cymraes | ExpatWoman.com
 

cymraes

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 20:12
Thanks for asking this question Cymraes (or diolch!) - I was just thinking the other day when I made a curry that you can get 50 varieties of paratha but strangely no naan...maybe a business idea if anyone is a naan expert! Will pop to M&S and stock up :) Croeso! I will head off to M&S too and stock up and may get friends to bring some from the UK next time the come, am desperate for a good naan .... yes all you naan makers out there, if you want to make a batch to sell ......
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 20:10
My brother in law was shocked at the salaries in the general hospitality (hotel/bars/clubs) most of these roles (even manager level) are taken by many from the Far East/India who are willing to work long hours for a very low salary. I understand it would be hard to work your way to a level you are probably at now .... my brother in law decided it was not for him as he is in his early 40's and really he would need to come in at a certain level to live a reasonable life. Personally I would contact some of the bigger events companies (Done events and Flash come to mind) to see if they can offer anything with your experience. Good luck :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 19:21
what type of hospitality job are you looking for? My brother in law has worked in the hospitality industry managing clubs, bars, pubs, holiday resorts etc in the UK for over 20 years and the good (ie well paid) opportunities out here are very thin on the ground. <em>edited by cymraes on 18/05/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 11:48
... we're counting the years until DS can learn to drive and earn some pocket money by being our VIP taxi service! What age can they learn to drive .......?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 10:53
Our problem is we're up at The Villa so flagging one down is next to impossible, it's not as though there's an alternative, humph. I've resorted to ordering an hour before I need one.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 10:25
it's a bit of a swizz really, twice in the past fortnight have I ordered taxis 3 hours plus in advance and them not turn up, to be told that no one has accepted the order ..... why am I paying for the privilege or bad service?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 08:24
Clarified butter, used generally for cooking Indian food.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 19:59
I would be getting on to the schools this week by phone, at this time of year there is a mad scramble for places and at least if you have a few options you will know soon enough if they have places etc, or whether you will have to pursue plan B, C, D or even G! Manning of the schools entry procedures will be limited once schools finish, only for a few hours a day and in it can be frustrating not to get anywhere quickly. With regard to school fees, they vary hugely we pay 62,500 dirhams for year 9 (British Curriculum) this is about average for the better known BC schools, all fees are paid per term in advance of that term, I can't comment on the US schools. Some DH's companies pay directly to the school, ours pay half our school fees by cheque direct to the school and then we pay the difference as they are due. If you are bringing pets you should be looking into their relocation now, we brought our dog from the UK, we started the pet passport process in the May for a move at the end of July. Dubai Kennels and Cattery are very helpful, I would drop them a line or look on their website for good up to date advice. We used a UK relocation pet company for the UK side and dealt with DKC for the Dubai end. www.dkc.ae Good luck, Dubai is a great place!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 15:57
thank you both - it was rock hard once I'd put it in the fridge!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 15:10
I bought some ghee yesterday to make up some curries, I've read somewhere that you don't keep it in the fridge, it went rock hard overnight in my fridge. It's in a tin so should I put it in the fridge or leave in my cupboard? Thanks in advance.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 May 2012 - 15:08
Hi all, just reporting back. I went to LuLu's at the Arabian Centre, none in the freezers (loads of pathia, paratha, chappatis, etc etc) however, they make fresh naan after 11am ... sadly I was there at 8. I made some up myself, thanks Ping Posh and Genie, they turned out ok, but not the fluffy ones I was hoping, although guests enjoyed them. Will buy a batch next time I'm in Lulu's and freeze them.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 14:35
Thanks Ladies Will have a look tomorrow. Wendopia thanks, I was convinced lard was beef fat. It's for pastry. I wanted to use 1/2 lard 1/2 Margerine. But may have to rethink that now. BTW any of you ladies pastry experts. Am making a steak pie will it be ok with just Marg? I'll post on the food forum as well. Lard makes lovely pastry (I would use butter rather than marg though), my mother uses it, and it doesn't smell 'p0rky'!. But I would stay clear from beef dripping as it has a beefy flavour for pastry. My mum also used to use Trex shortening for pastry, I have seen that here. Good luck, I make terrible pastry - hot hands (= cold heart!) <em>edited by cymraes on 16/05/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 12:48
