EmilyG220 | ExpatWoman.com
 

EmilyG220

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Latest post on 20 July 2012 - 12:37
You could try Al Maskan apts in Jumeira 1... behind The One furniture store, same building as Saladicious restaurant. Everything within walking distance: Spinneys, beach, Dubai Marine beach club, smaller malls. Security: 043453388. Hth x
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Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 16:17
That would have been awful for you blinkthink. Seems quite a few of us have had bad experiences. :( I forgot to mention before that when I put the children in the car before messing around with shopping bags etc, I always open at least one window enough that I can get my arm in if needed. Many moons ago we had a car that automatically locked itself once the doors had been closed for a certain period of time...I don't remember what make of car it was! Some hire car we didn't have for long. That's when I learnt the open window trick. I didn't have children then but did get locked out. Like. Must remember that one.
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Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 16:13
The older I get, the further I get in this parenting journey the less tolerance I have for judgemental generalisations. Two weeks ago, for 35 minutes, I lost my 2 yr old. We were on holiday and staying in a camping/cabin park. I left her looking through the fence at some kangaroos, walked 10 steps away, turned my back for thirty seconds to throw clothes in the washing machine, turned back and she was gone. I could see a long way in many directions and could not see her nor did she answer my calls. 35 minutes later my husband found her in the camping ground office where they were calling the police to report her. She had walked a LONG way out of the park and was in the median strip of a BUSY road when a passer-by found her and took her into the office, only because it was the nearest place with a public phone. I have nearly done myself in with the what-ifs. Judge my average parenting as much as you like. I just know I will never again judge any parent for a lapse or mistake that had no intent attached. Sorry to hear that, Greenish. It must have been horrendous. As PPs have said, you didn't do anything wrong by turning your back for 30 seconds so pls don't give yourself a hard time! I also lose patience with ppl so keen to judge other parents when something goes wrong. Not sure why they do this, but it may be because they are trying to convince themselves that the same thing could not happen to their own family. Interestingly, this is how Kate McCann (mother of Madeleine) explains the fact that so many critics want to believe that she and her husband are responsible for the disappearance of their dd.
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Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 22:36
Hi I registered at around 20 weeks so I don't think you're too late. Only way to find out is to go there (or to your local clinic e.g. Al Badaa) and ask.
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Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 21:49
One of the advantages of delivering at Latifa is that there are very few unforeseen costs. Once you have paid for the antenatal package (AED5k), you are entitled to different set prices based on the type of delivery (e.g. AED10k for a cs). There are very few costs added on, and if you are admitted for pregnancy complications prior to the delivery, treatment is very reasonably priced.
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 21:59
Try Bina at Belhasa near Latifa hospital. I took a refresher course with her and she was great. ETA: Sorry just saw you are only looking for westerners. Tbh Bina is not western but streets ahead of the other instructors (i.e. those who prepare for test). She took me all over dxb including SZR which was fab. <em>edited by EmilyG on 30/06/2012</em>
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 21:57
It's never happened to me per se but I have definitely met a few rather flirty doctors in Dubai.
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 21:51
thanks Emilyg - but in general are they high maintenance if new? i mean any major electrical or other issues? No, I don't think so. My dad has had his X5 for 2 years and hasn't had a single problem with it.
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 21:46
Would that be anywhere near a bus stop in East London, EmilyG? ;) Yes... just through the Rotherhithe Tunnel and you're there. Saff east London to be precise!
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 21:37
Omg! Just went past my old flat.
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Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 09:48
Hi hansten I have a bmw 5 series (old one) and it's a really good car. BUT I don't think I will buy another one when I replace it as a) they are so expensive new and, most importantly, b) the service at AGMC is absolutely HORRENDOUS. Apologies for the caps but they are actually warranted here. All the other bmw drivers I know say the same thing. Sitting waiting in the queue at AGMC, a nice (and equally frustrated) British lady advised me to have my car serviced at Munich Motors instead. So that's what we did and so far we're happy with them. Having said that, the car is very easy to drive, comfortable and powerful. Good luck xx
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 09:10
I had no idea it was illegal. Are vasectomies also against the law?
