Laura_C | ExpatWoman.com
 

Laura_C

Laura_C
214
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Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 12:06
I used to live on the Palm too. I think it's just the entire management. Are you Nakheel too? I used to live on Shoreline....disastrous
Laura_C
214
Posts
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Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 12:01
I think in the end, you need to do something you enjoy or else you will never stick with it. Personal experience is that I've tried everything from running, to going to the gym regularly, to Zumba, to crossfit, and I always just sort of gave up after being really into it for a few weeks. Then I started getting back into dance classes (I used to take them back at home) and I've really stuck with it for the last 2 years now. I was a bit obsessive and went almost 4 or 5 times a week for 2 hours or so, and have lost about 4 kg which is a lot for someone my size. I go to Capella Club at the Silverene Tower at the Marina. They just opened. Previously, I was at James and Alex's Dance Studio at the Concord Tower and also went to BNF in Knowledge village briefly.
Laura_C
214
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Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 11:57
I want to Al Jaber and paid 100 AED, but I don't trust their prescription because I showed it to my American optometrist whom I've seen since I was 15 years old, and he said that the prescription was not correct. I think it's better to go to a properly trained optometrist than the optical stores you see in the mall because those are just technicians who've been trained to use that machine and not much else.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 11:53
Yes, I'd definitely use a reputed broker. Like Feefmick, I also used Aurora at pacificprime. You can email her - [email protected] She was really helpful and explained all the positives and negatives of every insurance company to me. In a place like Dubai where situations that are from middle to very serious can be VERY expensive, it's definitely worth taking an insurance. Also be careful and make sure you ask the broker all the details. Like feefmick, i've realized that there are many insurers that have a lot of hidden flaws that they don't make clear.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 11:47
which insurer do you have? I think it depends because I heard that some companies have already resolved this issue.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 11:46
You have to be careful. I heard with Daman, they don't cover your newborn. So if the baby is premature or has congenital conditions, it is subject to approval, which most likely means that they won't cover it.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 11:43
Are you in Abu Dhabi? If so, they can be checking to see whether you have any fines with HAAD.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 11:41
Yes my friend was arrested for not exchanging his license after he got his residence visa, so don't risk it!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 11:40
I use the dental studio in Jumeirah with a hygenist named Jo Flowers. She is from the UK and was very thorough. http://thedentalstudio.ae/ I went for a checkup/cleaning/xray and the total cost was around 800 AED.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 16:52
So rude. I have guests who are like that as well that just expect you to pay for everything just because you are living abroad tax free. Very annoying!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 15:58
Just to add, the DHA HCC no longer gets you discounts, you'll pay the same price as non card holders. Wow! Really? Just wondering...what's the point in having one then?
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 15:12
I think that is quite expensive. I pay about 500 AED but that is getting highlights and a blow dry and it's a very good salon too.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 15:11
Hi Suzimack, Yes, my friend was in a similar situation and got coverage for her son who is 6. She asked around and most local companies won't do it, so she ended up going with an international one, but it is possible. Or you can look at just getting a government health card. The coverage is not as good as private health insurance, but it is cheaper. Well I guess a government health card can't really be count as actual insurance. They just give you discount at some hospitals. I referred my friend to the broker I used which is where she ended up getting it for her little one. The broker's number is 0504617362. She should be able to help you out if you want. Hope you find what you're looking for.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 10:34
Is anyone going today or this weekend? Do you think they are able to serve mulled wine there? Would so look forward to that to get all christmasy. I know they had beer at the Food Festival earlier this year, so don't see why not for this. Does anyone know?