we had a container from the UK to Dubai, it took 6 weeks inlcuding clearing customs and over Ramadan. The containers are subject to great heat and then cooling, then heat again. I can't comment on the bakhur however I would advise not to pack candles as they do tend to melt in transit. All our clothes and bedding needed washing when they arrived as they smelt musty - they'd all been washed before packing. Our packers would not pack any opened foodstuffs including spices and there was a list of banned foodstuff and household cleaning items which they told us about in advance. They will also not transport items make from ivory and other animal derived substances. I would ask your shippers for the list of items they don't allow. There are different rules for whichever country you're travelling to eg you can't take seashells to Australia I understand. Good luck with your move
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 May 2012 - 12:42
you may find beef dripping in the meat section, of a good butcher ... I haven't seen it here it's the beef alternative to lard.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 15:34
I'm pretty sure I've seen the frozen ones at the Barsha Lulu or at a Choithram's. Brills I will venture there tomorrow, haven't been to LuLu's for a few weeks, thanks Stovetop :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 10:47
This is a great site http://www.momthisishowtwitterworks.com/ edited by JSW on 15/05/2012 thank you
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 10:09
thank you zengirl :-) tweet tweet!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 09:49
Morning! Everyone keeps saying how good Twitter is ...... I need an idiot's guide who can help?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 22:39
If you suspect the dog is a stolen pet, take it to a vet and they will scan for a chip which will show if it's been stolen, I do hope it has a chip and is registered.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 19:14
found it, panic over, channel 112 (Fox movies!!) - harmony restored! Well only if they win the game of course, have taken refuge in the kitchen ....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 16:33
when we came here i rang my insurance and told them how much i would be away but the car will remain on my drive either taxed or with a SORN when i wasn't using it..her reply was to drop my premium by £2 a month as a low mileage discount..she didn't tell me there would be any problem... As Edna.W states in her post, do the insurance companies really understand that you are non resident and do you have written proof that you as an expat are covered as you are not resident in the country. I would hate for any EW's to become a cropper. There was a thread about a year ago where insurance companies clearly didn't understand the legalities of being an expat and would just insure you. It's a pain yes ... it would be interesting to know if anyone has, or knows of anyone who has, become a cropper by thinking they were fully covered and were not. I know which boat I'd want to be in. For the sake of a small amount in the whole scheme of things I personally won't take the risk, especially with my child in the car. just telling you what i was told - up to the individual what action they wish to take...but the age-old grey area of "define uk resident" looms in virtually everything !! Absolutely Sue62 ... and DH still pays tax in the UK on his military pension, allows us nothing more in breaks or anything ... c'est la vie, at least we have nice weather!! With regard to Gina's home insurance question, I would check the small print and never assume anything! Good luck all
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 15:47
when we came here i rang my insurance and told them how much i would be away but the car will remain on my drive either taxed or with a SORN when i wasn't using it..her reply was to drop my premium by £2 a month as a low mileage discount..she didn't tell me there would be any problem... As Edna.W states in her post, do the insurance companies really understand that you are non resident and do you have written proof that you as an expat are covered as you are not resident in the country. I would hate for any EW's to become a cropper. There was a thread about a year ago where insurance companies clearly didn't understand the legalities of being an expat and would just insure you. It's a pain yes ... it would be interesting to know if anyone has, or knows of anyone who has, become a cropper by thinking they were fully covered and were not. I know which boat I'd want to be in. For the sake of a small amount in the whole scheme of things I personally won't take the risk, especially with my child in the car.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 14:24
i am just looking into car hire so this thread is most useful, thanks as ever ladies :) We are UK citizens resident here in Dubai, we hire cars in the UK on our UAE licence (swapped for a UK one 3 years ago) and have always had a good deal with Thrifty, in fact Thrifty once told us they prefer overseas driving licences as they don't have to follow up on traffic fines! <em>edited by cymraes on 09/05/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 19:13
.....and why do they take off the sprinkler gun and use the hose with their thumb over it? Then break the gun when putting it back on. DH sick to the back teeth of telling our gardener that we want to save water and use the gun "yes sir" ......
