cymraes | ExpatWoman.com
 

cymraes

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 November 2011 - 07:08
Hi, you'll need to buy 'grape' vinegar ... Took me a while to work it out! :-) <em>edited by cymraes on 20/11/2011</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 November 2011 - 14:05
Hi there, you can't go wrong with either really. Lego Duplo is the bigger sized blocks and would suit your child just now. I personally had Duplo when DS was really young then we graduated onto regular Lego, I just bought the big buckets of the stuff - if you can get the baseplates that's the best way forward. However it's very expensive out here, I bought all mine in the UK and on ebay (btw you can dishwasher it too!). In fact DS (13) and DH (44) still love an afternoon of Lego! And when we have kids round they all make a bee line for it. Playmobil is absolutely brilliant, again not cheap but it lasts forever - I would say that it's aimed at slightly older children say 3+, as there are lots of small bits that click on and off. Again we bought lots and we asked family and friends to get it for Christmas and birthday, it was as good as new when we parted with it and it went to a good home for many more years of play, again the bigger pieces you can put in the dishwasher if they've been out in the garden etc. It's almost indestructable. My sister took some of it off my hands when we moved from the UK, she's a primary school teacher and loves the stuff, great for imaginary play etc. We had aeroplanes, bin lorries, constructions stuff, animals people, several bucket loads. Both are great for play, you can't go wrong with either! Good luck and happy playing. Also we bought a Brio style wooden train track and bits, which actually came from Tescos in the UK, again a great investment which is going strong with a friend's little ones.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 18:36
I must say I expected my bill to be higher, not lower, as we had visitors so had extra a/c running in the bedrooms, and for longer periods during the day, yet it was about 40% lower....... Just got the bills out .... Ours is also 40% less and bill was more than 2k less (note to self - must pay more attention to what DH says!)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 17:12
Got the text last week no bill on line yet, went to dewa office got printout and paid, bill is down 1,000aed but we've not done anything different to last month, have given up trying to understand how they work!!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 12:00
I am going to take a lovely Arabic lantern home when it's my time to leave.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 10:38
Swung by yesterday they have order forms but no prices until next week, any update on prices per KG welcomed if anyone gets this info next week. Thanks in advance.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 11:04
Thank you!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 November 2011 - 10:54
.... And the DEWA office please
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 November 2011 - 19:17
Cymraes, can I ask which school you chose in the end. My DD has learning support - she's in year 5 now and loves her school but it's only primary. Really concerned I won't be able to find a secondary school for her. We're now at Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 08:33
We changed schools from a not for profit to a for profit school because the former did not give our child the learning support he needed and was promised in years 7 & 8. We were dealt with in a very unacceptable manner, this school now has a new head and appears to be making the changes that are needed. However, sadly this was too late for our child who suffered emotionally for a whole year and a half. We are very happy with the new for profit school, it is a new school here in Dubai and the learning support team are outstanding, we have a long way to go but we know that our child is now in the 'right' school. I hope this helps.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 11:31
I never commented "OMG ir's dry night" simply my DH would like a beer with his meal on Friday after a long shift pattern keeping our skies safe :-) <em>edited by cymraes on 31/10/2011</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 11:19
PI I respect you feelings/views/culture however, some of us have to plan our free time carefully (and how we enjoy it) around many factors. My DH works shifts and planning a night out or celebration with friends who don't work the same shift it can mean we can only go out if we are lucky, one evening every 6 weeks.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 10:40
Is this confirmed?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 09:17
Ooh thanks!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 19:38
Clunk click every trip even on a short one .... Something the UAE could follow!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 18:40
Cheeky monkey is that tablets and what dosage and where do you get them, mine are like paper!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 18:04
I left a pair of boots at home at my mother's when I left the UK nearly 3 years ago, which she was going to use for gardening, of course I forgot to take proper shoes home the last time so I wore the gardening shoes which my dad polished up - tip, leave one set of home clothes at your parents' or wherever you fly back to! From tough, and embarrassing, experience Birkenstocks and fluffy socks are not a good look! <em>edited by cymraes on 24/10/2011</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 16:24
they have Jus Rol pastry sheets in Spinneys at Silicon Oasis, sure they have them in other Spinneys too, got some last week, I got puff pastry but they also had shortcrust. Think they also have them in Lulu in the freezer counter. Personally I would use shortcrust for quiche. <em>edited by cymraes on 24/10/2011</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 12:39
I have just received my first delivery via S&S from the US, it was a Kindle from Amazon and I didn't pay any customs charges, only the delivery (105AED, kindle and cover paid directly to Aramex) Hope this helps!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 18:54
If you want anglesey sea salt they have it at spinneys 51aed a pack
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 18:50
Without a word of a lie ... Last months dewa bill, I have never been so unprepared!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 18:24
...says she doesn't have enough time ...... it's what I would do, but then that's me - thanks MC for your suggestion :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 14:41
thanks for the clarification Div. I think she doesn't want to stump up to buy it ..... as everything else I've asked her to get, which she asked me to make a list of what I wanted, seems to be either out of stock or she can't get it!! I'll start taking the vallium now ...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 14:28
I wore my mothers' pearl necklace which was old and something borrowed too. It can be anything really, but not something bought for the wedding .... good luck
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 14:27
this post shows EW at it's best, there to give good advice. I have printed this thread off in preparation for our start of renegotiation of our rental in December, thank you all for your advice and guidance. :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2011 - 16:16
just picked this off Time Out Dubai (some are within your budget and some may be unsuitable), we've done Pergolas at the Murooj Rotana one and it was great value and lots of different food stations, and is very popular, Spice Island was also good value. Hope this helps! I am sure plenty of EWs will give you good options :-) Andiamo!: Dhs220 (alcohol) and Dhs120 (soft drinks) from 12.30pm-4pm. Taxi: Grand Hyatt (04 317 1234). Beachcombers: Dhs175 and Dhs195 with Pimms from 12.30pm-4.30pm. (Dhs60 kids). Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel (04 348 8999). Boston Bar: Buffet at Dhs69 excluding drinks from noon-4pm. Taxi: Jumeirah Rotana Hotel (04 345 5888). The Cellar: A la carte brunch at Dhs99, from 12 noon-4pm. Taxi: Aviation Club (04 282 4122). Certo: Set menu brunch for Dhs160 (alcoholic drinks) Dhs120 (soft drinks) per person. Dhs60 for kids under six. Taxi: Radisson SAS Media City (04 366 9111). (grown ups who want a boozy lunch IMHO!) Double Decker: Dhs119 including alcoholic drinks. Taxi: Al Murooj Rotana (04 321 1111). Dusit Dubai: Bubbly brunch at Dhs299, or Dhs199 with unlimited house beverages from noon-3pm . Taxi: Dusit Dubai (04 343 3333). Focaccia: Dhs120 (Dhs169 incl. drinks). 12.30pm-4pm. Taxi: Hyatt Regency (04 209 1234). Glasshouse: Dhs175-195 depending on drinks. Taxi: Hilton Dubai Creek (04 227 1111). JW Marriott: All-day brunch at Dhs178, and Dhs235 with alcohol. 12 noon-12 midnight. Taxi: JW Marriott Hotel (04 607 7977). Latitude: Dhs275 including drinks. From 12.30pm-4pm. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel (04 348 8999). Legends: Dhs95 (Dhs45 kids). From 11.30am-3pm. Taxi: Dubai Creek Club (04 295 6000). Long’s Bar: Dhs149 per person all you can eat and drink Friday brunch inclusive of unlimited selected house wine, beer, regular spirits, juices, soft drinks and regular tea and coffee. 12 noon-4pm. Taxi: Towers Rotana (04 312 2202). Lotus One: Fusion platters and drinks, Dhs 199, from 12 noon-5pm. Taxi: Convention Centre (04 329 3200). Marina Seafood Restaurant: From Dhs225-Dhs460. 12.30pm-4pm. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel (04 348 8999). Mediterraneo: Dhs335 including alcohol. 1pm-4pm. Taxi: Shangri-La Hotel (04 343 8888). Medzo: A la carte, 11.30am-3pm. Taxi: Wafi Pyramids (04 324 0000). Mina A’ Salam Terrace: Brunch at Dhs325. From 12.30pm-3.30pm. Taxi: Al Qasr (04 366 6730). More: Dhs75 with soft drinks, 11am-4pm. Taxi: Welcare Hospital (04 283 0224). Mosaico: Seafood brunch from 1pm-4pm at Dhs150 without drinks. Taxi: Emirates Towers (04 330 0000). Pergolas: Dhs159 including soft drinks; Dhs179 with alcohol. Taxi: Al Murooj Rotana (04 321 1111). Al Qasr: Indoor brunch at Dhs325. From 12.30pm-3.30pm. Taxi: Al Qasr (04 366 6730). Sezzam: Dhs138 (soft drinks), Dhs268 (alcohol). 