cymraes | ExpatWoman.com
 

cymraes

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 19:10
Hi OP just make sure your DH's package covers housing at least 120,000, medical for both of you, and annual flights home for you both. You will defo need at least one car there are some ladies on here who have worked out budgets for the month, you could search budget or monthly costs and it will pop up. Good luck Dubai is a lovely place to live, I'm entering my 4th year x edited by cymraes on 20/03/2013 <em>edited by cymraes on 20/03/2013</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 16:28
thank you both for your replies, I was just worried they might 'ban' me!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 09:26
He was the principal, they have a new one since about 2 months ago. MC left before Christmas if I remember rightly
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 20:49
we have recently been contacted by our agent who told us that the landlord plans in sept (when the contract is re-newed) to raise the rent 'in accordance with the going rate for a property of this standard' - (our villa is a bargain, so if he did that it would go up at least 30k). I replied and said that i was under the impression that 5% was the max he was allowed to raise the rent in a year (this is out second year in this property). after a few days they have just come back again saying the landlord has checked with rera and he can legally raise the rent 7%. they also said that in sept he will be giving us the 12 months notice to vacate as he plans to move in himself. i would be very surprised if this happened as i know he is based in germany, but what can you do... I think Lincolnimp we watch this space, bide our time and when they move new tenant in we go to the rent committee ... All good things come to those who wait! I hate greedy people!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 19:06
This is a really interesting thread, our LL has requested a way over the 5% increase this year which (he said he was moving in at the end of our contract if we didnt agree) we have agreed to as we can't bear to move, plus the costs involved, we are going into year 3, we anticipate getting a non-renewable contract on renewal at the end of March. I will watch this thread closely as I feel he will pull a fast one and wants to get us out so he can charge more to another tenant! We are now prepared ....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 17:40
does that mean that there are 35-40 in each class and 50% of those are Europeans and not of Indian nationliaty? I know that the salaries are very low compared to Western teachers, and to my understanding Western are not paid a fortune when you think what they do and their responsibility
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 10:26
thanks for the great suggestions, DH not keen on the Meat Co, had a couple of mediocre meals there over the years at both the Madinat and Souk Al Bahar. Did Grand Grill year before - yes super ribs, but DH got a strip steak instead of a fillet and they didn't change it just smiled at him! DH loved the birthday attention. Think Go West closed a couple of years ago? Loove Gaucho (grr no vouchers!) but if DH is feeling generous ...... Will put Manhattan Grill, Rib Room on the short list, thank you lovely ladies :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 08:02
Thanks all, managed to get a box at Spinneys DSO - phew!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 18:38
Thanks for the suggestions .... Am on the case, had tried C4 and Lulus so far with no luck!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 22:27
with all due respect Daley-O 65 and 70 are not older parents! Mine are 85 and 81 (I am 45) ..... and going strong - they knock the socks off my 67 and 68 year old parents in law. Age is just a number - being old is a state of mind. Grandmother in law is 91 .. disabled and still an independent woman living on her own. Good luck in sponsoring your parents, mine at 85 and 81 would hate to be considered as 'older'! Are they dependent on you for support both financially and medically?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 19:59
croeso! x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 19:33
Thanks MrsMozz - I went through and it was unchecked ....but it's just not nice is it? Hope my dear friends/contacts will know what happened :-) Happy weekend to you Mrs M
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 19:27
When that happened to me, I changed the password but people were still getting spam from me...I realised they had turned on the out of office reply with a spam link...so check that and delete if necessary...! Checked that, it was not on ... am so frustrated it just is a horrible thing!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 19:37
hi Babychocs just a quick note to say you mention 'partner' - long term if you're relocating and you're not married you may find it difficult as you won't be able to officially live together and your sponsorship if by you partner won't be allowed (against the law!) - Dubai for all it's fabness doesn't recognise unmarried couples and is illegal!. Heard the Gloria Towers and Grand Midwest Towers in Tecom offer good rates for your fact finding visit, good luck and welcome to Dubai :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 February 2013 - 18:48
DS is at GEMS WSO, the ACE (achievement centre) is excellent and they cater for all kinds of needs - however you may need to pay for additional support - we pay 45K on top of school fees for Learning Support, but it has been worth every penny (DS has an autistic spectrum issue) but I know there are children at GEMS WSO who have speech therapy supplied by I think Kids First. Give them a go, although I know places in the younger years are very sparse. Try GEMS Wellington International too - GEMS seem to be very sympathetic to special needs. BTW GEMS WSO and WIS are British Curriculum.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 20:09
