JHM | ExpatWoman.com
 

JHM

JHM
287
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Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 20:30
I had to renew mine last week. I always got to Baraha hospital (next to Dubai hospital) to do the medical - probably because it was the only place to do it when we moved to Dubai so always go back. I was not looking forward to it as it's usually rammed but I was advised to go just before it reopens in the afternoon - got there at 4:45 and got paperwork done before it opens at 5. It was so easy, I've never seen it so empty! Let me know if you need directions for inside the hospital. I went for the medical last Tuesday and got a text on Saturday to say that my medical report was done and was with immigration and my husband (he's my sponsor) went to Immigration at the Trade Centre and got my visa done on Sunday.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 11:07
I'd recommend Ride bike shop. I've bought a couple of bikes there and they've always been really helpful and knowledgeable. I got ours at the Festival City branch but I think the Mirdif City Centre branch is bigger and has more choice.
JHM
287
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 21:22
There are 2 left in Dubai - Festival City and Jumeirah - I worked at Jumeirah until they 'let me go' last week :( So sorry RL, not good :( I've been told that Magrudy's got deals on rent as the new malls were built but when the deal periods expired and the rents were going up, they had to move out - if it's right then Festival City would be due to close at some point. I don't think Magrudy's were helped by their locations in the malls, not one was in an area with high footfall and there's not a great deal of money in books anyway.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 11:06
One thousand, six hundred and fifty million (American billion is a thousand million, UK billion is traditionally a million million) It's normally written Dhs.200. AED (Arab Emirates Dirham) is the official title, a bit like GBP or USD. ETA: It should then be 1.65 million. <em>edited by JHM on 12/07/2011</em>
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 10:49
Having tried pretty much every water bottle in Dubai over the last few years, I recently found Thermos metal water bottles in Jashanmal at Wafi (it was closing down though there are other branches). They're the best we've had so far, they don't leak and if I leave mine in the car the water's still cold when I get back! We use the small plastic clip lock boxes inside one of the small, hard coleman cool boxes. They seem to keep the food cooler than the soft bags. There is a real gap in the market for a firm to actually design a leak proof bottle because no matter what their claims, they don't last with the amount their used here.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 22:46
Thank you. I guess I'll have to work myself up to get our health cards done. We all had them but mine and one of the children's were in my wallet when it was nicked a few years ago and I've not got round to getting them redone!
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 20:35
The Sun & Sand outlet shop, on the other side of the road from the Gold and Diamond Park, had them in 3 different resistence levels. I think they were Dhs 15, 18 and 20.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 09:41
Is it not still 24 hours apart from a couple of hours around prayer time on a Friday?
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 09:33
I got a text from my mother last week to say that Stromboli was billowing smoke and steam as they sailed past - just to add to the fun! I'll be seriously miffed if any of this interrupts our plans. We've done the last 4 summers in Dubai and the last time we left was a year past Easter when we got caught up in the eruptions - we were stuck in the south of France though so not exactly a hardship :)
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2011 - 20:12
If you can't find them, Waitrose Multi-grain hoops are the same - that's what we get.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 16:27
If I had a decent allowance I'd be looking for somewhere by the beach in Jumeira or Umm Suqeim, nothing's too far away and it's cooler with the sea breeze, even in the summer.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 13:20
You could also try leaving slices out in the air for a while, it shouldn't take too long before they firm up.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 11:11
I would think you'd need to contact the school. It's a while since I took GCSEs and A Levels but I would have thought it would depend on the board setting the exam and then what the teachers choose. When I took them there were a selection of texts from different periods and genres that the schools chose from.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 22:16
I can't help with replacement handles but you could buy the tape that is used for covering tennis racket handles and wrap it round - I did that with our Phil & Ted's when the handle got damaged. If you can find it, though I couldn't a couple of years ago, the tape that is used on hockey stick handles would be cheaper. When I got the tennis racket grip in Go sport I had to ask for the basic one but it worked really well.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2011 - 21:57
They usually have it in Park n Shop, I think it's in the first aisle. Down by the plugs and tape measures they normally have a basket with reels of thread in it. You could also get some in the quilting shop in Town Centre on Beach Road (next to Mercato) or Magrudys sell thread and if you don't mind going a little further afield, there are lots of shops in Satwa that have it.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 23:18
Thank you Cheggers, my husband contacted Sabrina but we live in an area that she doesn't cover. Thanks Dan Lou, I'd not seen that one.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 22:52
Hi Natalie, That is an incredibly kind offer. I've got your email address if you want to delete it. I'll email you, thank you.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2011 - 11:32
They sell it in Park n Shop too, with the stain removers and washing powder. Magrudys have (or had) it too.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2011 - 23:11
and for JHM I don't think you'll have any problems travelling with less than 6 months on your little one's passport. I flew to Europe with my DH in mid-March when he had 3 months left on his passport, no problems at all, and when we landed in Dubai he was just short of 3 months left on his passport. The rules I think state that to enter Dubai a non-resident without visa has to have 6 months left on passport, a resident with visa 3 months, and in my experience they didn't even question me when my son had less than 3 month's left so I don't think they're so concerned with children. And if you're travelling to your home country it's not an issue either. edited by Scribs on 28/06/2011 Thank you Scribs. I'm sure we'll be fine but it's all compounded as we've done the last 4 summers here and the children are desperate to go!
