mich25 | ExpatWoman.com
 

mich25

mich25
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Latest post on 31 July 2015 - 11:29
We've just moved from Mirdif to AlSafa and the villa in AlSafa was 20k less than advertised previously. The agent told us not to worry. Don't be bullied just stand your ground. Mudon has lovely villas for 170k so discuss with the LL. There are so many properties available now you will find what you want.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 21:02
Blossom also have a great nursery downtown
mich25
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Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 20:56
My daughter has been at JPS for a year and she has flourished. It is an older school so it isn't flash. However, the new Principal knew my FS1 daughter's name and my very shy daughter definitely felt comfortable in her presence. I have been a teacher for 20 years and the school report I received about my daughter was outstanding. Her lovely teacher had got her spot on and there wasn't a tick box in sight. Lots of photos and honest comments. Something we as a family can move forward with in FS2. You probably can't go wrong with both schools. You are lucky to have the two choices that you have. For us JPS fits the bill.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 12 May 2015 - 20:28
Yes Aquatix are running classes from approx. 5th July through the Summer www.aquatix.me They have small groups and the teachers are friendly and fun with young children.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 20:58
Try Aquatix they have lots of options for lessons. www.aquatix.me
mich25
242
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Latest post on 03 July 2014 - 09:51
They are prioritising people with booked flights. My mum had our MP on the case so I got my passport back this week after sending in the last week of April but still waiting for my old passport and wedding cert to appear. The MPs sec was amazing and had several people to keep hassling them for. She emailed me daily and had the passport office email my mum to confirm that they had printed and sent to DHL. Keep emailing!!!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 10 May 2014 - 21:36
Hi, We have just moved into a great compound in Mirdif. The agent we used is Umer 0551509889. He had lots of options 3/4 bed. Most have a pool. Our house is perfect for us but I am missing our old location as we end up driving miles to everything we do. Once you get used to the planes and mosques( 1 or 2 sleepless nights) it is a good place to be.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 21:56
Hi, I have had two very good pregnancies and deliveries with Dr Yuliya and I am surprised about the attitude that you talk about longinjumeirah. I have always found her thorough and she has always been very straight with me. I haven't really had any serious complications so I guess I have been an easy patient but I would not hesitate to recommend her to people. I definitely agree that Hazel is great but she also speaks very highly of Dr Yuliya and followed her from the Cooper Clinic to the new practice!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 21:56
Hi, I have had two very good pregnancies and deliveries with Dr Yuliya and I am surprised about the attitude that you talk about longinjumeirah. I have always found her thorough and she has always been very straight with me. I haven't really had any serious complications so I guess I have been an easy patient but I would not hesitate to recommend her to people. I definitely agree that Hazel is great but she also speaks very highly of Dr Yuliya and followed her from the Cooper Clinic to the new practice!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 03 April 2014 - 21:51
Dr Yuliya - at the Femiclinic. Have had two very smooth deliveries with her - one at Medcare and one at City.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 21:05
Hi, If you have a degree which is not education related you need to do a PGCE. I have a BSC in Physical Education, Sports Science and Mathematics. To qualify as a teacher I did a PGCE. Check with the university that you would like to study with and they will give you their requirements. Hope that helps. There are lots of opportunities to then extend your qualifications further. Good Luck!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 21:35
I make sure I get there in the morning when it is quiet. Its not so bad having a good look around then. I bought both my daughter's beds from the DM (HB/IA section)for 400/500dhs less than home centre for the exact same beds. If I had bought the wardrobes etc as well it would have been a huge saving. It is still worth taking a look. We got curtains made in GB and blinds in GA for a very reasonable amount. Plus we are having them all installed for 200dhs and it is a 4 bed villa. The only catch was that we need to pick the fitter up with the curtains or pay the taxi fare or they charge an extra 150dhs to drop him off! You need to talk to the guys in the shop about what you want and they have some great material sample books nothing like they have on show!!!!!!!!!!!!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 07 February 2014 - 21:07
We have two places one in Godalming and another in Kingston. Both places are great to live in but have different plus points. Kingston is a very close to London and has great train and road access. The shopping is great and there are some really good schools - state and private. Godalming is a small town, very close to Guildford. It is a lovely community and has a fast train to London as well as being just off the A3 so driving into London is also an easy option. There are lots of good schools in the near vicinity.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 26 January 2014 - 21:00
