cymraes | ExpatWoman.com
 

cymraes

cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 June 2011 - 11:44
No vouchers in Ent book for Jamie's Kitchen, food is fab but personally I think it's more of a lunch place until they get their drinks licence. If you want low key and nice food it's a nice place but not sure if I'd have my birthday there. My 2dhs worth, Pregos at Media Rotana is nice for italian food and there are vouchers in Ent book (not sure if it's family or the fine dining one).
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 18:41
Been here 23 months what a blur! Still loving it, don't want to put poor Piano off it's well worth it, we love it here x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 18:19
have to share my new discovery ..... Draino crystals - blimey cleaned my bunged up drain in seconds, it was quite frightening to be honest, smoke and acrid smell but lovely free running drains in the shower and kitchen now ... thankfully place isn't ours as it's probably rotting the pipes!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 18:16
They told me it was because of customs issues .. you can give your Emirates ID as an alternative if you prefer not to give your passport details, I did.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 18:14
Hi Piano, just wanted to add that you really should take into account a set up fund for when you get here, you may have seen other posts on here - I reckon you will need at least £2-3000 if not more, of readily available cash (not credit cards) for the first few months, it's amazing where it goes on nothing visible! It's not all doom and gloom, just a matter of being aware. EW is a fabulous source of information and advice (entertainment and gossip!!). As others have mentioned, many of us are not big earners, however we have a very nice life out here. I wish you well in your move.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 13:22
Ooooh that's a shame have always had good quality veg and meat at Barsha, thought I wouldn't have to struggle down um Suqueim, may go just for a loot - at least I can have a whizz around Matalan at the same time :)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 June 2011 - 12:27
... And my reply got amended which wasn't controversial at all ....
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 20:43
oooh AntyKazza that G&T has gone to your head!!!! And leave my birkenstocks out of it! Hee hee :) <em>edited by cymraes on 23/06/2011</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 20:36
Re schools, GEMS DSO is apparently full for early years with a waiting list, I would contact them immediately with your interest, it seems there are places further up the school. Housing in the Ranches, Silicon Oasis, Al Waha, Layan and The Villa would all be convenient for the location you mention, as would Mirdif which is cheaper. Good luck and welcome to Dubai :-)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 12:40
KH just my 2dhs' worth: at 1500dhs a month she will not be a qualified nanny, and probably won't have any childcare qualifications or first aid training.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 19:05
I think I got 300aed for both, they didnt ask for a receipt, i think we paid 350 each on the deposit, just give any of the gas companies a call, what a racket! Good luck
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 11:55
Thanks for your replies. We have looked on the web and they are saying that the size is 3300 SqFt for one of the town houses in Jumeira Village Circle and its around 85,000 - have made an appoitmnet to view one next weekend, alowing that it's not been rented in the mean time. Cymraes - What is Jumeira Village Circle like - I know that there is still alot of building work going on but are there shops etc up and working - is there water in the pools Mollydxb - Thanks, will look into this area also. JVC houses have a high sq footage due to the 4 bedrooms but the downstairs living area is tiny (IMO) with kids it would be very impractical. We're up at The Villa which is still in progress (you can get one for 125 still, a Mazaya a1 about 5,500 ish sq foot) but not as much of a building site as JVC, personally I wouldn't choose the jvc ones as there is no no garden to speak of either and I didn't see any sight of pools. IMO it would suit a couple with no like who want lots if spare rooms, and all those stairs! Sorry to be negative about JVC I guess it depends what you want from a house x Dawn <em>edited by cymraes on 18/06/2011</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 11:40
Try park & shop, as they have a butcher there they may ne able to cut to order, worth a try
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 09:38
Went with some friends to look at Jumeira Village Circle, 95k townhouse, 4 beds but very very small living area and kitchen, I really don't know if a family could actually live comfortably in it, you'd have to have very small furniture and I felt the maids room was a waste of space you could only really use it was a store room. I thought prices in ranches had shot up we moved out of a 3m in March which went for 115 and now a friend has just paid 135-140 for a 3m in one chq
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 17:28
Used them twice for a girls mani and pedi fest, 3 ladies came for the morning and were very pleased with them
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 17:28
Used them twice for a girls mani and pedi fest, 3 ladies came for the morning and were very pleased with them
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 16:58
I ordered 2 x 5 gallon for tues delivery .... Went out forgot to leave bottles and money, got home 2 fresh bottles on doorstep .... Thankfully I've always had good service from early bird x bet the driver has wrong address :) <em>edited by cymraes on 16/06/2011</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 16:48
