clare1976 | ExpatWoman.com
 

clare1976

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 19:04
a friend of mine does tailor-made packages to all parts of Africa (she's from South Africa) for all budgets and itineraries. Just the website alone make you want to pack a bag and catch the next flight! Check out www.sasafari.com - my friend is the UK contact. She doesn't do flights but can do pretty much everything else. Getting wanderlust myself just reading this thread!
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Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 18:58
check out www.sasafari.com as my friend can personally recommend some options for you, and get very good prices. I've always wanted to do that route - hope you find something nice ;-)
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Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 14:12
Soft Hair perhaps? It's in the Pink Mall, near Oregano.
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Latest post on 06 October 2011 - 14:11
Dubai London Speciality Hospital in Jumeirah has all western-trained doctors. Highly recommend them - DS recently had surgery there and they were superb.
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Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 16:22
Hi, if it helps, we used Fix R Us for our ac units in Mirdif, and they only charged me 300 dirhams for two units servicing (cleaning filters, hosing down the units on the roof, checking valve and gas level, and work is guaranteed). Hope it helps...
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Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 20:32
anyone??
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Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 19:19
I think I remember a shop within the Khan Murjahn souk at Wafi sells this range. If it's not then it's one very very similar.
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Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 17:05
Hi there I sympathise! We recently moved house to Mirdif and used two different agents while we were villa-hunting. Ibrahim Elobeid from Awtar Real Estate on 0558906088 was helpful, showed us what we wanted to see, arrived on time, always answered his phone. He showed us one property we liked but the landlord wouldn't accept 4 cheques so we didn't go with it in the end, although Ibrahim's colleague did try to negotiate for us. We also looked at villas via Juby from Pearl Homes on 042727734 and after viewing four properties we found the one we liked, and moved in. I don't have Juby's mobile number but if you call the office they can help. We found Juby to be very proactive, kept us informed, did a lot of running around for us and helped us with DEWA and RERA, negotiated with the landlord about maintenance prior to moving in and lots of other details. He is a RERA-approved broker and have had no complaints - although he is a very very busy man! I think these two contacts would be able to help your friend without any hiccups - but whoever she chooses I hope all works out well. Can be a minefield out there!
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Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 10:32
this place is terribly sad, smelly, too small, and some of the animals looked very poorly indeed. I can thoroughly recommend a day trip to Al Ain Wildlife Park which is very good value to get in, and is a very different experience altogether - beautifully kept animals in a great setting, very well looked after, heaps to see and do, lovely landscaped play areas and picnic zones, toddler train, cafes, clean facilities. Well worth the drive - pack a picnic and make a day of it.
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Latest post on 02 October 2011 - 09:31
Hello ladies, My son has recently had grommets inserted into his ears and is currently not able to go swimming. Once he's had his post-op check up he will be swimming again, but have heard that a particular brand of ear plugs are brilliant for this purpose - Putty Buddies - they come in bright colours for kids and come with stickers. Any ideas if they are available anywhere in Dubai? Also the neoprene headbans you can get to keep the ear plugs in place would be handy... Has anybody tried them, and did they help? Thanks!
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Latest post on 30 September 2011 - 17:34
phew, all working again - gave us a heart attack mid-bill-payment for my lunchtime pizza. Suspected it was payday/Friday shopping overloading the system, but the bank hanging on to the cash for a few extra hours fits in with my conspiracy-theorist husband's mentality... Happy spending ladies!
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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 17:43
As an only child myself, and mother to an only child, I've been agonising over how much it affects my DS's life by being an 'only'. My husband and I faced a lot of pressure from his side of the family to have more than one, but actually we are very happy as we are and can't imagine going back to the 'baby' stage now that DS is 5 and getting increasingly independent, at school etc. Among a list of other reasons (awful problematic pregnancy, 5-day long labour, theatre birth with complications, depression, needing to work to keep roof over my head, DS screened for autism aged 2.5, no parental support and support network in general, 2 lots of redundancy for my husband in space of 14 months, the list can go on and on and on, believe me!) we just enjoy him completely, and have no qualms at all about having just one. My SIL has 3 boys and it's fun some of the time, and they do occupy themselves well, but goodness me, the space and the stuff and the noise and the cost of even going out for one afternoon...!! I've also noticed my son shares rather well, he doesn't get as possesive as he doesn't have constant competition. It took a lot of dedicated hard work to encourage this, and my life's work has been to secure social opportunities for him, and to find ways of spending the time and keeping him active as otherwise he is on my case rather a lot! But on the plus side, we have a lot of time for him individually, not at all to say that those with more than one don't, but to us this feels right. He benefits from having his own space and quiet - this is a personality thing rather than anything to do with siblngs or not. We have travelled a lot with him too, more so than friends with more than one, purely on cost basis, but also becaue he travels well and is used to us being a trio. I was an only child myself, but of divorced parents, and my goodness, my Mum would have struggled so much more if there had been two or three of us! I was far from spoiled and actually was treated a little too much like an adult, always accompanying mum to work in the holidays, listening to her love life dramas, taking care of her when sick, and growing up incredibly fast. So these are the pitfalls! I would have liked a sibling for mutual support growing up in hard times, but grateful my mum could rely on me to some extent and we were two peas in a pod making the best of things. My DH was an only child until he was 7, a fact my MIL forgets when she lectures me about only children being spoiled, indulged and lonely. Yes, my son gets lonely sometimes, but then we arrange something so he gets his company and fun, we get a break, and everyone is happy. We even borrow kids for the afternoon, and it's fabulous. Wouldn't change a thing!
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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 09:14
Thanks, Copster! I hadn't realised the roads were better to Galle. Oh humph, how will I decide?! Did you go to the elephant orphanage up in the north/Kandy way? Thanks! Did you go to Hikkaduwa at all? The boat trip in the mangroves sounds brilliant.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 07:34
pretty sure all will be well, and the buyers will come and pick up the goods. They might be moving into a new place with all the stress it entails, and will probably contact you to arrange pick-up. We've also recently bought a whole load of stuff from a Dubizzle seller, including white goods and a bed, and left a deposit, and receipts exchanged etc, and have been keeping in touch via text about pick up. We left the goods with her for two weeks, so she knows we're serious buyers and we wouldn't want to loose our deposit. So I just thought I'd reassure you that it can work out just fine. Hoping it's all straightforward for you. Good luck with your move!
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Latest post on 31 August 2011 - 06:46
Thanks for the advice. So, if Beruwela near Bentota is halfway (ish) between Columbo and Galle, I should go for the Beruwela villa to cut down on the airport road transfers? It's 115 km to Galle and 75km to Beruwela from the airport. Any must-sees while we're there?
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Latest post on 30 August 2011 - 18:58
I know there s a kids cardio class at Al Areesh Club near Festival Centre starting in September after the holidays, though I think it's once a week. The club is one of the Active Sports Academy venues, and I know this company offer a lot of after school sports activities, swim lessons, racket sports and various other things, so might be worth checking out their new schedule on their website. My son went to their summer camp and the staff are all very enthusiastic and safety-minded, and good value for money.
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Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 07:37
I can recommend Dr Makki Shuker at Dubai London Clinic in Jumeirah, or DFC. He sems to get to the crux of the matter very quickly. Best of luck
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 09:41
thanks for the tips, ladies, I think we are going to take the plunge and get a good company come in and do it all first time, and maybe familiarise ourself with everything when it's being done. We've been spoiled because we have such good maintenance in our apartment (got to love Al Futtaim) that we've never had to pay it much attention. The villa we're moving to doesn't seem to have any major problems like smell, and the vents aren't furry (!) I think it's just an older system and it's been switched off and villa empty for a while before we move in, so am doing it for prevention rather than cure, IYSWIM! And I don't yet have any experience of how the villa's maintenance people respond to emergencies... Hoping a good service may alleiviate my son's asthma and coughing, too, which is entirely linked to air con. It feels like a crash course in air con maintenance :-)
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Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 09:06
Hi there we just had a quote from Tip Top painting (call Khaleel on 0566252767) and he gave me a very good quote (he's recommended on this forum) and quote included filling in holes. Not sure about knowing the colour code - we got ours from our property maintenance office - and he just provides the paint and gets on with it, estimated 2 days to do the job. I was going to try Tool Time 800 88 as well. Good luck
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 10:42
The Children's Centre in Creek Park (v good value entry at 10dhs for kids and 15 for adults) has some Eid activities going on. Also check website dubaikidz dot biz website for lots of events and activities.
