cymraes | ExpatWoman.com
 

cymraes

cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 November 2015 - 20:50
I've had experience of both and I can tell you that the ethos of non-profit schools comes through in their communication with parents, facilities and general manner towards education. I would not want to go back to a for-profit any time soon. GEMS schools, in particular :) We switched from a (very sought after) non-profit to a GEMS school and for us the experience was 100% beneficial - wish we'd started at GEMS, my child has a bright future compared to 'no hoper ' as quoted by DE**... but that's my own personal experience ... my child will graduate from GEMS this year with an awesome qualification and a very bright future
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 November 2015 - 19:02
Great thank you, I will get my husband to check if we still have it, if not I will be in touch and we can do a swap as only need 1 voucher x As per our forum rules, we cannot allow members to swap Entertainer vouchers on our forum: http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_faqs_forum_rules_8392.aspx Thanks for understanding. EW Admin If you have the mobile app you can legitimately ping up to 10 vouchers .... Check the Entertsiner website - we've done it very successfully Hope this helps Ps Tesoro is on Entertainer - we love that brunch! And had pinged vouchers from friends X grown up brunch though nothing for kids - we have a a late teen so he loves the atmosphere Think Crescendo at Anantara is in the book, better for families
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 October 2015 - 18:29
Trying to work out if my expectations are unreasonable or not! For those of you with experienced maids who can read English and are paid at the higher end of the scale for these reasons, would you expect them to use some initiative and actually read washing labels/check fabric types, or (another example) read a recipe they've been given rather than just looki g at the pictures, or read instructions on household products? Recent experience suggests i may be wrong to expect some initiative. If so, is there any point in paying a premium for a more mature, experienced maid with decent English if they do t use their common sense?! Just had a pair of newish, fairly expensive, very manmade trousers ruined as our maid put them in with my husbands white cotton shirts. Fabric is very stretchy and clearly very unnatural! I can live with mistakes, but we are seeing quite a lot of situations where our maid seems to lack some common sense. Yestrdays similar example was treating stains on clothes with something that is not stain remover (despite ha i g 2 stain remover products). Ive been told before not to make assumptions and to spell everythi g out. But is this just at the start or even after being wih you for a good while ? It seems strange to have to start training our maid after 2-3 years! At the moment i seem to be intervening all the time and tutting a lot! If you buy new clothes do you make sure your maid knows how to wash each i dividual garment? I wouldn't worry, it's not a maid thing, my mother in law (British) has just been to stay and 'helped' with the laundry by tumble drying 8 separate items, in various washes and ruined all these items! Then put so much powder in it stained white DH's work trousers - which are navy! (I have a branded powder measure!). Then had the b@lls to ask me which was the delicate wash on my machine as her tshirts were 'delicates'!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 October 2015 - 19:37
I lived at Ranches for two years, yes you need a car if you are 500-1000 meters or less from the shopping centre! The Al Reems etc are a long way from everything - but pools and play areas are always close
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 October 2015 - 18:50
Another vote for Ted Morgan, I have Susan Barry, awesome, fabulous at colour .... I'm a blonde convert. Used to go to Mad Lillies, ok but prefer to pay the extra to get what I want. Now tell me more about this Blow Dry Bar LadyJo - I need a big do in November!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2015 - 19:36
My advice would be don't use these boards :) There are far too many school employees basically posing as parents and advertising their schools, despite there being some shockers out there. Use whichschooladvisor.com instead.. A much better option :) ....or just go look and see, you'll get a feeling for a school very quickly, and how they welcome you, how the students behave etc I work at a school, I'm very proud of it, but I've chosen all my school places based on my gut feeling - and certainly not only on inspection results
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2015 - 18:34
Hi everyone, We are moving to Dubai in January and have a 7 year old son. I have looked at a number of schools and it is truly mind boggling. Could anyone recommend any English Curriculum schools? Thanks in advance Lulu :cool: At the mo most schools are full - make a shortlist and see where you can get in, look for schools near where you live, or choose a school and then housing nearby - it's a bit of a minefield, the 'best' schools have waiting lists (for a reason). We came just over 6 years ago and got into the third school on our list. We started applying in March for a September entry into Year 7. We were offered a place 2 days before term started! Wishing you lots of luck and patience x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2015 - 18:27
Hi CP bye: do you have details? Her poor pooch is a bit elderly and just needs stretching her legs and some company xx
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 October 2015 - 17:49
Hi posting for a friend - her husband is currently away (he's normally home in the day) and she doesn't drive, she's looking for a couple of weeks of doggie daycare but they would need to collect and drop pooch off, she's in Downtown/Business Bay. Anyone know of anywhere? Thanks in advance
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 September 2015 - 20:44
You do know, I assume, that sending British kids back to the UK to do their driving test in the UK then transferring it to the UAE is illegal! They are not resident in the UK (check what it says on their UAE visa page) therefore not a UK resident entitled to a UK licence ... just saying ....
