oldtimer | ExpatWoman.com
 

oldtimer

oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 13:44
Anyone moved within Dubai recently?
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 10:14
In London, did you get as far as Greenwich? You can take the boat all the way from the London Eye. The Maritime Museum there is great and has lots of interactive stuff for kids, also the Cutty Sark (old boat), the Greenwich Mean Time museum up the hill with planatarium (from which world time is based), the chairlift over the Thames is nearby, old palace of Henry ...
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2014 - 10:11
If your kids are young, Chessington is quite nice and has a zoo and on - site hotel. If a little older, Thorpe Park has more exciting rides.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2014 - 20:49
We arrived with just 4 cases back in January. We bought clothes and IT - you can print out any photos from your computers and get them framed here. Also documents - numerous copies of everything - birth cert, passport, driving licence, passport photos, marriage cert ... And lots of money as the first few months are really expensive when you are putting down deposit on a home, paying for ID, driving licence, DEWA deposit, buying car ... Possibly bring favourite cook books. And bring lots of patience as the first weeks sorting out residency and housing can be trying. Good luck with the move and i wish you every happiness in your new life here.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 July 2014 - 20:44
Hi Blessing, i'm so pleased to hear the surgery went well. My daughter is under review by a UK consultant for her curvature which is 37% at 15 years. Interestingly the consultant didn't believe a back brace would provide any lasting solution, perhaps because of the type of curvature she has. So we play a watching game, wanting her to grow as she is very small, but not wanting the curvature to increase. But I am delighted your daughter is nice and straight now. Thank God.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 08:11
The fees mentioned sound right / a little low for London private schools. As to state schools there is the full range of outstanding to dire; but the same applies to private schools, just because you pay doesn't mean you get a good school! Firstly it depends where she lives and secondly on availability. The good state schools are usually heavily over-subscribed with a very tight catchment area and long waiting lists. When we moved back to London after living abroad all the acceptable state schools were full and the one we were offered by the education authority was miles away from our home and had 80% speaking Engish as a second language, and was graded poor by Ofsted! People move house to get in the catchment area for good schools but even so that has to be done in the year before the child begins school, otherwise you are waiting for someone to move away from the school. What a nice brother to help her out financially, it really is very hard bringing kids up single-handedly and London is expensive.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 21:15
Possibly Magrudys on Beach Road, Jumeira 1?
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 21:11
Coming from Mall of the Emirate on Um Suqeim road (D63). Turn left at second set of lights (D72, also signed as 318Rd). Next traffic lights turn left (17B St). Mall is on your right and fitness centre is at far end of mall. Coming from Al Khail Rd on Um Suqeim Road. Second traffic lights turn right onto 318Rd/ D72. Next traffic lights turn left on to 17B St, Mall is ahead on your right.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 13:46
In my experience it is usually Arab landlords refusing to have Arab tenants!
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 21:08
We had a wonderful holiday in Northern Cyprus. We stayed about 5k west of Kyrenia in a villa with a pool which was owned by the nearby hotel. We visited Bellapais which is beautiful, i'm sure trip advisor would say which are the nice places to stay there. We had a couple of meals there which were delicious. We did a trip to the panhandle, the north east sticky out bit which was like stepping back in time. We stayed a couple of nights there in a 70s retro hotel located on a bay which I would have happily spent 2 weeks in. Very simple but blissfully peaceful and close to amazing white deserted beaches. Lots of donkeys wandering around really made me smile and a beautiful monastery near the end of the panhandle. We flew into Larnaca and hired a car which we drove up to the north and had no problem crossing the border with it, perhaps it depends on the company. Have a lovely holiday!
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 08:47
Hi Delgirl, serviced apartments are a good start - they come fully fitted and inclusive of all bills and often include facilities like pool/gym. That way you know exactly what your outgoings will be. I don't know how much it costs to rent furniture but Ikea is good value and they deliver and assemble so it's an easy option. To give you an idea of cost, we furnished a 4 bed villa completely, white goods, tv, bedding, decs, furniture,etc for AED55,000. Generally the furniture in rented flats, as opposed to serviced apartments, is pretty ropey and they cost quite a bit more than unfurnished. By staying in serviced apt for a few months you can find out where you really want to live and don't have to rush into any decisions. Renting in Dubai I think is usually 1 year contract paid upfront. There are so many expenses when you first arrive I think serviced apts really make sense. We couldn't go serviced as we have a dog and I don't think any take pets.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 08:37
