plum2 | ExpatWoman.com
 

plum2

plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 19:08
Wow! Those fees are very high!!!
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 19:02
Noa is also great from House Hunters. Better Homes also have a stand in the AR shopping Centre.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 18:40
Happy to lend you cutlery, crockery, pots for 2 for the length of your holiday. It seems silly to go out and spend money on that. Surely you could bring towels and bed linen with you. It's such a huge saving and if you're going to spending time at the house anyway I'd go for it.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 18:38
School fees effectively double from Primary to Secondary here in Dubai. I've always understood that this was due to the wide range of specialist teachers needed for all the different subjects and the decreasing class size as you move up through secondary school.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 18:35
What brand is it?i have a nice, large Glemgas gas and electric 6 hob cooker. Whilst the 4 gas rings light easily with the electric ignition, I don't think the grill and oven do. We always use a match or lighter for these. The oven actually has a small circular hole in the bottom for you to put the match in.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 06:25
Sorry not much time to write now but no, you couldn't really expect to live on 15,000 unless your accommodation was provided by your employer. You might have more luck going down the line of teaching languages (if you are qualified) as many schools provide accommodation and then you might even get free education for your daughter.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 06:21
I think my friend just paid 8,500 a month for a 1-bedroom short term.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 21:27
No I don't sorry, but I know she found all the agencies a pain to deal with. Noone would show her any apartments and she basically had to take one the day it was vacated by someone. Be very careful dealing with real estate companies overthe Internet and certainly don't part with any money on-line. There have been some scams recently. You need to see the title deed and the passport copy of the owner. I guess not such a worry for short-term lets but some poor people have been conned out of a whole years rent :(
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 21:24
My DD went to buy a new handbag in Bershka last week. The assistant said 'Do you want to buy that today, or you could put it on hold and come in tomorrow as it'll be reduced then' :)
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 21:20
I had a friend that lived there last year and another that has just moved in to a short-term let there. It's a great area. Not too high rise. Lots of trees. Nice pools with most buildings, and shops and cafes within walking distance. Highly recommended.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 21:14
It seems really quick sending them to Dusseldorf at the moment. Mine only took 2 weeks. Someone else said theirs was 9 days.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 21:06
How long is the weekend exam invigilation on for? My friends DD is here from Uni in NZ till mid Feb and would be keen to do some work. Any good?
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 January 2013 - 21:04
Or, if you fancy reading the paper, subscribe to the National for 300dhs and get an Entertainer book for free :)
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 21:33
Thanks flowerhead, I have already called all of the numbers on their site, but all disconnected. I have found another company to provide me with cabins now! Thanks Maybe you could post the contact details of the company you found to help the next person who might be looking.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 14:09
I was also wondering this. It looks like they are continuing to work fast though, so hopefully it will be fully functional soon. What about Hessa Steet junction with Emirates Rd? Is that open yet to get to AR without having to detour onto Umm Suqeim Rd. That will make a huge difference. edited by plum2 on 05/01/2013 <em>edited by plum2 on 05/01/2013</em>
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 13:49
I think today may be their last day in Marina Mall. It was only a short term thing over Xmas and New Year. They are trying to secure a permanent retail space. I'm sure if you send them a message via their FB page they will let you know. I agree - beautiful things!
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 20:28
It is on the opposite side of the Al Ain rd to DSO and, heading towards Al Ain, it is between the Emirates rd and The By-pass rd. it's just before the by-pass Rd. Entrance off Al-ain rd I think.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 20:18
Hi Took the kids to see Les Miserables at the Meydan Cinema today. It's a lovely 562 seat cinema with the biggest screen in the Middle East. There were all of about 10 people in there. Probably more staff on duty there than customers. Why does noone go there? Masses of parking right at the door. Give it a try!
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 08:20
Maybe Barasti would let the kids onto the beach in the mornings?
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 14:36
The fireworks on the Palm Jumeirah, beginning with Atlantis and then the other hotels lasted about 12 minutes. (According to our video). You don't think people would stand [b'>[i'>around for 10 minutes, really?[/i'>[/b'> 8 months on wheels and I've forgotten a lifetime of what it feels like to be people :\: Never mind my contribution to this thread, I'm a chocolate teapot! Happy New Years, all! What does "I'm a chocolate teapot!" mean? It means 'useless' (because it would melt)!