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 08:49
Yes
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 20:46
JHM i have the same situation and the verdict (on EW) was yes because you are travelling to your home country. we've then booked the 4 hour premium service while in Uk. Think you'll be fine but will update you in a couple of weeks. :) Great, thank you BM, I hope it all goes ok :)
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 20:32
Oh, I feel sick... This was going to be the first time in 5 years that we were getting out of Dubai in the summer and I've just realised that my youngest's passport expires in January. We're not due to go until the end of July but the embassy and website are now quoting 8 weeks to get the passport back. Does anyone know if they'll let my wee one on the plane if she has less than 6 months left on her passport? I could go up to London to get it renewed when we're back but I don't want to send it to Germany if there's no way it'll be back.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 17:40
Jules, I don't know if you've done it, but have you been into his room at night just to make sure there's nothing casting a shadow that could scare him. When my children are scared of something being in their room I point out that our dogs and cats wouldn't let anyone or anything in and that monsters, dragons, or whatever they're scared of are only in stories. The dragon is scared of the cat in the story so I'm sure dragons would be scared of your cat! It's hard when they're too small to really understand but the teacher supply shop in the Beach Centre on Beach Road has tiny little dragon charms which are only Dhs.3 (so no great outlay if it doesn't work) and you could maybe get one to protect him. Do you have the book of Room on the Broom? It may help if you read the story to him. My older daughter had the book when she was about 18 months and was more worried by the animals being the monster coming out of the bog. I thought they handled it well in the play, with the red sleeping bag introduced at the beginning in a fun way. Good luck.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 22:29
My youngest was on Zantac from 5 weeks and hated the minty taste to start with. I used a syringe and put it into her cheek rather than straight into her mouth. She was on ebm so it must have been a shock to get a flavour but she did get used to it after a few weeks. Like lemondrops says, I was told to give it to her on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before a feed. Good luck x
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 21:33
The website below is for Dubai Racing Pigeon Club - I saw a truck with the logo the other day. They may be able to help then at least you can hope the birds get home! There's a house near us with a pigeon loft on the roof and we often see the birds being exercised - fortunately we live too far away to suffer the effects of a flock of birds. http://www.angelfire.com/in/zajel/
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 11:51
Hi Gumnut, The experience you have can depend on which emirate you're in - there are colleges in them all and in Al Ain and Madinat Zayed - whether you're in a Men's college or Women's college and which department. As the others have said there are a good number of staff who have done 10 years plus and there is movement within the system. College admission is only open to Emiratis and class sizes vary depending on the course - I think Dubai Women's and Sharjah Women's are the largest colleges, the Men's colleges tend to be considerably smaller though faculty will teach at both Men's and Women's colleges in some emirates. I worked for them many years ago but if I can be help, just shout.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 21:14
Park n Shop do their own too.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2011 - 21:10
cushion, I don't have teenagers (yet) but I went to boarding school at 15 and wished I'd gone a lot earlier. If your son is very sporty, could you sell him the idea that he'll get the chance to do much more sport, and a greater variety, at boarding school? Make it a positive experience rather than just a life that seems like 24 hour school? Far from abdicating parental responsibility by sending children to boarding school, you are giving them the advantage of being on site with all the resources at hand during the most intensive 4 years of their school careers. He should also have access to a range of activities the schools here could only dream of. Ultimately, he's a child and you're the adult. My father's best friend's oldest son was sent to boarding school and ran away a couple of times so his parents pulled him out and sent him to the local school. At 22 he turned round to his parents and told them that they should have made him stay at boarding school. If you feel that this school is the best for him, then send him or find one that will meet his needs. Is there anyway he could talk to or email someone who's at boarding school now to find out about their experiences?
