mumcurious | ExpatWoman.com
 

mumcurious

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 13:12
The best option in that case would be to look for jobs in Gulf News classified where most 'Assistant' type jobs are published (I helped my previous maid find one from there) which do not specifically require a degree.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 13:02
But her problem of accommodation will not be solved even if she gets some admin type job? I don't think any such job would provide accommodation.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 10:19
I think I also read this somewhere. Having said that, mine is 24 but the difference is that she came on a visit visa which we converted to a maid's visa here, so am not sure if this is a Philippine Labour requirement and is imposed in Philippines. The best bet would be to check with the Philippine Consulate/ Labour office.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 September 2013 - 14:11
We had our DS's 10th B'Day party at Sky Dubai earlier this year. He and all kids had a great time and as everything is taken care of by them we were happy too. My DH went in as a chaperon though they 2-3 party planners accompanying them to the Park. We had a group of 18 kids. 1 hour in the park and then 1 hour of party games/dancing, etc followed by lunch. It was a great hit with his friends... A year before we did it at Kidzania but not their B'Day package as that was exorbitant. A friend and I took all his friends to Kidzania (paid for tickets separately) let them pay around till noon when we collected them all for lunch at Pizza Hut/McD (inside) followed by them rushing away to 'play' again. The parents picked them up between 5-6pm. For the cake cutting, we invited all the kids to our house in the morning at 11am and left immediately after. That was another hit party...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 13:15
My DH is exactly like that too - he tries and tries but somehow our tastes don't match ;-) I have used both methods - kept quite and used the gift (if not too expensive and too off the mark) and asked for an exchange but always along with him so that the final purchase is to both our liking. I have even passed on the gift once when I knew he would not notice - wicked - i know but a girl gotta do what she gotta do...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 13:11
Contact one of the private travel agencies who advertise for visas. I know my maid got it done for her cousin through one of these travel agencies in Satwa.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 September 2013 - 13:05
Our school doesn't accept CCs either, its transfer or cheque. I have raised this subject many a times at Parent Rep/Meet the Principal meetings along with other parents as well but to no avail. Same reason quoted - the bank charges them a lot for CC payments and they do not want to pass on the same to the parents. I wish KHDA made it mandatory for schools to accept all modes of payment - as OP mentioned, not only does it ease the burden of parents with installments, you get to earn points too.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 August 2013 - 17:02
I got it once after their hard sell and now I tell them I did it already, dont you remember with an upset expression...
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Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 12:36
TDB, I posted this on another thread some time back: We went to Bali last year with friends for a week and stayed in Nusa Dua at Rumah Bali and loved it. Excellent home style hotel with swimming pool outside your huge room. We had 3 kids with us - 10, 9 and 7 and they had a great time too. The beach is walking distance and a little quiter than the typical touristy beaches, which suited us well. We did a lot of water sports - scuba diving, parasailing, flying fish (kids loved this), Dolphin watching, Seawalk (also an amazing experience for the kids). There are a lot of restaurants nearby and we tried a different one each day and the best was the Rumah Bali 2 (the one which is a stand alone restaurant, not with the hotel). The hotel itself, was one of the best I have stayed in a long time, quite unassuming from the outside, the reception is quite a let down when you enter but beautiful place with lush gardens, massive rooms and an even massive breakfast (included) each day. Cant recommend this place enough HTH Also, would suggest you hire a car for the days that you wish to go out of Nusa Dua to Ubud, Seminiak, etc.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 12:12
We had a fab time there when we went earlier this year. Will definitely recommend.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 10:39
Thanks all for the detailed replies. TDB you mentioned you booked directly through ownersdirect website, will we be able to use the Facilities of AH in that case or will have to pay separately? I saw communal pools with the villas - are there ones with your own pool as well? Thank you all for the restaurant recommendations - Am already so excited... <em>edited by mumcurious on 21/08/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 17:52
Thanks Pollydxb and Jenc. So would you suggest we take up a villa at AH and pick up the Entertainer for meals etc (Does it have AH meal vouchers) or should we go for half board there itself. I wouldn't want us to cook there on our holiday for sure ;-) Any estimation on cost of hiring a car/van (4 adults, 2 kids, 1 infant) and any suggestion on the company to hire from? Polly can you tell me whats there in the welcome pack?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 09:44
Hi All, We are in the process of planning an Eid holiday for Oct and have shortlisted Cyprus - Aphrodite Hills finally. Though there is a lot of information on the Intercon site, what I would like to know is experiences of ladies who have been there (our 1st time to Cyprus). We will be 2 families, one with 3 children aged 10, 4 and 8 months and planning a 5 nights stay. Would it be better to book hotel rooms or villas/appts? should we go through the Intercon website or are there better (cheaper?) options? Is the 'all-inclusive' worth it or coz you are out most of the day, the bed and breakfast option works better? Also should we book the golf/tennis/gym online before we go or can book at the hotel once we are there (is there a rate difference for online advance booking)? Should we stay only at the resort or its worth exploring nearby places (Do we need to rent a car?) Lots of questions and am hoping some lovely ladies will jump in to help us plan a great holiday :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 14:45