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Latest post on 28 June 2012 - 08:36
Hi newmamai Congrats on looking to make a move over here. It's a fantastic place to live, full of opportunities if you are motivated enough to look for them. In your position, I would speak to Gems (private org who own a *lot* of expat schools) and Taaleem (similar). In fact I might even look to contact Sunny Varkey (owner of Gems) directly. One particular school, Safa, school have just been taken over by a spin-off of Gems so try speaking to them too. And Repton is also a huge school which I should imagine require quite a lot of mgt staff. I would also look at education targeting Emiratis (as AmyAus suggested) as apparently these offer the best salaries. In addition to ADNEC you could speak to HCT (Higher Colleges of Technology), who run Dubai Women's College (further education for locals). Latifa (exclusive local girls' school) is also worth a try, as is Rashid school for boys. No, being Irish won't count against you. There are plenty of us here (although I am a bit of a mixture but never mind ;-)). Apparently there are quite a few young Irish teachers at Choueifat but not sure what the pay is like there as some are unqualified. I don't know how much headships are paid so can't help on that front. But do remember to state upfront that you are looking to be the sole breadwinner. Only women in certain types of jobs are allowed to sponsor their husbands and families. Thankfully teaching is one of them. Btw sorry to hear you're disillusioned with your PhD but it's worth noting that out here ppl *love* a Dr title - esp locals. So it might be worth finishing the blasted thing before making the move as I'm pretty sure it would open a lot of doors once you got here. Good luck :-)
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Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 22:55
My dd goes to one of the French schools near DESS and we live in Jumeira 1. It's an easy distance to travel, and quite a few of her schoolmates live around here.
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Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 22:46
Hi Cleopatra Congratulations on deciding to raise your kids bilingually. It's quite a challenge but, speaking as someone raised in two languages myself, the rewards are immense. I agree that Dubai is surprisingly lacking in bilingual schools. Many call themselves international, and yet simply teach the IB or British curriculum to kids of many nationalities - without enabling them to keep up-to-date in their native languages. This can be an issue once they return to their home countries. Have you taken a close look at the German school? I'm very surprised to hear that they teach little or no English. I knew a little boy who went there and was perfectly bilingual. If their approach is like that of my dd's school (French), they recognise the importance of speaking English in Dubai and will teach it to a high standard. Apologies to pish posh if I am wrong on this one! Even if it transpires that all teaching at the German school *is* in German, I think you'll find that English is so dominant in Dubai that your kids will be able to pick it up by socialising and doing extra-curricular activities in English. Afterall, the beauty of the English language is that you can pick it up easily. If on the other had you decide to enroll your child in an English-speaking school, there is the risk that they will never reach the required level of German, especially written. And as far as I am aware, the German educational system can be quite unforgiving. Greenfields sounds like it may offer a good compromise but I am not familiar with it. One person who may be able to help you out is Silke Rehman, founder of the multilingual network. She is German, and managed to raise her dd in Dubai bilingually despite sending her to an English school. I believe she is now in Germany but has a facebook page called themlnetwork. Best of luck with your decision - and let us know how you get on :-)
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Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 22:47
Hi I don't have any exp of using Fiona but it sounds a though, as PP says, she may simply be recommending schools which have places. Tbh it makes sense for her not to push those which have no room. Based on your other thread I am assuming she has suggested JBS. Was Gems Wellington primary also on her list?
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Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 22:42
hi I don't have any personal exp of JBS, but based on what I have heard (lol) I would say the following. Pros: Great location (Jumeira 1) IB curriculum (if that's what you're after) Small class sizes (for now) Cons: Little or no track record Not yet approved by IB board Very expensive An ex- neighbour of mine sent his son to JBS and told me that when worked out on an hourly basis, it worked out more expensive than Gordonstoun where Prince Charles went. Not sure I'd be willing to pay that for a school with so little track record. My ten pence worth ;-)
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Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 21:56
Hi Maha Congrats on deciding to try for a baby. I know it can be quite a daunting process - I too worried at first, and was afraid I may have fertility issues. Have you recently come off the pill? If so, that may explain your recent irregularity. It can take as long as a year for your cycles to settle down again. LIke the PPs, I would recommend seeing a good gynae for peace of mind. But like taurus baby I would also suggest that you get to know your cycles well yourself. It's amazing how much you can learn about your body by simply observing a few fertility signs. By far the best book on this subject is 'Take charge of your fertility' by Toni Weschler. It teaches FAM - the fertility awareness method - and explains everything very clearly and comprehensively. In fact I read most of it in a weekend and once I started charting I was hooked! Anyway that's how I managed to conceive very quickly 3 times. Good luck and have fun :-)
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Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 12:41
My dd's nursery teacher wore a headscarf this year and it didn't bother me in the slightest. She is a wonderful teacher, my dd loves her and that is what matters. However there are certain countries in the west where this could have been considered an issue. For this reason, certain nurseries and schools here do not encourage women to cover (although they will never come out and say this officially). I have to say that I am surprised they raised the question in your interview. Good luck and I hope you find a job you like in an environment in which you are comfortable.