Fully booked tonight as are all the other places suggested and lots if others ..... Now going to benjagon (sp) dusit thandi! It's taken the shine off going out I have to say!! Hitting the grape based drink NOW!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 10:18
oooh bowbellscowbells that sounds just right up our Strasse! Will check it out :-) ETA it does sell drinkie poos too? <em>edited by cymraes on 16/06/2011</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 15:51
Hi, we had a very rare child free evening this last Sunday ... went to Thiptara, lovely pre dinner drinks overlooking the lake, then the most wonderful dinner with impeccible service ... we had a very special evening. Couldn't fault it and would recommend. I don't know how busy it gets at the weekend though. Food was superb. Have a great evening wherever you choose :-) (BTW can't coment on Thai Kitchen as we haven't had another child free evening to try it out!!)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 12:30
Thanks suze63, that's what's so great about expatwoman! Hope you're settling in, we've been here 2 years now and just swapping schools x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 10:16
We had dinner at Thiptara at The Palace this week, people were sitting outside on the terrace over the water but it was very humid, we sat inside and had a lovely view of the fountains. Fab food and service although we were a bit apprehensive as there were a few dud reports on Time Out, we had a lovely evening. ETA vouchers in the fine dining book! <em>edited by cymraes on 14/06/2011</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 20:24
I bought a 1 litre carton of whipping cream this week in Spinneys at Silicon Oasis. Hth. It was with the regular cream in the chiller cabinet
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 20:22
Thanks all and yes recipes would be nice x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 20:21
I think the one we have is Robivita or something similar , it's in a green tub both full and low fat the low fat one has a red flash on it
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 11:20
we're in a new property so for 12 months covered by the developer - when we were in Ranches the LL paid for a maint contract and I think the basic one was about 2,800aed for the year with Tool Time
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 10:18
There is a lady on Ranches called Fay who sells them, she us frequently at the Ranches Kadies coffee mornings and I think she posts here too. HTH
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 13:34
yes defo! DH didn't want one 18 years ago, I bought it with a bonus I got from work ... never looked back, in fact when that one broke down he was over to Comet straight away to get another! If you like to cook they are a godsend, but make sure you have plenty of cutlery and crockery - in the old days when it was the two of us only we used to put it on every other day - rinsed only over night. Worked great. Now we have a family would rather do without the washing machine! Good luck, oh by the way mine is a Hotpoint - not a fancy one, as I only use one programme so don't pay for a fancy one if you're not going to use the programmes. And use good quality tablets and salt!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 10:18
thanks busybee2 ... just wanted to check with someone who had done it :-)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 09:03
Hi, do I need a visa for HK, on a British Passport? Just looked at this website and it appears not - http://gohongkong.about.com/od/travelplanner/a/hongkongvisa.htm. Thought I'd just check with those savvy travelers from EW. If I do need a visa how long would it take and where in Dubai would I get it? Thanks in advance
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2011 - 22:42
If you mean Napoli near the premier inn it's lovely number is 04 320 8037, they deliver within silicon but sadly not to The Villa, excellent and very tasty!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 10:36
thanks speed queen .... just had a thought there is a hotel somewhere, (RAK, Fuj) or somewhere that have their own plunge pools .... gosh I can't remember which one that one is .... thought it was the Cove Rotana but can't see the plunge pool rooms! Anyone know which one it is??
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 09:54
Dragon mart sell all the bits, I don't think they will be expesive, I've seen them in and around the HB sector
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 21:17
despite that we really like The Villa and we're in no man's land, phase 3 ... lovely an quiet and great access to the 66 for DH and sch for DS
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 21:04
our LL hasn't said anything, but I seem to recall it was in the tennancy contract ... would have to check on that though. When we lived in Ranches the LL was responsible for all the community charges. Am interested to confirm about the commnity charges on The Villa ... now you've got me worried!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 20:55
ac is paid for by usage via DEWA. Sorry can't comment re the other charges, but I think the LL is responsible for them, well we haven't paid anything else bar the rent and the DEWA!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 12:48
brills, will try it out hopefully next week with the gals! Will report back! Thanks as always for your replies ;-)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 12:47
we did the same when we were at Ranches, even DH's old work boots gone in seconds, garden chairs .... we're now up at The Villa and not much passing trade in our sector, but will give it a try! It seems such a waste just to chuck it ...
