cymraes | ExpatWoman.com
 

cymraes

cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 April 2014 - 18:12
Left over roast potatoes and gravy and the left over juicy chicken bits! It's not odd but haven't had a grated mature cheddar cheese, branston and salt and vinegar crisp butty for ages - in granary bread My fave when I was pregnant was cheap garage bread (mothers pride) with lashings of bottled béarnaise sauce ..... Explains a lot about DS!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 11:51
... Last time I post any news without checking the official news wires first! What's happened to the old EW site where people didn't jump down your throat at every opportunity Was this an EW in another country? :) It's sad that some of the posters are just out to rip people apart ....... I'm not saying we've had some posters like that since I've been here (5 years) but it seems to be the norm on many threads now ... perhaps it's time to move to another forum .... Just thought we were here to try to help those in need of some advice, guidance, sharing stuff ... we've all needed that at some time (sorry to go off on a tangent!) x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 09:56
... Last time I post any news without checking the official news wires first! What's happened to the old EW site where people didn't jump down your throat at every opportunity Don't be over sensitive, your throat is fine, thank you for the news, i then just googled and found the report. Thanks Lolacat .... You've restored my faith in true EWrs x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 09:31
... Last time I post any news without checking the official news wires first! What's happened to the old EW site where people didn't jump down your throat at every opportunity
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 10:17
Hey as I've sent too many bits of info I may get fast tracked - LOL! I'm going to blame DH as he filled out the form ..... ! Will let you know what happens ..... X (Ps I think I'm on no stars due to being a bit thick!)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 10:12
We're looking at changing ours ....We've used Those Pool Guys for about 2 years, first 18 months they were very good but the service has slipped and our LL's 'go to man' discovered that they're not (?) back washing the pumps etc ... So we're looking for someone else. We pay 350-400 a month I think for two visits a week(DH does it on a monthly cc payment) but watch some companies as they ask for 6 months payments in advance! Looking forward to some recommendations! Ps sorry to be negative x <em>edited by cymraes on 15/04/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 21:14
DHL'd DS' passport to Liverpool for renewal today - will keep you posted on turnaround But it was unclear what docs I needed to send - or was it just me being thick? Hopefully I'll get everything back!! For renewals you normally only send photo's and old passport lol Flipping ek! Oh well hope it goes through ok and I get the docs back!!! In my defence it was a child to adult passport (don't tell DH, he'll flip!) Ps - why haven't I got any stars? :-( <em>edited by cymraes on 14/04/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 21:11
But it was unclear what docs I needed to send - or was it just me being thick? One of the pages that get printed out when you print the application form has a checklist of required documents at the bottom. Assuming you have no special circumstances, though, you just need to send the countersignature form, the old passport and two photos (one countersigned on the back). Indeed it does MG but on one part of the instructions it said old passport and application, and then on the printed form it was a little ambiguous saying the parent had to prove their citizenship .... I've send DS's old passport, his birth cert, my birth cert and our marriage cert ... I didn't think it was very clear! Let's wait and see .... (Nervously waits ....)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 19:59
DHL'd DS' passport to Liverpool for renewal today - will keep you posted on turnaround But it was unclear what docs I needed to send - or was it just me being thick? Hopefully I'll get everything back!!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 April 2014 - 19:56
I've seen a couple of times now an RTA bus that swings by Abidos hotel apartments and Skycourt (although it doesn't actually come on to the Villa) I think it goes to Mirdiff, might be worth investigating - you could drop her at Skycourt quite easily? Hope this helps
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 April 2014 - 11:06
some of our favourites: Beef stroganoff - brown off some stroganoff meat, add onions and sliced mushrooms cook well add about half a pot of brown french mustard (I use Waitrose Essentials) cook off, add about 50 mls of stock to loosen (or grape!) stir in some milk to loosen up, salt and ground black pepper - cook through and serve over papadelle/tagiatelle - slappy pasta as DH calls it! Chicken in red cream sauce (named by DS) - brown off chicken strips in a little olive oil, saute some minced garlic towards the end, add 1 small tomato 'Pomi' tetrapack, cook through, add a little stock, add a med tub of (I use half fat) creme fraiche cook through and add salt and pepper to taste, last 5 mins I stir in 6 blobs of the frozen chopped spiniach and mix well - I like it with brown basmati rice, DS and DH like pasta Lemon chicken and potatoes - slice about 4 medium skin on potatoes into thickish slices, lay over a large baking pan/roasting tin with sides!, take enough chicken thighs - I do two each, (skin on, my boys like it boneless, but boned is nice too), and lay over the potatoes, chuck in about 3 minced garlic cloves, a little olive oil and some rosemary, juice 2 nice lemons and pour over the chicken and the potatoes, throw in a glass of grape (or stock, grape is nicer!) S&P bake in a 200 oven for about 40 mins, stirring about twice to mix up the flavours, check chicken is cooked serve in nice big bowls with salad (if you can get DS to eat!) Sometimes I stir in some baby spinach at the end for about last 5 mins.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 March 2014 - 19:32
4 years into our tenancy and we alerted LL at the onset that it was a bad idea to plant Damas trees .... He's finally seen the light and after removing them this week and fixing the damage to the pool and the water pipes ... Is it a good replacement to plant bamboo - do they need a lot of water??