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Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 19:49
Probably somewhere between AED650 and AED750.
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Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 10:50
Ok not as far as I thought then. I had a look at the website and they look v nice. How much is a 3 bed likely to go for?
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Latest post on 23 June 2012 - 10:48
Hi sorry to hijack thread, but does anyone know of nice villas to rent in these areas, or elsewhere in Thailand? Thanks x
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Latest post on 22 June 2012 - 18:04
Im not sure where Posh Paws is but its near the Polo Club. It backs onto the Bypass Road and the road that goes to Bab Al Shams (Al Quadra i think its called) can you get to it off the Al Quadra Road yet? Last time I went there you had to go along Emirates Road and come off just before DubaiLand, go up that road over the roundabout and onto the Bypass Road towards Abu Dhabi, and then bounce off the Bypass Road onto a track and into Layan from the back. Wow, that's a long way out. The villas must be amazing for the rents to be that high!
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Latest post on 22 June 2012 - 16:16
Ok thanks AnonDubai. Is it near Posh Paws then?
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Latest post on 22 June 2012 - 16:15
Have you tried Kinokuniya?
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Latest post on 22 June 2012 - 16:14
Brilliant idea SD! Must remember that one.
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Latest post on 22 June 2012 - 13:33
Apologies for the daft question but where is Waha/Layan?
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Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 22:45
Hi TDB Sorry to hear you haven't been well. My sil had similar problems when pg (panic attacks, anxiety, compulsive behaviour e.g. ironing). She got some help meditating and doing yoga and that seemed to help. Btw your dr sounds *very* conservative in her advice - as far as I am aware, heels, nail polish and hair dye are not *that* bad for you. Nor is yoga - esp the prenatal variety, if done after 12 weeks. I did this quite a lot in my 1st pg as I was v stressed at work and it helped calm me down. Not sure where you live but I *loved* the classes at Wafi (Pharaoh's club). I agree with kiwispiers that it's worth taking steps now to address any potential depression further down the line. It's also worth noting that around 5% of mothers experience depression during pregnancy, so if that is what you have then you are not alone. Whatever your approach, please do seek some sort of help though. Invasive thoughts such as those you describe can be very scary and there is no need to suffer in silence. Good luck and try to enjoy your pregnancy :-)
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Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 17:25
I had 3 cs births at Latifa - 1 emcs and 2 planned. What anaesthesia is used? CS1: epidural CS2: spinal block CS3: spinal block Spinal much better than epidural as did not get shivers. How long does it take? A few minutes. If you have planned cs you will probably get Dr Strachal (sic?) who is amazing. I've read ppl itch and are nauseous afterwards but that some drs put anti itch/nausea meds into their anaesthetics? Slightly itchy face after CS3 but nothing serious. How many days after did you leave? CS1: 4 CS2: 3 CS3: 3 what pain meds were you on afterwards? Not sure - possibly morphine for 1st day - but whatever it was it worked. Were you given a prescription that could be picked up at the Latifa hospital, or did you have to go elsewhere? Can't remember 100% but pretty sure I got what I needed at Latifa. Any possible info you could give would be wonderful for this 1st timer. And, the last q... How much is a private room at Latifa? Not sure but however much it costs it is worth it. Good luck :-)
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Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 17:13
This is why I generally never bother selling anything. Too much time is wasted and time is money. If I want to get rid of something, I just give it away. When you do that, you find that people come on time and rarely get lost! *Like*. Couldn't have put it better myself!
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 17:52
When is fathers day - this sun?
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 17:48
New swimming gear?
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Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 17:47
Sorry to hear you're having issues. Do you really need a maid though? Unless you work full time, given all you've been through I'd be tempted not to have one.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 11:40
English College.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 11:15
Next door to Beach Hotel Apartments :) :) Me too - B block :-) Me too - good building - :) me three - my only gripe is selfish people unable to park properly :D Lol! I know what you mean ;-)
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Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 23:25
I live in Sulafa tower on the 40th floor. The alarm goes off all the time and we usually ignore it because it gets turned off right away. Unfortunately this time it had to be a real fire. I just gave birth 2 weeks ago and am still recovering from a c section. It was so scary walking down the stairwell and smelling smoke with a newborn baby in my arms. =( Just so glad that everyone made it out safely. Omg well done sal. Must have been v scary but at least you've got a story to tell your lo when he/she gets older! I must say fear of emergencies is one of the reasons we left our previous building :-(
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Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 23:20
I didn't cast my vote as I was feeling actively apathetic.