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 11:23
I recently did a UK passport renewal for my son and it took less than 3 weeks. 8 weeks should be ample time.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 21:15
I think Magrudys on the Beach Rd sell them upstairs in the school uniform section. My son needed one for science at school and I seem to remember getting it from there. <em>edited by plum2 on 30/12/2012</em>
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 30 December 2012 - 09:36
I may be wrong but I thought the AR Polo homes were the new houses to be built adjacent to the current AR and opposite the Polo Club. I dont think they've started yet. They were only sold off-plan recently. There are no Polo homes in AR at the moment that I am aware of. AR is a large development with many small communities within an overall development. There are homes from 1.5million Dhs up to 7-8 million so quite a variety. Why not just drive out for a visit. House Hunters, a real estate agent, has a stall in the community shopping centre. They have a handy little map and will be able to give you the low down on rental options.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 23:49
Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim do not have large areas like Cedre villas or AR but there are compounds ranging from 4-6 villas right up to 50+ villas that share facilities like a pool(s), gym and tennis courts.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 23:46
What year will you be looking for? Are you looking for Sept next year? The year that is currently year 8 is very oversubscribed. A friend who arrived in June had to accept a school that was not on her short list by a long shot to get her year 8 child in for this year.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 23:16
I don't really think DSO is any more central than AR. It all depends where you're wanting to get to. The Emirates Rd flyover will be open any day which will make for a very speedy trip from AR to Mall of the Emirates. <em>edited by plum2 on 29/12/2012</em>
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 18:12
Should imagine you would get out all right but the chances of getting home easily at around 10pm are probably fairly remote. The whole are will be heaving with people. It gets fairly gridlocked.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 18:08
I think that the Cedre Villas are nice. If you are going to be working in DSO and considering Wellington DSO then there is a lot to be said for living close by. Your kids could even cycle to school in the cooler months. We see kids in AR cycling to JESS. The Villa is nice to but there are no community pools and not a lot of other facilities (if any?). <em>edited by plum2 on 29/12/2012</em>
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 18:07
The community pools in AR are excellent (heated and chilled) so maybe steer clear of villas with their own pool if you want to keep DEWA costs down. We have our own pool and to be honest it doesn't get a lot of use now the kids are older teens. Our DEWA bills in a 3 bedroom with pool range from 2,600 ish at this time of the year to about 5K in the hotter months.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 18:03
You should check what areas your chosen school(s) offer bus transport to, if you are going to be using it. Not all schools offer transport to all the newer developments.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 15:58
There is definitely a time limit for being outside the regular school system if you are looking at getting your children into school here next year. This is something you should seek clarification on.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 December 2012 - 15:39
I also live in AR and would recommend it. Have you thought about what curriculum you want your 2 to follow? JESS in the Ranches follows the IB curriculum in the 6th form. DESC in Academic City (close to DSO) does A-levels. Not sure about Wellington DSO. If your children are more academic then you might want to consider Dubai College which is an academically selective school following the British Curriculum. There is an entrance exam every January but I believe children can arrange to take it at their current school if they are not yet in the UAE. DC has a good bus service to AR. Two rental companies that have stalls in the AR shopping centre are House Hunters (they specialise in AR) and Better Homes.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 14:43
Sophie's choice with Meryl Streep.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 11:47
Some of the apartment blocks in Jumeirah Lakes Towers are excellent and very close to metro stations. I have friends in Green Lakes Towers (cluster S I think) and in cluster U (the same cluster that had the fire) and bothe their apartments are really nice and spacious.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 December 2012 - 11:57
My hairdresser works in a salon in Mirdif and does home visits. She is excellent. Call Suzanne 0505796954
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 22:32
I saw the Penney's ones in Dubai Marina Mall today, can't remember the name of the store but It was upstairs opposite the Toy Store (maybe the floor above the toystore ) there is a display in the window and they had all colours. I think it is the Quicksilver store n MarinaMall. I saw them too.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 22:30
