meggsy16

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 09:51

ummmuhammad123 - my opinion about you changed so much in one post. I read the maid post and the early responses were critical (but I didn't feel nasty). What impressed me was your willingness to actually read what people had taken the time to write and try and use that advice to help your situation with the maid. That is hard to do but you did it and if I am correct with the help of these ladies on EW you were able to address the issues raised in that post with your maid. I wish sometimes others were more willing to have the same attitude as you. There are always some pearls of wisdom in posts which may sound harsh or critical. Daza - I too must admit I am a bit of fan. I like how you don't mince your words and I feel you give sound advice which comes from a positive place and never negative.

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 23:00

I find the debate over whether someone who has left a city / country being able to comment on this forum "interesting"... Personally, I look up 3 different areas on this forum and for different reasons. As a newbie to one city, I tend to view the threads from that city to garner information off there which hopefully will making living in the new location easier. I like to hear recommendations from both people who currently live there or those who use to live there (as they will still have some great information to share!). On the threads related to cities I have previously lived, I make comments every now and again with recommendations that I hope will help people trying to find their feet in a new location. Having just moved I feel that my information is still current and would have no issue if some was to correct me - ie post that somewhere had closed down or that there services were no longer great etc. Also, especially on the Dubai threads, a lot of people will post seeking advice on personal situations that aren't limited to their locations. If I feel I can offer some advice then again I will post. Some people use these forums as sounding boards or to seek our varied opinions on their personal situations in the hope that others may be able to shed light on how to deal with the situations they find themselves in. Lastly on what started this whole thread. In comparison to some online forums I feel this is pretty tame. Mostly those getting upset tend to be people posting something and rather then receiving supporting comments find themselves receiving views that differ greatly from their own. I don't think it's a bad thing for people to have different opinions and I don't think it's a bad thing for these to be strongly debated, especially if it's a touchy subject. I think to some degree if you are going to wade into a hot topic be very prepared to argue your side. If you don't think you can handle the heat then don't post :)

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 September 2014 - 22:46

Hi hkhan, tgrlily has given you some great answers. I have just moved from Abu Dhabi to Doha a few months back. Firstly - like you we were only in Abu Dhabi for a "short" period of time (after relocating from another overseas location). Even though we have moved now 3 times with the same company (it was an internal move) there are cost involved with those moves. So that is something to be aware of. Personally we found finding schools for our children harder in Doha then Abu Dhabi. That said it is still tough in Abu Dhabi. Food costs appear to be slightly more expensive here in Doha then in Abu Dhabi. Our spending habits haven't changed (we are still buying similar food over the week and using generally the same supermarket group). But as we have only been here (in Doha) for a few months, we are still stocking up on things etc. Petrol is cheaper in Doha. I might as well mention at this point that driving is far easier in Abu Dhabi then Doha (can't believe I just used the words driving, Abu Dhabi and easy in the same sentence!). Though "generally" drivers are faster in Abu Dhabi. Other bills appear so far to be very similar in cost. I can't really comment on housing too much. We had villa accommodation in both locations but budget was different. We have a slightly higher budget in Doha then Abu Dhabi and personally found that to be because prices seemed higher in Doha. As for which place I prefer.... I don't think I am quite settled enough yet to give an unbiased answer. I loved Abu Dhabi - in comparison to my previous expat location it was a walk in the park! So for me personally it was a great place and I enjoyed my time there. You will speak to many people who will strongly disagree with that statement and to be honest if I had just moved from my home country I may of felt it was hard / difficult. Doha has been a little tougher so far, but in part that was due to us arriving right in the middle of the summer holidays, there was fewer people around and it has only been since the kids have gone back to school that things have started to settle down a bit. Hope some of this information helps!

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 13:29

Carrefour has wooden skewers. They are located in the outdoor / bbq area. They come in a range of sizes and lengths.

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 21:08

Agree with Daza, try and increase your water / fluid intake. Also if your prenatal vitamins contain iron this could be causing problems too.

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 September 2014 - 00:18

I'm not too sure why you are so upset that a comment was sent home in the diary. At all the schools my children have attended, their school diary has always been the best form of communication with their teachers. Most schools insist on the use of the diary for this purpose. Pick up and Drop off times can be busy times for the teacher. They are still meant to be looking after children that are still waiting to be collected or greeting those arriving in the classroom. If I was you, I would write a polite message in the diary requesting a personal meeting with the teacher at a suitable time to discuss the issue raised. I think it is best to try and resolve the issue with the teacher first before requesting a change. If the teacher has taken the time to raise the issue then I am sure they are willing to take the time to work with you to help your child adjust to a new environment such as school. Being able to listen to a teacher and peers is an import skill.

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 05 September 2014 - 20:30

Hi Mbds, For baby swimsuits did you try Carters? I haven't looked recently but I think from memory they start their swimsuits sizes from 3 months. There is a Carters at Hyatt Plaza. With the swim diapers, were you wanting disposable or the fabric ones? In the past Mothercare has stocked the fabric ones (that is where I bought mine from). Carrefour at Villaggio Mall has the disposable Huggies swimmer nappies (diapers).