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 12:28
thanks Clairehdp, where about in MCC is it, I may go for a shuftie this afternoon. thanks :-)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 12:26
Ranches have a thriving halloween scene, there is a lady called Josephine who is very into it - she has kids at JESS and also attends the Ranches Ladies Coffee Mornings ..... I am not a great fan of halloween after living in London for years ... groups of teenagers on halloween hammering on the door just freak me out! We now always go out that evening!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 12:23
Just thought I'd add, when I went back to work, albeit in the UK, my very caring boss said - look at what you earn, take off childcare, travel, new clothing and about 5% more for hassle factor, then see what would be left in your hand - is it worth going back for? Thankfully in my case it was, but being a working mum is very hard work, and it will make you super tired. If you don't need/have to work take the early months off, they fly by all too quickly. Sadly at the time I had my little one I needed to work for financial reasons but if I had my time over and I was in Dubai ... I think I would stay at home for the first year at least. I do hope this helps xx
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 17:01
... we do think something dodgy is going on, I took a meter reading yesterday at 5.30pm and will check again this afternoon at same time. We haven't topped up our pool in about 3 weeks, as it is leaking and we've had it emptied for repairs. We do have a grass garden with sprinklers but boy that's an awful amount of water! Silly us didn't check the meter the day we moved in either ... just changed the DEWA over, but DEWA say the reading is from the day we moved in ... but I'm not so sure. Just thought someone could shed some light on the matter, if they'd experienced the same thing.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 17:08
gosh no TV that makes it an impossible option with DS .... have you tried Turkish airlines?? Fares are comparable with LH
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 12:44
it's a thought emlsnre, but not sure if he's that bothered .... he liked the look of our cheque though! I will drop him a 'progress' note and let him know what the situation is. I totally agree with you, why not just get a move on, try to salvage some reputation and fix the pools?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 11:31
thanks cushion ... it's just so frustrating. We just don't see them for days and Amar keeps promising they will fix. Why can't they just come round fix it and then move on to their next job? If they say it will take 3 weeks then let it be so, but unanswered phone calls and empty promises are very frustrating. Do you by any chance have another, senior to Amar, contact for IML?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 11:14
Just called my contact Amar ... but he's as reliable as a chocolate tea pot! He says he'll call back in 30 mins ... my experience is if I call again he just ignores my calls ... need to find some one effective at IML, but think that's an impossibility!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 10:39
thanks Highland lass, we've had the measuring done, weeks of two minute vists and head scratching 'back tomorrow ma'am'! They drained our pool last week and I think that Amar, who appears to be the most senior one I've seen it playing a game with us, I just wanted to get my facts right before I ring him and ask him when we will see some pool fixing action!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 21:04
Bought 2 tins of Coppertone spray in Park and Shop this week, it was on offer at 36.50 so bought 2, one scanned through at 36.50 the other at 42.00 identical items but they put the wrong bar code on one, said 'sorry madam one is more expensive', I said 'I don't think so' .... saw the supervisor and got the difference back. Not that 5.5 dhs is a lot but it's the principle of it! I always keep an eye on the scanner, just so I don't get any shockers! ETA hacked them right off by putting the 5.5dhs in the charity box :-) <em>edited by cymraes on 23/05/2011</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 12:27
thanks for that norne .... looks like the site won't give me a price on line ... so will have to call. Thanks for your help will log on a bit later and try to get a price :-)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 11:50
thanks for your suggestions, we are planning to cash in our 'home' flights this year as we'll get more than the cost of the flights. DH can't make it back to the UK in the summer so DS and I are just popping back to see elderly parents who can't fly to us. Our plan was to have a cheap pop to the UK followed by a nice holiday en famille further east later in the year ... courtesy of DH's company ... I tried Swiss/Qatar/RBrunei/Virgin/expedia/KLM/EK and Etihad ..... LH being the cheapest. Will keep searching, and thanks again for your help :-)
 
 
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