12 noon-3pm. Taxi: Mall of the Emirates (04 341 3600). Spice Island: From Dhs139. 12 noon-3pm. Taxi: Crowne Plaza Deira (04 262 5555). Spectrum On One: Dhs450 per person with unlimited champagne from 12 noon-3pm. Taxi: The Fairmont Dubai (04 311 8316). Splendido: Dhs295 for non alcoholic brunch, Dhs435 for a wine brunch and Dhs495 for a champagne brunch. 12.30pm-3.30pm. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton (04 399 4000). Taverna: Buffet costs Dhs200 and Dhs90 per child. From 12.30pm-3.30pm. Taxi: Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa (04 346 1111). Thai Kitchen: Dhs175 with alcohol or Dhs125 without. 12 noon-4pm. Taxi: Park Hyatt Dubai (04 602 1234). Traiteur: Dhs450 with unlimited Moët & Chandon and wine. From 12.30pm 4pm. Taxi: Park Hyatt (04 602 1234). Yalumba: From Dhs366 with champagne and wine to Dhs699 with vintage champagne. From 12.30pm-3.30pm. Taxi: Le Meridien Dubai (04 282 4040).
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2011 - 14:22
although this is 2 years old from our moving quote from the UK, perhaps it will help you: 5. Goods not to be submitted for removal or storage 5.1 Unless previously agreed in writing by a director or other authorized company representative, the following items must not be submitted for removal or storage and will under no circumstances be moved or stored by us. The items listed under 5.1.1 below may present risks to health and safety and of fire. Items listed under 5.1.2 to 5.1.6 below carry other risks and you should make your own arrangements for their transport and storage. 5.1.1 Prohibited or stolen goods, drugs, pornographic material, potentially dangerous, damaging or explosive items, including gas bottles, aerosols, paints, firearms and ammunition. 5.1.2 Jewellery, watches, trinkets, precious stones or metals, money, deeds, securities, stamps, coins, or goods or collections of any similar kind. 5.1.3 Plants or goods likely to encourage vermin or other pests or to cause infestation or contamination. 5.1.4 Perishable items and/or those requiring a controlled environment. 5.1.5 Any animals, birds or fish. 5.1.6 Goods which require special licence or government permission for export or import. 5.2 If we do agree to remove such goods, we will not accept liability for loss or damage unless we are negligent or in breach of contract, in which case all these conditions will a pply. 5.3 If you submit such goods without our knowledge we will make them available for your collection and if you do not collect them within a reasonable time we will apply for an appropriate court order to dispose of any such goods found in the consignment without notice. You will furthermore pay to us any charges, expenses, damages, legal costs or penalties incurred by us. Another quote said no drugs (medicines prescribed or over the counter), foodstuffs, herbs, dried flowers. the packers would not pack anything corrosive (kitchen cleaning stuff) or any liquids that were already open (shampoo etc) oh an anything that had originated in the Holyland! And don't pack the candles, we had a very weird monstrosity arrive which originally was a bag of Ikea tealights!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 17:57
Thanks Sunshines .... in the end I went to Dubai London Clinic near to the Jumeira Post Office (not as close as I'd planned!) to see Dr Evan O'Malley - he was fantastic and I can claim back on Green Crescent. I felt at ease and he did a quick and good repair, going for a follow up on Wednesday. I thought he was lovely and have convinced DH to 'consider' going to see him - he's not very good with dentists!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 17:32
Thanks all I didn't check the drinks package but guess it includes wine and beer which suits us, if it includes spirits all the better for a couple in our party! Yes got the vouchers..... Well waiting for confirmation on the last one as I booked this separately and had payment confirm bit not the cobone confirmation!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 October 2011 - 15:13
Anyone been recently have bought cobone vouchers and fingers crossed it's going to be better than the one at Celsius!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 13:59
Can anybody tell me if there are any in the vicinity of SO? And if so where (and what they're called) I need to apply for one in this area. Thanks!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 20:19
... my mum and dad :-( everything else I can deal with Actually I miss the Sunday Telegraph Stella magazine .... simple things eh?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 19:33
Oh cymraes, hugs x I forgot to add how much I miss a proper Autumn! Thanks :-) just my mum won't fly now .... sometimes I'd just like a hug and a chat, again thanks for your hugs x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 19:14
... my mum and dad :-( everything else I can deal with
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 18:37