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Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 22:12
Anyone?
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Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 21:55
Hi lilia Congrats for making it thus far. Considering all you have been through, I think you are doing a fantastic job. Well done for losing a lot of weight, finding another job and generally picking yourself back up! I would definitely recommend swimming. I've been doing this as often as possible lately - just 20 mins in the morning to do 40 lengths in a small pool. It sets you up for the day and helps you lose weight in a steady, unaggressive manner. I'm sure it's good for you emotionally too as it's v relaxing. Good luck! Em xx
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Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 21:34
The latest figures show the average birth costs around £1200 in the UK. Bargain :)
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Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 16:03
Nicolas & Asp are fantastic. I have posted on them before... do a search and see :-)
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Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 22:27
The only thing they will do is make you pay. It sounds like either way you're going to pay so if the UK makes you more comfortable then I would go with that. Any idea how much it costs to deliver in the uk? Just being nosey (lol).
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Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 21:24
Do you have children? I am worried about getting from the car to the apartment with three children. Thanks It's fine - I have 3 kids and do that all the time. Baby in stroller and 2 kids walking - i.e. no different to walking around a mall :-)
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 22:42
Buckle up in the back, has placed some cardboard figures from freej around the school that reads " you need to be in a booster seat, if you can walk under my hand". The other day I saw a little boy stand under it and say "mummy look, I need a booster seat". Mum's response: oh that company behind these talks should be giving out free seats with their presentations, cause I am not paying for one"! :\: How sad.
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Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 22:41
63% of children in the UAE die as a result of car accidents compared to a global average of 22%. edited by Redlesley on 03/06/2012 That is incredible. Are you saying that 63% of UAE kids currently alive will die in a car crash??
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 16:28
I think a lot of people get put off DESS because it looks old. They do forget however that it's been there since 1967. It is by far not a flash Dubai School, you won't find plasma screens on the walls, just kids work. Although there are a lot of wealthy families the kids aren't flashy. The school teaches the kids to love and respect each other. The academic standard is very high and so is the sporting standard. The kids are encouraged to have a go at everything. My son started at DESS this September and after the first day of school he said " Guess what mummy? they play xyz game in the play ground, I didn't know how to play!" my heart sank at this point, but he continued and didn't look too upset... "so the other kids instead of saying you can't play, they showed me how to play!" At his old school if you didn't know how to do something the other kids would leave you out, and unfortunately talking to my friends there are a lot of schools like that in Dubai. We are one of those families who are very happy with the school. Moving to DESS was the best decision we have made for our son. edited by starsouthern on 23/05/2012 :) Nice post about DESS. Yes I agree. I think if I were looking to put my kids into a British curriculum school I would be very tempted by DESS. Only 'problem' is that they will probably be relocating to Academic City. So nice new facilities, but less convenient location (for most).
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 16:24
No, I don't have a maid.
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 14:06
Well done Hugsys, so glad you decided to get legal advice before taking action. To all unmarried British muslims: would definitely recommend reg office ceremony before coming out here. It saves stress, awards legal protection in case of marital breakdown and costs a good bit less than GBP380! Anyway congrats on sorting this out, hugsys - wishing you a safe and happy delivery in the UAE! Great news xx <em>edited by EmilyG on 30/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 13:17
This is so upsetting and my heart goes out to all the victims' families and friends. They could so easily have been our children. The lack of safety procedures is not just a regional issue. I escaped from a fire at Dusseldorf airport in 1996 which killed nearly 20 people. The evacuation was shambolic and the only way I could get out of the Diners club lounge (with a few others) was to smash a window and climb onto a roof. The glass was so thick that I could never have managed on my own though. If that can happen in Germany, I think it can happen anywhere :-(
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Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 10:06
I tend not to mention Dubai when I am home, unless someone asks me, and its normally men who are interested. If anyone does try to bash I do defend Dubai. The press do paint an awful picture and it is sad that people take so much noticed to what is being said. Personally I would like to make my own mind up about a country and see it with my eyes, not listen to trashy tabloids. Yes I agree. Funny how ppl bash Dubai for being a trashy WAG-magnet and yet clearly get that view from the gutter press. As I speak French to my kids it's easy for me to masquerade as someone who lives in France so people don't question me if I say i live abroad ;-)