LMAO-DXB

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Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 10:45

Hey Molly. Its being held in a new Physio clinic in Sidra Tower (Al Sofouh) rather than a hotel, so unfortunately got to try and source one from somewhere.

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Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 01:58

Hey ladies I'm organising a seminar and need to hire a projector just for one day. Any ideas where I could get one from? TIA! :) xx

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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 11:30

Oh ok, thats good to know! Altho Manara is actually closer to me. Was is a headache to get it done or was it easy? I hate having to do this kinda stuff and usually delegate it all to DH but apparently its my turn for this one :( <em>edited by LMAO-DXB on 01/05/2014</em>

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Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 11:13

Thanks Izzy. I thought it could only be done at the municipality office tho as its dictated by municipality rather than DEWA?

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Latest post on 30 April 2014 - 21:56

Hi mks Its only been open since october but is actually quite a busy nursery already. My LO goes there. Feel free to drop me a line on beckiep at hotmail dot co dot uk and I'll happily answer any questions you have about it. Please let me know when you've picked up my addy so i can remove it. thanks.

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Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 13:48

Hi Andy! I was hoping to somehow catch you on here, I remembered you'd posted about Out of the Blues on the other thread and was kicking myself because I couldn't remember the contact details. My friend isn't sure if she does have PND or if its just certain circumstances at the mo that are making her feel this way. I dont know if she would prefer to go down a meds route or talking therapies route. Who would be good to see so she can weigh up her options and decide? I saw Dr Delphine myself in her lactation consultant capacity and found her to be fantastic but don't have any experience with her from a PND perspective. I suffered from PND quite badly myself and never sought help for it which I really regret and don't want to see my friend suffer in the same way if its avoidable. Any advice you can give is hugely appreciated!

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Latest post on 22 April 2014 - 15:42

Hi again. Thanks for all your help ladies. I tried calling AMER but they redirected me to a specific EID number (6005 30003 incase anyone else needs it) and was told that no further typing is needed (despite what it says on the paper) and I can only go to either Knowledge Village or Satwa to get it done apparently. So Satwa it is then I guess. Thanks again! :)

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Latest post on 22 April 2014 - 13:33

Thanks for your replies. Di, I dont think its actually the application form I need to do. The application has already been filed, apparently i just need to get some typing done so that I can get the biometrics completed (again!!). According to the form I was given this typing should only cost aed 30, rather than the full application which i think is the one online. I'll have another look tho incase i've overlooked it. Ladybirds, i've tried calling the number for the Al Barsha center about 8 times so far this morning and no one is answering. Is there another number you used? Skyhighgirl, I'd seen your post and was ecstatic at how straightforward it all seemed however mine was not so simple, unfortunately and am still having a headache with the whole thing. As mentioned in my original post, I cant get out during the day to use an Ontime center and am likely to only have about an hour at best to get the typing done and then get in line for the biometrics. Im in tecom so my nearest center that will be open in the eve is Barsha, so wondered if anyone knows if there's a typing center actually in the center or not, or if i somehow need to try and find one close by before I go....

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Latest post on 22 April 2014 - 12:49

Hey ladies So my frustration of trying to get my visa renewed continues. When I went for my medical, I got a piece of paper relating to my Emirates ID renewal saying that i need to go to an Emirates ID center within 14 days to get my biometrics "recaptured" and it has to be done within 14 days otherwise I'll have to pay for the whole thing all over again. I have no idea why I need to do this as Im fairly sure that neither my retina nor my finger prints have changed in the last 3 years! We had planned to do it same day but with one disaster after another we didn't get time. So I had planned to go that week but then realised I had to take my passport with me, but couldn't as DH's PRO now had it to get my visa finalised. For some unknown reason, this took ages. I finally got my passport back yesterday and the 14 days is up tomorrow. That would be fine, except, both DD and I have been really unwell the last few days with a horrible tummy bug. I'm better today but DD is still squitting here, there and everywhere. I was planning to go to the center in Knowledge Village when she was in nursery but she is obviously off now this week. I dont have a car so will have to cab it wherever I go, can't really take DD out at the mo for fear of what explosions may occur, and have no one that can watch her for me while I go and get it done. My only other hope is to try and get to one of the other centers (as KV apparently closes at 2pm) this evening when DH gets home from work, but even this may be cutting it fine as they all seem to close at 8pm and DH is usually late home. Can anyone tell me if the EIDA center in Barsha (opposite the race course) has a typing center actually in the same building or do i need to try and find a typing center first and then go? I have tried calling but no-one is answering the phone. Sorry for the rant, I'm tearing my hair out with this whole process, and even more so as its probably a total waste of time and money as we may well be relocating in the not too distant future if certain parties will pull their finger out!!! Arrrrgh! Bad day!!!