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 17:57
I've got 3 pairs of Ecco shoes, fab - mine are pretty stylish, I have some silver flats, medium heel orange and an apple green pair with ankle straps! Funky but comfy ... go to the Outlet mall, it can be hit and miss but I've had some great bargains (about half the normal price) They also have a good range of Ecco in Chic shoes in Mirdif. I also have three pairs of Tamaris shoes, medium heel - again comfy and quirky!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 17:52
Personally, Zara have some nice ones and a good price.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2014 - 17:50
Hi Cymraes, just realised that I never thanked you earlier for your information - so first of all thanks for your earlier post. I was interested in hearing more about your experience (and one elses) with shadow teachers and also how your son found the experience. Did many kids in his class have a shadow teacher. Are they fairly inconspicuous in the classroom. How much involvement would they have during the time the lesson is being taught. Do you know whether many schools in Dubai use them. Many thanks for all your help. Hi there Hope15 - sorry had a few computer probs! DS is 16 this week and the shadow that WSO provide is for him (we pay his salary in effect via the school) but at WSO secondary the shadow's share the subjects between several shadows, as they have their specialties and it seems to work well. DS doesn't feel singled out - the shadow is in the class and provides as much support as he needs - I think he also helps other kids in the same class if they need it - we're very happy. He also uses his study sessions (dropped one GCSE to allow this) with the shadow and they work together, he's not good at working on his own at home, so this works well. DS if he isn't going well in a class sometimes goes with the Shadow to the library or to their work room - surprisingly DS has never felt that he is 'special' and the others in the class have never singled him out ....
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 21:52
DS is at Gems Silicon Oasis he's now in year 11 but I know if you need they may offer shadow (funded by parents) in FS ... Hope this helps xx
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 March 2014 - 22:12
We switched DESC to WSO due to poor experience and support at DESC, we have nothing but praise for our secondary experience at WSO! Each to their own experience
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 March 2014 - 18:07
Look into the UAE military. They take on a lot of ex-military guys from the UK, US for their programs. With his helicopter experience, he should try and network via linked with people working for the presidential guard command in Abu Dhabi. Good luck. What trade group was he - mechanic/tech, ATC etc and was he a SNCO? There are companies out of AD recruiting For these types of roles but mainly for ex SNCOs and it's a bit of an old boys network, companies wanting personal recommendations. SERCO also employ ex military out here....
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 18:35
DS' sch definitely has one if not two Downs syndrome children in primary at sch with a shadow teacher ... Gems WSO
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 February 2014 - 19:02
be wary of on line correspondence courses - the KHDA don't acknowledge correspondence courses if you'd want to be a registered teacher in schools in Dubai - not sure what the situation is with Cache quals in nurseries.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 February 2014 - 18:58
very hard to find ..... you and hundreds of others want this option - apparently part time work is not actually acknowledged in the UAE if you read the labour laws! If you find some let us know :-)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 February 2014 - 18:55
depends what special needs you need catering for. DS is high functioning autistic now in year 11 (arrived in Dxb at year 7), we pay extra for learning support (1-1 shadow) at his mainstream school, is working well for us. I didn't want to send him back to the UK to boarding school which could also have catered for his needs. We are very happy, however this is the second school he's attended in Dubai and we were lucky that we found that they could support his specific needs - yes at a cost, but we were willing to bite the bullet and we have had a good result. He's going into IB career related certificate/BTec next year, something we never dreamed he would aspire to. Good luck x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 February 2014 - 08:48
Gosh where is the plan to relocate all those families .... Is it just rumour?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 18:59
Good luck Jess, I feel there may be a long queue, lots of expatwomen in the same situation .... Probably including me!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 19:19
Ooh interested to hear about the leaving an hour early have a colleague who mentioned this but we can find anything written down to support it
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 February 2014 - 19:19
Ooh interested to hear about the leaving an hour early have a colleague who mentioned this but we can find anything written down to support it
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2014 - 17:59
We're having a really positive experience at GEMS DSO this year, our DS has a learning support and doing well with his GCSEs, worth every penny (although a financial drain on the old bank account but our investment for the future of DS) . Senior school have a new SENCO this year (she's actually called Ace Coordinator) and I know the primary one is fab too ..... we are really lucky to have such dedicated staff looking after and supporting our children - would not hesitate to put your child at DSO, I think GEMS are very inclusive across the board
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 February 2014 - 11:22
No still no sightings, all my chums on look out too! Father in law bringing a Costco catering pack in March! Family gravy currently being rationed - am down to my last 'donated' box! #firstworldproblem eh?!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 09:48
I would be very surprised if any schools offer this. KHDA does not allow schools to sponsor TA's which means they are all on local contracts...meaning a (low) salary and possibly health insurance (self only) and nothing else. Any idea where I might find the rules on KHDA not allowing sponsoring of TAs? I've looked on the KHDA website but can't find anything. Thanks It's not on their website. I worked in a school (until recently) and we were told we weren't allowed to sponsor TA's. I know that some schools do, but not all schools follow the rules. Thanks for that ...... May have to delve elsewhere for the 'rules' on that one ....