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 21:56
lemondrops, you're doing a great job. It's hard enough having a new born, but having one with feeding issues becomes all consuming. My younger daughter had feeding issues from 5 days old and although they only went on for a couple of months before she settled on EBM from a bottle, I remember how draining it was. I'm not sure if it would help, but have you tried a cranial osteopath? Both of my daughters (who for separate reasons couldn't breastfeed) saw Beverly Palmer when they were a few weeks old. She was at GMC, I'm not sure where she is now but someone will know. My other suggestion is, if you're feeding EBM, have you tried the Medela feeding system with the small tube? The system has a reservoir which you put the milk into and the tube is normally taped by the nipple to help encourage breastfeeding. My daughter had massive silent reflux so I taped the tube to my finger to encourage her to drink - to her it was like she was sucking my finger rather than having to feed from me or a bottle. It's fiddly but by that stage I would have tried anything! When I was told that between my husband and I we would have to watch our wee one 24 hours a day for the first year, it felt like it would go on forever but I knew how quickly time had flown with our older daughter. That year felt rather like trying to push water up hill and ultimately it was our older daughter who suffered most but we just had to do the best we could which ultimately, is all you can do.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 10:55
Thank you both for your support. It really goes against my nature to have any animal put down - it runs in the family, my father has been known to stop the car to help a bumble bee off the windscreen! My initial reaction on seeing the kitten was that it was pretty sick and, although it rallied briefly, I think it was the kindest thing to put it to sleep. I could never pass an animal in need and, based on my track record, it won't be too long before I find another, just hope the next one has a better outcome.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 23:22
I'm not 100% sure, but I think I may have seen it the other day in Park n Shop. They have a range of manuka honey and I think it may have been next to that.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 19:06
Hi all, Thank you for all the advice. I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get back for an update. It's been a bit of an emotional roller coaster of a day! I spoke to FF and called Nad Al Shiba. I took the scrap of a kitten up to the vet (the only other animal in the waiting room was a cheetah - one extreme to the other!) who thought it was an eye infection as it's temperature was normal and it had a bit of spirit. It was very dehydrated and had a few scratches but seemed ok. I then spoke to FF again who said that if it was just her eyes, they would probably be able to squeeze her in somewhere as she was only around 6 weeks old. At that point it seemed pretty hopeful. The vet called a couple of hours later to say that the kitten was very quiet and not wanting to eat and that they couldn't be sure that it wasn't incubating something nasty. They had spoken to FF who didn't really want to go down to the antibiotic route, especially if it wasn't definite that they would work. There is no way that we could pick up the tab and we definitely couldn't have it here, especially if there was any chance that it could pass something to our cats - we have 3 elderly dogs, one of whom is losing her sight and gets freaked out by the cats we've got! Fortunately it wasn't really my decision to make as I'm sure my heart would have ruled my head, so we left it that I think the vets' were going to put her to sleep. As heartbreaking as it is, and as much as I could never do it, ultimately, she did seem to be pretty sick and I couldn't provide a home for her. I would love to be able to have done more but have to resign myself to the fact that she's no longer suffering and that she wasn't left to a slow lingering death - her eyes were so gunked up when I first saw her, I don't think she could see where she was going. All our animals were strays who we've found over the years and each one will get extra cuddles tonight! Thank you again for all your offers of help and advice. x
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 10:34
Thanks Boomerang.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 01:25
You're probably going to end up with as many recommendations as there are schools! Are you looking for primary or secondary? Then, a profit or non-profit school and any idea of area? Mine are at DESS and although the school has its faults, like they all do, they were outweighed by the positives and it was the only school that we put their names down for (would have looked at Jebel Ali but we don't live at that end of town).
