LemonyLime | ExpatWoman.com
 

LemonyLime

LemonyLime
118
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Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 14:42
What did you do in your spare time before you came here? Is there a hobby you think you might enjoy taking up? I've only been here a few weeks and DD doesn't start school for another 2 weeks so I've been busy entertaining her. I can't wait for her to start school so we have a regular rhythm to our lives and I can start doing things just for me! I think it's really easy to fall in to the trap of not bothering to do something. At least you have recognised that so you can change it. Would it help to draw up a list if things you would like to do and see and then plan an activity a day in to your diary? Getting out and meeting people would certainly help you. I have found that I have no idea what I actually want to do for me and I don't have a clue what s available!
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 12:42
I have only been in Dubai a few weeks so I don't really know the place yet. My sister is coming tomorrow to visit for a week. DH is currently away so there will be her, me and my DD who is nearly 4. DD isn't at school until the 22nd so we have a whole week to fill. My sister doesn't like being too warm so anything outdoors is out and she doesn't like swimming. Any suggestions of some really good stuff to do? Places to visit and places to eat? I'm planning a trip to Atlantis to the aquarium as DD loves fish. What else could we do? Both during the day and early evening.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 22:02
Poor thing! Have you got any antihistamines you can give her? They can help with the itching. Just for info - the UK don't vaccinate against chickenpox routinely. It is available privately but quite difficult to get hold of. The US have added it to their vaccination schedule and the UK are considering following in the coming years. The vaccine isn't 100% effective and the side effect is that a vaccinated person tends to get shingles much worse later in life. This can be fatal in an elderly person. Just like every vaccine there are pros and cons. I made the decision to vaccinate my DD prior to moving here. We only moved a few weeks ago. I fortunately managed to convince my GP to do the vaccination albeit on a private prescription. I have no idea if you can get the vaccine here.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 15:27
Also, when you apply for school places you a expected to pay a fee even if they do not have places. You pay to go on waiting lists and also for assessments. Your DD will need to be assessed by any school you apply to unless you have very comprehensive reports from her current school.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 15:25
Your budget for housing will probably determine the area you can live in. The cost has gone up nearly 30% over the last few years. Make sure your DH keeps this in mind when negotiating a deal! Most of the schools offering a British education are very good. There is a link somewhere on this site to all the schools and the fees. Schools are inspected and you can read the reports online if you search for them. It's not the same as an ofsted though and what they base the reports on is different to the UK.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 14:53
DH could never be so organised as to get a plumber round! I'm waiting for Jim'll Fix It people to call me back about a broken air con unit. Do you think it's worth asking them to take a look? I don't want to be calling someone out to it if it is something simple!
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 14:48
Hi, There are lots of British schools here in Dubai. Getting in to a school is the hard part! I would suggest calling some schools and seeing whether they would be able to take your daughter part way through the year. There are a few new schools that have just been built that may have space available. Once you have tested the water with the schools then start working from there as to where to live. The roads are busy on a morning and the school run can take quite some time! She may be able to get a school bus though. The general school day for year 2 starts around 7.45 and finishes at 2.30. Some finish at 1.30 on a Thursday. Have you be out to visit? I found that I got far more done in a week of visiting than I did months of planning in the UK. You may find estate agents can't even be bothered to acknowledge you until you are actually here to view properties!
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 13:55
I realise now what a stupid question it was! Most cars have a letter. Mine doesn't. It's a rental car so maybe that's why? I'll just have to keep lots of change handy!
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 11:24
I have downloaded the app. Thanks for that suggestion. It still wants a letter before the reg number though? <em>edited by LemonyLime on 09/09/2013</em>
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2013 - 14:43
In PAN Emirates you can leave your toddler in the play area while you shop ;-)
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2013 - 08:57
We've just moved here and decided to buy everything new. We've gone for quite cheap stuff and we will upgrade over the years. We decided using dubizzle would be too time consuming. I was shocked how cheap furniture here is! We used ikea, PAN Emirates (big one behind mall of the emirates) and Home Centre (one in mall of the emirates). Be careful with ikea beds as they are ikea sizes so you can only get your bedding from there. The quality of the furniture from Home Centre and PAN Emirates can't be faulted for the price! For example, a 200x180 bed, two side tables, dressing table and mirror came to a total of 2025dhs! We had to pay for a mattress on top of this but they are anything from 600dhs upwards depending on what you want. Home Centre and PAN Emirates do free home delivery within a few days. They also build the furniture for you.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 12:11
I've only been to the spice emporium. It was fantastic! One of my favourite Thais.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2013 - 14:51
Hs your DD got a place then or don't you know? Is she supposed to start next term?