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 19:10
Hi there, I wanted a stand mixer but wasn't sure if I would use it enough so instead of plunging head first for the fab Kitchen Aid/Kenwood Chef I bought this one - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moulinex-Masterchef-Gourmet-QA-402/dp/B004FPYLCO/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1336489521&sr=8-6 If I remember it was about 1000AED, from Emax. I think its 500 watts and I love it. It can cope quite well with a 500g dough (does labour a bit, but I don't make bread often). I use the whisk attachments and it makes light cakes and fabulous meringues - I find the beater isn't fantastic but it's fine. It has definitely made me think about saving up for the KA/Chef long term, it's compact and easy to clean and I got a liquidiser and chopper attachment with it. Am very happy and use it at least 3 times a week. Hope this helps
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 14:23
Does anyone know about gems Wellington Academy (silicon oasis) at all please? Wasn't sure if or when they would be inspected? Any info welcome! They are not on the list so no they wernt inspected. Wellington DSO expect to be inspected Sept/Nov this year. As they are a new school apparently they are not allowed to raise their fees in the first three years. I was told this by them this morning.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 21:51
Thanks all!! I'm going round in circles LOL. Fees for DESC when both at secondary worry me. Husband wouldn't be able to take littlie to school as he starts 7.15am. I know mums do round trips to both schools but I just don't fancy giving up everything I currently have in the UK to sit in the car for 3 hours a day LOL. Shorooq would be ideal BUT unfortunately I promised my girls access to a pool. They are sports and water mad and for me I think pool access for them is essential. If Shorooq had a pool it would be a no-brainer and I would even put up with the extensive driving required. As has been said before, DESS/DESC are far superior schools and people here in Dubai would sacrifice most things to gain a place there .... It's a dilemma for you I appreciate that. Personally school would be everything to me and DH And would be willing to sacrifice a lot for it. Hope this helps.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 19:46
thanks all will get some frankincense tomorrow ... tried the coffee thing outside but they seem to like it!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 19:11
Mine working Um Ramool (near airport). Kids going into year 4 and year 7. One been accepted at DESS, one at DESC. Both been accepted at DBS. (once both are at secondary then DBS will save us over 24k a year) At minute there ain't much in it between both schools re price.Hubby getting just over 30k a month but we have to pay everything inc housing, schooling, flights, pension etc.Schooling gonnae be 8k a month and I reckon we can't afford more than 8k a month on housing. From what is left we need to pay cars,food, utilities, flights etc. He reckons I'm being very negative and we'll manage easily. I don't think so . edited by Feefmick on 07/05/2012 from the Gulf News link on the KHDA results - fees increases "Schools rated as outstanding in the inspections will be allowed to hike fees by 6 per cent this academic year, while schools rated good[b'> (DBS)[/b'> will be allowed to impose a hike of 4.5 per cent, while schools deemed satisfactory and unsatisfactory will be allowed the lowest hike of 3 per cent Check if DBS are putting their fees up, also as they are a profit school you can't guarantee that it will be 24k cheaper when both are in HS.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 18:41
Feefmick - this is the job BM suggested, looks right up your street http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_jobs.aspx first one at Jumeirah College, will you need childcare? I enquired about a job at another school in admin 0730-1630 and it's not all the school holidays off only 45 days per year, kids go to school 180 days a year. <em>edited by cymraes on 07/05/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 16:12
I can't see GEMS Wellington Academy, were they not inspected as this is their first year?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 15:53
Feefmick I don't want to dampen your day but lots of schools are waiting to hear if they can increase fees next year, this could be up to 5% per child, KHDA I don't believe have released which schools will do this. With regard to the heat ... honestly unless it's literally within eye sight you will be unable to walk to school in the hotter months. DEWA too is unpredictable, especially in villas so be aware that you can get a high bill out of the blue almost, currently we're not paying the housing fee which I understand is another 5% of the rentable value. Personally, over the past 2 years I have seen a huge increase in our outgoings, our rental allowance has gone down and despite DH having a pay rise we are still very careful with everything. Getting a job is really hard for wives, I've been on the look out for 3 years and can turn my hand to anything admin. But if I get a job that is not within a school then I don't get enough time off during the holidays to make it worth my while once I've taken into consideration holiday club and the school bus during term time.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 13:26