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Latest post on 26 August 2011 - 10:40
Hi there I am allergic (or at least get a red bumpy reaction to) the stuff that makes sun lotion waterproof. If I use non-waterproof lotion then I am usually fine! Kids generally get given the waterproof version because it makes sense with swimming etc, but might be an idea to try without and see if that helps. Also Dermalogica sun products are v good for sensitive skins/allergic conditions. Good luck!
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Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 10:09
we got ours in February I think, and the only thing I have used it for was to pick up a prize gift voucher in a mall (saved having to bring passport along, I guess) and also needed to present it at Sharjah CID to get a letter of NOC from Sharjah to get our Dubai alcohol licence. My husband is thinking of ading e-gate to it, but that also sounds like a palaver, but might make it worthwhile. If it helps anyone to know, you don't have to do the typing bit of the application in person - as long as someone takes your passport along on your behalf (for example one person can do whole family plus maid, colleagues, etc) which is by far the biggest pain. Then once you et your appointment to go for the fingerprinting and photos, that's when you have to go in person (children don't have to, just submit photos on their behalf). Beware, the ID centre they send you to for this may not be your nearest or most logical one (we had ours done in Karama Central Post Office, but colleted the completed cards in Rashidiya, go figure).
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Latest post on 24 August 2011 - 10:00
poor you, I have been following your thread and really rooting for you, and hoping things start happening to put things right. Just a small thing, but we found in our apartment, the air con vents that are above bathrooms don't generally work as well as others, and we find a smell can build up (esp if not used for a while). We were advised to keep extractor fan on in the bathroom whenever the air con is also on. We thought it a bit odd, but lo and behold in our new villa (moving next week, gulp) it's exactly the same - there is a smell in rooms where the air con is coming from above a bathroom, so keeping etractor fan on seems to help (having air con serviced and cleaned before we move in). The smell in our case comes from drip trays that needed changing, but it never completely goes away.
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 14:30
We're moving to Mirdif (our first villa, too! Yay!) next week and very pleased. Currently living in DFC and DH commutes to Sharjah, and my DS goes to school in Mirdif, which has prompted our move. Love the parks, esp Mushrif, and community feel, love the choice of malls (DFC, MCC, Arabian Centre, Spinneys at Uptown, etc etc) and easy access to Emirates Road for out of town travel. And so handy for the airport if DH has to travel, as he can get up half an hour later than his colleagues across town ;-) The downside is the flight path and it's a busy place but having recently looked around a range of villas, there are definitely villas to be found that are not directly underneath the flight path. Ours is slightly in the path, but you can't watch the inflight movie from our back yard, so it can't be too bad... I've also heard some stories about being followed in the evenings if you are out walking, but whether this is an old issue or a alarmist, I have no idea yet. It's always felt to me like a family-friendly part of town.
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 14:23
we are a small family and found the Family entertainer very good value for money. You get the two large volumes which contain vouchers in sections according to kids activities, casual dining and takeaway, cafes and nightspots (useful for family days out and also going out as a couple or with friends), a handful of brunch vouchers, then a whole volume on restaurants and eateries. By the time we'd had the book a fortnight and used just a few vouchers, we had already recovered the cost of the book. I'm definitely going to get it next year. Once you get the book, you can register with the entertainer website and you get monthly special offers as well, which you print off. Makes getting out and about quite affordable.