Jebel Ali would get my vote. It is a lovely small school with great teachers.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 22:25
My cousin felt like you at much the same age. She got a puppy instead and called it IDA. " I'd a rather had another baby but..." She went on to lead a very full life and relished being able to travel easily with her husband. She has enjoyed her grandchildren immensely.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 21:19
I am selling some stuff for a friend who had to leave Dubai. I have a washing machine, dryer, double bed (ikea with white leather headboard) and a flat screen TV. Send me an email if you are interested. I'm in AR but could probably deliver. Dubaiplum at gmail dot com
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 21:17
I got one a bit bigger than that at Waitrose in Marina Mall. I think mine is about 9kg.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 21:38
I think they are only certifying that the copy is a true copy of the original so I would imagine you could take both passports.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 21:34
I haven't used Ford for servicing since the free 3 years servicing ran out. Last major service was with A 2 B and I think it was 1200 dhs. HTH I remember researching safety records thoroughly when I bought it and at that time the Escape rated very highly. <em>edited by plum2 on 15/12/2012</em>
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 16:57
I have had my Escape from new and I love it! It has been excellent in every respect. ETA: I have had it for 7 years now and ot had any issues other than regular servicing ( and I've often been quite late with the services too) <em>edited by plum2 on 15/12/2012</em>
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 15 December 2012 - 16:46
I think that all the forms are available on-line. I recently printed off the form I needed to renew my sons passport, filled it in and then couriered it off. I am assuming you mean for a abritish Passport renewal.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 12 December 2012 - 15:47
I dont know where your mother lives but in most parts of the UK there is a place where you can go which demonstrates all the assistive aids elderly or disabled people might need. They can try out different things. It is usually staffed by occupational therapists. Get her to ask about this at the local health centre or ask her GP for a referral to an occupational therapist who will do a home visit and assess what might be useful.
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 14:56
You can call Josephine McBurney on 050 640 3513 or email luxurychristmaspuddings at gmail.com She will be at Arte at Times sq on Fri 14th if you want to collect from there. I just got her text message yesterday and it said 'last orders' so I would contact her promptly. <em>edited by plum2 on 10/12/2012</em>
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2012 - 16:48
Yes, hopefully he can go back to his school in the UK for term 3. Any part-time teachers available out there? Thanks
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2012 - 15:20
They used to live here but went back to the Uk for medical treatment. They will be back here permanently (and he will be in school here hopefully) from Sept 2013. The child has started school this term in the UK. Mum would like to bring him out here for term 2 this year a) to spend time with dad who works here and b) to keep him well in the better weather. He has to be back in the UK in term 3 for medical treatment. This is why they don't want to enrol him in a school full-time until next September. Hope this makes sense!
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2012 - 14:55
Alliance Francais run conversation classes at different levels at both the Alliance Francais building (close to American Hospital) and at DUCTAC at MOE (or at least they used to).
plum2
1913
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 04 December 2012 - 14:49
Thanks for your reply. The child is currently in a school in England. They want to come here for a term prior to moving back here full-time from September 2013. Term 3 he needs to be in the UK for medical treatment. So no, they are not currently home-schooling.
 
 
UAE Family Law 2026 | Divorce, Custody & Personal Status Guide for Expat Residents

Divorce in Dubai Explained: A 2026 Guide to UAE Family Law, Custody and Your Rights

Best music schools for kids in Dubai | Aureus Academy UAE

The Case for Music: Why Dubai’s Expat Mums Are Choosing Aureus

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai | Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy

The Legal Framework of Real Estate in Dubai

Top Online Schools in the UAE for Kids and Teenagers: CambriLearn

Why Expat Families in the UAE Are Choosing Online School Over Traditional Classrooms

How to get a divorce in Dubai as an expat resident

Marital Breakdown & Divorce: A Guide for Expat Mums Living in Dubai and Across the UAE

10 Essential Steps to Secure Your Child’s Educational Future

The Education Plan Every Expat Parent Wishes They’d Started Sooner

Kisari Kids - Awareness Parenting Coach Eva Szorad Interview

Getting Kids to Cooperate Without Punishment or Rewards - Aware Parenting with Eva from Kisari.Kids

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

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

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

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

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