As for cancelling dependents visa in case of moving employer, there as well all you need to do is to keep a deposit (AED1000 or 2000 per visa) with Labour Dept and keep the visas on hold which will then be transferred to the sponsor's new visa and you get your deposit back once the process is done. Again speaking from experience...This your current and new PRO will be able to guide you on.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 14:36
You can surely get a 3 months visa - its called a long term tourist/visit visa. I got this done for my parents last week. Its double the cost of 1 month visa but is surely worth it in your case instead of doing the visa runs. As for the companies bearing the cost of spouse/children visas, i thought they are bound to do it if the salary falls within the stipulated range for family sponsorship. I have had both my husband's as well as my child's visa taken care of by two different employers...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 15:17
We dont get Express, do u mind sharing?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 15:04
Nams will do a detailed email for you on our school but in the meantime would like to let you know that my DS now going to go to Year 6 in sept and they do get some homework (and have been getting since Year 1 I think, but this is something he can finish on his own in 1/2 hour, its basically related to the topic of the week and something the kids would enjoy doing and sharing their learning with parents and I for one dont mind that... Yes, agree with Abby - if the child has to go to Uni in India - Indian Curriculum would be the best - no point - shuffling the kids around b/w curriculums...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2013 - 11:58
We went through the same delimma when choosing a school for our child and in the end went for IB after doing a lot of research and school visits - and today my DS is thriving and blooming... There has not been a single day when my DS has not wanted to go to school, he has attained 100% attendance for the past 2 years. There is no cramming for exams (we dont know when the exams are held - so they write what they know not what they could cram in a day or so), however for our friends with kids in Indian schools - 2 weeks before the exams all outings/extra-curricular activities are stopped and its just study, study, study - this alone makes a child averse to school. And this I am talking about Primary, one can only imagine what would be the case as they progress further. As Abby mentioned, IB/BC promote overall development as compared to only academic - everything is hands on and practical and hence stays with you longer as compared to something you read and were told... As for your question on when is the right time to switch - again from a friend's experience who moved her DS from ICSE to IB in Year 7 as he wasnt doing too good at ICSE and they thought IB would be easier (???!!!) - as the teaching methods are quite different, he had a lot of issues in the beginning as his mind was conditioned to doing things in a particular way, however after that first year, he is quite happy at his new school. So, in a nutshell, in case you want to give your DD an Indian Base and then move her to IB - do it at an early stage, Year 3-4 so that she can cope better. JMO. HTH
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 13:46
Al Hamra Hotel (RAK) is 'business as usual'' even during Ramadan and other dry days...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 13:51
Thanks SD and mumto2. Where can I get good camel chocs (do they taste good?) and Malban? Also any idea on dates other than Bateel?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 11:46
We went to Bali last year for a week and stayed in Nusa Dua at Rumah Bali and loved it. Excellent home style hotel with swimming pool outside your huge room. We had 3 kids with us - 10, 9 and 7 and they had a great time too. The beach is walking distance and a little quiter than the typical touristy beaches, which suited us well. We did a lot of water sports - scuba diving, parasailing, flying fish (kids loved this), Dolphin watching, Seawalk (also an amazing experience for the kids). I should have the details of the water sports company who organised all this for us, let me know if you need this. There are a lot of restaurants nearby and we tried a different one each day and the best was the Rumah Bali 2 (the one which is a stand alone restaurant, not with the hotel). The hotel itself, was one of the best I have stayed in a long time, quite unassuming from the outside, quite a let down when you enter but beautiful place with lush gardens, massive rooms and an even massive breakfast (included) each day. Cant recommend this place enough :) HTH Also, would suggest you hire a car for the days that you wish to go out of Nusa Dua to Ubud, Seminiak, etc. edited by mumcurious on 10/06/2013 <em>edited by mumcurious on 10/06/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2013 - 11:16
...as gifts for family (aunts/uncles/cousins) all grown up with babies. Also, I would like to take Bateel type dates and as it has to be about 10 boxes, was wondering if I could get same quality at somewhere cheaper (nice packaging included)... TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 10:51
I agree that time is money. I mean come on; all that time, they could have wasted ranting on expatwoman, or doing something truly useful, instead they brought back an unneeded item to retrieve the cash. What is the world coming to. My Sentiments exactly. We have time to waste on EW - not only ours but others too (I know! I know! nobody forced me to read or reply) but get upset about someone wasting (their) time to get back their hard earned money!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 14:05
JoyceB makes a valid point - chlidren pick up on the way their parents are treated by each other (and others) and can become very protective. He doesnt want his kids to resent him for not behalving properly with their mum.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 14:01
