian Ranches and there's a superb community feel - great having the golf club too like a local pub!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 18:04
when you say fluffy is it long haired or short haired? My friend has lost her black and white cat from Arabian Ranches - long shot but maybe it's him - will call her now.....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 17:56
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2011/January/theuae_January107.xml&section=theuae Ooooh off to look at my cheque book! thanks!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 17:49
it was def still on a couple of nights ago, it looks amazing even from a distance. Will let you know in half an hour :) Ooooh thanks Miss B - I'd love to know too as have a friend coming over and will definitely do a night there if it's still on..... Happy New Year by the way! x
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 17:45
We haven't saved anything since we got here in September, but for us, it's a matter of a job or no job.. Give it time......GOOD LUCK! Yeah the first year setting up is the killer - it all gets better after that - or at least it did for us!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 17:42
We had an email through today from our sch to say some people's cheques were not valid as the rules on cheques had changed as of the start of 2011 - the banks were not processing the 'old' type of chq and the sch would be returning these chqs and seeking alternative payment methods! Sadly our chq was ok and it's gone through rapido! What rules for cheques - how interesting - I had no idea that cheques have changed.....
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 17:41
I've read on a couple of Twitter accounts that schools in Dubai are taking children out of their classrooms (and not allowing them access to lessons) if their parents are late paying the fees. I wondered, is that standard practice in Dubai? I personally don't see anything wrong in this - why do some people think it's fine for everyone else to pay but not them...... you pay for your shopping, your flights, your electric and water so why not school fees?
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 16:56
Thanks i'll call the sleep lab at AH but i had heard they don't do newborns. But if anyone knows any other info.....PLEASE let me know. Mybaby actually stops breathing and they think perhaps a floppy airway or something else is the cause... thats why a sleep study. ooooh scarey - hope you find what you're looking for. Is it not possible for you to have the sleep study done in your home country before returning to Dubai. A friend of mine had a child who suffered from sleep apnea and they had a special monitor that could detect when the baby had stopped breathing - might be an idea to get it all done in your home country and if you need a monitor bring it back with you. Good luck - hope all goes well for you and your little one.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 16:40
there's loads of all types of coke in Spinneys motor city I didn't notice the price.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 16:20
Its possible to move. Possible but not easy! You are far better to place your child in the Reception class and then let them go into year 1 from there as those are the years that have the biggest wait lists in the BC schools here.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 09:01
The Children's Garden has mostly western staff, they have a nursery at Green Community DIP, and another one in Jumierah. I am a big fan of Children's garden both mine had such a great time there. They also seem to keep their staff - many are still there from the opening of the green community branch so 5/6 years ago I think.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 06:20
Their rates have been the same for ages and an increase of 2 dhs per half kilo is still not bad when you think of the increase in the fuel we have all had to pay. I'll still be using them as you save so much on the UAE shop prices even after shipping
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 06:16
Dubai laundry are excellent they pick up and deliver back the next day also reapply good for dry cleaning much cheaper than the champion guys.
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 21:43
also heard that meydan and babs al shams won't be jumeirah hotels any more... yeah that was from 1st Jan - shame - no sirius points!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 21:43
Yep .. . . always the way .... lol! that's why we love it!!!! xx
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 21:40
Oh I love it here - one publication reports one thing and another something quite different.....hey ho!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 21:28
How about paying for a photographer to do a newborn shoot and buying some lovely tiffany photo frames to put the photos in. also get the baby's hand and foot prints captured - I always wished I'd done that but it was something we didn't do!
Clairehdp
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Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 21:26
Claire haven't you heard they have changed the rules re part-time working. It is now ok for people to have part-time jobs with different employers. . . . apparently it is meant to help more people here earn more money according to the government It came into effect 01 Jan 2011 ... No they haven't - it's to do with no objection certificates - its for workers who have completed their legal 2 year contract - they now don't need a no objection certificate - and it relates to certain categories of workers.... http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/employment/new-rule-marks-end-of-no-objection-certificates-1.732839 As usual it's all open to different interpretations.....
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Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 21:18
Homesick, would you mind elaborating why you liked the Hilton? It had bad reviews on trip advisor but I am always wary of the reviews on there as competitors post phony reviews... Was it good for kids? How does it compare to Dubai standards? Is there much nightlife? Thanks ever so much!! Any other Maldives advice for two kids under four gratefully received... We have been to Iru Fushi twice with both our kids and we have had the best holidays there. I can't imagine what was so bad on trip advisor. Service was outstanding, food was excellent, the rooms are lovely, housekeeping exceptional and rose in the kids club is a complete and utter star! If you ask my 2 where they would like to go on holiday they always say Iru Fushi! The only thing that is a bit of a pain is that it's quite a long seaplane flight which is expensive but.......it's sooooo worth it! The food and bev team used to be at the Westin here in Dubai! We stayed in a beach villa and we had 1 extra bed as the window settee turned into a bed. It's still one of my most favourite places.
 
 
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