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 August 2013 - 18:34
They have been sending newsletters weekly saying how on track they were and in the last one they addressed the issues of the school not looking finished. They said it didn't look finished as not all of the school is opening this year and but the part that is meant to be open was on track. I hope they do open on the 22nd. I've no idea how I'll entertain DD for much longer than that!
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 23:28
Thank you for your replies. There aren't any after school activities yet so I was hoping to do a couple of organised things a week with her. She did swimming and ballet in the UK but I think she would love to do gymnastics as she loves throwing herself around and tumbling. Since there are obviously cheaper activities I think I will keep looking before making a decision!
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 August 2013 - 17:39
I'm still living in the UK so. Have no idea how I am going to fare once I get to Dubai! I have acne roseacea and the acne was the worst part for me. I am on antibiotics and the acne has cleared up. The roseacea is just on my cheeks and looks like I am wearing blusher so doesn't bother me too much. I have done quite a lot of research though and one thing that can help is eating a low carb diet. I did the Cambridge plan for 9 weeks to lose weight and the side effect was that the acne and roseacea both cleared up. It did come back again around 4 months after I stopped. (So did the weight unfortunately!) it could be worth a try for you. I also read that a vast proportion of people with roseacea have an imbalance of bacteria in their gut and a course of antibiotics that only stay in the gut can cure it temporarily. I haven't tried it but it's worth exploring.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 August 2013 - 23:32
You sound really nice onelasttime. I wouldn't take it personally, some people are just like that. I am worried who I will meet when I move over now though! Just 3 weeks to go!
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 14:33
Thank you for your replies, that does put my mind at rest! The wet wipes are a good idea.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 July 2013 - 13:58
They look to me like they would roll down quite easily like hold ups do.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2013 - 11:59
I always just made a big show of leaving with cuddles and kisses and told her when I would see her next. I used mealtimes as a reference so "I'll see you after your lunch when you've had chance to have a good play at nursery" etc. once they realise you are coming back when you say you are they soon get used to it.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 15:04
DH was also told the results are submitted electronically. Is there something he needs to pick up? Just checked with DH and this has all been done for him.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 15:01
DH was also told the results are submitted electronically. Is there something he needs to pick up?
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 14:57
The lady at DH's office that deals with visas calls every morning to check the status. They have told her every day that it is still being processed and won't be more specific as to which stage it's at.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 14:52
DH was told it would take 8-10 days for his visa to be sorted. He was supposed to be coming back to the UK briefly to finish some business and see me and our DD before returning back to Dubai. The appointment for the medical seemed to come through later than expected but he had this a week last Tuesday. They told him at the appointment that it is usually 2-3 days but that it is currently running at 5 days. Still no passport today. It's been just over 3 weeks since he started the process. How long did your's / DH's take?
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2013 - 00:08
In what way? Ipads have an icon to be able to facetime either using an email address or phone number. The recipient's phone / ipad rings like a phone call and they can answer it with or without video. UAE ones don't have it though.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2013 - 00:03
2nd hand sofas have no value, even C & B.... Anything second hand loses value, even in great condition. For a second hand sofa I would expect to pay no more than 50% of the original price. Try adding it to the classifieds ;-)
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 15:47
I'm going to sound really stupid now - why would anyone get in trouble for smashing the window? I know that getting cars repaired after accidents requires a form from the police but surely windows do get smashed occasionally?
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 17:07
Utilities are also much much more than the UK. AC is used all year round and is expensive to run.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 17:06
You need to consider what package you are being offered if you are going in to employment. I don't know how things work if you want to be self employed. You will have visa costs - will the company pay or you? Housing costs - a typical 3 bed villa is £25k - £35k a year to rent, depending on location. Apartments are cheaper but still much more than the uk. Food and clothing costs roughly London prices. Shipping is very expensive so if a company pays then ship what you have. Otherwise it's a balance over what it's worth and what it will cost. A container is around £6k, a 1m square box is £250. You may have to pay import charges.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 June 2013 - 12:59
Try www.justrentals.com
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 15:26
Are the other books on there ok if you open them now? May be the settings have been changed and the contrast has been lowered?