My God Derien, I think our husbands are clones... This is what I tell my DH on a regular basis: [b'>Sometimes, men treat their wives like their employees. They give an instruction then expect it to be done and then they swoop in for a quality control at various intervals like they were managing a project. Sorry but I don't dance to that tune![/b'>[color=#FF0000'>[/color'> He feels that I m not letting my DS become independent and am involved in everything in his life. He doenst understand that I like it that way. I am a working mum so already feel guilty of missing out and want to be involved in his homework/projects etc and I also sometimes put food on the plate for him and if its getting too late for school sometimes put spoonfuls in his mouth (!!!yes I know)...and yes he's almost 10, but this is not an everyday thing, but whenever this happens my DH will make me realise (without shouting) what a bad example I'm setting. His way of handling DS is wake him up in the morning, let him get ready on his own, even if he is getting late, its better for him to miss the bus until he realise he hasto time himself. When he come from school after changing he should be on the table and if he doenst feel hungry dont give him anything until he asks. Let him do his own h/w he can ask if he needs help. Remind him at 8.45 to brush and go to bed and he should automatically be in bed by 9 pm. Wow while writing this only, I feel like i amd taking about a robot!!! Men!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2013 - 13:42
You woundn't believe, its now caught on at schools as well. My DS's class made a video of the class doing it along with the teacher :) <em>edited by mumcurious on 14/03/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 16:20
I second that! Would be a great idea for working EW...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 14:30
They have swimming classes at Al Ghurair Residences - Al Nadi Club too...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 13:17
It depends on what kind of makeup and style you like. You could go to a beauty salon instead so at least you have a bit of privacy rather than a counter. [b'>Alternatively, save your money, watch a YouTube tutorial and do it yourself.[/b'>[color=#CC0000'>[/color'> Never thought of that, have been thinking of taking a class, but will try this first. Thanks...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 12:21
I and a some of my friends have been sending our kids to the Dubai Holiday Camp's Summer and winter camps. These are held at DIA, Repton and DIS. They have varied activities, take the kids for outdoor events (bowling, Kidzania, Skidubai, etc) once a week and kids enjoy a lot. The best think for us working mums is that they provide bus service. You can check out the details on their website www.dubaiholidaycamps.com. HTH
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 16:45
I am on my 4th one now and all except 1 have been great and the 1 that was not was a great for for 2 years and then she went downhill. My last maid was with us for 4 years and left for 'better prospects'. We're still in touch and she regrets her decision, incidentally she's the one who helped us with our current maid who is also good but with some quirks which I put down to her being quite young. My philosophy where maids are concerned is - You cant have everything and if they were so perfect they woulnt work as maids. As long as they are good with your kids and can do the housework fairly well thats all I need. One tantrum here n there I'm ok with after all dont we have those days ourselves?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 15:28
Drinking water now :D After having 1 finger (just 1 finger) of kitkat :(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 15:26
For mine it has to be different each day of the week (which I continue week after week). I include: 1. Cut Fruits (for the fruit break at 9.30) 2. [b'>Peanut butter banana sandwich/chichen mayo sandwich/tomato cucumber sandwich/cheese (spread) roll[/b'> 3. Various types of cheeses - round/stick/tringle/slice - he really enjoys the variety. 4. Fruit Yougurt - sticks or cup 5. Dried appricots/prunes/strawberries/pinapples/dates/figs/cranberries/raisins 6. Rice crackers/oatmeal cookies/nutrigrain bars 7. Sometimes as a treat - chicken sausages/nuggets 8. Fruit juice/strawberry milk edited by mumcurious on 06/03/2013 I thought most schools were nut free now? Please, check with your school before sending peanut butter. I have some friends whose children are severely allergic to peanuts. never thought of that and never got anything from school as well. Thanks anyway, will find out and/or avoid in future. Though its one of his favourite snack :( I do understand mumcurious, [b'>one of my favorite DD's [/b'>[color=#CC0000'>[/color'>snacks is a peanut butter sandwich. However, for those children who could go into anaphylactic shock just by coming into contact with traces of peanuts, it could be deadly. edited by Kaba on 06/03/2013 Favourite DD or DD's favourite :D
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 14:37
I think I have seen it at Carrefour in the Organic section...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 14:36
Go for it! You wont regret it. We get to go only 2-3 weeks in the summer as I'm working and there's a lot to do here as you will soon experience. Experience it this one time and then you can decide for yourself for the coming years... All the best!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 14:33
For mine it has to be different each day of the week (which I continue week after week). I include: 1. Cut Fruits (for the fruit break at 9.30) 2. [b'>Peanut butter banana sandwich/chichen mayo sandwich/tomato cucumber sandwich/cheese (spread) roll[/b'> 3. Various types of cheeses - round/stick/tringle/slice - he really enjoys the variety. 4. Fruit Yougurt - sticks or cup 5. Dried appricots/prunes/strawberries/pinapples/dates/figs/cranberries/raisins 6. Rice crackers/oatmeal cookies/nutrigrain bars 7. Sometimes as a treat - chicken sausages/nuggets 8. Fruit juice/strawberry milk edited by mumcurious on 06/03/2013 I thought most schools were nut free now? Please, check with your school before sending peanut butter. I have some friends whose children are severely allergic to peanuts. never thought of that and never got anything from school as well. Thanks anyway, will find out and/or avoid in future. Though its one of his favourite snack :(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 14:24
Me too, just had a salad of cabbage, oranges and red grapes with some lemon and salt. Was yum but still hungry :( no way!........that is nothing. Try it, its yum n fills you up for a couple of hours at least. I had my last meal (brekkie) at 8 and hence the hunger pangs...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 14:07
Me too, just had a salad of cabbage, oranges and red grapes with some lemon and salt. Was yum but still hungry :(
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 10:59
Thanks Beebers you can remove it now...
