JHM | ExpatWoman.com
 

JHM

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Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 17:03
This is a real longshot but... I have a 7 and a half year old Nokia 5140 (one of the ones with the rubber on the case to make it more robust). It has provided sterling service over the time but is getting rather eccentric in its dotage and the time has now come for me, very reluctantly, to look for a new phone. The problem is that this was the first model, which didn't have bluetooth, and I've got some photos on the phone that I'd really like to get off it. I've asked in various phone shops but I tend to get a pitying look as they shake their heads and wonder that such a brick of a phone still exists. I've looked at the Nokia website and it says that the photos can be sent by MMS, but I've never got that to work, or downloaded via infra red. My husband's asked the IT people at work but none of them have anything with infra red that would work. The photos are jpegs so the whole folder is only 1.7MB. Is anyone, by any miraculous chance, tech oriented, or knows anyone who is, who could help me get the photos off the phone? Did anyone else have this phone and find a way to get the photos off? My grasp of phone technology is limited and I'd really appreciate any help. Thanks ETA: For those rolling their eyes, I've googled it too but the answers are for the 5140i, the later model which had bluetooth. I'm trying to email Nokia too. <em>edited by JHM on 11/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 21:59
Thank you all. Ideally I would renew it before it expires but if we do go back this summer it won't be until August and the card expires in July - great timing in 10 years! Maid Marion, is it something that you had to be there for or could I get someone to send me the form? I read something about renewing at the post office and having to sign there and then which would be a bit tricky from here! thanks
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 15:13
Thanks Dally, that's a relief. We don't go to the UK very often and it says you have to provide addresses for where you've lived in the last 3 years - I didn't like the idea of them checking up and seeing I've only been in the UK for 3 days in the last 3 years! I guess the best thing to do then is to leave it to expire and sort it when we move back.
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Latest post on 04 May 2011 - 21:57
I'm not trawling all the way back through the thread to see if this has already been mentioned but, having just got back from Safa Park, what Dubai (or the ladies of Dubai) really needs is a shop that sells good sports bras in a full range of sizes! If you could set up a stall by the park you'd make a killing - or at least you should. If they could be reasonably priced, that would be a major bonus and no doubt add to turnover!
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Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 19:24
They've still got them in the shops on Plant Street. They fill the bags so you don't have to deal with them going everywhere!
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Latest post on 30 April 2011 - 14:19
H & M the ELC usually have them, as do Sparkles (shop upstairs at Mercato). Monsoon sometimes have them too. I'll try to think where else I've seen them.
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 21:23
Just thought, have you tried Harvest Home (in the mall next to Magrudy's on Beach Road)? It's pretty good for gifts.
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 21:21
Is the wedding in the UK? There's a website called notonthehighstreet.co.uk which has some great, unusual gifts. They may be able to deliver something before Saturday.
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Latest post on 29 April 2011 - 20:44
I couldn't think what to get my sister when she got married. They'd lived together for years so didn't need anything practical. I got them his and hers hot water bottle covers (one was stripes of different blues and the other pinks). I'm not sure if they've ever used them but they were at least memorable!
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 14:33
The year there was a falcon hanging from a crane on the Corniche for National Day - it had a flower in its beak too - we called it 'the budgie'! Standing on the Corniche watching fireworks going off from Lulu, can't remember which National Day it was though. In Dubai, going to the old Beach Road Spinneys (still prefer it to the new one). Taking an hour to find Lamcy, with a friend driving, we saw it from every angle but the roads were changing so frequently the routes changed almost daily. We were looking to move in 2001 and I remember meeting an agent at what I still refer to as new Choithram (the big one in Umm Suqeim) and thinking there was no way we could live as far down as the Police College as it was off the edge of the world - we were working in Qusais and Sharjah though.
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Latest post on 28 April 2011 - 14:17
the red sand is on lulu island which they trucked over there at great expense it was going to be a wildlife resort etc but now they are going to build on it at some point. they do still black out the mags, but i remember when we first came that Princess D was wearing a mini skirt, but the black marker peg came out and made it below the knees instead. i remember when the beach at emirates palace was a public beach and when they built the hotel it was called the conference hotel for the big gcc conference so then they had it and renamed it the emirates palace instead. At one point they supposedly wanted Disneyland on Lulu, until the costs were discussed!