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 12:39
Applause has to go to the two have-a-go heroes who managed to detain two suspects!
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2013 - 12:36
An article based on a few drunken women having a conversation with a stranger. Hardly well researched is it?
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 14:10
Also, I receive daily emails of properties from various agents. I want to rent a 3 bed in springs. They send me details of 4 beds to buy in al Barsha. Why? What a waste of effort!
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 14:01
We had a nightmare trying to arrange to view houses. We were only going out for a week so wanted to arrange back to back appointments. Out of 35 agents that I contacted only 10 got back to me! Out of those 10 only 6 arranged appointments and out of those 6 agents only 3 turned up to the appointments! I got told that I should just ring on the morning I wanted to view by many agents. I called in the morning, they either didn't have anything to show me, couldn't remember me or didn't answer! We don't need a place until July (all this was 3 weeks ago) and we found we got brushed off since most places are for immediate rent. A lot of the agents use stock photos too rather than those of the actual villa. I had one agent insist they were pictures of the villa even though the walkway to the garden was the wrong side of the house! We managed to get a property, paid a deposit, signed the contracts and then the landlord changed his mind and wanted more money. We have refused and he has changed his mind back but I don't want to deal with someone like that. DH is back out next week so I'm really hoping he has more luck finding us a nice place.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 15:06
It seems I forgot my own email address! I have sent you a mail.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 14:04
DH and I are currently looking for a 3M or 3E in springs. The last house we were looking at fell through when the landlord got greedy after we had already signed the contract! How much are you looking for? We haven't moved yet to Dubai yet and are looking to take a place on in July. DH is back in Dubai for a few weeks next week. We would most certainly be good tenants ;-) louisebell yah oo co uk
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 01:33
In a restaurant I would presume I would be paying for myself. Could you find a place with a set price menu that you could enclose with the invite?
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 01:30
I have no idea but I am also moving in August! How old are your children? I have a dd that is 3.5 and we'll be living in springs. May be we could go to a coffee morning together and figure it all out? It'd be nice to meet another newbie.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 16:50
I think the contract was signed on both sides but I'd have to check. The agent told us it was all agreed and we have a copy of the landlord's visa, passport and house deeds (or whatever they are called).
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 16:47
Good timing since I also just posted a thread about landlords! We have just signed a contract and paid the deposit and the greedy landlord now wants 5k more! Back to searching for a property...
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2013 - 13:03
There is also a 20000 facilities fee to pay on acceptance.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2013 - 19:35
We are only just about to move to Dubai so I do not have any experience first hand. However, we visited last week to look at schools and most schools separate the children out for Arabic. They group them in to basic and home language. If any Arabic is spoken at home then they do the more advanced lessons than those that are learning it for the first time. I believe that quite a few schools also have the option of extra Arabic as an extra curricular lesson. It's worth ringing a few schools to ask.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 23:05
After much debate we have decided to go with GEMS. We have accepted their offer and let the other schools know that we won't be needing a place. Thank you all so much for your comments and advice.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 13:01
I know we have been incredibly lucky. I guess we must have managed to hit the timing right! Regent told us that 3 children that had been given places for fs1 next year had pulled out as they wee leaving Dubai.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 12:49
To throw another one in to the mix, we have now been offered a place at Regent International School too! I think our choices now come down to Regent or the new GEMS.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2013 - 09:04
Thank you for your replies. The plan is to return to the uk in the summer whilst visiting France in between. We are keeping our uk house so will still have a base. I have also told them that we will pay for flights out here for them. I suppose it's just something I'll have to deal with :-(
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 22:35
They were originally 90,000 dhs plus the facilities fee but they revised them a few weeks ago.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 22:34
The fees are very high for Foremarke. It's 60,000 dhs plus a one time payment of 20,000 dhs facilities fee - whatever that is! They then go up to 85,000 dhs from year 1.
LemonyLime
118
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 20:44
Foremarke do start later - 8.30am to 1.30pm for FS1&2. I quite liked that idea! They said it was due to traffic and that they believe children learn better slightly later morning.
 
 
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