I bought all our electricals from C4. The kettle leaked and they refused to replace it and said it must be sent away for repair; 3 weeks later they confirmed it was faulty, non-repairable and replaced it. Meanwhile I was boiling pans of water on the stove! The vacumn cleaner died after about 4 weeks. Again must go for repair. So what are you supposed to do while it is away for repair, especially if it is up to 30 days! Both were known brands that I have bought before in Europe.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 09:56
Hi Zambia, you are definitely not alone (not that that will make you feel any better :-) I'm sure the oppressive heat is contributory and so keeping cool and hydrated is vital. I get regular migraines too and i think they may also be linked to hormone levels; it might be worth plotting your migraines on a calendar to see if there is any correlation? I take ibuprofen which usually does the trick. You have my sympathy as it is miserable going to bed with a migraine and waking up to the same.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 14:28
Hi FF, i'v done this twice in recent years. The first time I did it myself phoning charity shops, waiting for them to come and collect, taking stuff to the tip, selling stuff, freecycling ... I don't think it would be possible in 2 days. The second time I was short of time and had a house clearance company in. It cost 300 quid but took all the stress out of it. If you think what your time is worth, what second hand furniture is worth, what it would cost to rent a van etc you may decide this is the best solution for you.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 18:54
I received a call from Etisalat today to say that they "for your convenience" are also increasing prices! They are upgrading the internet speed but it isn't possible to stay with the old package as it is being decommissioned. On the plus side they are throwing in free tv package including box, free wireless phone for the house and free wifi anywhere in Dubai with etisalat signal. The price increase is AED30/month which doesn't sound too bad, but I was happy with no tv and the internet as it was.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 15:18
Thanks for the suggestions - as there are 4 of us I thought drive rather than fly so Hatta may be good. Has anyone stayed up at Musandum (?)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 07:03
so do you stick the eggshells up the wall and along the ceiling? :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 21:25
I guess it depends how much disposable money and time you have. Of course using one of the import companies is far easier and less stressful, but they are expensive. They are experts and do it dozens of times a day so are unlikely to make mistakes, they also have contacts in the arrival area and may process more quickly. I used Dubai Kennel and Cattery (?) and they were great. My dog took the overnight flight and was delivered to my villa the next morning.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 21:19
More good news on passports. I thought I would be cunning and posted my kids' ppt renewals when I was back in UK. (24 May) (They are both at boarding school) Then read all about the awful backlog and panicked so emailed MP and Paul Pugh. Both replied within 12hrs and first ppt was delivered to son today. It really does sound that they are starting to clear the backlog so fingers crossed for anyone waiting. Just a thought for people about to apply - could they send application via relative in UK and get relative to courier back? Might be quicker than overseas application and you could then do the fast track service.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2014 - 01:29
I worked for years as an immigration officer although I would codicil that it was a few years ago. If I understand you correctly the facts are : you are already legally married and have a certificate to show that. (Is your UK ppt in your married name?). Your husband has a valid multiple entry visa for UK and has previously visited and complied with the visitor visa conditions. He is not therefore seeking to enter the UK to get married and should not apply for a marriage visa. You are going to UK to celebrate your marriage with family and will then return to Dubai. Cancel your application but because he may be in the system as having withdrawn a visa application take evidence with you of his intentions to return to Dubai - return ticket, letter from his employer confirming his job, rent contract. Also take your marriage certificate to prove you are already married. You are unlikely to be asked anything other than " how long are you staying, what will you be doing in UK" but take the other docs just to be safe. Really don't worry, I can't see any reason he would be refused entry to UK. Have a fantastic party and try not to be stressed about this!
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 07:35
On the subject of mangoes …. I haven't had a good one yet in Dubai. Where is the best place to buy tasty mangoes?
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 07:27