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 12:44

Beebers - Glad to hear that is how others think of us! I think on the whole we are pretty laid back people who tend to not take ourselves too seriously!

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 12:28

I like your sense of humour Guinness2! :D

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 09:21

VISS stands for Victoria International School Sharjah. I know nothing else about the school so can't really comment any further.

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 12:57

I was living in another country at the time (still as an expat) and there was limited options there. We went to the Marriott hotel (the biggest hotel in our area). Sorry I can't be more helpful in recommendations for hotels in Dubai, but to give you an idea there was lots of expats and some locals and we went for brunch. It was a little 'rowdy' but nothing over the top (usual Christmas cheer with a little bit of alcohol thrown in). We took along our pram and my daughter spent most of the brunch sleeping or having cuddles with some very excited new grandparents who had flown in from overseas to meet her. It should be noted our son was 2.5 so she was use to having lots of noise around the house (and everything else that comes with an excitable 2 year old boy!).

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 12:22

I would recommend you go out. My daughter was less then 2 weeks old and we went out for christmas lunch the year she was born. It was nice to get out of the house and do something special. The noise in the hotel we went to didn't bother her.

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 September 2014 - 09:54

As a precaution, check the lead levels in the paint and see how they compare to the safety levels in your home country. If you aren't able to find what the safe levels are in your own country, check with Australia / UK / US standards. Prior to living here in the middle east we lived in another country and the levels of lead in the leading paint brands would of been illegal in Australia. As I said it's just a precaution but one worth taking / checking :)

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 02 September 2014 - 19:54

Hi, Look up a company Ripe me, their website is www.ripeme.com They sell organic Fruit and Veg. There is a lot more details on their website (which is very user friendly) about where they sell (they are a bit like a pop up shop in Abu Dhabi).

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 19:17

Hi Frazzle, We just did the reverse move (Abu Dhabi to Doha). The advice given by Twinkle12 is a great starting point. KCA doesn't have the compounds like you find out near Aspire Zone - they are either large like the ones mentioned (much bigger then Al Farden Gardens and Beverley Hills) or smaller compounds with only a few villa's. Good Luck!

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 14:08

Australia has strict laws - bought about due to an incident at Port Arthur (Tasmania)in 1996. Most significant is the banning of all semi - automatic rifles and semi automatic / pump action shotguns. The main idea was that in a nutshell the average person doesn't require the above and that they can cause the most harm.

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 13:20

There is an Ikea in Abu Dhabi - might be worth calling them :)

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 17:24

Is it REALLY that hard for people to park within the white lines - it seems to be near enough good enough... actually scrap that - the attitude seems to be if you manage to get 1 wheel within the white lines / bay you were aiming for then consider the car parked... nothing like getting into the car from the passenger side with toddler in tow!!!

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 16:36

Hi, I can't help with your specific relocation (Dubai - UK), but we have just moved from Abu Dhabi to Doha with a Labrador so will give you advice based on our experience. We asked for quotes from 3 different companies (1 Abu Dhabi based and 2 Doha based). I also researched cost and what was involved and based on the cost difference we decided to do it all ourselves. To be really honest with you - yes we saved a lot of money, but the amount of time and stress made me at the time question if it was really worth it. No matter how simply something may seem I can tell you it isn't! If you can afford the pet relocation companies then use them - it will be less stressful and hassle. If you don't mind spending hours going around in circles and having different answers given to you by different people then it is worth doing it yourself. To give you an idea of just how stressful it was - we only found out 1 hour before our dog needed to be at the airport that he was actually on the flight - not one person from the airlines or cargo could confirm this critical piece of information to us prior to that. We made numerous phone calls during that 24 hours and were passed from one person to another and back again. For us personally, circumstances meant that had there been a delay we would of been ok (slightly put out but kennel was aware of the situation and we were staying with friends). Good Luck! :)

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 20 August 2014 - 21:10

Hi Are there any dance classes people would recommend for a 3 year old. Interested in either Ballet, Basic Dance or a Kindermusik type class. Thanks :)

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 11:10

Agree with you girls - wax type and technique are more important then appearance of the salon :) Good to also know that other places use this type of wax - means there is more options if you can't get into your regular place.

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 18 August 2014 - 18:42

In some countries mutton is an older sheep and in other countries it refers to goats meat :)

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 18 August 2014 - 17:49

Hi mrssak, It is meant to be less painful as it doesn't pull at the skin, only the hair. Great for sensitive areas like underarms etc. It also means hair can be shorted then when you use normal hot wax. I'm not a beautician so have very limited knowledge, but for me personally it's my preferred type of wax :)It's worth googling it as it is a bit hard to explain what it looks like when it goes on and when it's removed.

24

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 18 August 2014 - 16:52

Sisters Beauty Lounge (google them, they are located in some of the big malls) - they use Lycon wax. Highly recommend them :) PS I understand your comment about 'hot wax'

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing