em2san | ExpatWoman.com
 

em2san

em2san
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 22:20
Thank you for your answers. Chocs01 - Don't really want to try appetite suppressants except as a last resort but will look more into shredding. H.A.K - I really like the pistachios idea: it sounds do-able :)
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 20:04
You have to be over the age of 17 :) and have to take practical driving lessons. The number of lessons depend on whether you already have a motorbike license in another country or whether you are a beginner. If you are a beginner, you have to take about 30 classes. You can take these from Emirates Driving Institute at a cost of about AED 3000. EDI have a branch at Mall of the Emirates where you can get more information and also sign up for driving classes. ETA: I'm sure Belhasa and other driving schools also offer classes, I just mentioned EDI because thats where my brother applied for his. <em>edited by em2san on 28/03/2011</em>
em2san
488
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 19:22
I have to agree with PetaJ, mobile reception does depend on the locality. For example, TECOM area has better DU reception. Because you mentioned that you didn't want to change your number, I just wanted to let you know that this summer, Etisalat and DU are supposed to launch a solution where you can keep your existing number [056-xyz-abcd'> but switch over to Etisalat service and billing.
em2san
488
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 19:19
This may be out of your way but for non-clingy stuff: you may want to check out the clothes at the Sharjah Souk. They have lovely tunic styles in cotton, silk and chiffons.
em2san
488
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 18:57
Home Center in Oasis Mall [Shk Zayed'> had a sale recently. They had curtains and blinds on discount. The prints, colors and styles were limited but the material was good quality.
em2san
488
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Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 18:52
I'd suggest going there at least an hour before the posted show timing if you want to get a place in the actual seating area because the view from the 1st and 2nd floor leaves a lot to be desired. Also, beware of crazed parents with strollers exhibiting symptoms of mall rage!
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 11:39
If they're trained lifeguards, Wild Wadi and Aquaventure often hire. Maybe google and contact AIESEC Dubai. They are an international student organization and have internship/trainee positions for students with companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers. ETA: I think you may have to be an AIESEC member to apply for positions. They have a selection process with interviews, group activities, et cetera. <em>edited by em2san on 28/03/2011</em>
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 00:33
Welcome :) You should definitely not wait till September and join your DH in Dubai as soon as possible. As its always better to be in Dubai when searching for schools, houses, et cetera because things may not be as advertised on the internet. Most schools have limited seats but hold entrance exams in summer holidays. This year, Ramadan will fall in August so things will slow down considerably so best to get all visa processing, accommodation, car and school work out of the way.
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 23:29
Hi... sorry for the question, but what C4 stands for? I also need to buy all kitchen appliances: washing machine, kitchen, fridge, etc. Where is the cheapest place for these things? Thanks a lot C4 stands for Carrefour. It's the hypermarket at Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Center, et cetera. And it is probably the cheapest place to get electronics though may not have as much variety as a specialized electronics store.
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 21:16
(I can also spell "can't", with a capital letter for the first word in a sentence, if necessary ;) ) *like*
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 21:15
Heriot Watt is a highly respected institution in the UK. It is. But its off-campus center is new and the program is not accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education in UAE. I think its better to go with a MBA from the University of Wollongong in Dubai in the Knowledge Village campus. Same fee bracket and they have accreditation and they have been based in UAE for about 15 years.
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 21:12
amandashaks, I don't know about your educational background but if you have studied/worked in business or finance, you may be interested in finding out about the Executive MBA program at the Dubai International Financial Centre. They have it in collaboration with Cass Business School, London. It's a reputable university and the program has been up and running for over 7 years here in Dubai.
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 21:04
I don't know if teenagers would find this fun but I attended a tween party at the Living Rooms Cafe at Festival City and it was a lot of fun. The staff organized board game and computer game competitions and served food from an external menu [pizzas, hotdogs, burgers'> and they rounded off the party with a karaoke session :)
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 09:42
I am begining to wonder about people saying they are having problems with food.I have lived a very long time in this part of the world and have not had any problems with supermarkets and if concerned about an item that is visibling not looking ok I don't purchase it. I wonder too. I've lived in various parts of UAE for the past 15 years and shopped from different supermarkets. We have a fairly balanced diet and buy veggies, meat [fresh and processed'>, seafood, cheese and dairy. And I've only had a problem with the food ONCE. A lot of the issues that people are recounting could have been prevented if they checked the production dates [as opposed to the expiration dates'> of the packaged foods [i'>and[/i'> visually assessed the physical appearance of the fresh food.
