cymraes | ExpatWoman.com
 

cymraes

cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 21:07
I have always used my UK licence successfully when I have returned to the UK. I have never needed to use my UAE license. ...but it's not legal or valid so why risk it? ... I guess it's a wait until you have an accident scenario ... Personally I don't think its worth the risk <em>edited by cymraes on 02/07/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 20:06
Chicken pie and frozen chips .... It's been a heck of a day! AC back on the fritz and now the water pump has blown!!!
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 19:41
I spoke to the DVLA last year - as we're not [b'>resident[/b'> in the UK the UK driving licence is invalid, they told me that the UAE licence people should take it off you once you transfer to the UAE one (which they don't do) and return it to the DVLA - so no you can't drive on it in the UK or anywhere. You are also not covered unless you have specialised insurance to drive a family members car on it either and be covered on their insurance, only with specific insurance and on your UAE licence. DVLA were very clear, and very helpful. Your licence may be in date but you are no longer a UK resident. Apparently once you return to the UK and you have cancelled your UAE residence it's easy enough to go back to driving on your UK licence. Hope this helps <em>edited by cymraes on 02/07/2014</em>
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 07:11
Thanks all but these looked much closer to the 66 and not as huge - still at the concrete stage ... But I could be wrong!
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 19:56
Can I ask if this is 12 months to vacate from your end of contract or issuance of the notice to vacate? Personally think this is not the way it should be done, unless this is a last resort to contact the occupier
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 17:50
They added another message later to change it and say they can serve alcohol, but there will be no live music or entertainment. So brunch is back on confusing or what? Can't blame the outlets they're only going on ropy guidance that seems to go out
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 17:48
We're booked into Toro Toro so will give them a buzz a little later to see what they say ..... Just would like to know one way or the other.
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 19:27
Hi Tattie Bogle - dropped you an email, if you want to remove your email ID x
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 June 2014 - 18:40
Hi, mine and DS' visas are up for renewal in August - does anyone know a company that can help me process once I've done the medical - DH and I are both working throughout August so can't do the running backwards and forwards. Thanks in advance
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 06:52
Thanks for the tips!
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 20:54
To where to go? DS needs a post GCSE treat ... DH needs a a beer - where's the best place for that combo?
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 17:52
I use Alpha Optics at the Outlet mall but Vision express (rubbish customer service!) have them, I have Acuvue Oasis for astigmatism ..... normally have to order them - they may not call them toriic here <em>edited by cymraes on 15/06/2014</em>
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 21:04
Check the meter against last months consumption - suspect you have a leak shock! sadly you seem to have a leak so you'll have to pay for what's been used ... Sadly I've been there at 5,000aed!
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 18:11
Champions are excellent is dry cleaning but I think they Wudnt b expensive for regular ironing But we had so many damaged items frm several dry cleaners so I only send send to them My experience of Champions at Silicon Oasis has been poor, for dry cleaning - and twice I've been in and the person before me has been complaining
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 18:03
I use Spot Free at Skycourt towers - we're at The Villa - great service - huge tramp bag 80-120 a week brilliant What's you location?
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 17:23
Hi check out the British curriculum schools, it's now quite late to apply for A level courses - I think DESC, Dubai college do it but places will be quite limited this late ... Most schools break up in the next 3 weeks ... Good luck What's your housing budget? 4 beds with a pool will be in excess of approx 220k and upwards in the more popular areas ... School will be your main deciding factor on where you live - good British school places are like hens teeth you may have to select on availability only ... That's Dubai sadly <em>edited by cymraes on 08/06/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2014 - 12:36
DS' passport has just been delivered by DHL, received by IPS Liverpool on the 17th April - phew! Just need the old passport and docs to be returned now. Got an update this morning following the email I made to say that it's being checked and could take 6 weeks - not very organised are they? DHL just delivered old passport and supporting docs - phew .... Relieved we don't have to go through that for another few years! Good luck all x
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 09:51
If you hired a nanny, I wouldn't worry too much, she will know what to do and how to do it. If you are talking about your maid minding your baby, all of the below. Absolutely agree with Oopsiedaisy - a qualified nanny will know what to do - my greatest fear with an unqualified 'maid' would be how they would cope in an emergency (choaking, accident etc etc) - I'd make sure the maid had at least a first aid course under her belt - you pay a maid salary because she is a maid - if you're happy to pay a nanny salary then you should get someone qualified and experienced. I would not have left my child with a maid/cleaner no matter how 'loving' they where - so I chose a nursery when he was young - although this was in the UK, it still cost me most of my salary but worth it for peace of mind,. However it's your choice at the end of the day <em>edited by cymraes on 05/06/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 June 2014 - 11:19
DS' passport has just been delivered by DHL, received by IPS Liverpool on the 17th April - phew! Just need the old passport and docs to be returned now. Got an update this morning following the email I made to say that it's being checked and could take 6 weeks - not very organised are they?
