clare1976 | ExpatWoman.com
 

clare1976

clare1976
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 08:06
Hi all! we went last summer for 4 nights and had the most amazing time, and we are going back for 5 nights again this August. We found the drive there perfectly ok, about 4 hours from the border crossing (we got lucky, left early and had no queues, all smooth). MY son was 5 at the time so it might be trickier with very young children, but we're used to long car journeys and quite enjoy them. It was Ramadan so there wasn't anywhere to stop for something to eat along the way so we had snacks in the car for my son. the roads were quiet until we hit Muscat and we took a few wrong turns but the scenery got interesting after that! We found the hotel and facilities to be really excellent for families. Staff could not have been more hospitable - they blew up our inflatables, gave my son ice cream, iced water and sliced fruit round the pool and cold face cloths, someone even cleaned my friend's sunglasses for her. Al Waha is closed for a refurb this summer so they are upgrading guests to Al Bandar next door, but all outdoor facilities are still in use, eg pools, kids club, pool drinks/snack bar, lazy river, etc. My son is very excited to go back to the splash pad. Take long trousers so that kiddies can also play in the indoor adventure zone, as we were turned away last time because he only had shorts. It's not cheap, that's for sure, but the deals over summer are very good and include breakfast and free beds for children in the rooms, and it is in the Entertainer travel book and on their summer online deals.
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 13:31
http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/topic208121-summer-in-dubai-with-kids--on-a-budget.aspx this earlier discussion thread might help - some useful ideas from the ladies
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 17:39
It's not Mirdif but Sharjah English School isn't very far from Mirdif and is British curriculum and recently deemed to be 'outstanding' by two independent inspections. My son goes there and it's got a very good reputation, non-profit, well established since the 70s and has great facilities. there's a school bus if transport is a problem. Get in quick though, as it's a smaller school and places get snapped up. It has a separate foundation building for FS1 and FS2.
clare1976
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Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 17:26
yes, we do normally, we use the automated system. More often than not there was not another driver on the way anyway (ascertained after 7th phone call to RTA...)
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 17:18
[color=#000000'>Then you need to call him back and give him detailed directions and speak in the worst English that you can muster up. Then you need to wait a few more minutes and repeat that process, possibly even up to a few times.[/color'> yep, this does happen with alarming regularity - it took 8 phone calls once! Sigh... Hoping for a taxi at 7.30pm tonight - what are the chances? Me and DH both order one, and his usually appears first ...
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 16:33
hello Stella128, good luck with your house hunting and your move! I'm a non-driver, and I live in Mirdif which - at times - appears to be a no taxi zone :-( and it can be very frustrating. However, 90% of the time everything goes smoothly. I use taxis a lot for myself and my DS, and also for guests coming to/from the airport. The pink 'ladies' taxis are quite useful too. I'd say the best thing about not being a driver is the cost saving - we wouldn't run two cars for cost reasons. Everything I need during the working week is within walking distance from me in mirdif, being close to a lot of smaller shops and facilities, so it's do-able. If I had to get a taxi every time I needed a pint of milk I'd be in trouble. I'd say to definitely choose your location wisely and do some trial runs in taxis before signing on the dotted line. The worst thing is sometimes being reliant on a taxi that doesn't pitch up, and then dealing with some of the less polite drivers, but lately things have got a little better and customer service seems to have improved, and my last few taxi drivers have been extremely kind and pleasant :-) They are more expensive now as the salik charge is now charged to the customer, which is a recent thing. So be sure to factor this into any costs... Hope that helps!
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 21 June 2013 - 18:09
also the sound and light show at Wafi is free, if your kiddies are of the age where they can be out in the evening, as I think they begin at 8pm and are hourly? pretty easy to check times online, hopefully
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2013 - 18:07
Time Out Kids magazine usually does a combined July/August issue which might have some good ideas in it (should be available to buy from 1st July) and last year it had money saving vouchers inside, for free kids meals, attractions, other useful things. Hoping it might be similar again this year! Also some of the big cinema chains do cheaper tickets during the summer period, last year in MCC the price per ticket was 35 instead of 50 so that was handy. A lot of the malls schedule kids shows/performances - like at Deira CC they have a Garfield show, for example, and pretty sure MoE and Mercato will also have it as part of summer surprises. Also worth knowing that some of the Sharjah attractions like the Qasba and Al Majaz park with the splash park and mini golf is quite good value (and also in Entertainer book). Check out cobone and groupon etc for deals for things like Little Explorers and other play zones at a much reduced price, for when you have run out of ideas and need to get out.