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Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 10:57
For mine it has to be different each day of the week (which I continue week after week). I include: 1. Cut Fruits (for the fruit break at 9.30) 2. Peanut butter banana sandwich/chichen mayo sandwich/tomato cucumber sandwich/cheese (spread) roll 3. Various types of cheeses - round/stick/tringle/slice - he really enjoys the variety. 4. Fruit Yougurt - sticks or cup 5. Dried appricots/prunes/strawberries/pinapples/dates/figs/cranberries/raisins 6. Rice crackers/oatmeal cookies/nutrigrain bars 7. Sometimes as a treat - chicken sausages/nuggets 8. Fruit juice/strawberry milk <em>edited by mumcurious on 06/03/2013</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 09:40
I'll check back here in a but with my email again x [b'>???[/b'>[color=#CC0000'>[/color'>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 09:37
I love the month of Ramadan too, except for the fact that you cannot eat outside, the month is just glorious...Half days (ok maybe 3/4th) at work - you can actually pick up a hobby for that 1 month - I joined a gym with a personal trainer a few years ago - something I could not do on the usual days where I get back from work around 5.30 and with the homework/household chores just didnt have any time to spare for a PT. Unfortunately this year Ramadan falls during summer holidays and we will be vacationing in Canada and US and miss the peaceful and stress-free month of Ramadan.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 09:28
I would say, whatever he wants to – which currently is a professional sports person – a cricketer or tennis (both he’s good at though more passionate about cricket), he also has back up professions decided (he’s not yet 10) considering sports is quite a competitive field – singer or an actor… The fact that none of his chosen professions has anything to do with academics, hasn’t escaped our notice considering ours (both me and my DHs) family are quite academically inclined. So maybe a good change in the family – but as long as he also takes his studies (at least till Uni level) seriously, which till date he is quite good at… So if he follows his heart – he’s gonna be happy and contended and that’s what, I guess, all parents hope for their children…
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 09:18
Thanks Beebers, you're right I need to pay more attention to what I eat, though I wont say I dont at all, but it needs to be a bit more structured, maybe follow a diet plan like 5:2 or South Beach as I have heard a lot about these two. As for the desired result - again you're right - need to shape up and build some muscle more that lose weight (though wont mind 3-5 kgs down ;-) Never thought of cutting down on cardio and increasing the weight training sessions. I guess I really a good trainer to devise an effective plan for me... [color=#CC0000'>''saving that for my clients'' [/color'>- Do you train??? I would love to read your book...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 09:11
Go West at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The best ribs we've ever had barring in Vienna. We celebrated my DH's B'Day there a few years back and they were quite good at catering to a big group...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 14:09
Substitute teacher of course and they also ensure that its the same substitute teacher all throughout the year so there is the least disturbance in the class for the kids...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 February 2013 - 11:14
Hi, my maid was 23 when we sponsored her. We did not face any issues with Immigration. HTH
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Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 15:25
Thanks suzieirl, I explored that - 10 mis for 115/- p/child - what will we do after that?
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Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 12:40
I have tried Jenny Flowers before, they have a website (I think) and are pretty reasonable.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 12:33
Thank you ladies. Great ideas. Will will have a car at both places but would not like to do very long drives. How far is Montreal from Halifax, someone suggested we should cover that as well, but if its too far I would not want to cramp it in 1 week that we are in halifax. On shopping, do you suggest we do that in Halifax/Vancouver or in las Vegas/LA where we are anyway going? Are there any specific things (only available there which I would not find in US) that I should keep in mind? How far is Whistler from Van and would you suggest we stay there overnight/or more? Thanks once again for your time!