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Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 12:23

If it were a real threat, then schools / malls would have been shut. For crying out loud, they should schools if it may rain.... This is what I didn't understand.....they're effectively saying stay away from other people as this is such a health threat, but still bring your kids to school. Until the last few years, I've always worked in hospitals so am used to having accurate and reliable info on such outbreaks and am finding it really disconcerting not having that level of info anymore esp when things like this are banded about. Its hard to know what is reliable and what is just scaremongering. I think its kinda irresponsible of the school to be putting out sensationalist warnings to people. Since posting this I've had chance to do a bit more research and no-where that I have found, has any authority said anything even close to what the school warning has said. they are just basically saying to be vigilant about normal hand hygiene, especially if having been in contact with farm animals. Thanks for the replies ladies. Interested to hear if anyone else has any thoughts on this.

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Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 16:00

ok cool. will look into it. Thanks for the info Sabrina! :)

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Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 15:49

Ooooh, that one sounds interesting!! never been there. where exactly is the Montgomerie?

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Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 15:09

I think there are a few vouchers in the family Entertainer for some restaurants at The Hilton JBR? Thanks Yorky, yeah there are but they're actually staying at the Hilton so guessing they've probably eaten there quite a bit so far...

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Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 15:08

Thanks for the heads up on that. Im now thinking maybe jst to go somewhere like Carluccio's in Marina mall as there is space outside for the kids to run around and look at the boats and we have vouchers too. Why do husbands always decide to dump tasks like this on you at the last minute! Grrr!!

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Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 14:48

Thanks Sabrina. Just had a look at the menu and it looks quite nice, but i have a feeling we're going to end up footing the bill so anywhere with vouchers in the family entertainer would be a huge help. have been scouring through it but havent come up with anything of use so far. only thing i can find is Thyme restaurant. Anyone been there?? is it child friendly?

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Latest post on 27 March 2014 - 17:37

Hi Twiglet, Sorry to hear you and your family are going through this stressful time. As others have mentioned, a good physio will be of huge benefit. There is a fantastic paediatric physio called Kate Mills who is at Kids First on Al Wasl Road (near the police academy). I used to work with her at City and can highly recommend her. HTH.

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Latest post on 27 March 2014 - 17:23

Hey ladies, Just thought I post an update on what we ended up doing. So after a lot indecisiveness and general faffing around, I eventually booked Anantara in one of their pool access rooms, the day before we were due to check in. I made the reservation online directly on their website as they have a special offer on at the mo which includes breakfast and a 30min date scrub and a 60min arabian massage for 2 people included in the room rate. The spa isnt open yet (and wont be until the end of April, so I was told) so they are offering in-room treatments in the interim period. I emailed the reservations manager and spa manager telling them that we were staying to celebrate DH's birthday and our recent wedding anniversary and asked if there was anything they could do to make our stay extra special. I got a call back saying that they would be providing a cake and some flower arrangements, both complimentary, and if i wanted additional decorations such as balloons, there would be an additional fee of AED500. I decided to just go for the complimentary decorations. I'd also requested that the spa treatments take place as soon as we'd checked in and this was agreed. So as we arrived I sent DH off to have a look around while I went to the check-in desk. DH thought we were just there for a pool and spa day. The lady on check-in was lovely and seemed very excited, saying she had a lovely surprise for us for DH's birthday - i thought she was just referring to the cake and decorations. She called for a Tuk-tuk to take us to our room, and when we arrived, it turned out they had upgraded us to an over-the-water villa! It was absolutely stunning!! We were welcomed by 2 ladies from the spa who already had the spa tables set up, and a nice hot rose petal bath running. There was a lovely cake, sweets, fruit skewers in the main room; balloons in the bathroom, petals on the bed spelling out Happy Birthday, and swans made out of towels next to it. The spa treatments were amazing. I thought it wouldn't be so good not being in a spa but it was fantastic! DH actually fell asleep during his massage. After the massage I told DH we were staying the night and he was thrilled! We went for drinks at the Beach house which has a lovely view of the sea and the skyline, then went for dinner at Mekong which was also really good. When we returned to our room after dinner, the bed had been turned down, and they had left a painting of our family name (you know the ones you can get from the stall at Ibn Battuta where all the letters are made up of camels, palm trees, etc) for us to take home. The following day, we checked out then stayed for a couple of hours by the pool, where a guy came along offering to clean our sun glasses, then a lady came with slices of cucumber on ice for our eyes. I thought they were really nice little touches. My sunny's have never been so clean!!! It was a very pricey night away but absolutely worth every penny. I couldn't fault a single thing about the resort or the staff. they were all very friendly and polite. And breakfast was great!! I loved the "Anantara signature jams" The coconut jam was delicious! We were made to feel so special there and really enjoyed our time together. To my surprise, its a really family friendly resort aswell. The pool access rooms have a security gate between the room and pool that can be closed for child safety, and around the edge of the lagoon is a "beach" leading into the lagoon which quite a few babies were thoroughly enjoying making sand castles on with their parents. There's also a nice kids play area and i think there's a kids club too. So if anyone's considering staying there I would definitely recommend it! :)

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Latest post on 17 March 2014 - 12:35

thanks ladies. have just found out that Anantara's spa also isn't ope n yet however they are offering in-room treatments instead. now i really cant decide what to do for the best :( Did they say when the Spa would open? Do you know if all the restaurants are now open? I would like to book a long weekend but want to make sure everything is open first. They're saying that the spa will be open in April but haven't specified when in april yet. Don't know regarding the restaurants tho.

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Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 11:58

thanks ladies. have just found out that Anantara's spa also isn't ope n yet however they are offering in-room treatments instead. now i really cant decide what to do for the best :(

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Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 11:21

Thanks Fruitcake. The 3.5 hours, was that there and back or just one way? It was there and back :) Thanks fruitcake! :)

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Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 11:20

Thanks for the info Ruth. Have actually just been looking into flights to Muscat with FlyDubai. Am trying to see if there's a flight that gets in around the same time i need to collect my parents from the airport. Its coming out about AED200 cheaper to fly than to extend but just trying to work out which is likely to have the lesser hassle factor! The flights to Muscat only seem to have about 45 mins in between arrival and departure. Is that likely to be long enough? what happens if there's a delay on the out-bound flight? Really hate travelling alone, I get lost pretty much everywhere I go!!

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Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 11:10

Thanks Fruitcake. The 3.5 hours, was that there and back or just one way?

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Latest post on 13 March 2014 - 10:30

Thanks for the replies! Uff, was hoping I could do it at the airport as got to do an airport run tomorrow anyway! I HATE going to immigration. Its quite possibly my least favorite place in the entire universe!!! :( Are boarder runs at Hatta still possible? Anyone know how long it takes to do the round trip from New Dubai and the cost of the border crossing? Thanks!

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Latest post on 11 March 2014 - 11:22

Thanks Polly. I love the look of those lagoon access rooms at Anantara. Did you try any of the restaurants there? ETA just found out the Spa at Waldorf wont be open when we'll be staying so i'm down to Anantara and Sofitel..... <em>edited by LMAO-DXB on 11/03/2014</em>

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Latest post on 21 February 2014 - 14:21

Hey ladies, In need of some urgent suggestions. Its mine and DH's 5th wedding anniversary tomorrow so we're planning on going out for a nice, romantic dinner to night. It will be the first time its just the 2 of us in soooo long - a good friend is being our fairy godmother and babysitting our 19 month old DD. I thought we'd decided to go to Shanghai Chic at Ibn Battuta as we went there a few months ago and loved it, but today DH has said he wants to go somewhere we haven't been before. So can anyone pleeease give me some ideas, preferably in the New Dubai end of town. I've been googling all morning - looked at music hall, supper club, pai thai, pier chic, 101, Burj Al Arab.....nothings really floating my boat. Already been to Shimmers, Observatory, been to a couple of the restaurants in Grosvenor hotel (cant remember the the names). We eat pretty much anything. All suggestions very welcome!! Heeeelp!! TIA! :) xx

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Latest post on 30 January 2014 - 18:57

Thanks Kimbo, got the email. Will reply just as soon as I get 5 mins peace! lol! Can i just get you to remove my addy from the quote please? Thanks! :) xx

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Latest post on 30 January 2014 - 12:30

Hi ladies, Thanks Sals, Tamieg and Kimbo for the advice. I think at the mo we're thinking that maybe DH will move first until his RP is sorted (however long that will be) then me, DD, furbaby, car and furniture will follow. Just cant think how it will all be possible otherwise. Kimbo, I'd love to get in touch with you if the offer's still open? Thanks! :) <em>edited by LMAO-DXB on 30/01/2014</em>

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Latest post on 30 January 2014 - 12:20

Hi ladies, sorry its taken me so long to reply, had a sick toddler over the last couple of weeks and she's been keeping me on my toes!! Amy77, can you tell me the management company of BH10? Is it Al Asmakh? They don't have BH10 listed on their site and surprise surprise haven't bothered responding to my email. Dewysnails, How is Q Bel Air these days? I did a search on here and a couple of years ago it was getting really bad reviews about drainage and sewage issues. Is this sorted now? Also any idea roughly how long it would take to get from there (or other nearby compounds) to the junction of Al Sadd road on C-ring road, as I think DH's office will be somewhere in that area. Thanks also for the suggestions of compounds to look at and WITW for mentioning somewhere I'd probably rather steer clear of regarding industrial traffic etc. Looks like DH will be travelling a lot, so I dont want to feel stressed out every time I have to go to the supermarket with just myself and DD! Please keep any other suggestions rolling in. the whole thing is stressing me out as its turning out to be far less straightforwards than it should be - not that i should be surprised!! lol!

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Latest post on 17 January 2014 - 00:57

Hi mrsw2, thanks for the tip! looked on their website and BHG compounds look beautiful!! they dont have BHG10 listed on their website tho :( I emailed them asking if they deal with BHG10 but so far no reply. Will give them a call next week if i've still not heard back from them. Do you mind me asking what the rent price is like for the 4 bed villas and if you have any idea how much the 3 beds are going for?

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Latest post on 17 January 2014 - 00:04

Ufff....sounds like this is going to be harder than i'd thought. Of course, most of the villas look lovely on the websites but anything can look nice in a photo i guess! Romana, are you in Qatar already? Sals, how did you manage to find a place when you were moving from Dubai? Did you manage to get somewhere to move straight into or did you go into temp accom first? I just have no idea how we're going to manage this. Seems like mission impossible at the moment, especially with a toddler and a dog in tow!! :( We're hoping to find somewhere around Al Waab / Abu Hamour area but its so hard knowing if what you see on the websites is actually what you'll get. Im guessing that Real Estate agents in Qatar are probably of the same impeccable standard as in Dubai?

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Latest post on 15 January 2014 - 21:09

Hi Romana, sorry to hijack your thread but just wanted to ask, SalsB, did you find that was the case with compound villas or mostly stand-alone villas?