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Latest post on 22 August 2011 - 11:19
Thanks everyone, great suggestions. With a bit of lateral thinking I think I can use some of my existing curtains in the new place, but going to check out some of these ideas at the weekend. IKEA's curtains are tempting but will need altering, although their ANITA curtains seem qite good quality and good for blocking out sunlight and - so they say - a bit of noise reduction (probably the same as any heavy duty fabric... but still) ;-)
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 09:13
Hi! Welcome to Mirdif! I'm in Festival City at the moment but at the start of September I'll also be moving to Mirdif! I have a 4yr old boy at school in Mirdif at Star International School. I think there's an Expat Woman coffee morning (once Ramadan is over) in Mirdif City Centre Mall every Monday morning at 10am, which is well attended and you'll meet other Mirdif (and further afield) ladies there. I'll be going along once my son's back at school on 11th Sept. Take my email address clarelawrence AT live dot co dot uk - would be great to meet for coffee once I've recovered from the move! Meanwhile, enjoy exploring your new community and settling in!
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 08:59
Thanks ladies, it worked out well because the seller was happy to hold onto the items (I bought four items from her) and we paid a cash deposit and she wrote a receipt. She knows I have made arrangements to collect using removal van on the day. She had heaps of household stuff to sell and other buyers were also leaving deposits, so she had a system! Fingers crossed all goes smoothly and everyone's happy - so far so good!
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Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 17:32
if it makes the Etisalat deal any sweeter, they are doing special promotions for new subscribers to their E-life packages, which is free installation and a month free, until end of August. If broadband speed is an issue, you can opt for a package that gives you 16 or 32 mgb depending on what you need, or as little as 1 or 8. We've always found the service to be a good one, fantastic HD picture and responsive service, but then we have never had Du to compare it to. Hopefully you find something you like! Enjoy your new apartment!
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 20:04
Last 'winter' we spent a lot of time in Dubai's public parks, such as Creek Park, Safa Park and Mushrif Park. Take a picnic, or organise a barbecue as the parks all have BBQ stations that are free to use. Creek Park also has those cable car rides which are great for tourists as you get a good view, and I don't think they cost too much. Safa Park has a boating lake with boat rides for hire. Also, for a drive out into the desert if you have transport is the Al Ain Wildlife Park which is very good value admission, and very well kept animals and some very unsual species including magnificent white tigers, picnic areas, play areas, cafes - more than enough for a day trip. At Wafi rooftop gardens they do movie nights on Sunday evenings, in the open air and you sit on beanbags. Closed for summer now, but brilliant inexpensive night, and you could incorporate the Wafi Sound & Light Show (free, and they give out 20% off vouchers for Wafi restaurants to those watching the show). Got me looking forward to cooler weather now ;-)
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 10:43
top tip there, Shamat! (making mental note to pack toaster and kettle...). what kind of room did you stay in? I think we have a garden villa room, or I think that's what it's called.
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 10:20
Thanks so much, that's going to make life a lot easier! We'll definitely take our own supplies, but I've got Entertainer vouchers for most of the F&B outlets for the evenings. It looks like a nice place and we're very excited, so it was good to hear it's got a relaxed vibe at the moment :-)
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Latest post on 07 August 2011 - 09:59
We're going for two nights next week, fully expecting things to be quiet because of Ramadan, but to help me prepare things to take (especially for my always-hungry 4-yr old) can anyone tell me what is (or isn't) open during the day for food, snacks, soft drinks etc? Not too worried about booze but if there's a bar open after sunset that would be a nice bonus! Thank you
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Latest post on 04 August 2011 - 14:03
Hi there, my shy nearly-5 yr old son has been enjoying Active Sports UAE summer camp (lots of venues across Dubai) in Uptown Primary in Mirdif (a lot of the weekly outings are joint outings with camps from elsewhere). They have a facebook page for photos and more info. The price for 3 days (8.30 - 1.30/2pm) is 375 dhs and you can pay by the day, 3 days, or per week. Activities are mostly active, with swimming every day, ball games, a weekly outing, arts and crafts, and the older ones do fashion shows and tournaments, everything seems quite age-appropriate and the staff I've met in Mirdif are brilliant with the kids, everything very safe. I found the experience to be great value for money, considering what they do every day. Hope this helps!