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 19:46
Cymraes ..can I ask when you emailed mr Pugh...I emailed about a week ago but nothing . abi300376- did you get a response saying he was too busy to respond. edited by Buddha on 03/06/2014 ... Yesterday afternoon - answer from his exec asst within an hour - my email was friendly yet concerned
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 19:24
Outrageous Di .... Can't imagine any garment worth that wait!
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 18:25
Guess they are all ok to move to ... Depending on your budget and if you want a villa or apartment <em>edited by cymraes on 03/06/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 18:22
Following a post much earlier in this thread I took the details of Paul Pugh - head honcho at IPS - I got a reply within an hour from his exec assistant with an update. I also fedback on the IPS website How about bombarding Mr Pugh with your anxious queries? [email protected] Good luck ladies x
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 20:38
No Buddha no communication from them at all ... I did all the calling and progress check - system is a joke! Think they were being pessimistic on the delivery .... But a week will be fine for us
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 19:41
Update - 2 calls today finally got through to the progress team DS' passport printed and waiting for DHL to collect we should have it in a week - will confirm when it arrives Our timeline: 11 April application submitted on line 14 April payment taken 17 April application receipt confirmed 2 June passport printed Watch this space x
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2014 - 18:10
Yes my DD's also took just over 2 months. New passport arrived first then old one (with current visa) came back a week later. Its worth emailing them and asking for an update as our status still said 'being processed' but when they replied to my email they said it had been finished & would be with us within 7-10 working days...and it was. Definately a slow process and not as quick as when we did it through Germany! Hi Chippy what email did you use? I sent DS' passport 17 April, when I called last week they couldn't tell me much, only it was in the system and they'd call me before the 30th fir an update (which never happened!!).... As I posted earlier in this thread, I applied 3 months before expiry the min he was 16 so could get an adult passport We're travelling 20 Jul... Fingers crossed Thanks in advance if you can share the email address x
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 17:56
This was in DH's paper this morning - http://sport360.com/article/school-sports/21550/gems-creates-uaes-first-ever-school-sport
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 06:40
Do you mean CEIMC (Child Early Intervention Medical Centre) in DHCC? I can highly recommend them too. Yes that's them!
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 18:26
as I said contact DSO reception and go on the tour - you could ask to see the Assistant Principal for a chat but always best to make an appointment, as it's exam season so they're just not available at the drop of a hat. We're very happy, as I've said before - good luck to your daughter on her assessment. Her age can be a difficult one to forge relationships so you need to help and guide as much as you can and get her involved in extra activities either in school or outside.
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 18:20
....now sweating as DS' passport has been in the system since 17 April and we travel to the UK on 20 July..... thought I'd given it plenty of time, I waited until the last minute so he was 16 then applied so he could get an adult 10 year passport. I don't want special service just timely - surely 8 weeks should be enough to renew, I've allowed 3 months thinking that was plenty - you never know when you need your passport, plus our visa is due for renewal in August. What a mess! But guess complaining won't change anything
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 18:15
Hi, Dubai is not the most special needs friendly place, and it can be hard finding the right support. We had 2 sessions at Reachout (I think 400AED each 3 years ago) I wasn't too impressed - I wanted an update on the diagnosis we had for DS - High Functioning Autistic, which we'd had from the UK 2 years before we came to Dubai. Got him a place at WSO with a learning support assistant. He's now 16 and we pay 64,000AED in school fees with an additional 45,000AED for the learning support, but don't have any additional therapies, as he is coping very well - lots of hard work and tears!. For us it has been a good experience (but we did have a rocky start), it is an expensive choice which I basically work to pay the fees. We have only one child, personally I'd find it very difficult to cope with the costs if we had another child - however currently we are having a great experience and it's worth our while. If your child needs additional help and therapies then unfortunately you can pay a huge amount of money, and finding the right and appropriate support can be difficult. I have heard good things about Kids First and CEMIC (I think that's how it's spelled) Good luck and many on EW will give you good and candid advice. x
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 17:29
my DH just bought another wireless router and I think it was as simple as plugging it in and then configuring it to the device ..... he got one from Emax not to expensive. But easy for me to say as I don't 'do' technical!
