Genkigirl | ExpatWoman.com
 

Genkigirl

324
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 12:04
I really would not risk it! Yes some medicines are cheaper here than in Oz but thats life unfortunately, its where you live. I think you would be wasting your money buying the pills for one as yes they most probably would not get through. I would just put it down to one of those things she just has to buy in Australia.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 14:00
Sorry should have added in some places unless you rent a house and stay put by the beach etc you will need 2 rooms. These hotels are great if you are touring Sri Lanka.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 13:59
Cinnamon hotel or Jetwing chains are great for kids. We stayed in these this past April with our 3 kids.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 May 2014 - 13:57
There is no charge to use the toilets and showers they are free to the public. If you want to hire umbrellas and chairs or use the kids waterpark then there is a charge.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 08:14
I you don't have pictures, try cloth. I have many cloth hangings on my wall, be they cloth from Indonesia, Sri Lanka or my travels. If you don't have anything like this then try a beautiful sari. I bought one from Lulu and hung it with a curtain rod and it looked stunning. Many many to choose from and not soooo expensive.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 08:12
I'm extremely glad this is happening and should have been done a ing time ago. Yesterday alone I saw 2 accidents within a couple of hours along the road and especially now that the tram works have be become chaotic. The way people roar through the 40km/ph zone and then suddenly realise they are in the wrong land or the lane ends....people really need to just slow down..
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 09:08
The women in "Thong" bikinis on JBR recently.... don't even go there. Im a Westerner but its just becoming very wrong.....
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 09:04
No she probably does not have to tell her employer but Its a very sly thing to do. What is the issue of not telling her employer? Is it because she knew the employer would not be happy. Seems like there is a lack of communication here. If she neglects to tell her employer this important thing ( yes having her husband here is an important thing the employer should know about) than what else is she keeping secret. I would be in shock as would my husband who has sponsored her, if suddenly my maid said her husband was here and she had sponsored him.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 08:51
Sultanahmet for sure! I would not stay on the other side when all the main attractions ( within walking distance from each other are here), We stayed in a nice reasonable hotel ( there are so many in Istanbul ) close to Topkapi Palace and walked everywhere with our 3 children. There is a Park below Topkapi so if you are going with kids this is nice to let them have a run around. If the want to see the other side Galata Tower etc then just catch a taxi there and back. There are some nice streets and shops there. If you do a day tour to Beylerbeyi Palace and a cruise etc which I recommend then the hotel can organise this from anywhere. Its a great city!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 20:56
Yes we are one of the unhappy couples who went into shock when told the fee had increased so drastically. Our wills were finished just a few days after the new fee came in so we couldn't believe it when we were told of the increase. Not much we can do about it as we need to pay this now for our wills to be ligit here. I don't see how they can justify such an increase.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 March 2014 - 09:28
yes saw the Dubai Police barricades coming out of our carpark this morning and that usually means a VIP is coming. Not sure who or when however. Must be soon though.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 March 2014 - 11:47
We are Aussie also but with 3 girls. One piece of advice is the closer the school is to where you live in Dubai the better especially when it comes to after school activities and friends, otherwise the driving will make you go crazy. I have several friends with children at DSO Wellington and are happy. I also have friends at Repton which is not for everyone. Don't forget with Reoton you have everything else that you might have to pay for on top of the fees. Important to consider. If you say the fees for Kings are high ( which they have now become) then I really would not consider Repton especially with 3. My children are at a GEMS school and we are happy. We feel its important they have the opportunity to do the IB if they can. If you are living in DSO , I have friends who ride to school and really enjoy living there. Happy to help with other advice if you need any.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 March 2014 - 11:38