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2015 - 20:33
I an speaking from my own personal experience, my DS moved from an extremely sought after 'not for profit' sch in Dubai to DSO they have transformed my child into a prepared and active learner, who has a bright future - yes he's now in Sixth form but I wish I'd chosen GEMS right from the start ..... that's my personal experience. The FS I believe got good with mostly outstanding features I thinks last KHDA report ... yes it's big but I do believe they're doing a great job, all schools in Dubai seem to have a reasonably high turn over of staff after the initial contract. Visit the school, get a feel, don't just choose a school,on reports, go and have a look - good luck
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 September 2015 - 16:24
Love The Ivy and Prime 68 - Prime 68 was my top brunch last season, view and staff are awesome, and very grown up clientele
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2015 - 17:52
we bought 2 cars from 4X4 Motors on Shk Zayed and were very happy with the choice available and the service. It was very easy, we haggled a little (maybe 10%) and everything was arranged for us (insurance etc) We bought 2 second hand cars from 4x4 when we arrived 7 years ago, as we were being cautious and didn't want huge loans if we were only here 2 years. Nightmare both cars had recurring issues within months, which 4x4 did everything they could to avoid fixing (bodge jobs come to mind) - I would be very cautious about buying second hand again without a full manufacturers warranty. That was our experience. We eventually bought two brand new cars from reputed manufacturers - wished we'd done that in the first place!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 August 2015 - 19:52
Two months is a very short expectation, I got my job in a school via EW and we always now advertise through EW, fabulous ladies Why specifically do want to work in a sch or nursery - if it's the hours, at my sch the admin staff work the long holidays and get annual leave allocation. Plus a long day. Good luck with your job hunt
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 August 2015 - 20:51
Thanks all, you'd think it was easy in a country where expats love to BBQ!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 August 2015 - 20:49
Might be worth hooking up with the Emirates Lit Festival team they may have some pointers. Someone I know spent a long time finding a lit agent, now nearly about to publish over two years later - as Talibait says you need to go to them, they have thousands of scripts sent to them and they get to pick and choose Good luck!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 August 2015 - 20:46
First thing you'll need to give us is your housing budget and also where you and your husband will be working
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 August 2015 - 17:43
Bumping this as considering new sofa covers
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 August 2015 - 13:59
Have you looked on Dubizzle - there are often a lot advertised there. Thanks SJJ100, saw a few this week but not the quality brands we're looking for, there was a Napoleon one on buy it sell it but was built in ?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 August 2015 - 22:03
Curious to know, if a single woman gets a housing allowance, then gets married to a man who also receives a housing allowance does one party have to forfeit their allowance - have heard that some wives have had to forgo their allowance, was talking to someone on the plane back this week who told me this.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 August 2015 - 18:13
Part of our family deal when coming to Dubai was we had funds put away to relocate poochie, no matter what happens, his relocation money is put aside. We would dearly love to adopt another poochie, but know we would have to meet relocation costs so we have decided to remain a one pooch family. So very sad for the pet involved, but knowing how fragile our jobs are please can I plead to all you animal lovers out there to ensure you have a relocation find for your fur babies.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 August 2015 - 18:01
We're looking for a high quality BBQ (Napoleon, Brinkmann etc) must be charcoal. Visited The BBQ Warehouse in Al Quoz today but they only had one charcoal model and it was 6,400. Would pref to pay about 3-4,000 ish. Ace ones are not quite in that quality league and DH doesn't want a Webber, any pointers on where to look? Might consider a lightly used second hand one, but it would have to be in super condition, and the Napoleon/Brinkmann quality! Thanks in advance Edited for quoting the wrong costs!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 July 2015 - 11:41
We've had Daman via DH's company over 6 years, never had an issue, apart from finding a pharmacy out of hospital, I've now located two near me who will dispense. I had a procedure with Dr Elsa at the City Hospital last December, approvals and treatment approved quickly, and scans the previous October MRIs and ultrasounds with quick approvals too. So far so good.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 July 2015 - 15:24