Speedo swim squads run their main squads from here. Contact [email protected] for more details. She is the main coach.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 18 January 2014 - 20:32
Congratulations! Dr Elsa and Dr Philips are both supposed to be very good but I think Dr Elsa has a long wait list before she can fit you in so you may have to see someone else first. I am with Dr Yuliya who is based at the Femiclinic in Healthcare city but I am delivering at the City Hosp. So that is another way. I had my first appointment at 8 weeks and then every 4 weeks from then. Just make sure you are taking your folic acid tablets and good luck!!!!!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 18 January 2014 - 20:12
Hi, we are in a 3 bed townhouse. Our average DEWA bill is 600dhs per month (max 1200dhs in Summer). There is no housing fee or emicool etc. We have fake turf so watering is minimal but we have the ac on a lot with 2 LOs.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 16 January 2014 - 20:21
We can't agree either. My Dr recommends it but I will read up.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 16 January 2014 - 20:12
Even landlords whose properties have stood empty for months are insisting on 1 cheque. We have just been finalising a new place and we walked away from a few because of their insistence. We have gone with two which is still steep. We paid with 3 this year which worked well with nursery fees etc.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 10 January 2014 - 20:09
Sorry I have just read your reply mrsG1. Dr Yuliiya is now at the Femiclinic in healthcare city sorry I don't have the number handy but they have a facebook page and a website. She has a partner who she works with who is very nice and I was impressed with her whilst Dr Yuliya was away over Xmas. Yes you can still deliver at Medcare, Al Garoud and now City as well. I am off to City this time but I would have happily returned to Medcare.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 10 January 2014 - 20:04
My youngest has fine curly hair and the tangle teaser seems to be the best thing for us. We still have to deal with knots but it does work through the mass of hair successfully without too much stress!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 10 January 2014 - 19:56
Hi, mine go to Blossom who open 7.30-6pm. My husband drops off most days on the way to work but my Principal is quite relaxed about me being late if he is away or has a meeting. We have to be in work by 7.30 but form time/registration starts at 8am so I have time. They have 4 sites now around Dubai and they provide breakfast for the 7.30am children plus all the snacks and meals for the day. Good Luck!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 07 January 2014 - 21:17
Hi, I had my first DD naturally at home in the UK and when DD2 came along there was no mention of a CS by my Dr, Dr Yuliya. She just assumed that I would want another natural birth and that's the way it went. I am due again in 10 days and we have the same plan. At Medcare, the nurses insisted on shaving me when I was first admitted in case I needed a CSec and the nurses in the delivery room kept saying oh its a big baby you will need a section. I just replied asking why I would want to have major surgery when I could be up on my feet again in an hour after delivering if all went well. Dr Yuliya was brilliant and I will trust her again this time. If I need a section she will make the call. If you have the right Dr for you they will work with you to have the birth that you want as long as there are no health issues for you or your LO. Good Luck!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 06 January 2014 - 20:31
This is a minefield that has bewildered us since our amazing maid needed to leave during the amnesty due to a dodgy visa with a local who reported her as absconded even though she had her passport which he gave her back after she paid him for her visa. We found another nice maid who we offered 2K and gave 2 days off a week. She had interviewed with another family previous to us, who after starting with us for a week offered her a trial day after their first choice didn't work out and she packed her stuff and left telling us her sister was very sick in hospital in Jebel Ali. They had offered her a lot more money if things worked out. I hope it did for her sake, as once I found out the truth from her friend who recommended her, she wasn't welcome to come back. We have interviewed maids who demand bonuses at Xmas and during the Summer on top of high salaries which immediately put us off as we do give good bonuses but at our discretion! These maids were a mix of Filipinos and Sri Lankans. After approaching an agency, we were approached by our present maid who is lovely, very happy with our pay offer and the 2 day weekend we prefer so our perseverance has paid off but it was a very frustrating process this time. Good Luck!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 04 January 2014 - 21:02
I think there are very few people who would not appreciate the Miracle Garden. The flowers are brilliant in colour and the displays are varied. Over Xmas we took my Gran who was celebrating her 92 birthday, along with my parents, DH and two daughters. We all enjoyed the hour or so we spent there. Hope you enjoy.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 21:46
I am 38 weeks and my weight has been stable for the last 3 months. I ballooned In Aug/Sept/Oct due to the heat. I teach PE and being outside made me swell up and my weight shot up by 10 kgs. Thankfully I have still only put on the 10kgs and the baby is growing healthily. I don't think 15KGs is a lot. I am fairly big anyway so putting on any extra weight is a definite no no.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 03 January 2014 - 21:40