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 16:20
My FIL's flight to Kuwait just got delayed to midnight because of low visibility :|
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 14:58
This happened with one of my uncle's. He's a very old man and he took advantage of his advanced years. Went to the visa office and one of the people working there let him bypass the line and took him straight to the front. He just started rambling about the issue and about how kind he knows locals are and the guy in the tandoora just laughed and gave him an extended visa for 15 more days. Hopefully, someone else will be able to give you a more "official" way of doing thing. Otherwise, worth a try!
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 14:54
Speaking from prior experience, your insurers may tell you to contact the other person's insurer directly. In that case, ask someone who reads Arabic to tell you the name of the other person's insurer [it will be written on the green form'>. Then find the telephone and location of the insurer and be sure to take the green form, registration card and driver's license when you go to them to claim.
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 20:49
Can't believe they choked :(
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 17:42
If you could give an idea about what location ..
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 16:46
I love GA :) The links for the latest episode are also up on letmewatchthis dot com, if anybody wants to take the streaming route
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 12:29
IMO Punters is a bad loser.... he sulks and i think "that" is one of the reason he gets so much grief..... To coin a phrase, "it's just not cricket" But having said that, he has arguably led Oz in one of their most formidable cricket stints..... Have to agree with that - despite everything, Ponting has played (and led) some amazing innings!
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 12:05
OMG,Now, an India-Pak semi is enough to make my BP soar and give me a heart attack. Don't think I can stand it.;) I hope I have a good strong heart but I am seriously worried for the males in my family: they think of Pak-India as a life-death situation .. It's not a match, it's a war! :)
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 12:03
Ask me when/if Oz get knocked out today! :D It will be an absolute humdinger, to be sure, and yes, I will be following this Cup all the way to the death knell, but ohhh one always wants one's team to come out on top, surely? And for that, I want Oz go through. For Ricky. His swansong, if you will. Because goodness knows, he'll be given the boot after this series, and despite the many issues which have plagued him over the past year or so, he has been a fantastic servant to the game, and to Australian cricket. :) Personally, I'm feeling a bit resentful towards Ponting - I know this is his last worldcup but I do wish he was trying to exit with more grace and less tantrums :S <em>edited by em2san on 24/03/2011</em>
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 11:54
I'm going to follow this one ball-by-ball on twitter: it can be anyone's game! Another 'fun' one to follow is on the Grauniad. http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/cricket Just go to the Australia v India Live! link on the page above for a good giggle. The guy who writes it is a huge cricket nut, very funny to boot, and prints contributions from readers. I was in yesterday. ;) Will do, WM - Need a few laughs to dispel the tension during the matches :) p.s. Does anyone else get *shivers* at the thought of a Pak-India Semi?
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 11:47
I'm rooting for all the SE Asian teams this worldcup: Bangladesh not making the Quarters made me go *sniff* ..
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 11:42
I'm going to follow this one ball-by-ball on twitter: it can be anyone's game!
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 11:28
http://www.timeoutdubai.com/nightlife/events/10340-umeed-2011 *very very excited* Love all of them! Plus, its for charity so I don't feel quite so self-indulgent =)
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 11:24
I hope its possible - my old set has proved themselves to be of the fairweather variety :( But seriously: how to meet new people and make new friends?
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:39
We had some guests over and they couldn't find it anywhere. And then in Deira, they walked into one of those 5Dirham-10Dirham shops and spent a fortune on Dubai Memorabilia including Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa mobile charms, keychains, fridge magnets and tiny standing decorations. The got them in a variety of gold, silver and crystal finish and I think the average price per item was around 10 dirhams for the charms, keychains and magnets. Hope that helps.
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 10:36
Byly wax??! never heard of that! but as I've just posted to em2san - I'm willing to try anything!! Is that thick wax you can just heat on the stove & don't need strips to rip it off with?! The Byly wax that I've seen is in a jar and can be heated on microwave/stove and comes with disposable cloth strips.