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 12:56
La Brioche (ground floor near to Decathlon ) does a fabulous breakfast package menu but isn't in the Entertainer books. Carluccio's is favourite, too. Paul's is also nice for baked goods and egg/omelette type breakfast. More Café is also there in the main galleria but again no Etertainer vouchers...
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 16:48
Nomad at the Jumeirah Creekside hotel in Garhoud is a lovely setting and great range of food, slick service. We regularly go for breakfast or brunch.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 15:55
we have the blue one - will email you
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 June 2013 - 15:54
Active Sports have one of their swim class venues at Star International School's pool in Mirdif...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 06:42
Thanks ladies, we will contact Al tayer motors and see what happens. We'd tried to call but DH had an old number for them from a google search, couldn't get through and then gave up - but will persevere now that we know. The car does turn over but no electrics and it won't ignite. Mechanics at this garage say they found water in spark plugs and ignition coil, now dried out. They seem to think it's the computer which is preventing the ignition, as there is fuel coming in (ie, not a fuel pump issue). They do say they have checked fuses, sensors and distributor cap etc - all the obvious bits and bobs. The computer has now been taken out and left out to dry, and they are going to put it back in today and hopefully they have got someone who has previously fixed a similar issue coming to their branch today to take a look. If no further action today then Al Tayer is our next stop. DH's mood is somewhat *special* to say the least ;-/
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 June 2013 - 12:50
Oh that is hilarious! I am sorry about the date clash, though - we'll be finished by 1pm if you want to sneak in after us?! You're much more organised than me thinking of add-ons, I haven't got that far yet. My DS can't deal with too much going on and is easily overwhelmed so am keeping it simple - maybe some easy games - happy to organise those myself - only 10 kiddies to deal with :-) Apologies again for the date clash - and for the temporary identity crisis - ooops!
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 17:22
there is a South African Women's Association which seems to be quite active in UAE. More details in Time Out magazine's community section. Bound to be a few braais around :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 17:19
just incase you have no luck, they are offering discounts to UAE residents - you just need to take your ID with you, and the discounts add up. same for the Lost Chambers.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 17:17
Hi, I'm an avon lady so I know about Skin So Soft. It's only the bluey/green bottle which has the repellent properties, which is mostly citronella. It's not designed as a mosquito-repellent, obviously, but it so happens to have that effect. I would imagine that unless your children have sensitivities to perfumed products it will be perfectly fine to use, but you could try a skin test on a small area of skin first? I would also recommend buying some of the more well-known repellent brands (including natural products intended for children or sensitive skin) as the citronella is only a deterrent - it's not totally mosquito-proof.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 17:12
Having recently had the most amazing time in Phuket, I can recommend it for kids/adults/teens, ranging from watersports, quad biking, elephant trekking, boat excursions, monkey sanctuary, temples and national parks, aquarium, fabulous beaches and a very relaxed vibe :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 17:09
Cyprus is a very quick and direct flight from DXB and you're bound to find some good hotel deals. We went last Christmas and booked Emirates flights, and a hotel plus car hire via Expedia for an all-inclusive hotel (ours wasn't so great so I won't recommend it, but there will be plenty of others).
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 17:02
I can't answer your questions but I have just booked one of these at Bin Sougat Pizza Express for my son's 7th birthday in September. Did they email you the flyer? It gives a fair bit of info about what the party involves, if that helps. I've never seen one in action, though!
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 12:59
I wonder if they haven't realised that parents want to buy a place for their child not buy the whole school...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 19:56
try airbnb.com where they have entire apartments or private rooms - short or long term
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 18:33
Our landlord has just asked us to commit to renewing for another year in our villa within a month, or give notice now, for a contract that only expires at the end of August. Obviously we've told him that he's too early, and that the likelihood is that we will renew, but not game for giving cheques and documents now. Last year we renewed in the middle of August and we had to chase them! Surely they can't push it?
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 May 2013 - 11:54
oh maybe, I know there's a School of Research Science in Al Quasais but didn't know they were building another one. Whatever it is, it's looking quite good now, and soon to be finished. It also has a 'leasing now' sign on it, which then came down. Curious-er and curious-er!
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 11:06
Love this thread! If one more person tells me how terrible it is that I only have one child, I might not be responsible for my actions! It's usually the beauty salon ladies, in horrified voice, 'but Ma'am, only one baby? That's bad! You are cruel!' and also the upper lip question - 'Ma'am, you look like a man!' and my husband frequently gets comments on his weight, 'oh, you are soooo fat, hahahaha' and the following week they will take him out for a curry because he 'needs feeding, your wife doesn't feed you'. Also, things like 'you don't go to work?' and I feel like I shouldn't have to justify anything but it's tempting to give them the facts, but then they lose interest... I would love some witty comebacks but fear they would be lost. Partly because the humour might get lost in translation but also I suspect these people have no idea how to speak to people nicely!
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 14:07
this is probably a daft question, but will metro/buses run as normal on a public holiday? I have visitors and they have asked me if everything will run as normal and I couldn't say for certain. Thank you
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 10:53
Hi, last summer we went to Muscat and we entered via the Hatta border, and from there it is very easy - one straight, long road all the way there.... You'll need passports, proof of car insurance that states you are covered in Oman, some money for your Oman visas. Recommend starting off from hatta early in the day to avoid border queues.
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 10:50
sending my thoughts your way, hope Sandy is soon found, safe and well. I'm sorry I can't do much to help other than spread the word via FB and twitter, as I live in Mirdif and so do lots of my friends so maybe with enough people keeping an eye open, she will be spotted. Can local radio do a shout out? Lots of shop workers etc have the radio on at work and might hear this...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 13:03
thank you SO much, that is great info, and I really appreciate it. I had googled and looked on some Honda forums but all the info I could find was for Honda civic cars and I just wanted to make sure we had our facts straight! Negotiating with car owner as we speak :-) Thanks for all the very informative help
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 09:44
Hi, I know that this is quite popular in the UK - there are numerous house swap websites and agencies which are really successful. People do this, I guess it's a case of making sure both parties are on the same page, communicate well before, during and after the stay, and make sure your home contents insurance covers everything you need it to cover... It's a really good way for families to goon holiday, as you essentially move into someone else's family home for your holiday and everything is there for you, and the benefit of information from someone who lives there. I guess the tricky part is agreeing dates with someone who wants to swap with you... Some people even swap cars as well! I haven't done it but I know people who have...
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 09:39
Hi Salsb, Yes, we might be interested. We have a budget of 25-30k (the Honda we were looking at was 35k but are negotiating, and it's not working, so back to the drawing board!). Looking for a family car with good boot size and sturdy vehicle, and obviously as little wrong with it as possible... We're in Mirdif and DH works in Sharjah. Funnily enough he saw a Pajero for sale parked outside a villa on the way to work this morning and he said next time he will stop and take the telephone number, so he's obviously keen on Pajeros!
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 May 2013 - 14:22
Thanks, that gives us a good idea. The car we are looking at has already done 135,000km on the clock and has been regularly serviced. Only from brief and unscientific glances at Honda forums, it looks like the recommended interval for cambelt changing in the model we are looking at is 168,000km or the 7 year service, but obviously this is just a guide. We'd probably take it straight in and get the major service and cam belt replaced because the risk of it blowing is too awful to think about....
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 13:46
I've been to the Al Safa vets in Barjeel Complex on 45 street, Mirdif, and they were great with my cat when she was poorly. Pricey of course, but that's probably not confined to this particular place. They are very professional and knew what they were doing in my experience.
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 13:43
Bedouin Oasis in RAK is superb. You have to make your own way there but it's well worth it. And in the entertainer book :-)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 13:41
I needed to lie down in a dark room after seeing the cost of Emirates fares to London this summer! Once I had been resuscitated, I checked on Expedia and booked with Gulf Air instead. Not my first choice of airline, but once I calmed down (!) I was happy with the flight timings with Gulf Air, as they are daytime flights, and the changeover in Bahrain is for less than 2 hours. Also I heard that Pegasus airlines are operating no-frills flights into Stansted, for anyone interested... I'd be very keen to hear of experiences about that route! (visions of Ryanair-esque treatment and paying to use the loo, but I could be wrong!)
clare1976
339
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 17:42
yes, same happened to me when I sold my old sofa. They reinstated it after I complained, and then did the same all over again. They said the photo I used was a well known spam picture, even though it was a photo of my old sofa in my lounge!!! Persevere, and if they email you with the same message again, just get back to them asap and get them to reinstate it again.