LOL Diamond Views incredibly bad and skanky - slightly harsh. The flats are a bit of a ghetto but we are probably moving into a Diamond Views town house next week. Yes the developer is a little shady but the house is perfect for our needs and we faced the same issues when we moved into our Mirabella house but it has been great. My DH has been snagging and nagging all week! We did plan to move to another area but the local landlord changed the deal from 3 to 1 cheque because of the expo.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 31 December 2013 - 22:02
We've been here for 2 years and we are very happy. We have a large town house for a reasonable rent. I get my nails etc done very reasonably at the beauticians opposite the Atlantis Accommodation. The owner is a little crazy but the girls who work there are great. There are always taxis outside here as well. Or if no taxi it won't be long before they appear. The supermarkets are more convenience stores but Motor City has a great Spinneys and MOE is only 10 mins away. Takeaways are very reliable from Motor City and recently from further afield. Best advice work out some clear directions to your place as there are no street names or clear land marks so it is very easy for people to get lost. They are starting to introduce more amenities so things are looking up!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 29 December 2013 - 20:21
My daughters are at Blossom and they have a diary which is sent home everyday and they shade in how much the child has eaten of their snacks and meals. You can always ask your child's teacher to let you know.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 29 December 2013 - 20:18
20 months a go we paid 8000dhs at Medcare with Dr Yulia who is based outside the hospital. I am due in a few weeks and we have been quoted 8000dhs by City for a normal delivery and then we have to pay Dr Yulia through her clinic. The city Drs charge is less than Dr Yulia's so the package is less than 13000dhs. Hope that helps!
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 12 December 2013 - 20:40
I agree that it is very strange about the CCTV. It should be an open book for parents to see. However, you need to remember that you have sent your daughter to nursery to integrate with other children, to do lots of activities and to become more independent. At home you have the time to spend feeding your daughter over time, giving her so much at a time. Your daughter's teacher should take note of your wishes but remember they have a class to run. Whilst attending to the children whilst they eat, there may also be nappies to change/toilet breaks to attend to, criers to placate etc. I am not making excuses for the teacher but as a teacher I know that you have to juggle balls all day long and cater for all. A friends daughter eats but she takes a long time and won't be rushed. Her teacher has arranged with the parents that the little girl can take as long as she likes to eat and they give as much food that can be held in her hand as possible so the activities can carry on. Maybe come to some arrangement. For me my kids go to a nursery with food included as I know that I would never get the packed lunch right but all the kids in the class eat together and my girls eat loads of things that I can't even get them to touch at home because the whole class sits and eats together.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 09 December 2013 - 21:08
This thread has been an interesting read. I taught at a prominent girl's boarding school for several years before we moved here. I have to say the parents really thought hard re putting their daughters into boarding. Many worked in the city and were not home after commuting until very late at night. So they either used flexi boarding or weekly boarding to ensure their children completed prep, could attend extra curricular activites eg sports fixtures etc and also eat healthily. One family moved 500m down the road from the school and provided their daughters with a bike each so they could come home if needed at any time but the parents ran a business and could then work all hours during the school week and then they could free up their weekends. I only had issues with one of my tutees who was miserable in boarding and her mum fought tooth and nail to keep her daughter at school during the week. Mum was a designer and only when the daughter showed mum that she could bike to the station and catch the train on time for a week did mum relent. The daughter was a changed girl, so it is important to listen to your child as boarding isn't for everyone. Boarding schools are more parent friendly now and encourage parents to attend sports fixtures, regular coffee mornings, tennis mornings at the schools etc so students don't feel so alienated. It can be the making of some children with so many opportunities on site but just make sure you find the right school and you listen to advice if the school or your daughter raise any concerns. Good Luck!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 03 December 2013 - 22:07
Both my DDs have been in nursery from 6 months from 8am-4/5pm. It was/is hardest for me more so than them. They have a more formal morning and then skill play in the afternoon. They are not alone and my eldest who is approaching her 3rd birthday has made some lovely friends who have been with her from day one. When I see how happy they are and how much they have really progressed it makes it easier to go to work. Find somewhere that suits your family and I am sure your LO will thrive! Good Luck!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 30 November 2013 - 20:16
We were looking at spending a lot more than 100K. My husband's rent allowance like a lot of our friends has decreased with new contracts not increased. This seems to be the trend not the big increase that agents seem to think is the way forward!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 28 November 2013 - 21:36