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 22:39
Cant find EW on twitter :( http://twitter.com/#!/ExpatWomanDubai Got it - thanks :)
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 22:11
Cant find EW on twitter :(
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 22:07
popicle, Don't know if I'm thinking of the same thing as you. There's a wax that we get in a huge chunk in a plastic cover. You just cut off as much as you need and heat in a pan on the stove. This can be applied when warm and then it sets and you peel it off and it makes a circular kind of gloop that we call "gola" in Urdu. This can be found in any Pakistani/Indian specialty shop in Old Dubai. You can just ask them for "gola wax". Hope that helps.
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 11:35
JS So good to hear that you plan to go visit her soon. You know when I'm talking about something with my mother that we both disagree on, the discussion gets heated and we both get upset and not very logical. In preparation for your visit, I would suggest that you do what another poster suggested and write her a letter beforehand. But in this letter, I think you should identify the different issues that are bothering you: 1. your emotional distance with your mother. 2. your concern for your 27 year old brother who is probably exhausted with his three jobs, depressed about your mother and like you mentioned, isolating himself in his room. 3. your opinion about why your 19 year old brother is acting the way he is. When you're discussing the first point, for example, you should mention that you feel like you cannot talk with her and share with her and that you would like to have a close relationship with her. And then suggest how that could be achieved; do you both like cooking - could she share her secret recipes with you during your calls. Could she maybe dig up some old pictures and send you one each week in a letter with a little story about that picture. The second point and third point are tricky cause you don't want your mum to think that you are accusing her illness of being a reason for both your brothers' behavior. But I really think that a portion of the money that you and your earning brother are contributing should be set aside for a carer to come in every weekend or something so that your 27 year old brother also gets a break. And for your youngest brother, I think not having a father figure around may be the reason for his immaturity. And obviously, because he can get away with this behavior with your mother, he tries to do the same with you. I think the best option would be if your other brother asserted his male authority and sat down with him and made it clear that you two are the breadwinners and that neither of you will put up with him unless he makes some changes. Once you put words down on paper, I think things will automatically become clearer for you. And if you use this letter as a point of reference for your eventual face-to-face discussion with your mum - you will see that things are less likely to be misinterpreted because they are logically identified. And I also wanted to suggest that I know it must not be easy to go back to university with a full-time job but why don't you consider one of the professional certificates being offered in Dubai. They are generally evening or weekend classes and are highly considered by employers during recruitment and yearly assessments. Wishing you the best. ETA - Sorry for the long post! <em>edited by em2san on 22/03/2011</em>
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 11:22
I saw very funny ones in Whistle and Flute Gents tailor in satwa ( do a search here) - they had cricket ones - a bat one side and ball the other. then they had ones for a banker that had 'buy' on one and 'sell' on the other. I can't remember particular ones but they also had little racing cars, flags - a really nice selection - we bought a few as gifts. Come in nice little box. Please give me some directions for Whistle and Flute Gents Tailor - the cufflinks sound lovely :)
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 11:21
We use Best Maids. Three bedroom apartment with balcony - two hours twice a week. Every session, the maid vacuums the balcony. Vacuums and mops and dusts all the bedrooms and living room and dining room. Washes the bathroom and kitchen. At the beginning of the session, the maid will usually hang the washing in the balcony and at the end of the session, she would fold the clothes and make the pile for laundry pick-up ready. Oh, and she also collects the trash from every room and throws them out at the end of the session. Once in every nine sessions, the maid will forgo the balcony and instead give the fridge and stove a thorough cleaning. We do call them for an extra 2 hours before and after any party. This is just to help with changing sheets, taking out and putting away extra chairs, multiple loads of dishwasher, et cetera. For Laundry, we use a pick-up and drop-off service that are okay priced [we only give office wear and school wear for ironing, washing at home'> and very trustworthy [nothing misplaced, burnt or delivered later than said date'>. ETA - Best Maids is 30 AED / hour and we have to provide our own cleaning supplies. <em>edited by em2san on 22/03/2011</em>
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 19:44
JS, I'm the oldest child and the only daughter as well. And my mother has a much closer relationship with both of my brothers and specially with the youngest who she still treats like her 'baby". Our similarities do end here because even though my mother and I don't get along very well but we are not estranged as you are with your mother. I just wanted to suggest that in my opinion, the reason why I think your mother is being aloof to you is because you have made it clear to her that you do not approve of your younger brother and that you resent supporting him. She may favor your youngest brother but I am sure that she is well aware that he is immature and unable to stand on his own feet. Since she is sick, she must be very worried about how your brother would handle himself if she was not there to fend for him. Though she may not show it, I'm sure that she is very proud of you and your other brother for supporting yourself and the rest of the family. However, I think that in the current situation, if you really want to heal your relationship with your mother, you need to let her know that you love her AND your youngest brother. And that even if something happened, you would support him but that you have certain conditions [such as: he should go to university, get a job, send you a copy of his monthly expenses, learn to budget, et cetera'>. *hugs* for you.
