rubyslippers | ExpatWoman.com
 

rubyslippers

rubyslippers
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Latest post on 04 March 2017 - 18:51
Hi, Were you successful in you search for a tutor? I am Head of Learning Support at a top British Curriculum primary school in Dubai and am available to tutor. I only take on one child at a time. The last child I worked with was successful in their application for a leading UK boarding school so left in December. I have extensive experience in KS2 SATS, comprehension, grammar, spelling and writing. I am also looking for a tutor so please get in touch if you are looking for students if the OP has found someone.. I don't want to cut in!
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 04 March 2017 - 18:47
my DD goes to Dr Michaels childrens dentist al wasl. it is specifically designed for children only.. outdoor area, bikes to ride, ipads books well worth the journey!
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 March 2015 - 18:31
Hi hope the following helps... might be worth printing them off and taking them to the Emaar Office.. as taking the name of the manager you speak to! :) http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/property-fees-must-be-paid-by-owners-rera-2014-03-18-1.542101 http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/dubai-tenants-can-file-lawsuits-if-services-discontinued-rera-2014-06-22-1.553750 Good Luck!
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 13:37
My 5 yrs old is an only child, he struggles socially at school as he prefers the company of adults. He is social but with older children outside school only. He is fine with sharing, he is not spoiled and he is very well behaved at school. But he talks to us (his parents) as if we are his age, if I raise my voice a bit he accuses me of shouting and he thinks he has the right to "discipline" me. We don't know if we're going to have more children, we're not young and ttc for a 2nd hasn't been a nice experience so far. I am sorry to hear that your DS is struggling socially... odd though that it is only at school? Is he generally happy there? What do his teachers say? Does he do any team activities? Have playdates? It is not uncommon for only children to spend a lot of time with adults.. however I certainly wouldn't tolerate my LO treating m as an equal or trying to discipline me... THAT behaviour is a slippery slope to problems later on... fast forward to when he is 16......!!
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 13:06
Thanks again ladies. Appreciated. I guess I am just worried about those melancholy feelings that Beebra mentioned. Any particular tips Beeber? Would so love to prevent him having those feeling It would be horrible if my child felt this and I don't think i would know how to help. However I believe that for every only child that has feelings of isolation, loneliness and melancholy... you find children in larger families who are depressed by the feeling that their siblings are the favourite. Is there any reason that you are fixating on the negatives of having an only child? No matter who we are, we really don't know whether we will have the family size we dream/hope/plan for until there is a safe delivery. Unfortunately life doesn't offer any guarantees and seldom runs to plan. Also, having seen other families first hand... there is no guarantee that having a larger family will ensure it will be the Brady Bunch.... or even that they talk to one another when they are older (I know a set of twins who cant stand each other and a set of sisters)... I also know sisters who are incredibly close... you cant predict what will happen in the future. <em>edited by rubyslippers on 23/03/2015</em>
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2015 - 07:32
Hi We have an only child and I was effectively an only child until my siblings came long many, many years later. There is a lot of myths around having/being an only child 1) they are spoilt 2) they don't learn to share 3) they are over opinionated 4) they grow up to quickly (being around adults all the time) shortly followed by 5) they are always babied! All of which are certainly true for some "onlies" as well as some children with siblings. and 6) Everyone has an opinion - which you will hear - solicited or not. (definitely true!) My LO was only two month old I was asked when I was having my next one! When I answered I wasn't planning any more -I was met with incredulousness and accused of being "selfish - she will be lonely" (she's not) and any number of the above accusations from busybody family and strangers, including my personal favourite *You aren't getting any younger, Dear.. You had better get on and have another quickly" - ( Umm, excuse me, strange old lady in M & S queue!) After these interactions I panicked and found some very good books available on Amazon if you google "only child" which helped settle any questions that I had. Don't fret about what you see you are missing (a sibling for your only) but instead enjoy you lovely little one and cherish them. Good luck. x Rubyslippers can I ask how old your little girl is please She is 7. With regards to not having siblings.. she did ask once, when they were doing something at nursery about families, "Why don't I have a sister?" (note - not a brother!) We knew the question would arise so had an answer prepared.. We said everyone's different and all families are different... (our bog standard answer for most things relating to difference and diversity) .. she frowned, nodded very seriously as if considering the answer (I held my breath to see what was coming next) and she said "Can I play Lego?"(Bless her) and hasn't asked ever since. If it gives you any comfort, your family is your family, and since your son hasn't had a sibling , he knows no different. It will be your response to his questions and/or your anxiety around the issue which will have more of an impact.