My LOs are at Blossom nursery and I have to say they are very happy and we have been satisfied on the whole with our experience over the last 2.5 years. The comments re the management are true but I have found a direct approach seems to be best. If I don't get an acceptable response I contact the owner and she is very quick to respond and to set things straight or to solve the issue. I agree the late fee is ridiculous especially when it is a one off. The issue with staffing seems to be that the management don't have an education background. Niggly I have a feeling my eldest is in the same class as your son. We had a bumpy start with her but I make sure I get feedback from her when I do the pick up and she is there. There always seems to be plenty of staff when I am there. I wish my school had such good ratios with our students of the same age!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 28 November 2013 - 21:13
We went today. It was fabulous. Better than last year. There are more themes around the place. However, it will be better in a week or so as some of the plants are new and not in full bloom but saying that it was relaxing to walk around and appreciate the gorgeous colours and fragrances! Well worth the 20dhs to get in and my two toddlers loved it too!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 20:20
Speedo Swim Squads run a great programme at CAS just down the road. The teaching is great and there is a differentiated coaching programme if your children have an interest in swimming competitively or just for fitness.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 19 November 2013 - 20:52
I teach at AAM where nearly all our students are Muslim, 60% local and the rest mostly from other Muslim countries. We have a very good Arabic as a foreign language dept who teach Arabic and Islamics in English to Muslims who don't speak Arabic. It is an International School which would easily cater for your needs and I am sure there are many others which are strong academically and they take teaching Islam and the culture associated with Islam very seriously.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 16 November 2013 - 21:09
Hi, both my girls are at nursery so we pay their fees at different times so we are covered monthly that way. I will make arrangements when my eldest starts school. There are lots of offers on the card with a minimum 1000dhs spend.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 15 November 2013 - 19:42
We have the Standard Chartered Titanium Card - it is up to a maximum amount which is very low. But something is better than nothing. They base it on paying the school fees monthly!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 20:57
Decathlon have two types for toddlers. One for swimming and the traditional ones.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 08 November 2013 - 07:19
There is a team of midwives at The Cooper Clinic. I have met two of them whilst I have been having my appointments and they seem very nice British and Irish and they spoke of another lady too. I think it will be more common here now.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 20:44
Sorry to hear it is so stressful but if you have your residency visa you must have the slip of paper given to you by the Emirates ID Authority when you did your eye scan etc. They have to accept this until the ID card arrives.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 01 November 2013 - 21:27
Hi, Yes it is hard work. The title is 'lovely sri lankan maid available end nov' area is JVC. She is called Thakshila. If you email then I will send her number asap. Thank you M:-)
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2013 - 21:19
Two positive births here and due again in Jan. 1st in UK - midwife led - gas and air - just went with the flow and 3hrs 20mins later DD no1 appeared. No 2 here in Dubai with Dr Yulia at medcare. Again went with the flow. I missed my midwife as the nurses in medcare were strangers and very clinical but Dr Yulia was great and again 3hrs and 20mins later DD no2 arrived. I hope to have another natural birth this time but the person who really got me through was my husband. I really didn't know how he would be and he was amazing. He knew when to push me and when to make me laugh. At medcare there were a lot of people coming in and out for no real reason and he moved them on. I really am very lucky to have him :-) Good Luck!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 29 October 2013 - 20:00
I guess yes magic Dubai if you are both happy with the situation
mich25
242
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Latest post on 29 October 2013 - 19:59
Hi, Sorry I've been away on a PE Residential trip with no time or wifi. No she is still looking. If you would like to meet her please email me your number and she will call you. She was holding out for a family she met but they are still interviewing and undecided as yet so now I am back I have persuaded her to meet other families. I have put the same post in the classifieds as admin won't let me post my email on here. <em>edited by mich25 on 29/10/2013</em>
mich25
242
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Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 20:48
Try Speedo if not. Their programme is very good!
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 21:22
do you want to email me your no and when is a good time to call and I'll call you tomorrow <em>edited by mich25 on 24/10/2013</em>
mich25
242
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Latest post on 18 October 2013 - 22:02
You just rock up to the coffee mornings. There is always someone to welcome you :-)
mich25
242
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Latest post on 18 October 2013 - 21:58
Speedo Swim squads run Adult lessons. www.speedodubai.net They have several venues.
 
 
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