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 17:27
Oh Blondie that's really sad - our little fur babies are so part of our hearts and families - big hugs x
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 17:25
They have prepared pie crusts in Spinneys (DSO) but they're with the baking products (not frozen) look near the icing stuff, I bought one once it was ok. YOu could always make a biscuit/graham cracker base (really easy!) or just buy frozen puff or shortcrust pastry and line a tin. Good luck - hope your pie tastes lovely x
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 17:20
Thanks, ladies. Would love to hear from anyone that has teenagers there. Hi as I said in my previous post my son is in year 11 (he's 16) - what would you like to know? He's going into to the IBCC course next year ....... been there 3 years now. Thanks, is just want to make sure there are plenty of kids similar to her. The kids in her other school are mostly Arab and she needs European kids. Do you know about the drama and art classes? After school activities? Where she is it's very limited. Thank you If I were you and you wanted to transfer your daughter I would call up WSO and go and have a look - they do tours. Lots of European kids, they do drama, art and media, they have the most awesome media/drama/dance facilities now with the new block finished (go take a look!) - they do a whole host of enrichment as part of the school day (most schools do these after school) additional after school activities are available (but these are with outside agencies normally) - go have a look I think you will be impressed - the school website is: http://www.gemswellingtonacademy-dso.com We think it's worth every penny. Choosing a school is such an important task, I would go myself and have a look only you can decide what's best for your child - you will get a better feel by your personal experience and from talking to the school and finding out the options for your child. Where is your child at the moment? Good luck! <em>edited by cymraes on 25/05/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 17:13
DS renewal received at Passport Office 17 April, still in process - spoke to them just now (all answers from a script!) couldn't put me through to Progressions as busy, but have taken my number and said they will call me back by the 29th May, if not to call them back on the 30th - he told me that there were two UK bank holidays and that would also delay things. DS's passport still not been sent to print, but said as we hadn't heard anything it was good news and it would be progressing! Needed to check the delivery address but can't do that as can't get through to Progressions. Am worried as I don't think DH put our full residential address on the application (!!) so let's just hope and pray it all comes through before we fly to the UK on the 20th July!!! Watch this space - thought applying 3 months in advance was plenty of time!
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 15:24
Thanks, ladies. Would love to hear from anyone that has teenagers there. Hi as I said in my previous post my son is in year 11 (he's 16) - what would you like to know? He's going into to the IBCC course next year ....... been there 3 years now.
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 19:40
my DS is in year 11 lots of Europeans, he's doing IB next year There is lots of parking in the underground parking on the new site .... Sadly too many parents are too precious to walk through the new building to the primary/FS building but there's loads of parking there - so they choose to bung up choithrams car park I have had a very positive experience of the sch with DS we transfrerred from another elite Dubai school to WellingtonSillicon Oasis
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 22:01
We have friends who won this week at the rent committee - LL didn't give 90 days' ' notice (hedging bets) rent committee ruled in their favour - they got to renew at last years' price ... Don't be bullied!
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 20:51
My understanding any increase has to be notified 90 days before contract is due for renewal .... end of - no matter who they are or if they are playing games - good luck
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 May 2014 - 20:48
Perhaps just pop her along to your GP/paediatrician in the first place .....?