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Latest post on 29 July 2011 - 07:19
hello, we tried Spice Island two weeks ago and it was really lovely, especially as it was relaxed with kids and my son enjoyed the kids area, which had a childrens entertainer doing balloon bending, face painting, juggling, and there's a section where kids can decorate their own cakes and box them up to take home. The food was great - lots of choice from an endless supply of cooking stations, and friendly staff. If you have an entertainer membership, there's a printable voucher for 2-for1 brunch (you can pay to upgrade to alcohol-inclusive). Happy brunching!
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Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 15:32
gosh, this would give me something to do with all the leftover pieces from my various ikea flatpacked disasters... !!
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Latest post on 21 July 2011 - 13:30
this seems to be a more common thing than I imagined! Shall we start a self-help support group, I don't know, something like "MSOPIUTB" (mere shell of person I used to be)?? Hoping it's not contagious - my son age 4 even turned his nose up at going to see Thomas the Tank Engine in Mirdif later today!! (unlike me, he quickly got over it)
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Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 19:15
Thanks ladies, here's hoping we all feel heaps better soon! Someone mentioned today I might be getting too much sleep, which I may be unaccustomed to, ha ha! Had a good afternoon at the pool today and some company helped :-) I hadn't been making much of an effort due to feeling rubbish but perhaps that was a viscious circle, too. And for everything else, there's always Hagen Daaz...!
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Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 17:31
Hi there, my son is at Star International School in Mirdif, and they do have FS2 places available, as of the last I heard at the end of term. The school is open for tours and applications over the summer, too. It recently had a good KHDA inspection report, and I'm happy with my son returning there in September.
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Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 15:15
seems that any post is a good excuse for a little Brit-bashing...! As a relative newcomer to the heat, I can assure you I'm not used to it at all, and venturing out into 40+ temperatures, the likes of which I have nevr experienced before, is not something I undertake lightly. I assume a lot of newcomers from Europe who are accustomed to more temperate climes, are also struggling a bit with the heat and humidity. I would never assume that as a nation we are blase in being out and about in extreme weather. At home we get cold and snow a lot, and while we would never condone going out in minus 12 with small children for very long, it's perfectly ok for ten minutes to build a snowman, providing correct outdoor clothing is worn, and somewhere warm to get back into. So, just because I happen to be born British (someone had to be!) doesn't make me blase about heat. But if my son's school teacher notices it's a cooler morning with a breeze, she might make the decision to let the four year olds outside in the shaded play area for 10 mins, carrying a tray of water bottles. Playtime is, however, inside in a sandpit atrium-type area and perfect for letting off steam. But just as things are in England in mid winter, kids still need access to a few minutes of outdoor play as often as humanly possible, even if it's hailing/snowing/icy cold, as long as parents and teachers are sensible about it. But if he had to play rugby in the afternoon outdoors in 40+ temperatures, that's another matter and I'd be shocked. I note with interest that it's not the Brit children who wear cardigans and fleeces when they are playing outside...