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Latest post on 14 January 2014 - 16:39

Thanks for the replies. I'd been thinking more towards a compound rather than stand-alone mostly because of facilities and the social aspect of it. DD is a really sociable little thing and I feel really bad taking her away from her friends at nursery. Was thinking there would be more opportunity to meet other kids on a compound, and hopefully for me and DH to make some new friends too. Do the compounds there tend to be quite sociable or do people still keep themselves to themselves? We've lived in our building for 3 years now and whilst there are people we have regular little chats with in the lifts or carpark, there's no-one we'd actually say we're friends with and no-one we socialise with. But also DH is likely to be away a lot - business trips back to Dubai (Grrrrr!!!!) so as Kimbo said, maintenance would be a whole lot easier; plus maybe I would feel safer in a compound? I've lived in an apartment block for so long, I cant remember the last time I lived somewhere that had a ground level, and always a little freaked out when I stay at my parents home. Do compounds there tend to be owned by a company or are there still individual landlords within a compound? I saw on an advert it said "Direct from Landlord" - there were a few villas for the same compound and on some of the adverts specified "Arab only" but others didn't, so got me wondering. Also, is it worth trying to negotiate the rent or is it pretty fixed there? Sorry for all the questions! Really appreciate all your input tho, so thanks!! :)

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Latest post on 14 January 2014 - 14:06

Hi kimmc3, thanks for your reply. We're currently in an apartment with a balcony, so even if the villa only had a small yard, it would probably still be more than our furbaby is used to at the moment. Are compounds there usually dog friendly? I have seen that quite a few of the apartment buildings in west bay have a no pets policy, so was hoping that compounds would perhaps be a bit more relaxed on this? Can anyone advise of any particular compounds to look out for? So far I've seen places advertised in Cascade Compound, Makki Gardens, Dar Al Salam Villas ( all in Abu Hamour, i think); Z Villas 11 (but i dont remember where this one was), Tebah Gardens in Al Waab; and a couple of others that look ok on the internet but no compound name is provided. Any feedback on any of these? Also, any feedback on Al Wakra? Someone recommended that rent prices are good there but have seen on the EW guide that its mostly bachelors living there? Is that right?

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Latest post on 14 January 2014 - 11:48

Hey ladies Looks like our move is likely (although still not entirely certain) to be going ahead, and probably quite soon. Anyone who's seen my other post a few weeks ago knows we were thinking of going for an apartment in West Bay, however after some more research have found we can get far more for our money in other areas, and although we thought a villa would be totally out of our financial reach, turns out its not :) DH and I will be moving with our 18month old DD and our dog. We are looking at areas from Al Waab to Old Airport area, and to the C-ring road. We would prefer a compound villa for the facilities, to make it easier for DD and I to meet people, and for there (hopefully) to be less restrictions for us having our dog there. I have heard though that there are waiting lists for most compounds. Is this the case? So I guess what i'm really asking is for advice on areas and compounds - the pros and cons...... We're still open to the idea of an apartment if necessary tho. Our budget (we think) would be around QR15000 per month for a min 2 bedrooms, with dogs allowed. Anywhere in particular to look out for or avoid? Do people generally prefer compound living or stand alone villas? Any advice is really appreciated. Really struggling to get my head around everything! TIA! xx

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Latest post on 27 December 2013 - 10:49