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2012 - 11:29
Theres a school called Capella Club where I am at. They have packages. A one off class is still 100, but if you buy the package, they are significantly reduced depending on which package you buy. I personally bought their annual package because I will also go to their salsa and hip hop classes, which breaks down to about 25 AED a class if you do go often. It you are not as much of a dancer and only want to do pole, they have packages that makes the classes about 60 - 65 AED a class. <em>edited by Laura_C on 02/12/2012</em>
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 16:31
depends on the school and the package. If you take a big package, it can break down to as low as 20 - 30 AED per hour, but if you don't have a package, and pay per class, it can be as expensive as 100 AED per hour. edited by Laura_C on 27/11/2012 Which dance school? Hi Well I've looked into quite a few like BNF and James and Alex, and they have packages which work out about 80 AED a class, but the cheapest I found and what I am currently doing is Capella Club. They have a very big range of packages. For example - One month is 700 for 3 classes a week which works out to 58 AED a class, but if you buy more like a 4 month or 12 month package, it works out a lot less. 4 months works out to 52 AED a class. and 12 months work out to 40 AED a class. For me, I bought the annual package BUT with other classes besides ballroom dancing because I also do Zumba, yoga, hip hop, step, etc... so I've paid 7000 AED for unlimited classes. I personally love dance so I will be going maybe 5 - 7 hours a week, which breaks down to about 20 - 30 AED a class. So really depends on what you do really.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 14:05
RSA? Yes I heard no one had insurance or very few did! Scary! I am also looking for contents insurance myself, but just be careful. Read the fine print. Thank goodness no one was injured!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 13:43
Yes, I think it also depends on your salary expectations. I know quite a few people who having receptionist roles out here, but payment is only about 3K to 4K AED a month. What about Emirates? That could be suitable for your job skills? crikey ours pay 8-12k Oh gosh, I feel like our company is quite cheap now then. did not know that other people paid that much. I don't decide the salaries, but I know our office only pays 3K for a receptionist and about 4 to 5K for an admin staff, but to be fair, I think they are very good and probably deserve more. I just thought that was the going rate based on what our office pays. Well we still managed to retain them somehow with that pay....hopefully they don't go. They are excellent.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 13:34
Hi As a fellow American expat, I know exactly how you feel. For the first two years in Dubai, I was quite unhappy as well. I hated our apartment, was sick of how people drove, and was not happy with the hobbies I had, and it was hard building your social circle all over again. However, I can say that two years on, I've taken more control of my life and I think that is what you need to do with Dubai. The things you want are available here (except maybe safer driving on the roads...can't do much about that). Our landlord was pretty bad the first year, but this new one is much better. We have an actual relationship with him and he is very understanding. All maintenance are also done directly by the building management that my landlord pays for every year, so I don't have to hassle him and I do not need to pay for it. In terms of social life, slowly but surely I've built up a circle here, and I've actively sought out hobbies and things to do that have also helped. Maybe you need to isolate the problems that you can change and see what you can do.If you do succeed, it will feel good that you've met a challenge, tried, and came through out of it instead of going back home. <em>edited by Laura_C on 27/11/2012</em>
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 13:10
Yea check out Capella Club's timetable on their facebook page. I am sure if you just do a search it should come up. I saw a few slots for mid-day and early evening for classes, so hopefully one will work out for you. They are at the Silverene Tower, right next to the Dubai Marina Mall. Above the Carrefour Good luck! <em>edited by Laura_C on 27/11/2012</em>
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 12:58
Just wondering, is that price per month? or how long does 409 or 470 AED membership get you?
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 12:55
Yea it's better that you find out about them now and their business practices than to surprise you later on. Probably best you avoided this company altogether.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 12:45
Yes, I think it also depends on your salary expectations. I know quite a few people who having receptionist roles out here, but payment is only about 3K to 4K AED a month. What about Emirates? That could be suitable for your job skills?
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 12:02
Have you tried Daman or some other ones? There are local ones that do have direct billing, but AXA is the cheapest I think. Went through a broker and AXA came out cheapest out of like 10, but I guess you do get what you pay for sometimes. You can't have everything.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:59
Nope I did not visit Dubai before, but probably should have I think I would have been a bit more prepared for my move. However, 2 years on, I feel that I've settled in quite nicely, but it does help if you come first and prepare yourself for what you need.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:53
depends on the school and the package. If you take a big package, it can break down to as low as 20 - 30 AED per hour, but if you don't have a package, and pay per class, it can be as expensive as 100 AED per hour. <em>edited by Laura_C on 27/11/2012</em>
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:48
Yes it is called Kadomz, but I think more than one company operates there, so there may be another dance school that uses that same studio space. If you are looking for a dance studio or zumba/step classes, there is also Capella Club right next to the Dubai Marina Mall on top of the Carrefour at Silverene. It just opened and I just started there. Really enjoy it. They have a facebook page called cappella club or you can call them at 044526000
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:41
Yes, I think it depends on what you want to achieve whether that is weight lost or toning. Maybe a combination of both? I do toning exercises like pole and dance classes that I guess are similar to zumba in terms of calories burned. I think I am most happy with that combination as I've lost weight and toned up.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:36
There's a place in Dubai Marina. Is that too far for you? It's called Capella club and they have capoiera classes, ballet, hip hop, etc... for kids. I think he may like capoiera! A bit of martial art/dance? 044586000
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 22:22
Also there's a new school that opened called Capella club. I really love it. I've been searching for something like this for a while for lots of different styles of dance and a reasonably priced membership. Its in the Dubai marina at silverene tower. Just wanted to tell everyone just came back from a class and had to tell someone. Think it's made my experience of Dubai a lot better. It was the one thing I missed that I had at home. :)
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 17:21
The south of sri lanka is the best. I'd recommend getting out of colombo as fast as you can!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 17:19
Yes I recommend speaking to a broker. They will be able to help you. I also used Pacific Prime. They were very helpful. They should know everything there is about the market.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 17:18
yes I also have her email if you want - it is [email protected] Hope you find what you need!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 17:15
For a larger range of classes, I just went to my first class at Capella Club. They are at the Silverene in the Marina and I really liked it. They've got a large variety like hip hop, yoga, pole, zumba, salsa, tango, capoeira, etc...