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 20:53
Capital Radio in AD, it fair took me back hearing Fadi on Radio 2! Another AD one, but watching the Breakwater being built and going to the beach were the Emirates Palace is now. Sheikh Zayed had wanted red sand on one of the beaches and it was brought from Al Ain. Before they could put it on the beach there was a storm and the dune of red sand disappeared, then next day there was a man in a bobcat driving round trying to scoop it all up! La Brioche, with the surliest staff you could imagine. Going to Lals at Wafi for exciting things like Walkers crisps and Sunblest bread because you couldn't get them in AD. I don't think they black over or rip out so much of the magazines now. I got so used to looking at the spines of mags to see how much had been ripped out and flicking through to find out how many pages were stuck together with black marker that I'd get odd looks when I did it in Smiths. <em>edited by JHM on 27/04/2011</em>
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Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 20:37
I first came to Dubai for the day in June 1980, en route from Europe to Hong Kong. I was very young but remember seeing the sun rise over the plane and walking from the airport to the, under construction, International Hotel. We went by taxi to the Gold Souk and I'm sure I remember barasti houses by the road and we definitely passed a couple of Salukis standing on the sand by the road. 96 must have been a big year in Abu Dhabi, I moved there too! I'd been visiting since 93 and things were already changing. Everyone still assumed it was part of Saudi though. There were really only a couple of places that people went out, Finnegans and the American bar (don't think I ever knew its real name) at the Forte Grand were always packed, after sundowners at Waka Taua (sp?). The road from AD to Dubai had the trees in the fast lane and enormous pot holes in the slow lane, and it flooded in the rain. I used to love the signs by the road, 'Reduce your speed and don't be a source of grief to others'. Etisalat bills started having messages on them, 'Breastfeeding is a community responsibility' raised a smile. When you drove from AD to Dubai you passed Jebel Ali village, then counted off the beach hotels before getting to Desert Springs which stood on its own with the garden centre next to it. Then it was Ace, Defence Roundabout and the Trade Centre but you didn't really feel like you were in Dubai until you got to Sana. We moved to Dubai in 2000 and lived in Qusais and then Mirdif (there were 2 mosque shops, both a bit iffy so Garhoud Choithrams was the nearest shop). We spent New Year's Eve 2000 on the beach by Burj Al Arab (where the Madinat is now), a great night. We often went to Sharjah and from Mirdif to Magrudy's took 20 minutes. My oldest was born at the end of 2002 and I had a buggy shipped over that could handle sand, now there's hardly anywhere left without pavements. I drove down to the Marina today trying to remember what it was like before Beach road was widened and the Marina happened. My stepfather was first here in the mid 80s, working on Jebel Ali power station and then put roads in between Beach Road and the sea, and then in AD in the 90s. He used to like to come back to see what had changed but hasn't joined my mother for her last 2 visits I think because it is all too different. As the place has changed, we've adapted with it but Dubai doesn't seem as friendly as it did.
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Latest post on 24 April 2011 - 22:35
As the others have said, Slough's not the nicest place but there is plenty of choice within commuting distance. It is an expensive area of the UK though. The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead still runs a first school and middle school system. First schools are reception/FS2 to Year 4 and then Year 5 to, I think Year 8 or 9 at middle school. The schools don't tend to be next to each other, which is a consideration if you're going to have a child in each. CP's right about the flight path. I used to live in Old Windsor which is under the flight path but it's not too bad, not a patch on Mirdif! Wraysbury, on the other side of the Thames, in Surrey, is right under it though. Englefield Green's not bad either. Although much of this area of Berkshire seems built up, it's not far before you're in the country, from around Windsor you've got the whole of the Great Park, Saville Gardens and Virginia Water to play in.
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Latest post on 21 April 2011 - 20:26
Bumble Bee, upstairs from Debenhams, near the ice rink, in Dubai Mall have them. You could also try Goodbaby, I got one from there a few years ago but saw them in Bumble Bee today. The covers also keep the wee ones cooler. Just Kidding had, not sure if they still do, Maxi Cosi car seat covers by a Dutch company called Koeka, which are really good. The towelling is longer pile than the Maxi Cosi ones which keeps the wee ones even cooler.
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 23:57
I did wonder if you'd already tried Boots when I posted, sorry. I've also got it in the past in the big pharmacy in MoE, next to Carrefour. I was in Boots in MoE today and they're out of Fenistil gel, things go out of stock here and can be out for months but should come in eventually.
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Latest post on 20 April 2011 - 22:56
I got some in Boots in The Village on Beach Road a few weeks ago. It seems to be easier to get hold of nowadays, I'd try Boots in MCC or DCC.
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 15:42
You are a star assisi, I hope they appreciate your all you've done but maybe that's a bit optimistic!
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 11:06
Thanks JHM - you see, I'd have just got the stuff in the tin! No worries, so would I before I had children - I'd never even been into a Mothercare! The children thing is a whole new minefield!