What type of insurance are you looking for? We have used Zurich for all our insurance needs since we moved here 3 years ago We have contents insurance with Zurich too via HSBC, thankfully never had to claim, but seems straightforward and quite reasonable. Believe it's the LL's responsibility for buildings insurance, but someone correct me if I'm wrong
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 18:16
Gets me also thinking this may start the exodus ... many of us are hanging on until it just isn't worth being so far from our families and we are better off in our (my) home country, being able to live in my own home. Hmm I was even looking at job websites in the UK - this thread has given me much food for thought!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 15:31
This was the bit that stood out for me.... [b'>He noted that the decision would encourage the use of public transport[/b'> How many of us are actually able to use public transport on a daily basis? No bus service where we are ... so I'll get a taxi from home to the nearest bus stop at its newly inflated price get the bus and go to work.... Time to seriously think if it's viable to stay - everything will be more expensive, but guess there will be no more salary on the table...hey we've had a good run
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 July 2015 - 14:53
I believe to teach in most premium international schools to teach post age 5 you will need a degree, and if it's not a degree with QTS (qualified teacher status) you will need a PGCE - to teach secondary your degree needs to be in the subject you intend to teach, I understand this is a KHDA requirement - however some non premium schools may not require this standard of qualification. GEMS do have a PGCE programme Good luck with your studies x KHDA are clamping down and are not approving non qualified teachers if appointed into a teaching role, schools are getting quite tightly scrutinised, and with the eye watering fees some of us are paying, rightly so! If I'm paying top dollar I want top qualified teachers
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 July 2015 - 14:55
Coffee planet has a lovely on on in their website - their coffee's also fab! http://shop.coffeeplanet.com/collections/machines-gadgets/products/v60-gadget
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 July 2015 - 16:59
I contacted the school and they were ranting about the Khda guidelines and unfortunately I know what was on the not even fine print line that I signed. I actually don't know what we are doing now, either have a horrible commute for a while or take the loss. At least I gave it a go. It's a G**s school, not really the most sympathetic group from what I understand. I think if you applied to another G**s school it may be transferable? Worth a try? They have schools all over
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 20:43
I agree with Geordie Expat... somewhere established where you don't have to fend for yourself too much. After your first year or so you'll be prepared to go off piste. This is what we did, Arabian Ranches for two years then ventured up to the very under populated The Villa, some 5 years ago when it was totally off the map! I felt better equipped with the Dubai vagaries after my first two years! Good luck with your move
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 20:38
I think the KHDA rules/guidelines are that you can only have a refund if you're moving overseas or out of the a Emirate you have a school place. But it's worth a try appealing to the school.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 20:30
I believe to teach in most premium international schools to teach post age 5 you will need a degree, and if it's not a degree with QTS (qualified teacher status) you will need a PGCE - to teach secondary your degree needs to be in the subject you intend to teach, I understand this is a KHDA requirement - however some non premium schools may not require this standard of qualification. GEMS do have a PGCE programme Good luck with your studies x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 June 2015 - 19:17
(Go on, many of you are thinking it) ..... w1ne!!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 17:37
Exactly the reason we stayed put, once we looked at the new deposit and moving costs it was about the same as the increase in our rent! Roll on this fall in rents that everyone is talking about!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 17:31
We're at The Villa, going into out 6th year renting. Not had a problem with taxis in the last couple of years, although they don't cruise the area for rides, I'll admit we use Careem more but often have used Hala taxi service and booking and arriving has been fine as the drivers are often hang around Skycourt Towers, Arabian Ranches or Silicon Oasis. New Spinneys is open now which is great. Also lots of delivery food options. Dubai Mall 15 mins away, as is Mirdiff Mall. We love it here ETA there is a Facebook group 'the Villa Mums' which is good for info....