Hi ladies. Thank you for the replies. Hope you've all had a lovely Christmas! NNIT, I absolutely understood what people were saying with regards to the departure lounge.....I think you missed my sarcasm. Perhaps my dry sense of humor is failing to shine through at the moment. We're not all in the privileged position to be making "A Lot" of money, we just do whatever we have to do to give our DD a better future. Sometimes in life we all have to do things we don't want to. So instead of throwing my toys out of the pram about it, I'm trying to take the more grown up approach and make the best of a not so great situation. I owe that much to my DH and DD. He shouldnt have to worry about me stomping around like a sulky teenager for the next few years when he's working his butt off to make things better for us in the long run. And DD deserves better than to have a mom intent on making life miserable just because she had to leave her friends. We're all expats - this is the life we signed up for. Thank you for the advice on residential areas. We're happy in an apartment and one of DH's friends in Qatar has said that West Bay will probably be our best option regarding travelling to work. Had a look on property finder, dubizzle etc but virtually all of the apartments coming up are fully furnished, and a lot of places are in Zig zag tower - any one got any views on this building? We'd be looking for unfurnished, is there a particular site that deals more with unfurnished that i could look at? Marycatherine, you're absolutely right. Although it isnt really what i want (i dont think DH really wants to move to Qatar either TBH) I can see that it will probably be the best opportunity that we get to have a far better future for our family, so want to make the best of it, and you never know, maybe we'll be in the apparent minority that can actually enjoy living there. Can anyone give me any more info on West Bay? What is there? Are there many cafes, grocery stores etc that are within walking distance? And are there places I can go walking with DD? looking on google maps, there appears to be a lot of green areas, tennis courts etc but i cant work out if these are public areas, or if they belong to specific buildings. Are they classed as parks or can dogs be walked there? Think I might start a new thread with doggy questions as how we'll manage with our furbaby is becoming a bit of a concern. Romana, I love the way you've described Doha. Where Im from originally, its a boring little town with no glitz or glamour, and there's very little to do, but its the little things you find as you described that can make a place more interesting if you take the time to look for them. Thanks again, and any more info that anyone can share would be really appreciated! <em>edited by LMAO-DXB on 27/12/2013</em>

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Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 12:56

Hi ladies. Thanks for the info on car shipping and nurseries, and for not making Qatar sound like quite so much of a h3ll hole. So it looks like i got the wrong end of the stick on this one, and if DH does get and accept the job (which it's looking quite likely), we will have to relocate. My logical side is fine with it as it will be a great stepping stone for DH's career and our family's future. My emotional side tho is far from ok with it. We will be leaving a home and a city that I love, some great friends that have become my family, and DD and I will both be leaving our best friends, to start over from scratch in a place im not really looking forwards to being in. Keep telling myself that however cr@ppy it is, it cant be any worse than anywhere we'd live if we went back to our home country and at least we'd still have the weather. So, a couple of new questions now.... I think DH's office would be on C-ring road between Al Mirqab Al Jadeed and Fereej Bin Mahmoud. Im not sure if this is jst the company head office and if he would be based there or elsewhere, but assuming it is here, what areas would be best to consider for living, considering the traffic etc? Does anyone know roughly the cost and process of transporting a dog from Dubai to Qatar? Any companies you could recommend? Are there Doggy Daycare places there like we have here? She usually goes just once a week to have a break from being harassed by DD and to socialise with other pooches. Notnewintown, you mentioned that cost of living is higher and quality of life is lower compared to Dubai. Can you give me some examples regarding quality of life? We live a pretty boring life over here but its one im very happy with. My day revolves around taking our dog for her walks, looking after my DD in the morning, taking her to nursery in an afternoon, then either meeting with a friend for a coffee or skyping home while I have those few hours free. Then its, pick up DD, dinner bath and bed for her then spend the evening at home with hubby. on a weekend we usually go to a mall or a park or soft play place, or occasionally the beach. We have the occasional meal out and the odd takeout. We're not ones for regular 5* dinners or regular brunchers and our days of going out drinking and clubbing came to an end quite a while ago. So for me and my lifestyle, am i likely to find a huge difference? I often find it hard to relate when people say about quality of life, because i think it very much depends on what you're used to doing with your time and think people must have far more exciting lives than mine. And finally (for now) I'm feeling really sad about the whole thing even though I know its the right thing for us to do. I visited Qatar a couple of years ago very briefly and didnt really like it but wasnt there long enough to give it a proper chance. Please can anyone just tell me some of the positives about Qatar and things that you do like there. Please don't reply with "no, nothing" or similar as I'm desperately trying not to jump on the "I hate Qatar!" bandwagon before we even get there. It cant be all bad, surely? What about any nice parks or places to take the kids? Please just tell me anything you like about the place. I know the departure lounge at the airport gets rave reviews, so I'll be sure to check that out at some point, but anything else?

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Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 12:19

Hearing you loud and clear NNIT, but then we need to make sure whatever package DH would go in on would be sufficient should a move be necessary, which is the main purpose of the thread. So, any advice regarding nursery fees, school fees, housing, residential areas.....? <em>edited by LMAO-DXB on 22/12/2013</em>

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Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 12:15

As said in previous posts, the best part about it is the departure lounge at Doha International Airport. Yep, agree. Ok, so I know this is the feeling a lot of people have about the place, but if anyone can shed any light on any of the questions we've raised in the original post so we're not digging ourselves a great big hole.....

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Latest post on 22 December 2013 - 11:27

Hi ladies, thanks for your replies. Ok, so need to 'fess up a little here. As I've been up to my eyeballs in gingerbread men and reindeer cupcakes all weekend, I actually got DH to write the original post for me (but also partly so that i didnt forget to ask something he had wanted me to). A couple of bits of info have been missed out tho and our situation isn't quite as clear cut as it sounds. So the job he has an interview for......its for a company which is based in Qatar, however his role will be based in Dubai so for now, no move would be necessary. HOWEVER, there is a small chance that at some point in the future we may have to relocate to Qatar - so we may not have a choice in the matter. Having been royally screwed previously by companies here with regards to packages etc, through not having had every minute detail put in writing in the contract, we want to make sure we dont get caught out again, so need to either negotiate a package that would be more than adequate should we be required to move, OR have it written in to the contract that if we had to relocate, then we would be requiring an increase in package to XYZ to cover relocation costs and the increased living expenses. In all honesty, right now, I would much rather stick pins in my eyes than have to move there, and we're hopeful that it wont be necessary at any point, but just having to take account of all the "What if's" and make sure we're covered and not jumping out of the frying pan into the fire, so to speak. Thanks Kimbo for the info re the car. will look into it and find out about the associated costs. And thanks Whereintheworld re schools. I think its unlikely for the role DH is going for that we would have fees paid, but we dont in his current job either. Do you know if the fees in Qatar are significantly higher than in dubai or roughly comparable? Schools here are also one giant pain in the a$$!! Any other info that anyone can offer would be hugely appreciated! Just wanting to make sure we have truly covered our bums this time!

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Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 17:43

Hi Alismum Sorry to hear your LO is feeling unwell. Mediclinic Al Sufouh (Block 10 Knowledge Village) have a walk in facility and good Dr's but I'm pretty sure their paeds finish around 8, after which time they'll recommend you go to a hospital rather than see their GP. Their number is 043661030 Hope your Lo's feeling better soon!

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EW GURU

Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 11:04

Hi Betti. Yes we've done this for the last couple of years and its always been great!! We always order on Room Service Delivery and get our food from Radisson Blu Deira Creek. Always good value, great quality and super easy. They ask what day and time you want it delivering and its always bang on time. Here's the website.... http://www.rsd.ae/search_result.aspx?cuisine=15&restaurant=0&area=0 HTH. xx <em>edited by LMAO-DXB on 16/12/2013</em>

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EW GURU

Latest post on 16 December 2013 - 10:37

Thanks ladies! Will give those shops a try today. Knew i could count on you guys!! ;)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 09 December 2013 - 16:09

In my experience, (having had DD on my lap whilst she was in a swim diaper, she pee'd and I got soaked...) no, they dont hold the pee in. They aren't particularly absorbent at all. I think they're more aimed towards not letting any poop escape should they do so whilst in the pool. Normal diapers would just absorb a stupid amount of pool water and would end up leaking pee (and possibly poop) anyway as they would have reached their saturation limits. Im not totally grossed out at the thought of people re-using (unless its been pooped in, in which case...bleugh!!) but its not somethings thats ever occurred to me to do. Hmmm....TDB, you've got me thinking now!! :p