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 10:49
Thanks for that JHM - how do I tell the difference between UK and other Aptimil formula?? From what I remember (it's been over a year since I had to get it for a friend) it's only available in Choithram and you often have to ask for it - a fairly good chance they won't have it! The UK one, unless it's changed, comes in a cardboard box with a plastic lid and the local one is in a tin - the UK one won't have any Arabic on it and will have a UK address. It will also be considerably more expensive - it was around Dhs90 a box when I got it! It's the one thing that I would suggest you tell them to bring. It's so much easier for them to get some than you and then they have peace of mind that it's right. Most people I've known with babies on formula stock up when they go to the UK!
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Latest post on 19 April 2011 - 10:29
If they're coming from the UK, most of the Aptimil formula you see here isn't the same as the UK - you can get the UK version in Choithrams sometimes but it costs a good twice the UK price. You may want to tell her that as the formula is different they'll need to bring what they need with them - it would be awful to get here and find the wee one won't drink the local stuff. Pampers nappies sold here aren't the same as the UK either. My younger one reacted to them so again, it would be a good idea if she brought at least some nappies with her. As the others have said, we've always carried everything with us, even to family. If they were coming for months it would be different but if you've not got small ones, what does she expect you to do with everything once they've gone?!
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 13:20
Sorry, I didn't mean it to be a negative response, just that the one we had got limited use. It was very useful on occasions but, to be honest, it was often easier to use the buggy or sit my wee one on my knee than to go through all the faff of attaching the thing to the chair and then trying to tie a wriggling child in!
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Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 11:59
I used a fairly basic one from Jojomamanbebe. I used it a few times but they don't actually support the child. The one we had slipped pretty easily if my wee one moved on the seat. The children in the pictures are fairly big too, the bit at the front would be a bit all encompassing! It was handy to carry with me but my wee one was pretty good at sitting still, wish I could say the same now! so it didn't get as much use as it might. They're also a bit convoluted to get onto the seat, not a one handed operation! It was useful on occasion but not a necessity, if there wasn't a high chair, I fed both of mine strapped into their buggies.
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Latest post on 17 April 2011 - 09:50
The rain was falling gently as I went to bed at around 2:30 this morning, it didn't last long but my dog was not impressed when I let her out into it!
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Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 12:18
You wouldn't be working legally and wouldn't be covered by any insurance the company has so, as Dally says, you'd be on your own if anything went wrong. As a parent, I wouldn't be happy, and I hope the school wouldn't be either, that companies providing after school activities are operating outside the law. If staff aren't employed legally how could they be held accountable and how could you know that the people teaching your children are qualified and experienced?
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Latest post on 16 April 2011 - 12:03
Do you have a friend who could look after her? I used to look after my friend's DD when she went back to work part time.
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 12:49
Much better to have them. I foolishly didn't get copies of certain documents for my London flat and they have now gone up in smoke, before systems were computerised. I need them and have no way of proving I purchased the freehold on my flat 20 years ago. Sorry to hijack but simpleasabc, there are a couple of online companies that can get hold of deeds, all purchases after certain dates had to be registered. I was starting to look into this for my father who owns a piece of land and the solicitors which held them has closed. If you do a search online, you may come up with someone who can help.
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 10:38
Not your preferred area, but the Trade Centre apartments allow dogs and you're right by the metro to get down to the Marina.
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Latest post on 13 April 2011 - 10:15
The zoo's always closed on Tuesdays but there's normally a sign on the gate.
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Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 11:37
We're in a 3 bed plus outside maid's room just off Diyafah St and paying 95, would be 100 but the company already had one. Our villa is Union Properties and the maintenance is fantastic, such a huge change from anywhere else we've lived!
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Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 23:11
My husband's just come in from bailing out the terrace and said he was watching lightning hit the flagpole. We used to look out towards Burj K, have seen some spectacular strikes.
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Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 20:39
Lots of very heavy rain in Satwa/Al Bada'a, terrace under water, wondering if we're going to have to start bailing!
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Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 20:11
Can't believe how much dust kicked up just before the rain - should clear the sky a bit. Rain in Satwa
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Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 19:51
Just saw lightning in Satwa. We had 5 spots of rain on the way home an hour ago too!
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Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 10:59
I had the Maxi Cosi Priori the first time round and then the Maxi Cosi Tobi the second time. I found the Tobi a great fit in all the cars I put it into and I found that the straps sticking out when not in use made it so much easier for getting LO in and out. The Tobi reclines too. It does need a decent length seat belt so you need to make sure that it, or any other seat, fit properly in your car.
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Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 14:12
Trying very hard not to get excited :) I may have to go out and wash the windows and the car just to increase the chances of it raining!