My 3 moved a few years back from EIS Jumeirah to WIS and have not looked back. All 3 are thriving and happy at school. Yes WIS used to be one of the biggest in Dubai but all schools seem to be going this way ( look at Kings and their fee increase last week is shocking. I don't believe the size has affected mine in anyway. My youngest is in Yr 2 and has done all her schooling so far at WIS and we have had fantastic teachers all the way. The teachers are very dedicated. I have been very involved a lot in school so know what I'm talking about. No the kids do not get homework every day. In year 1 they get one small project piece of home work a week to do and the usual readers twice a week. Very manageable and all can cope. Yr 5 definitely not homework every day but enough and In Yr 7 my daughter has something every day but again you would expect more in secondary. If they had homework every day they would be too stressed. Please don't comment about the school unless you personally know. Yes there are many GEMS schools but you also have amazing facilities and opportunities provided by GEMS. From personal experience I would say I'm glad we left EIS for WIS. However I have heard that EIS Meadows is better than EIS Junmeirah and yet I do know people who moved their kids from EIS Jumeirah to EIS Meadows and then to WIS.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 March 2014 - 16:22
He's great took my 9 year old to him and we were happy!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 10:42
We go to the 99 dhs all you can eat dim sum at the Radisson Blu in Deira creek (China Club). If you have the Carlson card (ask at the front desk) you get a discount at all their restaurants. I usually run the other way from all you can eat type events but this place is excellent. The dumplings are great, service is too and there are tons of options. No carts like traditional dim sum but this is a nice option. Reservations are a good idea too. We are also from Australia/Singapore and miss yum cha back home but I second the yum cha from the Raddison. We were there on Friday and the restaurant YUM as well as the Chinese restaurant next door are great. We got the card too which is excellent value for money. Yum has great Singapore, Malaysian, Chinese food , been there many times and will keep on going.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 12:22
Ps - I have seen Stomp also and they are brilliant too but the Tap Dogs are different these guys are tap dancers and boy they can dance!!!!!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 12:19
Went last night with a friend. Brilliant, brilliant , brilliant! These guys are amazing. Nothing like seeing 6 masculine men tap dancing on stage. I thoroughly recommend the show, non-stop entertainment and energy!!!!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 February 2014 - 18:25
[ Ours the same prices but well worth it! quote=HorizonMum2'>we got ours done... the costs were as follows: - husband's will AED 2000 - my will (which is a mirror will of my husband's) AED 2000 - guardianship document AED 1500 - power of attorney AED 1000 - arabisation of all documents AED 1500 so worked out to be AED 8000 in total... I chose to make a will of my own because I have property here in my name... but it wasn't mandatory
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 February 2014 - 18:23
Yes it closed down, there is an old thread on this might pay to do a search.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 January 2014 - 16:52
I second Peas in a Pod! when my sister left Abu Dhabi I got them to make a bespoke frame with heart maps of the areas she lived and frequented whilst in the UAE. They use the explorer maps and you give them the areas they want. Eg. Hospital where my niece was born, area where they lived, most frequented mall, the Corniche etc... Something to cherish forever and reminds them of time spent in the UAE. Dubai maps would be great showing the Downtown area, Palm Jumeirah etc.....
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2014 - 08:09
Here it is! http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/blogs/singapore-showbiz/local-actress-oon-shu-ann-open-letter-anton-031951568.html
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2014 - 08:02
Carrefour always has the best range. In particular the boys wear. Otherwise Geant or Bossini at the MOE sometimes have them.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 January 2014 - 07:59
I think some of you are missing the point! What Singaporeans are angry about is what he said in regards to "washing the smell" off him from the public transport. That's what has affected people the most. If i can find the link I will post what a Singaporean actress has said about "the smell" comment. It was well written and worth reading.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 January 2014 - 09:48
Speaking to my Singaporean sis-inlaw yesterday she said he was not sacked but resigned due to all the furor over his posts ( death threats etc) She said that despite what he said some of the comments and threats people made were directed at his son which is horrendous. Even if he was stupid to direct it at a child is shocking . As people have mentioned do not write anything on social media that you do not want seen - ever. As for what the Aussies think? Well they will probably not really care other then think he's a ****** like I do. As for the Aussie Singaporeans ( and there's a lot of them in Oz) they would think the same as everyone else. I don't think he will unfortunately be able to show his face in Singapore for many moons to come which is his stupid mistake.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 January 2014 - 16:11
Was actually called today but jot had a chance o call them back sorry. As soon as I do will let you know.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 January 2014 - 16:09
It seriously serves him right. Local Singaporeans whether they be earning the minus wage or the highest are fed up with the attitude of some of the expats living there. They have put up with it "just" in the past but over this they have had enough. Yes his wife is a local and what the other locals call a "SPG" so not your typical local either.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 January 2014 - 13:54