You have to decide what's important to you - for us living abroad it was vital the school had a full boarding programme with all kids staying at weekends. Flexi boarding is awful for the kids left in school - any night friends from their dorm could go home, at weekends they could be the only one in their dorm. We wanted co-ed. We wanted reasonable access to airports (if school down in Devon you have to get to Heathrow to fly home and the taxi is the same price as the flight!) It is good to be near family who can have child out for exeats or can go along for matches or other events in school. You must like the school and the staff and children that you meet on a visit. What is your child good at - some need excellent sports/music/academic/ art … facilities. Do you want a school that goes all the way to 18 or do you want age 11 / 13 entry? Size - the biggest schools are 1000. Would that be overwhelming for your child or are they really confident. Others have 200 - could be too small pond or could be perfect. If you want advice you could talk to the educational consultancies - I know Gabbitas has just opened an office in Dubai but don't know what they charge.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2014 - 12:30
sorry QQ, i lost your email address, hopeless i know! There are a few properties listed with laMaison, worth having a look at :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 14:58
lolame, forgive me for being thick, that's a website rather than email isn't it? How do I contact you?
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 14:53
got it if u want to take it off :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 13:57
Hi Forever21, I feel awkward commenting on a second housing thread, but my house hunting is still fresh in my mind. I can really recommend the agent I used who found me exactly what I wanted and seemed really well connected pulling houses out of his hat! If you want his details just pop your email on here and i'll send it to you.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 13:54
got it :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 12:51
can you send your email or is there a way to PM on this?
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 12:26
I don't think you will find anything at 180K. When I was looking in Jan there were a couple of old old bungalows on at 180K but same bungalows are now going for 220K!! Still, i'll ask. Good luck!
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2014 - 11:57
One of my neighbours is moving out after school term finishes but i'm not sure when that is in Dubai? I'll ask her later. What do you consider a good deal? I know they are paying 180K but I am paying 240K having moved in recently. These rent hikes are shocking!! A small 4 bed oldish compound at the end of our road just went for 215K. I'll keep my ear to the ground for you :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 11:59
Is it true that Emirates staff are being forced to move to Meydan and not allowed to take the housing allowance to spend where they want?
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 11:46
Mrs M, I wouldn't worry about jewelry you are wearing, the biggest crime in tourist areas is pick-pockets. They are very skilled so keep your bag zipped and in front of you, don't leave it on a chair in a cafe, nor your phone on the table, as thieves will grab and run. It does sound alarmist but it happens regularly. Be careful, be aware of who is around you, but also enjoy your holiday!
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 10:37
Does anyone know where the nearest police station to Dubai Marina is? The bump happened in the car park behind the 2 towers by Dubai Pearl exit. I'v searched through the Dubai Police website and the link for "locations of our police stations" shows something completely different!
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 08:17
Thanks Di, i'll post a note to let you know how I get on later :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2014 - 08:09
I'm in Dubai. Really surprised that the other person left her details - wouldn't have happened in London! I've spoken to her and she was really apologetic so fingers crossed she turns up later. So we go to the police station rather than phoning? And any police station will do? What a start to the day!
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 20:13
Just in case any one is interested and wants to find out more about boarding schools, it is the Boarding School fair this weekend at the Sheraton in MOE. There looks to be a good range of schools, including a few prep schools. I'm sure they would be happy to answer any worries about boarding in general as well as questions about their own school It's Fri and Sat, 2-7pm.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 17:05
Hi Mad Dog, I took my maid to al Quoz about a month ago. No appt necessary but it does get busy so I recommend leaving your maid with taxi money to get home. It's attached to the al Quoz mall (not like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates!!!)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 April 2014 - 17:01
Hi Jenny again, how about tomorrow, Wed, at the expat coffee morning in the Mall of the Emirates. It is on from 0830 till at least 1030 though ladies often stay on chatting. You can combine it with shopping after! It's in the back of Biella, an Italian restaurant. Maybe see you there :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 April 2014 - 17:38