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 17:15
Jones the grocer!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 15:28
Yes actually to be fair, I find that groupon is not too bad. If you bought a product, it normally does say in the small print that they won't deliver until a certain time period. Took me nearly 3 weeks to get mine, but that was expected. Even if you are not happy with the voucher, I find that they do give refunds pretty easily.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 14:11
I personally think it's a bit risky to have a baby without proper maternity insurance. We are planning at the moment and definitely looked into maternity insurance when we bought our coverage. The thing is although the normal stuff like prenatal care and delivery cost is reasonable at 12K to 25K AED, if something does go wrong, it will cost you through the roof. If the baby needed the NICU, what I learned is that a lot of policies don't cover it. You need to make sure that your plan DOES have newborn coverage or does not underwrite newborns. It just makes sense to get an insurance because the cost of the insurance is at most around 12K to 15K AED, so why not get that extra coverage when it costs the same as getting an insurance. Yes, you do have to wait a bit longer before you can have the child because there are waiting periods, but in the long run, you will lower your risks overall a lot more. Anyways, I'd speak to your insurance broker. I used a company that I was very happy with. If you want her details, let me know. I can pass it on to you.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 13:04
I use the Dental Studio. Their staff is really nice and gave me great advice for my teeth. They are over by Umm Sequeim. thedentalstudio.ae
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 13:01
Congrats! What's the plan now?
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 12:57
Don't know about Latifa but CIty and American are probably the two most expensive in all of the UAE. If you are looking for something cheaper, probably better to use the government hospitals or Iranian hospital, I've used before. It was not bad. A longer wait, but really cheap compared to some of the other ones. But with insurance now, it is much easier because I can just go anywhere I want now.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 12:51
saw a really nice one (also expensive) at Debenhams
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 12:24
Hi Wife of 777, You can use a health card but that only gets you discounts. You still need to pay almost 80% of the cost of treatment.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 12:23
I use Healthbay Polyclinic and see Dr. Oksuz and really like her.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 12:21
I always give my stuff to my maid. At least I know it will go to good use.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 12:05
Just started "The Monk and the Philosopher" By Matthieu Ricard. Really enjoying it. It's a serious of conversations. Kind of like "My Dinner with Andre" the movie but not as heavy because you can go at your own pace as you read through it. Really interesting though. Matthieu Ricard is a French-Buddhist Monk who interprets for the Dalai Lama and translates Tibetan text to French and English. He studied for years as a molecular biologist and had his PhD. His father is the philosopher and has studied, written, and teaches about philosophy. Downloaded it on my iPad.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 12:05
Also started Cloud Atlas but found it a bit slow.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 12:00
Yes, I'd just move if he is being so difficult. I think it will be easier to just suck it up and move than to continuously deal with him. We have a wonderful landlord (last one was horrible) and it's so refreshing.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2012 - 11:51
I used Pacific Prime for medical insurance before and thought they were very helpful. Gave me a very wide range of options and explained everything to me including all the positives and negatives, so I felt I made quite an informed decision. My advise is to make sure you do all your research. Health insurance is quite important especially in a country like the UAE. I used a lady called Aurora at Pacific Prime. Let me know if you want her details or any advise.
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 16:37
Same with mine!!
Laura_C
214
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 16:33
Hi I know from my sister's pregnancy that she didn't really see the doctor much until about 3 months into her pregnancy, but as most people said, it is a personal preference. Which insurance do you have? Is it any good?
 
 
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