How do you rate the 'best secondary school'? Best results, best value for money, best for your child? DS was at DESC for two years he needed additional help - they could not (would not) help he was failing in all areas. Moved him to GEMS WSO and after a year and a half, he is thriving and taking two GCSEs early this year .... choose wisely - and based on your child's needs, and not the 'best' school. Also the waiting lists at the considered 'best' schools are long and you may not get to choose. Good luck and best wishes to your friend in their move.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 February 2013 - 08:34
Just a quick update, the Chinese food was excellent, very helpful staff on the phone. Min order is 130aed to The Villa, arrives well within the hours - am chuffed!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 20:53
I have a white ikea plastic high chair which I will be happy to sell for dhs 20. Please call/ text me on . I'm in Arabian ranches. Hi YellowCanary I texted you last night, but sadly no reply, thanks for the offer ... x
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 20:51
@ cymraes. You have quoted Laura's text so her email address is still there. Now you or admin has to remove it. thanks DJ didn't realise I'd done that, thanks again
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 January 2013 - 19:32
I have a ikea highchair that i don't need anymore, it's White and in good condition. You are welcome to take it. I am also at the villa. removed: Hi laura, just emailing you ... would love to have it - friends are only here 8 days .... ETA you can remove your email address so you don't get spammed! x edited by cymraes on 28/01/2013 <em>edited by cymraes on 28/01/2013</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 23:11
Lime Tree cafe .... yum!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 22:54
Which area is good for you? Take a look at the Time Out website, you can filter on location and 'family friendly', lots of people rave about Bubbilicious at the Westin . We've been to the one at the Bonnington and it has a great children's room although the venue is quite small and as we have friends with older or no children we prefer to go somewhere that isn't kiddie orientated. Hope you find somewhere and have a lovely brunch.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 January 2013 - 22:49
Firstly, you and your partner cannot live legally here in Dubai, if you are caught you will be fined and possibly deported. Apartment hunting is hard work and you will have to do the hard work, in my experience you have to meet face to face - emails in my experience have never been answered. Check out all the real estate companies, properties are often advertised with several real estate companies. Secondly, my understanding is that in most of the premium schools you will need a certificate in education to teach children - we are at a British Curriculum school and all the teachers are qualified to teach children, to the examination standard they follow, IB, GSCE etc. Most Modern Foreign language Teachers who teach Spanish also teach French too. Salaries for teachers differ enourmously depending on the school you teach at and whether you are on a local contract (sponsored by your husband - you can't be sponsored by a boyfriend) or an overseas contract. I would email all the school Principals and offer your CV, that's probably a good way to start. Good luck
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 19:38
just heard on the radio it's clogged from Global Village to the Fruit and Veg Market in the Sharjah direction
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 19:11
Insurance is based on a percentage of the value of the car, no doubt someone will tell us what it is, I currently have a new car and it came with a free year's insurance. I have only ever been able to pay it in full or put it on a credit card, which you could pay off monthly at a charge. in addition to the things you list you will need to factor in servicing, which is more regular due to the climate here, and your annual registration fees. I find you need to change tyres, replace wipers etc far more frequently due to the harsh climate. Air con needs servicing and re-gassing as necessary too. Lots of little things but they do mount up
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 19:41
Well, how come I am not really surprised by the kind of remarks I received to my post?! Must be something to do with the Dubai crowd, I reckon. Anyways, just to clarify: Firstly, I am of course aware of the one-villa-one-family rule. The idea was that this would be some kind of a project and I think in this way it would get the approval of the government. Secondly, the idea was not to save money or to be able to afford to live in a villa that one could not afford otherwise. The idea is more of the kind of a social experiment. We are not hippies or tree-huggers ;) To be honest I also like my privacy and do not even employ a housemaid because I cannot imagine having her live-in (among other reasons). The idea would be that every family still has their own flat in the house but also has some common rooms. So only if you feel like having company you meet in these common rooms. Perhaps the nearest you'd get is compound living ... or the compounds that companies have for their staff with shared facilities. I know lots of people live illegally in shared accommodation but I can't see the government going for a house sharing concept like you suggest when they have stated quite clearly that it's illegal. Out of interest could I ask why you're interested in this - as an investment or from a social responsibility point of view?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 19:38
I am a keen baker and also owner of an electric Scholtes oven, with the manual in English.......took a lot to get but happy to share!! not sure how I can get a copy to you? Hi YorkieScott, if you have this in email format my email is: [email protected] would be very grateful to get a copy of the instructions in English :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 20:39
I thought it was illegal to house share here in Dubai, especially now you need a tenancy contract to gain your Emirates ID - but I could be wrong ....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 20:25