I have had two boxes loads of naturopathy supplements for my use sent from Australia. Both arrived no problem. The person sending it clearly described exactly what was inside. No issues. <em>edited by Genkigirl on 23/01/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 12:15
Do you send your kids on camp Lolacat? If you can afford it do they go? or do you not send them on principle and they miss out? Just interested to know. I personally don't know of any children in Dubai from an International School going on an Ecoventrue camp at the age of 7. Maybe the local schools do ( I don't Know) but all others I believe are year 4 or mostly 5 onwards. I have a 7 year old and believe me she would love to go if she had the chance. My kids do many varied after school activities but this does not include staying over night away from parents with their peers which is what school camps offer. They would not be "school camps" if they were not held within term time. As for cost, yes they may be pricey ( I have 3 kids so yes I know) my eldest has been on Ecoventure 3 x and my middle one will be going in a few weeks time. Unfortunately thats the cost here so not much you can do about it! Love it or leave it!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 10:29
I really don't understand why parents seem to believe their children need to go on these things at such young ages. I really don't comprehend why you are prepared to pay such an exorbitant amount ether, more money than common sense comes to mind. Why? because it encourages independence and mixing with friends in a different environment from that at school, learning to get along with different people. Do things they would not always do. 9-10 year olds are not too young for camp… sometimes its the overprotective parents that do more damage to the children. The umber of times I have sat in the Ecoventure briefing before camp and listened to parents ask stupid questions like "what if my child does not like the food?" or " Is the tent comfortable?". Unfortunately if thats the price here you have to pay then so be it. The kids always seem to have a lot of fun with Ecoventure and I would rather send them there then anywhere else.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 January 2014 - 10:08
It is an event put on by the Australian Business Council to celebrate Australia Day also. You must buy tickets from the Australian Business Council.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 January 2014 - 10:10
Mannikat there are so many things on our roads that need changing or "cracking down on " here and the fact that they are starting to do something should not be knocked. Yes they need to add more pedestrian crossings and footpaths but unfortunately things happen very slowly in Dubai. edited by Genkigirl on 16/01/2014 <em>edited by Genkigirl on 16/01/2014</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 January 2014 - 10:08
My husband goes to the gym and has female friends there that he partners with but I am happy and secure in my relationship that I don't feel the need to worry. Does your friend play squash? If so she could join them? Even if she doesn't then she could get them to teach her if she's feeling left out. I know my husband was looking for a squash partner at one point and I'm sure regardless of the *** he would have jumped at the chance to play with anyone. He never found anyone either.....
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 January 2014 - 10:03
Get the contractor who is doing your kitchen to do this. We did and they used normal glass and painted it (spray) the colour we wanted and looks amazing so easy to clean too!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 January 2014 - 10:00
I think that it is quite rude to suggest that they are just meeting their quotas for the day, what a shocking suggestion... believe it or not they are trying to prevent more deaths. edited by BubblingCreek on 15/01/2014 I agree with Bubbling Creek and like WhitebOrchid I too have seen a tourist in an ambulance who was hit crossing the road in front of Just Flafel. I shudder every time I see someone in front of Gosvenor House crossing that section as the cars roar round there. I drive it several times a day and get the chills when I see people with prams or older people risking their life there. Yes there is not a crossing there and unfortunately there is one down a couple of minutes futher ( not 15 mins btw). I commend the police for actually trying to prevent further accidents along this stretch. All those wo say they are just meeting a quota we know where you cross!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 January 2014 - 14:04
Still in the process of getting a quote now that they have all their measurements. Will let you know when I receive it.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 10:04
We are in the process of getting a quote from Cosmipolitan Closets for new master wardrobes in our apartment. Try the website Cosmipolitancolsets.me We like Ikea closets too but when we went down and looked at them on the weekend will be left with a 30cm gap and a 25cm gap either side which is a bit pointless so better to get it custom made.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 18:03
FYI - reply from The Walk was 630pm, 8pm and 930pm gotta run we are catching the 630pm show.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 08:36
The best Pro-biotics are the ones already found in the refrigerator not on the shelves. My daughter takes them for food allergies as directed by a naturopath in Australia. <em>edited by Genkigirl on 24/12/2013</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 08:33