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 June 2015 - 21:45
Hey Yorky, do you mind me asking how much - mine is like a black hole!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 June 2015 - 21:44
I've bought it at the food shop at Baracudas (lovely and pungent!) and also in Spinneys DSO, I think the Spinneys one was Sacla brand, not quite as strong but perfectly good. Now I'm drooling, thinking of mushroom risotto,
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 22:17
I used to work for a large well known company here in Dubai - sadly we would not offer visas/contracts routinely to anyone aged 60 or over. However check it out with companies, personally I think experience and maturity are a bonus! Very good luck to you x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 June 2015 - 18:42
Learning to spell English is a good start! Perhaps, as you implied that you're looking for a data entry role, JEAH45 replied as she did. Data entry requires a huge amount of attention to detail and language accuracy?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 May 2015 - 20:13
I have worked in HR here and as a single mum you will need a significant package to manage here, accommodation, visa and potentially school fees and medical - sadly, and I don't wish to dampen your expectations, to an employer you are 'expensive' - there are thousands applying from the subcontinent with acceptable quals who an employer can pay a fraction of what you may deserve and require - harsh I know but sadly true. Network, network, network, Linkedin will be a gem ... Get networking! I wish you every success x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 May 2015 - 06:58
I had a friend with the same idea, but sadly had a problem with getting them here. She resorted to eBay and shopping and shipping them over in the end! Hope you find some though x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 May 2015 - 06:56
Thanks all - will start stuffing the freezer with your ideas ... Me to I get Ito a meal rut!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2015 - 19:42
I will be away for over a meek and I need to put some easy to reheat meals in the freezer - I've already got a nice lasagne, bolognaise and home made chicken pie in the freezer, what new and easy to reheat meals can you share with me, they will need to be slam in the oven/microwave as otherwise the delivery guys will be making a poor woman of me! Please share your easy freeze ahead recipes - I have a slow cooker too so could instruct the family on that too! Thanks in advance!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2015 - 08:07
You could try Ted Morgan salon in Motor City they stock Redken products
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2015 - 07:35
I do understand your anxiousnes, I have worked at a school and closely with admissions, who spend far too much time answering desperate parents' pleas for places, they operate a very fair system - keeping ringing them does not increase your chances, they have x number of places and x number on the waiting list, and while they are answering your desperate calls they can't process anything, and you run the risk of becoming a burden. Keep your options open, look at alternatives, what will be will be - all good schools have waiting lists, because they're popular
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2015 - 18:34
I am an advocate of GEMS from my own experience, I wish I'd put DS in a GEMS school from day one, we did two years at DESC and it was so the wrong fit for DS. I can put my hand on my heart and definitely say that had he not been at GEMS WSO he would not be in post 16 education, that is my own personal experience but my son is happy and achieving way beyond what DESC said he could and he has a very bright future - go with what you experience, not with here say!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 May 2015 - 20:59
Around 4-7K with no benefits. At our school the receptionists don't get all the holidays off they get I think 45 days annual leave per year to take but do get some benefits ... Medical and a small discount on fees <em>edited by cymraes on 03/05/2015</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 April 2015 - 18:44
No that doesn't happen on the UAE side, but I was looking for the DVLA guidance on it from the UK side and also to clarify whether there's a difference between someone being non resident for tax/NI purposes, or not - and if that is how they class being non resident, or if it's simply having a residence visa in another country, not necessarily the UAE. Might need to just contact DVLA! :nerd: Will update! I spoke to the DVLA Residency means the country you live in - look at your 'residency' visa in your passport - this is the country you live in. Even if you have a property in the UK does not mean you are resident, if you were resident in the UK you would not have a UAE residency visa.... BTW DH pays tax in the UK but is not a 'UK resident' currently. DVLA told me when I return to the UK and after cancelling my UAE visa I can fill in a form to have my UK licence back. ....,same issues relate to using the NHS - except for emergency treatment ....
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 April 2015 - 18:50
North Wales is lovely...and by far the best part of Wales :D If you do go, visit Conwy where there is a castle and "the smallest house in Britain", from there you can go over to Anglesey to visit Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch or Llanfair PG as it's known!! There is also the Blaenau Ffestiniog railway in Snowdonia... It is indeed Mrs Mozz - but as I said before I am biased - there is a new marina in Conwy and also in Deganwy the other side of the estuary, with a nice places to eat, lovely little town Conwy with some nice little shops, castle is fab too and Llandudo has some nice shopping and a Victorian feel, also you need to visit Betws y Coed swallow falls etc - f Fab places to eat on Anglesey too - Dylan's in Menai Bridge and the Oyster Catcher (a Huff House) in Rhosneigr (near to where William and Kate lived, apparently they visited too!, feeling quite homesick now .... X <em>edited by cymraes on 24/04/2015</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 April 2015 - 18:42
Hi all, my father in law is visiting shortly and he's just started using a mobility scooter - this is the first time he's visiting with his scooter, are they accepted in the malls and shops, anyone had any experiences/negative experiences - our normal stomping ground is Dubai Mall and Mirdiff City Centre. Can you share?
 
 
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