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EW GURU

Latest post on 05 December 2013 - 22:04

Thanks for your replies ladies. Its really nice hearing what other people do with their families. I'm from a pretty small family and we dont have a huge amount of traditions so I want to make a whole load of new ones that DD can carry with her. We're doing the advent calendar and have the tree and decorations up, we're going to the panto at the christmas festival which im really looking forwards to!! (haven't been to a panto in YEARS and dont think DH has ever been to one!!) Love the idea of a letter to santa but think maybe she's a little young for that at the mo, but maybe we could all write a joint one and she could decorate it with us. The baking day sounds great too. Havent done baking with her yet but im sure she'd have great fun and hubby would love getting involved in that kinda thing too! Really wanted to go the lights switch on at Irish Village as I've heard its lovely with a great atmosphere, but they're doing it on a monday at 7pm. NO chance of getting there in time, plus would be a late night for DD who'd be grumpy at nursery the next day. :( Mannikat, I totally agree that it should be more than just santa and although DH is muslim, I plan to make sure when DD is older she understands the origins and importance of Christmas especially as my family are christian , and that it wasnt just invented so people can get presents and stuff themselves silly (altho that is quite a nice by-product of it!! ;) ) <em>edited by LMAO-DXB on 05/12/2013</em>

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EW GURU

Latest post on 05 December 2013 - 12:07

To be honest, I think they're probably right (for once!) With the cabriofix, when fixing with the seat belt, you could change the position of the seat a little but not a great deal because of the way the belt went through. Baby would be far more at risk from an incorrectly fixed seat than any suffocation risk (so long as she isnt piled up with blankets etc) IMO. The cabriofix was easy to fix with the seatbelt once you worked out how to do it. Does your friend have the instruction book with her? If not im sure you can access the info online. Maybe have a look and see if your friend wants to try taking it out and re-installing incase it can be reclined a little. Sorry I cant be any more help. Maybe someone who's used an Opel might have some other tricks up their sleeve?

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EW GURU

Latest post on 05 December 2013 - 12:07

To be honest, I think they're probably right (for once!) With the cabriofix, when fixing with the seat belt, you could change the position of the seat a little but not a great deal because of the way the belt went through. Baby would be far more at risk from an incorrectly fixed seat than any suffocation risk (so long as she isnt piled up with blankets etc) IMO. The cabriofix was easy to fix with the seatbelt once you worked out how to do it. Does your friend have the instruction book with her? If not im sure you can access the info online. Maybe have a look and see if your friend wants to try taking it out and re-installing incase it can be reclined a little. Sorry I cant be any more help. Maybe someone who's used an Opel might have some other tricks up their sleeve?

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EW GURU

Latest post on 05 December 2013 - 11:56

Hi Kooky We had the rear facing maxi cosi cabriofix and as far as i know you cant really recline it. Im not familiar with the Opel model tho. DD's head also tended to fall forwards sometimes when she fell asleep. so long as there isn't a load of material (blankets, bibs, soft toys etc) where her face is likely to be I'm sure she'll be fine. Just out of interest, is it fixed in the car with the seatbelt or on a base?

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EW GURU

Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 22:07

Thanks fatmuch and lilypad for the links, actually have an idea of what im looking for now. Not overly keen on the overcoat trend, I think other styles look a little more elegant and more flattering, but hey, if thats what I'm supposed to wear.... <em>edited by LMAO-DXB on 24/11/2013</em>

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EW GURU

Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 22:03

Hey! Thanks mrsb! Will definitely get in touch with Asma, she sounds great! I prefer to use someone who's been recommended. When you say slow, how slow are we talking?? Its beginning of Feb we're due to go. We'll be going to Lahore. Can I ask roughly what was the price for the outfits you mentioned? How do you find the prices of clothes here compared to there? Also, do you mind me asking, how do you feel visiting Pakistan? I have a lot of reservations about going. I keep thinking I'm going to feel really out of place and sticking out like a sore thumb as I'm white with blonde hair and light eyes, so clearly aren't exactly going to blend in particularly easily!! Do you feel safe when you're there? I dont cover as you do, but obviously would be dressing appropriately for where I will be. I really just dont want to go :( <em>edited by LMAO-DXB on 24/11/2013</em>

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EW GURU

Latest post on 10 November 2013 - 20:51

You're welcome! :) xx

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