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 09:06
I would be very surprised if any schools offer this. KHDA does not allow schools to sponsor TA's which means they are all on local contracts...meaning a (low) salary and possibly health insurance (self only) and nothing else. Any idea where I might find the rules on KHDA not allowing sponsoring of TAs? I've looked on the KHDA website but can't find anything. Thanks
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 January 2014 - 17:45
Great experience they fixed our old Durango .... Only did what was needed, very honest - they did a good job for us, would use them again (fingers crossed we won't have to!)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 January 2014 - 06:27
Hi there they have plain t shirts at the kiosk outside IKEA in Festival city - they normally print onto them but I'm sure they'd sell you some plain ones
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 January 2014 - 09:02
I got mine at Kinokuniya at Dubai mall, in the gift section, I think Magrydy's have it too
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 18:48
kavs mum - don't forget IB has several different options - can't remember the exact break down but at our school @ DSO there's about 3 different options ... starting with the reg IB (A level [higher I think!'> type by no means DS' bag!), then something a little below and the IBCC which is what DS wants to do, Btech equiv - honestly give GEMS DSO a call they've got lots of different options ..... I think other schools are doing the IBCC too but not that I can comment on
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2014 - 22:06
DS is at Gems at DSO they're offering IB and the IBCC (BTech/career courses) we've had a couple of open evenings - give them a call to find out if they're running more open evenings
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2014 - 22:00
Probably still worth calling them. Alternatively you could do a degree through open uni or such like first. Currently the KHDA don't recognise the Open University degrees as a teaching qual, but hopefully this will change .....
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2014 - 18:15
thanks all, will venture to the Jumeira Spinneys - just put a note out on FB, one of my lovely colleagues is going to sub me a box, before my FinL brings a catering pack from the UK/Costco when he comes in March! Feel daft that I can't adapt .... last year it was Birds Custard powder! Oh and another thing I can't find - squirty Jiiff Lemon - I know it's not as good as the real thing but I like it x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 January 2014 - 06:54
Thanks Cherry Ripe - ah we only got the Fine Dining one, might be worth getting the family one then too. Thanks Cornish Pixie - thanks for that tip, will have a look out Happy New Year both x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 January 2014 - 19:11
am gobsmacked, our 3,500 sq ft A1 mazaya is the same rent increase as my friend's 5,000 sq ft A3 mazaya - how is that fair? We are resigned to our last year at The Villa, and will not be forced into paying 15% more when in the last 3 years DH has not had an increase in salary or benefits, happy to pay more money if it was balanced with cost of living, but apparently DEWA is going up, sch fees are going up, rents are going up ...... c'mon fair's fair and villas are not being treated like for like. Hoping to find a nice 'garden' apartment next year - for poochie ..... thoughts?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 21:14
Happy 25th anniversary Cymraes!!! :) Thanks TB - I am a lucky girl xx
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 21:12
Thanks all x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 18:51
DH has been here nearly 5 years first 2 got a 5% rise now he's capped .... No increase in salary or benefits and no bonus, co gave said take it or leave it - we're still happy to take it at the mo .... NETA were now putting towards housing and the sch fee allowance us way under half if the actual fees, which is why I work <em>edited by cymraes on 07/01/2014</em>
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 18:47
Last time our school closed due to rain(GEMS DSO) it was KHDA not the school that decreed it - sch had to fall in line!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 18:43
Today is our 25th anniversary - home cooked steak dinner and a bottle of bubbles (oh and another in the fridge) DH driving to AD in the morning, I have work and DS has GCSE biology module tomorrow. We're blissfully happy - going out for surprise, but DH has warned not over the top dinner Saturday - vouchers of course and DS in tow! Do what makes you happy! Happy anniversary .... xxx Ps lavish is always good, with a new frock and shoes of course!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 December 2013 - 11:00
Hi, I know people who have used www.argentum-llc.com and the service is excellent, they do the whole thing .... and very quick. They have an office in Dubai and in London. Hope this helps
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 December 2013 - 18:54
Thank you Mom and Eleanorah (yep diet on the cards!) will venture to FC tomorrow x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 December 2013 - 17:47
We also have had NYE in at home when DS was young, in fact up until this year, when DS wants to be on his own with poochie (and a bucket of KFC!) while we're going out for the first time in 16 years. Up until now we've either had a bash at ours our gone to friends, kids and late nights have always been a bit of a no no in my book - a do at home can be lovely - we've had bbqs, posh dinners, everyone bring a dish of something, and a lovely time. Nothing worse than crotchety kids at midnight ...! Not sure many places will let children in to an arranged NYE event. Hope you have a lovely NYE's whatever you decide, having children just means you do things differently, but still have lots of fun :-).
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 20:55
..... Breed
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 18:56
Thanks A Rancher x
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 17:06
Is the Rent Calculator still the decider for rent increases? We're at the 90 day point this week .... Thanks
 
 
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