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Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 12:25
Stephen Poliakoff has written some really good one off dramas (The Lost Prince, Shooting the Past, Almost Strangers, and lots more).
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Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 21:29
Your vet is right, they do need to have a rabies blood test but only once. Even if they've had the rabies jab every year, they need to have the test to prove that they're free of rabies. Once the test is done, and comes back that the animal is rabies free, it's six months before that animal can enter the UK without quarantine, so basically it's like they've done quarantine here. The test is expensive (just under Dhs1000) but once it's been done it doesn't need to be done again unless you miss a rabies jab - it has to be done one day earlier than the year before (so 364 days) to remain valid. If you leave in a hurry, your pet will have to go into a quarantine kennels in the UK.
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Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 18:12
Good thinking! Not heard it before but used to hearing the bangs and clangs all through the night.
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 21:00
I think that Kinnerton chocolate is guaranteed nut free. They usually do the character eggs (Thomas the Tank Engine, etc and older themes). They've got them in Park n Shop, not sure where else.
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 19:53
There's one on the ground floor of Dubai Mall, near the Organic Shop and Yo Sushi where you can sit outside near the water. Not a stunning view but better than nothing! There's another on the first floor of Dubai Mall which looks out over Zaabeel towards the palace.
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Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 10:31
The easiest is to get on to Sh Zayed Rd. After the Trade Centre underpass, move over to the right and take the slip road for the Al Ain Road. When the two lanes merge, move to the left and then back over to the right to go off on the slip road for Wafi. Head straight down and across the traffic lights and take the second entry to the slip road and DESS is on the right.
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Latest post on 30 March 2011 - 20:03
Noooooooo! Don't go there with the Discovery - they rust out from the bottom up! Plus all the lines and pipes also corrode very quickly. They're just not built for this heat, they're for trudging around wet, muddy fields. If you want a pretty good reliable 4x4, you could do worse than to look at a Pajero, they seem to go on forever. I second, third and fourth this! We had an older Discovery which cost us more in repairs than we sold it for. As soon as you plug one leak, another springs! I love the shape too and have a Series 3 land rover in the UK, but I'd not touch another one here.
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Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 13:19
The t shirt printing place in Mercato will print designs that you take in, we've had it done a few times. I think they've got a stall at Mall of the Emirates too.
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Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 12:57
We only do our shopping at Waitrose either at Dubai mall or The Marina Mall. It's not cheap but it's always fresh and good quality which is our priority. We don't eat out often so can afford it. The smells in some of those other places puts me off when I walk in and the few times we have shopped somewhere different for convenience we have not gone back due to the quality. Hate to say it maxindubai, but we've had some pretty rotten stuff from Waitrose at Dubai Mall (it's just a Spinneys with a different name), including mouldy cheese. I really don't shop in Ch having had off dairy products that were well within their sell by date and weevils in the flour. I have spoken to a couple of people at Sp in Mercato too about them often having Waitrose frozen peas which are yellow and obviously off - though it's hard to find someone working in the branch, let alone a manager! I've just started buying meat for my daughters, as one is on a really restricted diet for a month, but it worries me as my husband and I are both vegetarian so don't taste it before they do. I'm buying the meat from Park n Shop, can anyone put my mind at rest that that's the best place to get it? It's really hard being sure that what you're spending a ridiculously inflated price for has been stored correctly. I think it's more about how it's handled before it gets to the shelves than sitting by the till but I guess that as long as the supermarkets are making their money they won't care!
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Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 18:02
Thank you so much all, I ended up getting a pair in M&S as he's only got one shirt that needs them!
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Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 20:51
Thank you. I'll report back if I see any tie pins/clips!
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Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 18:33
Thanks Izzy, I'll try those tomorrow - wish I'd thought of it earlier!
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Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 13:24
As the others have said, the children at DESS come from all over the city. DD has friends who live everywhere from Mirdif (which is close) to Jumeirah Islands and the Green Community. We're in Al Bada'a and it takes me 15 minutes to get to school - we lived in Jumeira 2 when she started and it took around 30 minutes from there (lots of traffic lights!). There are school buses to many areas but if your wee one's starting in Reception, you need to bear in mind that they finish early for the first month (12 or 12:30, can't remember which).
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Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 21:07
Thanks all, rather what I'd feared. I'm having a look at KLM but it's a bit hard to justify nearly Dhs 9k for a 2 week stay! SalsB, I looked at the EK flight, but we'd be staying an hour the other side of Marseille and EK is at least Dhs 3k more, even to Paris, unfortunately! breteuil, thank you for the very kind offer but it's looking less likely that we'll be going, unfortunately! I hope you have a great time though.