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Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 15:59
Hi there Some tips I've found helpful (my son hasn't been diagnosed autistic and he's probably not, but is highly sensitive to sound/crowds and his behaviour can look terrible but actually he is just frightened and anxious!). I bought a trunki (www.trunki.com) for riding around on at the airport. Gives him something to focus on/sit on during queues, and feels more 'secure' on that, than just walking with me. It's designed to be the right size for carrying onto the cabin so you can engage your child with packing his favourite things inside it. Also showing your child photographs of busy airports and the airline you'll be flying with, maybe on the internet or snaps from your previous holidays, as then your child can visualise what's coming and help avoid fear of the unknown. Steer well clear of SUGAR as this actually makes fears and anxiety and bad behaviour so much more unpredictable and they are less able to cope. Give your child manageable 'jobs' to do to make them feel helpful, like carrying a bag, choosing the queue to line up in, putting your things on the security conveyor belt for you, and always explain things - I find my son finds things so much more tolerable if he is told what's going to happen. If the child is still freaking out, try find the quietest spot away from the heavy crowds (we book an airline lounge and it has made a huge difference for very little price) and have some healthy snacks, read a quiet book etc, and go to the bathroom without huge queues. Avoid the 'arcade' type amusements as the lights/noise will be too much for them. Really hope this helps just a little - it's well worth it if you can take the plunge - make it an exciting adventure and engage your child with the planning if possible - and then you may have an air travel enthusiast on your hands before long! best of luck and enjoy the trip xx
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Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 11:40
thanks, guys - all v useful for planning! Just waiting for visitors to arrive now (flight delayed coming in due to last night's weather). Gonna have 4 boys in the apartment - I may need counselling in a day or two! :)
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Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 09:33
Hi there, hope the preparations for your move are going smoothly. Some things to do before you come over that aren't to do with estate agencies! Unlock your mobile phones if you want to keep using your nice handsets, as new handsets here are expensive to buy. Then when you arrive you can just buy a local SIM card and pop it in your phone. Also, haircuts, dental and eye tests are all cheaper in UK - and eyes and teeth are only covered here on some insurance policies, so it can be expensive. If you have kids, do the eye tests and trip to the dentist on the NHS! Also, download skype and any Blackberry or iphone apps as these are blocked sites here (some people seem to able to get them but I have failed!). If you are redirecting mail from the UK, have it sent to husband's office as mail is not routinely delivered to actual houses in UAE. It takes time to set up a PO Box of your own here (most people decide not to bother). We are finding the redirection is quite efficient and only takes about 2 weeks to deliver. Definitely get your marriage certificate attested in the country you were married in -needed for residence visa purposes! Easier to do it there than over here, and less costly, quicker postage etc. Take heaps of passport photos in a booth - you can never have enough. You'll be needing them for a whole list of things when you arrive, and you won't be wanting to find a photo shop in a tearing hurry when you first arrive. Think that's it! Good luck!
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Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 09:25
ACE do some good ones, not sure on prices but they had quite a selection. Was just in there on Saturday looking at cool boxes. They had plug in ones, mini fridges, the works!
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Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 09:22
Morning ladies! Have any of you been to this hotel lately? I am thinking of taking my visiting family (with kids) to the hotel for the day as the pool entry is quite reasonable (50 dhs on weekdays for adults, 30dhs for kids over 6, and under 6yrs go free). But I wondered what the food and beverage costs are in the Gazebo Cafe (light casual lunch or snacks, soft drinks). Also, is the hotel near to the Hatta Pools, or is my geography all wrong? Will we need passports etc for Hatta Pools? What's the deal with hire cars and going to Oman, re insurance? If we go to the pools, would we be going off-road, as we will be in a 8-seater Previa...! Thanks, everyone
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 19:36
have you tried owners direct website? Rent villas direct from the owners, no agency fees or commission, see reviews and photos, etc.
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Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 19:33
I think it depends on whether they are self-sufficient or need constant hand holding. I find the difficulty arises if your guest/s are on holiday but you are not, ie you still have the school run, early starts, groceries, housework, all your other commitments. We soon have a family of five coming to stay for 8 days, and while it will be fab to see them and we will have lots of fun, it's going to be a squeeze in our apartment, and also expensive (hiring an 8-seater car for us all, buying a second hand travel cot, car seats, z-bed mattress, extra towels and double the weekly groceries). I will be better able to answer this question in a fortnight's time (or I may be lying down in a dark, quiet room).
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 13:36
Time Out ran the following feature including ideas for Spring Camps: http://www.timeoutdubai.com/kids/features/13723-spring-into-action
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 13:34
http://www.esportsdubai.com/detailnews.aspx?sid=20&nid=717 these guys seem to run several across the city, mostly sporty but seem quite reasonable price-wise. None of the dates fit in with my son's awkward (sigh) holiday dates, but here's hoping for the summer!
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Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 13:21
http://www.dubaikidz.biz/spring11.html check out this website which has listings of spring camps all over Dubai