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 20:41
The pending election could also be blamed! In a few months a potentially new leader - will they make the changes needed to make [b'>Britain Great again[/b'>! Have you all registered to Vote? Very unlikely any of those in the running will ever be ale to do that. do you think its ethically correct to vote in an election for a country that you DO NOT LIVE in or PAY TAXES in? Yes Issy, I believe that if you have nationality and hold investments and pay tax in the country, then you are entitled to vote... the Americans started a little revolution on the back of the concept of "no taxation without representation!" There is a high probability that anyone with a mix of private pension, investment property/ies, family homes, shares and other investments will be paying tax - I know that we are every year I get my annual income tax return invoice... Look at it the other way - as a national... why shouldn't I be eligible to have a vote on where the taxes I am paying are used by others when I am paying taxes for services that I am not using? <em>edited by rubyslippers on 23/03/2015</em>
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 20:02
Hi We have an only child and I was effectively an only child until my siblings came long many, many years later. There is a lot of myths around having/being an only child 1) they are spoilt 2) they don't learn to share 3) they are over opinionated 4) they grow up to quickly (being around adults all the time) shortly followed by 5) they are always babied! All of which are certainly true for some "onlies" as well as some children with siblings. and 6) Everyone has an opinion - which you will hear - solicited or not. (definitely true!) My LO was only two month old I was asked when I was having my next one! When I answered I wasn't planning any more -I was met with incredulousness and accused of being "selfish - she will be lonely" (she's not) and any number of the above accusations from busybody family and strangers, including my personal favourite *You aren't getting any younger, Dear.. You had better get on and have another quickly" - ( Umm, excuse me, strange old lady in M & S queue!) After these interactions I panicked and found some very good books available on Amazon if you google "only child" which helped settle any questions that I had. Don't fret about what you see you are missing (a sibling for your only) but instead enjoy you lovely little one and cherish them. Good luck. x
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 11:54
Sir Ma'am as in "Can I help you Sir Ma'am???" Unless you have the beard and sideburns of a sixties Woodstock hippy, how can you possibly mix women and men up? .. well to be fair..... a lot of the women look like men and the men like women..... ;) Not in my world!! And in my esperience, certainly NOT here!... have yet to see a man wearing a cocktail dress, high heels or an Abaya at the makeup counter (to quote Seinfeld "Not that there's anything wrong with that!") or ... and have yet to see a woman in a dishdash and gutra! Sure there are some butt ugly folk, (and every mothers duck is a swan) but even so... to call a woman "Sir" and a man "Ma'am?" Really, really does my head in!
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 11:46
Sir Ma'am as in "Can I help you Sir Ma'am???" Unless as a woman, have the beard and sideburns of a sixties Woodstock hippy, how can you possibly mix women and men up? They must just be taking the P@@S! And no, I don't accept that it is due to English as a second language...so no one even suggest it!!! :) Am even getting riled as I type this... <em>edited by rubyslippers on 17/03/2015</em>
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2015 - 11:48
Step 1. Write the email... . (that way you can get everything out of your system - trust me - you will feel better) Step 2 . Don't send it to her... send it to YOURSELF Step 3. Sleep on it for 24 hours take a big breath and then reread Step 4. DELETE! At the end of the day - I am sensing you need to vent but you need to do it in a productive way. Sending it to her isn't going to change who she is - only confirm what she (unfairly) believes about you.. Don't give her the opportunity. (or let her come between you and your husband) If you need to further vent - repeat from Step 1. Good luck. x edited by rubyslippers on 10/03/2015 <em>edited by rubyslippers on 10/03/2015</em>
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2015 - 19:59
Saw them couple of days ago at Spinneys Motor City
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 21:35
Try Dr Simin Ahari. She is in Al Wasl Road and is very, very busy - you may have to wait to see her for a month or so but she is excellent and definitely worth the wait. good luck
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 March 2015 - 21:26
Is this your first overseas assignment? Either way, there is some very good books which talk about the issues facing expatriates moving overseas. If you google third culture and expatriates on amazon - you can either download or order them for delivery here. I found them very useful when talking about the stages of relocation that most of us go through. Also talks about the issues of relocating with children. good luck.. <em>edited by rubyslippers on 04/03/2015</em>
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 12:15
Another one for Moorfields! I had my daughter assessed in UK in August and was told all ok and then took her to Moorfields in December DH has sceptical and said she didn't need it to be retested but thought since we were being tested would do DD a well.. We watched her being tested and were shocked! Not only to be told that all is NOT OK.. she has problems with BOTH short and long vision and has to wear glasses 24/7.. (we could read the charts that she clearly couldn't) Since then her reading has improved almost overnight.. am very glad that I made the choice.. Definitely only going to Moorfields in the future... nowhere else! <em>edited by rubyslippers on 05/02/2015</em>