Get a Time Out card which is free and some places have 20-25% off food and drink (check out the website). Not sure if you can use it with vouchers, but we've had great nights out with the discount on drinks and food at Pregos and Loca but there are lots to choose from! We had fab anniversary meal at Blue Rain, Ritz Carlton DIFC last week, bottle of sparklie and food (2 starters, 2 mains and accompaniments rice and noodles) with a fine dining entertainer voucher 745aed, 360 was the wine price. Hope you have a lovely evening wherever you choose
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 January 2013 - 18:06
What job does he do? I think the air traffic services are provided by SERCO ... But bumping for you in case I have duff info ...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 10:00
SalsB I understand that to be classed as a UK resident you have to live there and pay UK tax, if you want your UK driving licence you will need to reactivate it with the DVLA and declare that you live in the UK, if you are no longer resident in the UAE 'where' are you resident officially - I guess you are in that grey area doing visa runs? In which case you may not be entitled to either a UK or UAE licence :-(
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2013 - 14:44
Our LL told us he was moving in but we could stay if we paid 155 (paid 135 first and second year) yes it's over the RERA amount but we agreed as its well under rentals for the same property, then he tells us he's selling but we will be ok until 2014, so my understanding is unless he gives us 12 months notice to vacate in March we should actually be ok until March 2015? All LL seem to be very itchy at the moment
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2013 - 11:54
What's the forecast for this afternoon? I have 10 coming for a BBQ! We were planning to sit outside may have to re think that!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2013 - 11:50
Hi all, I need to see someone about my bad nails (weak, splitting) if it was my feet I'd see a podiatrist so who does hands? <em>edited by cymraes on 11/01/2013</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 January 2013 - 11:12
Mrs O honestly get yourself signed up for on line banking it's so easy to use and you have up to date info. We have it and have told H**€ not to send paper statements as they are old news by the time we get them and such a waste if paper
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 22:21
Indeed SallyM. However are these big companies (GEMS) taking advantage of some companies who pay the majority of fees therefore capturing a captive audience leaving us patents who are not 'privileged' to be in a difficult to meet position?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 21:32
D'you think GEMS feel they have an (EK) captive audience? DH's co have not increased sch fees allowance in 4 years.... Like our housing allowance are we the only people in this situation? I think alot of EK kids are at Jess but yes certainly there are alot of EK children at JC but to be honest EK aren't exactly generous with housing or schooling and we have only had an increase around 2 years ago ... We're at GEMS DSO and a high percentage are direct billing EK for sch. From friends I have EK cover housing, DEWA and at least 80% of sch fees and still they complain!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 21:00
D'you think GEMS feel they have an (EK) captive audience? DH's co have not increased sch fees allowance in 4 years.... Like our housing allowance are we the only people in this situation?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 20:09
DH's co pay only 30k of 64k fees ... Thought that was a good deal 'tiI realised what EK pay!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 19:57
I think GEMS probably assumes that everybody has school fees paid by their company so it's no problem for anyone to find the money. Then they need to be pointed in the right direction there are alot of people who's companies don't .... my husband works for EK but these new fees will cripple us as they don't pay it all Hey be thankful Emirates pay for the majority of your fees, those if us not Emirates have been crippled for years!!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 19:55
So what's the deal for those of us not JC patents? Fee hike or just new students what's the old costs vs the new? Any justification?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 19:53
We test drove the 2.7 Fortuna .. Couldn't take the skin off a rice pudding ... Left it well alone! The Kia is a great deal but go for the bigger engines, auto sucks the power!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 09:34
Now that would be something, however I don't think it's of fantastic value as it originally (20 years ago) came from a UK high street jeweller ... May get it valued independently, great idea! Although I really don't want to sell it as its got huge sentimental value. Thanks for the suggestion.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 09:21
Can I bump please?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 09:19
Thanks! I may venture over to that side if town today, they were featured in ME Harpers Bazaar and it looked fab!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 21:03
Hyperpanda had some last week very cheap about 24aed! Different sizes
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 22:08
Just switched the slow cooker off, ham smells wonderful, may glaze in the morning with some maple syrup ... looks lovely and smells divine - thank you all for your help :-)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 20:29
I understand if you were to teach in a British Curriculum school the demands are just as high, our sch still has OFSTED, targets etc as they have to adhere to these due to the British Curriculum demands. DS' school (Wellingon in Silicon Oasis) did sent a note out last term looking for Supply Teachers, which I guess gives an opportunity to see how the land lies before you take the plunge, why not contact the head of school with your CV to find out if you could do some supply?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 20:26
I always used auto.... thank you, am all over it tomorrow, cloves and a light beer .... mmm happy holidays (Christmas!)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 20:16
Fab, thank you ladies, will do it tomorrow - do I put it on High, med, low or auto? You will smell the aroma wafting from my courtyard......