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 11:44
Bump for "Jenny"
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 08:42
Congratulations, ST and Anya :)
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2011 - 10:33
Just called them for you :) They do deliver to all areas of Dubai. If your order is more than AED 264 [random amount!'>, the delivery will be free. If your order is less than AED 264, they will charge you AED 30 delivery charges. Also, you can email them at [email protected] for the details of the order. The only problem you may face is that they only accept cash or credit card (if presented in person). Hope that helps!
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2011 - 00:01
Union Co-op near Safa Park is definitely the best for car renewal. Its so stress free. On the ground floor, they have a photo place. I got my picture taken there and then went to the opticians (on the same floor) with my passport copy, visa copy and picture. They did my eye test and stamped my documents and picture. Then I went to the first floor for the RTA office. They had a very small line over there - no more than 10 mins wait. Then I put in the request for the license renewal and made the payment. Then they called me to a little cubicle in the corner where they have a mirror and the guy asked me if I wanted to fix myself up (make up retouch, etc) then he took a picture with the digital camera and the guy is so nice, he let me look at the picture and when I didn't like it, then he took another picture. 5 minutes wait for the printing of the license and I was a legally driving citizen again :)
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 23:53
Oh! Praying for you and Baby Stovetop!
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 19:29
It is compulsory to have a driving license if you're driving in Dubai. The rta is very lenient about renewing expired licenses [specially those who have a 10 year license cause hey! nobody can keep track that long'> and don't levy any fines. However if the police stops you for suspicious activity or you are in an accident and get the "red slip" [indicating that you were the one at fault'>, you will get an AED 400 fine for not presenting your documents/carrying expired documents. Hope that helps.
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 15:00
Also, there are a lot of buyers who are insistent upon a "test-drive". If you agree to a test-drive, establish some rules: Check their driving license, only allow them to drive in a parking lot and sit in the passenger seat. They may crib a bit but don't budge and point out the obvious insurance-ownership issues in case of an accident during "test-drives".
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 14:53
In Mall of the Emirates: Jeanswest, Jennyfer, Forever 21, Camaieu, Stradivarius, Koton, Bershka, Pull & Bear and H&M. In Ibn Battuta: H&M, Forever 21, Aeropostale, New Look and Peacocks. In Dubai Mall: Most of the above stores + Newyorker, etc.
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 08:03
At home in the winter I have the same problem - I use a lip balm called Blistex. It is excellent (especially when used with the above, but it fits in your purse or pocket) I don't know if it's available here. I usually buy a couple of tubes when I'm home. Blistex is available in Boots :)
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 20:41
A fix that always works for me is to take mix a little bit of olive oil and sugar and use that to exfoliate the lips. Then apply a thick layer of vaseline. Super soft lips in the morning :)
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 12:23
Hotspot, "Snowflower and the secret fan" sounds amazing. Where can I get it from in dubai?
em2san
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 11:35
They do have a mark-up at JJ, Khaadi and similar. So if you go to Pakistan often (or have visitors coming in) its better to check out the catalogue and shop from Pakistan instead. However, Bareeza has a very different variety in "khulla kapda" that you can't find in Pakistan and they generally have a pre-summer sale so thats something you don't want to miss :)
em2san
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 11:16
... we have in some cases ordered one soup and one main course and the soup was free or sometimes a breakfats and a main course. [i'>It depends much on the place and also on the staff.[/i'> This is so true, Marydots and I love this about Dubai - no consistency, always surprising; everything varies from branch to branch, hour to hour, staff to staff :)
 
 
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