We are growing tomato plants in our apartment high up in the sky. The plants are over 1 metre tall now and many tomatoes on them. My advice is plant from seedlings, not seeds as they will grow better inside. Big pots and keep them by a window with lots of light during the day. Also they cannot be in direct line to the air on ( not blowing on them). On the balcony we have a Bougainville which grows well. In the living room we have several orchids, several of which once the floors died we cut back and they have grown and bloomed again. These are not hard as long as they have sun and you don't over water. We also have money plants, and several other plants scattered around and all doing well. I love them all!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 19:25
I've only been to Langkawi, it's beautiful with lots of lush greenery and fascinating wildlife. The beaches are nice but the only downside is the sea, it's full of trash. Can't comment on [b'>Penang hopefully someone else can advise. [/b'> I can, It is the worst place I have ever been in my life. Dirty disgusting beaches, we even saw needles, yep drug needles. Horrid little markets selling disgusting food. The hotel was full of Saudis. We stayed at the best hotel, service was rubbish rooms were basic. I would never go there again. Each to their own I suppose! We enjoyed our stay, yes there were quite a few other GCC nationals but this did not stop us having a good time. The beaches are not really beaches you would swim in anyway along the Straits there. as for the food, the hawker food is great, typical Malaysian food Sold at the stalls. This is what many people actually go there for to eat the " disgusting food" sold at these markets. As I said each to their own.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 19:20
A few things were not available on the menu and the waitress told us it was due to closing down and to use any entertainer vouchers now ( they will expire end of dec anyway so not sure about that one?) She said that they would probably move to MOE but are rents there nit really expensive too?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 15:55
How ridiculous and sad! The lime Tree at Ibn is extremely popular and as mentioned one of the only really good eating places there. The landlords are obviously all getting very greedy.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 10:01
Very dark sky's over The Palm and out to sea so I think it could possibly rain.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 09:59
Was told yesterday that JBR Da Shi Di restaurant will be closing down end of Dec or early jan due to too high rent. Sad as it's great food and not too expensive. Have been going there for nearly 6 years :( I suppose the Noodle Room will follow too.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 09:54
I know there have been previous posts on here about Penang so please have a look. I think Langkawi is set up more for tourists as it depends where you go in Penang and what you want in a holiday. Batu ferringi is the most popular tourist area in Penang with many hotels there but not as many 5 star compared to Langkawi. We had a great time in Penang with my 3 children around the same ages as yours. Both are great places to holiday but it depends on your budget I suppose.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2013 - 10:13
I had a mammogram and ultrasound at Advance. Radiology on Jumeira Beach rd 2 weeks ago and when I booked they asked if I preferred a woman or a man. I said woman and all was good. Try there. You may need a referral though.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 November 2013 - 10:09
No unfortunately unless in a few left over sales racks. I had to hunt high and low last week for my 11yr old's knee length shorts for camp. MOE in the surf shops did not have any in the kids wear all are short board shorts. We luckily managed to find a small women's pair there that cost a fortune. Good luck!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 November 2013 - 19:52
I have been seeing Dr Anna at Dubai Kondon Clinic for the same thing and am very happy.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 November 2013 - 19:51
Hi, I am looking to re-home my wonderful Filipino maid as we are leaving Dubai. She is a very honest and reliable lady. It will be very sad to say goodbye to her as she is part of our family and I would like to find her a good family and home before we leave. She will be available from Jan/Feb 2014. Hi Chakra, our fantastic Fillipino lady who has been with us 3 years is leaving end of Dec and she and I have both been searching for someone for a while. Jan/ feb start would be perfect for us.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 November 2013 - 17:26
In the past I have given my lady, money or vouchers but thus year we gave her a spa voucher yo a reasonably priced beauty salon, "the Red Lounge" 250 dhms for a package of 5 things. She wanted a hair cut, colour. She also had nails done and a massage and I know she really enjoyed being pampered. She deserved it! I offered our maid one of these vouchers from dealgobbler as I'd bought some for myself and thought it would be a nice, relaxing treat for her. She said there was no point having a blow dry and manicure etc then having to come back and clean the house lol. I guess she had a point. Yes she does have a point, but my maid still paints her nails to look nice on her day off as she goes to church and had a church function on. I'm sure it made her feel nice and was something for her and not the usual money that always goes to her family in self-sacrifice. She came back happy and ready to continue working after her massage. Each to their own I suppose....