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 21:23
Think your only option is travel ins as visitors aren't resident x
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2014 - 20:26
0440 DH gets up coffee is ready and he puts my portion in flask 0515 DH Leaves for drive to AUH 0550 alarm goes off 0600 stagger out of bed - shower 0610 wake DS 0615 put sandwiches in bags flask in bag, contacts in, feed poochie, prep DS brekkie (to eat in car) 0603 go upstairs wake DS again - get dressed -dry hair 0640 shout at DS to get up 0643 take dog out round block etc 0650 shout at DS to get up 0655 check email and Facebook, drink coffee, shout at DS To get up - DH texts he's arrived in AUH 0700 argument with DS about getting a move on, find bits that DS can't find ..... 0705 argument with DS to get his bl00dy act together 0708 leave for work 0720-1645nworkmlike a dog 1645-1730 - drive home or shop 1730 ish home - 10 mins then supper started 1800 GOW time! 1800-2100 dinner etc 2100 clear up, sandwich making, coffee machine prep, poochie round block 2130 in bed flaked out!
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 18:58
Congrats - we also celebrated 25 years married this year ... We had dinner with friends at Centre Cut at the Ritz Carlton DIFC - lovely How about a nice dinner and some bubbles? If you wanted to go away we loooove Banyan Tree - they do lovely couples massages DH loved it, nice dinner under the stars We're very happy to share celebrations with friends or just a nice dinner a deux or with DS. Last year he cooked us dinner, candles et all, he was the waiter and chef and he insisted on having his dinner - with poochie - in the kitchen! Loved it. (Kitchen was a bomb site!) Enjoy It's your celebration - my celebration is I have DH. Love him to bits, even though he can be a grump bag on occasion - wouldn't swap him Do what feels right - and celebrate it's a huge achievement - congrats xxx
cymraes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 20:13
Nothing - as long as you don't open the door for another 8 hours I would be fine .... But we have cast iron stomachs! Might chuck prawns though....
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 19:22
To teach at our school - GEMS silicon oasis - you need a teaching qualification PGCE to be registered with the KHDA - or cache 3 qual to teach FS1 ETA you'd personally need the PGCE as your degree is in engineering - all teachers would either have a teaching qual BEd or PGCE, to teach in secondary teaching, the degree or PGCE has to be related to the subject you would be teaching. But not all schools demand this. edited by cymraes on 08/05/2014 <em>edited by cymraes on 08/05/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 19:00
Banyan is fab very romantic xxxx we've been several times and is our first choice xx need an excuse to go again - who will have DS and poochie? - so lovely lummox of 16 year old FS wants to come too!???
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 18:33
We're in our 5th year ...still love it - one happy family here x. Although may not be in our lovely villa next year due to rental price ....
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 06:57
Abi300376 - what's the deal with the C types in Centro on the inner circle, who is renting them? What are they going for? I can't see any boards on any of them, and they seem as though they've been finished a while. Sorry OP for hijacking the thread!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 10:43
Also since many of you have suggested on this thread that I should also take up a job. I am an IT professional with 8 years of IT experience in software. If I also earn say around 10 K ( totalling the household income to be around 25000 AED per month) ., we would need to send my daughter to a day care. S that is what I am trying to explore. Is that not correct ? Thanks Please be aware that the IT market is saturated here in Dubai and there are IT professionals with 10 years plus' experience happy to work for a very low salary (3-4,000 AED) a month, there is also the reality that those from the same background as you, will be paid a lot less even though they have skills and first class degrees, it may seem unfair but it is sadly a reality. IT jobs can often entail long and out of normal hours working - I know this as my company have a small number of IT experts on coveted overseas contracts who only just make 10,000AED a month - however if your husband is on an overseas contract then it is unlikely that you will be able to have an overseas contract, and be employed as a local contract with no benefits. I had a job in the UK that paid twice what I earn here with shorter hours, but as a working mum this is what is on offer and I have to take it - however my husband is on 5x what he earned in the UK - so for us it balances out, but do the maths before your come - when you get here and it is not quite as rosy you may regret it. Jobs for spouses are very hard to find and then you have to balance the costs of childcare and/or schooling. Please think very carefully about coming. Working mums with no support network (family or housemaid/nanny) find it very hard as the culture and infrastructure is not mature here to support it. I have been here 5 years and the cost of housing has risen significantly, school fees have risen significantly, and the cost of living is rising by the month - yet no increases in salaries/benefits. Currently we're still in a position to stay - but Dubai is not a place I want to be where I would have to watch every dirham, unexpected costs just appear and you have no option to delay paying some of these! Yes people manage on a lot less, but I would not give up a good life to come here and potentially struggle. I wish you well in your choices
 
 
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