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 21:47
I thought you deserved a medal before they arrived but after all that, crikey! While I really don't like commenting on anyone else's parenting style, your sil does sound totally hatstand. She's making life so hard for herself. Maybe if they want to visit again you could furnish them with a list of child friendly hotels or suggest a house swap! You really are a star, my sister, bil and nephew came for a week over Christmas a couple of years ago and I was ready to move out within 24 hours! Within hours of their arrival the 6 adults, my 2 children, our dogs and cat were having to revolve around the nephew. Our only consolation is that we live here and they don't! My father has always said that you shouldn't live less than an 100km from your relatives, close enough to go for the day but not close enough to do it too often! ;)
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 19:07
Below is the website for Overeaters Anonymous UAE, they may be able to help. I've no personal experience of them but they may be a good first step. Good luck x http://www.oaindubai.net/
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 22:12
I saw some Julbo sunnies in GO Sport. It looked like they had the smaller children's glasses so may be worth a look.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 17:11
Was just telling himself about Denmark banning Marmite - he thought it a great idea and was off to investigate moving to Denmark! - when I saw this link from the Marmite on Facebook... http://www.amblondon.um.dk/NR/exeres/8A56692E-1780-495E-8176-F0E366653F52,frameless.htm?NRMODE=Published
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 14:42
Not sure I should admit this but I like both! Just had UK Marmite on Mountain Bread for lunch - a great cross hemispheral (is that a word?) combination :) The only member of the family, cats and dogs included, who doesn't like Marmite is my husband and I have been known to get the children to go and breathe heavily over him after feeding them a Marmite sandwich :cool: I tried the children with Vegemite and it didn't go down at all well! Nothing quite like cheese and Marmite or Marmite and salad :) Has anyone tried the extra mature Marmite?
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 13:19
If you're looking for something a little different, try Fabindia on Mankhool Road. They have some lovely colours and cushion covers too. They've also got a new shop on Beach Road but I think that's more clothes.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 22:11
Not sure about Sharjah, but there's a Lulu hypermarket in Al Qusais, just across into Dubai, behind Al Mulla Plaza. From Sharjah, come of the Dubai road at Al Mulla Plaza and hold go left at the roundabout, towards Al Qusais. Lulu is on the left but you've got to go to the first traffic signal to U turn to get back to it. There are also 2 in Karama and one in Al Barsha - not sure about others.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 18:32
I renewed my passport in January and it was one price but when my husband sent his in April he was offered a special service, which he didn't go for. Neither of us had a text to say the application had arrived, the first we knew was the text to say the credit card had been debited.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 18:29
Park n Shop have different spelt and rye breads. We tried one last week that was made with oat bran and wheat bran and the children like the oat bread too (I don't eat much bread so it's down to them). They don't have the nutritional info but could maybe tell you - they'll slice the bread thinly too, if you ask.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 13:37
I'd also go for a second opinion. My friend's daughter was 6 when the dentist decided she needed root canal and had, unfortunately, started the procedure at the same appointment. They took her for a second opinion and the second dentist was pretty taken aback that root canal had been considered on a child. Like Smells, I've had root canal and I wouldn't put my children through it - not on baby teeth. Just out of interest, is this dentist at a practice with a couple of branches on Al Wasl road who are known for doing examinations at schools? Can't think how else to ask, it's just that is where my friend's daughter went to start with.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2011 - 22:12
johjoh, I know that its not really meant for this kind of thing but could you maybe ask your class rep if they could maybe even just get the other year group class reps to send out an email for you?
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 23:38
I remember finding a large caterpillar in a lettuce leaf which had been served up at school though how it had survived the school kitchen I'm not sure! These are on the Torygraph website today, rather apt but I don't think much of the captions http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/8523674/Disparity-by-Christopher-Boffoli-everyday-scenes-created-using-food-and-toy-figures.html
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 17:01
The Beach Centre, between Mercato and Magrudy's has White Star. There are craft materials in the teacher's supply shop and in the party shop further along.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 12:00
My husband's passport was sent off a month ago and the cc debited a few days later. I've just had a phone call today from DHL to say they have docs from Germany to deliver. I would give it another week before you ring. I renewed my passport in January and it was back in 8 days, I assume there's a backlog with everyone applying before the summer.
JHM
287
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 21:06
They had a branch in Marina Mall, not sure if it's still there. Very sad if they've gone completely.
JHM
287
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 12:00
Thank you both. Izzy99, unusual though it is, I don't have a laptop, just a PC and it doesn't have infra red. We've tried with my husband's Mac but it doesn't have an ifrared receiver either. Smells, thank you. I emailed Nokia but they suggested using infrared to a compatible device. I'll try taking it in to see if they can do it. Thanks again
 
 
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