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 13:45
I bought one in Toys R Us and the chap even erected it for us in the shop (adjusted height etc according to DS's height) so we didn't have to :-)
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 13:43
I've just had two brilliant chaps come over (on time, knew what they were doing, correct tools, own ladder, tidied up afterwards and charge only 150 per hour). Call Roshan on 0508969406 :-)
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 17:44
I second the Shangri-La. Went last summer and just booked to again this summer, it was so lovely and relaxing. I sigh whenever I think about it. Had to stop receiving their emails and facebook feeds as it made me too wistfull...
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 17:42
there's a company called SA Safari which sorts out travel and accommodation for safari holidays according to budget, makes suggestions and itenraries. My friend works for them - they are based in UK, France and South Africa, and all experts on the country. If nothing else, the website has stunning photography on it :-) www.sasafari.com
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 11:08
Dubai London Clinic at DFC are very good, also a branch in jumeirah. I recently had similar - getting disorientated, confused, light headed, spaced out and exhausted. I was worried it was diabetis but turned out to be Vit B12 deficiency, mild aneamia, Vit d deficiency and a slightly lazy thyroid. All of them were conspiring against me! Now on various horse-pill-like supplements and feeling heaps better. All it took was a simple blood test at the docs. Good luck and get better soon!
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 11:43
Nomad at the new Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in Garhoud (nr Irish Village) has an outdoor brunch with heaps to do for kiddies of all ages :-) Haven't been yet but plan to. Not a cheap option but it looks like you would want for nothing!
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 08:41
Does anyone know whether Sharjah schools are inspected in the same way as Dubai schools have KHDA inspection visits, and a report published? I can't find anything via usual channels and suspect the system is different there. Does anyone have feedback on Sharjah English School? A few things in particular - class sizes seem large (relatively speaking, for the region) at 24/25 in ks1. Also the children aren't dropped at classrooms they are dropped in the playground before lessons start, so limited teacher contact. Grateful for any info on how this is managed? Also transport - coming from Mirdif, how long does it take at school run time, and is the parking chaotic or civilised? Thanks
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 19:04
BRILLIANT book called '10 things every child with autism wishes you knew'. it's a really amazing book, written by a mum of an autistic boy, and it really takes you through each aspect of autistic charachteristics in turn, and it's also full of anecdotes and you feel her initial pain gradually turning towards soaring pride in her son and how he overcomes, in time and with help, many of his difficulties. at 2.5 years old it will be very hard for anyone to give your sister much of a clue about how things will go from here, but early intervention is automatically changing his trajectory to a fast upward one. My son's speech was slow and when it did come it was repetitive, echolaic, and he was mute with everyone except me, until around 3.5 it all changed, now a very expressive, articulate child with an enormous and very adult vocabulary. So what he is going through now may not be what he finds a challenge in a year's time, it might be something else, perhaps new situations he finds daunting or intolerable, and the behaviours you see are his way of coping. Transitions and changes might be hard for him to handle, easily startled by loud noises, certain foods or colours, or just being out of routine. Your sister can now make some sense of the way he behaves in these situations and can now give him lots of support and reassurance. Autistic children can be very bright and academically clever, and have great memories a lot of the time, and some of the all time greats (Einstein, Mozart, Michaelangelo) were thought to have this spectrum condition, so inside there may well be lots just waiting to be expressed :-) He may have a quirky way of approaching the world; embrace it and work to his strengths and LOVE him a lot and keep your sister's supply of vino topped up. It's why bulk ordering was invented :-)
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 09:24
I buy my Canon cartridges at Office Depot in MCC, ground floor near Carrefour, they seem to have a big range, and other brands too, it's the only place I have found that sells them... I've also asked someone visiting from UK to bring some for me as they often do 2-for-1 deals or combo offers for multipacks in WH Smiths there. They aren't cheap :-(
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 11:07
Dubai London Clinic, branches in Jumeirah and Festival City. Thoroughly recommend Dr Bland, but all the GPs I have seen have been excellent, including surgical and in-patient.
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 11:06
try Dr Joy dental clinic, I go to the branch in Mirdif on 15 Street in Central Building mall (next to Rak Bank and Emart). My son goes there and they are very friendly. I'm sure they'd be able to see your little one as they open late. Worth a try anyway. Good luck!
clare1976
339
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 08:44
Clark Francis tennis have coaches and venues in that area...
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 08:42
you can also check out www.airbnb.com for dubai places to stay, affordable and reviewed by other guests
clare1976
339
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 18:41
anyone want a swap, I have Travel book and Family book...
 
 
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