Hi Jenny, can you come along to coffee morning in the Mercato Mall tomorrow morning? It's on from 10-12 and there is a wide range of ages, very friendly and welcoming. Hop in a taxi if you are nervous driving. We meet upstairs in the coffee place by the kids play area, Plaisir du Chocolat. Hope to see you there :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 12:53
Ah, so older. At this age he has to really make the decision himself so hopefully the visit will give him the opportunity to get a feel for the school and how he will fit in. The Open Days are usually full of younger kids so I would ask the school if they have other Y10s visiting, otherwise he'll feel awkward around all the 10 year olds visiting in their prep school blazers!
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 11:38
oops, where was i ... yes, comms. Most schools will set up skype for the children and phone calls are easy with only 3 hours time difference, email ... That said, don't be sad if your child doesn't want to skype/speak as it can upset them to have the clash of two worlds. Many find it easier to just email. In my experience girls are much better at keeping in touch than girls. How old is your son? Has he visited the school? Will he come home for half terms? My kids started boarding in the summer term after they turned 9 and both settled with no difficulty, certainly it will be nice to have the grandparents close by to come along to matches etc
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2014 - 11:34
Hi Wurzelgirl, you have obviously put a lot of thought into your decision and know your child better than anyone so your decision is made. Every child is different but the vast majority of kids love boarding if they are at the right school. Schools are so much nicer than they were when I left Dubai to board in 1974! I was put on a plane and sent off to nuns in the north of england which was quite a shock!! Comms are so good now as
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2014 - 15:29
Upstairs in Jumeira Plaza
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 14:17
Hi Izzy, i guess the start of summer you aren't likely to find sales on garden furniture but Dragon Mart has loads and all is negotiable. I bought mine off dubizzle where you'll find pages of stuff available, some hardly used.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 14:14
Hi Maxi, there is a great second hand book shop in the Jumeira Plaza on the beach road in Jumeira 1. It is the mall after the McDs. You get half the cost of the book back if you take it back and they have a great range. They have a few shops in Dubai and you can even order a specific book! Happy reading :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 April 2014 - 14:11
Hi Mrs Q, I used about 10 different agents when I was house hunting and found LaMaison (Kumar) and Go (Sara) to be the only ones to listen to me and show me what I was looking for. Good luck :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 April 2014 - 10:55
It's attached to the Al Quoz Mall in Al Quoz 3 - take Um Suqeim rd past Mall of Emirates, after Lulu Hypermarket pass traffic lights and continue on to next lights, turn left on to D72, at next traffic lights before Al Ahli Driving Centre turn left. Mall is on your right, medical fitness centre is at far end. Yes your maid can do her medical there - it is very busy so you might want to drop her there with taxi fare rather than wait. It was a bit chaotic there and I had to pay extra for courier delivery of the medical certificate and for the Hepatitus jab. After that we had to go to the municipal centre on Hessa St to do the ID card - that centre was bliss compared to the al Manara centre.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 April 2014 - 09:12
Thanks ToutSweet, I spoke to him this morning and will head over there later.
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 April 2014 - 09:10
Thanks Izzy, their website looks really interesting. We'll start with a level 2 walk and see how we get on :-)
oldtimer
161
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 April 2014 - 10:37
Thanks, Izzy. Have you hiked with Absolute before? I'd love to hear how you get on - how long you hike for, size of group, cost?
 
 
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

Babyshop Family Travel Essentials Guide

Must-Have Family Travel Essentials From Babyshop

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

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

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 Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa

A Restful and Luxurious Getaway in Bali, Indonesia

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

The Real Expat: Finding Your Anchor and True Belonging

The Real Expat: Finding Your Anchor and True Belonging

Finding Meaning in Your Expat Experience

Finding Meaning in Your Expat Experience

12 Inspirational Thoughts for women in Dubai to remember this International Women’s Day

12 Inspirational Thoughts for Women in Dubai to Remember This International Women’s Day

Top 5 Places to Visit While Living in Visiting Western Australia

Top 5 Places to Visit While Living in Visiting Western Australia

10 Things to Do in the Northern Island of New Zealand

10 Things to Do in the Northern Island of New Zealand

Top 5 English-Speaking Countries for Expats

Top 5 English-Speaking Countries for Expats