I can second Dean and Deluca, lovely food, bit different and a fab view if you sit outside. Lovely place to take visitors ... especially if they're paying!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2011 - 18:34
if you hold an Abu Dhabi visa but live in Dubai, can you have the medical done in Dubai and take it to AD for renewal?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 13:38
I can second Draino, in the tin. Fab stuff great on blocked shower drains ... works a dream but I hate to think what's in it - good luck!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 10:18
We're going to a concert in Yas Island and are looking for a hotel just to sleep for the night, as we won't be using any of the facilities something like a Premier Inn etc would suit .... I know there is a Park Inn there but do you know of any other hotels of this style there? Thanks in advance
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 18:33
Betti in the po box do you have numbers and Dubai eg 111000 Dubai? If so just put the number and not the city that might work, hope is helps x. Oh and then save button at the bottom
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 16:32
In our last villa we had Tool Time and they were ok, but they kept on fixing stuff without giving us a quote or telling us what was the outcome, and then we had to pay up ourselves and have it out with the LL afterwards as she wanted a quote before all work. If you work with Tool Time make sure they understand your criteria before starting work is my personal experience.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 16:28
any news on the 'on' ramp onto the 66? Am bumping over on to it twice a day and my poor little car will one day refuse. It's a boon having the off ramp off the 66, howcome they haven't started work on the on ramp???? Any updates ...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 20:08
not sure what I did but I am logged in and personal password added, thanks all!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 September 2011 - 18:28
I can still only see my personal details, no payment details or the ability to change my password ... anyone else got further than the personal details page and how to I navigate elsewhere? Thanks in advance
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 21:44
Jaso ... what you feeding those DSs on?? Long time no hear xx
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 20:36
use the same ID they gave you in the original email and then the password is the same only in lower case and no space before the numbers - but I then only get my contact page with my details nothing else!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 September 2011 - 17:17
DS takes packed lunch, I freeze the juice pouch (or box) and put it in frozen in the morning, nice and cool drink and a nice cool lunch too, I used to put in frozen pouches of yoghurt too, but he doesn't like 'Dubai yoghurts'!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 September 2011 - 12:25
Just change your name to a really unusual one with a difficult spelling and they give up after a while. Trust me! I have a very unusual name. They *do not* give up, trust me. I have a short unusual name (well not from the Country I come from) and I can confirm they don't give up ... they just don't spell it correctly which is infuriating!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 14:38
Thanks Ladies. Do you pay AC seperatly or it is included in DEWA bill. Asking because other DP developments has AS seperatly with Empower bill. You have to pay monthly charges on top of consumption. AC calculated on consumption and included in DEWAN no other AC charges on top
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 13:50
I've just come back from the UK with two huge jugs of maple syrup from Costco, several dog bones with the marrow and Tesco dog gravy bites ...., 6 tubes of extra strong mints and two jars of Bisto for my dear friend oh and 3 packets of wine gums for DH - never have a prob with Emirates if it's in the hold luggage
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 13:40
We're in an A1 Mazaya since March, pool fixed after we moved in (would recommend if you're renting to get the LL to sort before moving in as it can be tiresome). Ours was landscaped before we moved in (sadly all planted and grassed!) LL wanted 145K but we got it for 135K. We have en suite with the master bedroom, and a further en suite double, then the other two bedrooms upstairs share a family bathroom. Downstairs the maids room has it's own en suite and also the study has an en suite, so I don't know which ones don't have en suites?? We're very happy here in phase 3, planting is coming on by the week. Our last two DEWA bills were 3,400 and 3,100 which ok is high but we've got irrigation which is on 3 times a day in short spurts and there are 3 of us living here with the AC on downstairs most of the time during the summer and 2 units running upstairs at night. The pool is evaporating (not leaking!) about half to one tile a day currently so we top up every few days. DS will be starting at Wellington DSO next week so all in all it's a perfect location for us and we're so glad we moved from Ranches.