I would definitely agree with not for profit schools. Having children in both it is clear that non profit schools make their decisions based on what is better educationally whereas the for profit school definitely makes decisions based on cost. This is apparent even walking round the schools and comparing facilities. Also non profit schools seem to have better staff retention. Profit schools are a business and are run as such. I have to disagree, DS is now at a profit school (changed from a not for profit school) and the facilities, teaching regime and pastoral care is far better in the current school, in our own experience. Perhaps it's a 'school' thing rather than profit vs not for profit and also which for profit school you are in may make a huge difference.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 12:36
Ranches is lovely we lived there for two years, nice quiet communities with good facilities and well kept. Fifteen minutes to MOE, twenty mins to Dubai Mall. I have not lived in Springs but have friends there - they would move up to Ranches in a heartbeat if their children weren't settled in DBS. Depending on which Springs you live there is a very busy road ... personally I think Springs looks 'tired'. Guess that is why Ranches is more expensive to rent/buy than Springs.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 11:57
can't help with the parcel but there is an ebluey system I have used lots in years gone by .. you type them on your computer and they get printed out in at the destination, brilliant service. http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/ServiceCommunity/BFPO/Ebluey.htm Thoughts with you and your brother, I have a number of friends out in Afghanistan at the moment ETA I think the BFPO parcels have to go via the UK, oh and also be careful what you put in them, DH wanted some foot spray (for smelly boots!) and the aerosol got returned, got all the way to the Falklands and then back to Mill Hill in London and I had to go and remove it and send it back again! <em>edited by cymraes on 07/05/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 11:22
I read somewhere that you can have botox injected into the area to stop the sweating ... bit extreme I think!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 20:30
Oh dear perhaps we wont tune in as DH is a Liverpool fan!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 20:03
Something to do with other London games going in today and the police capabilities ....DH says not sure how true it is
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 19:57
Thanks need to see if we can get ITV on the V!N, yes saw it was a late kick off ... Thanks again
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 18:00
thanks Michamen, will go and look it up now ... I might have been mistaken by the meat, yes it's the one they give you yoghurt and salad with - yum! does this look right? http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aarti-sequeira/lebanese-lentils-rice-and-caramelized-onions-mujadara-recipe/index.html <em>edited by cymraes on 05/05/2012</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 16:53
Clarins Beauty Flash is very good for plumping up think they may do an eye one ... I am beyond repair!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 16:32
try this: http://www.gulftalent.com/home/index.php What did you do in the military? There might be a civilian equivalent company recruiting out here.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 15:03
See you there. :D (Haven't heard of it before! Clearly don't do enough shopping.......) Absolutely ... I'll be the one with the large chesticles and hips!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 14:50
Cyrmraes I tried all of them on :D but they accentuate your hips and are all in the same style so not good for those of us with *cough* big hips. Thanks for the boden suggestion. This is like what I mean obviously with the buttons not undone *quite* so high :-P but I haven't seen anything like that here in Dubai http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Dresses/Knee-Length-Dresses/WH341/Womens-Linen-Shirt-Dress.html?NavGroupID=4 No problem, dress was ok on me as I have large chesticles which balance out the large hips! ...but the jackets just made me look like a prison officer! Hence the cardi idea. Will go and look at this Punt Roma store too
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2012 - 13:54
there were some nice linen work dresses in Marks and Spencer (Dubai Mall) this last week but they were sleeveless ... but they had nice little cardigans to go with them.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 14:06
thanks Good Morning, really appreciate your reply. BTW how long would you say the drive is just so I can plan? Can I get to the 89 from the 611? I thought the Hatta road was the 44.....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 11:00
Oh really? Sorry to be dim but is that globally? I have a uk account with them and dont want to change to hsbc either. No only in the UAE I believe, certainly not closing in the UK .....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 10:54
Happy birthday, Cymraes :) Thank you xx
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2012 - 10:51
.... Sorry to hijack, my funny of the day is it's my birthday and I was lamenting to myself how could I possibly be 46!? I've just realised that in fact I'm only 45 today! Could be an age thing ?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2012 - 16:36
There are lots of different types of people living on lots of different types of budgets here in Dubai. However I would most definitely have some money behind me when arriving. We had a few thousand pounds in cash/easily accessible and not on credit cards and we used this for our set up deposits etc, it was quite frightening. Also if you are a single parent, childcare is a big issue and it comes at a high price. Search for "move to Dubai" "newbie" there are lots of threads which make interesting reading. Good luck