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 19:05
I agree with some points and I disagree with some, but I respect and understand where you are coming from rubyslippers. But nobody should feel threatened or hated. Not here and not anywhere else. Freedom of speech is not a right, it's a big responsibility. Actually, I think an individuals belief on the right to free speech depends greatly on what of the world you are from.... (and whether you use it depends somewhat on what part of the world you are living). Some countries have more freedom than others... But with rights comes responsibilities (hence the laws protecting us ALL from incitement to violence and hatred). Absolutely agree, EVERYONE .has the right to feel safe... (including the French families with children at school in Sharjah). edited by rubyslippers on 25/01/2015 <em>edited by rubyslippers on 25/01/2015</em>
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 18:36
Thankfully here in the UAE hate against anyone is dealt with. In other countries it's called freedom of speech. Where is this place that has freedom of speech you speak of? France, USA, UK and all EU have controlled news, people are dealt with as radicals if they speak outside the norm, people are convicted for speaking their minds and accused of being spies for releasing the truth about the government or company. The only difference here is that everything is controlled where the crime or riots are not in your face. Actually Kippling.. when it comes to the UK, you describe a country that I don't recognise. The UK: 1) luckily has very specific laws which deal with stopping hatred and incitement to violence based on gender, sexual orientation, race and religion. 2) has laws dealing with the releasing information which could very well put us the public in danger (and which I am very comfortable about them enforcing it in these troubled times) 3) has specific laws protecting whistle blowers in the cases of business and government where the information being released is in the public interest... Please don't confuse freedom of speech with inciting hatred and violence... the two are and remain very different issues. The former is what we all aspire to in a free society... and luckily we have laws to protect us all from the later. (and you are right - many countries could learn from BOTH these concepts) From what you have written above, it sounds like you are putting the UK in the same club as North Korea! edited by rubyslippers on 25/01/2015 Laws can be in place anywhere, but Europe especially is a place where everybody feels they can just insult whoever they want. It's all very selective. My religion can be ridiculed anywhere at anytime, but any word about other groups are swiftly dealt with. So UAE has things sorted out a lot better. Nobody here can just spew hate, it is not accepted and people don't get away with it. Maroosh, I note that you are addressing your comments to "Europe".. and I feel that is unfair in the same way that you can't lump all of the "Middle East" countries in the same bucket. I am uncomfortable speaking for on the topic of the whole of Europe but am very comfortable about speaking about the UK.... (and in the spirit of free speech, please anyone feel free to disagree) The UK is a place where EVERYONE has the right to express themselves through free speech. These exact rights and privileges allows for the freedom of residents to practice any religion, allows for dissent of values, beliefs, the right to hold government to account through voting, (even setting up your own political party if you are so inclined!) Limiting speech limits many of these advances. Free speech includes others disagreeing with MY religion, political views, marital arrangements, number of children, working arrangements... pretty much anything and please believe me that they do, and often in insulting and rude terms. However I believe that this should still be available to ALL residents.. irrespective of where they come from and what they believe. The right to free speech is something that was very hard fought for in WW2 and is something that the Nazi's tried very hard to stamp out. Personally don't want to experience that world. Where you and I absolutely agree, and what is explicitly NOT allowed by law, is incitement to violence and hatred in any form. THAT is an ongoing problem in my opinion rather than the issues of free speech. When and if these laws are broken, (and they are) it is for the courts to decide and to impose suitably harsh punishment (with my full support I have to add). In my experience that is what happens. THAT is what protects us all. This is explicitly different to freedom of speech As I previously posted.. many countries could learn from the UK's examples.
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2015 - 16:39
Thankfully here in the UAE hate against anyone is dealt with. In other countries it's called freedom of speech. Where is this place that has freedom of speech you speak of? France, USA, UK and all EU have controlled news, people are dealt with as radicals if they speak outside the norm, people are convicted for speaking their minds and accused of being spies for releasing the truth about the government or company. The only difference here is that everything is controlled where the crime or riots are not in your face. Actually Kippling.. when it comes to the UK, you describe a country that I don't recognise. The UK: 1) luckily has very specific laws which deal with stopping hatred and incitement to violence based on gender, sexual orientation, race and religion. 2) has laws dealing with the releasing information which could very well put us the public in danger (and which I am very comfortable about them enforcing it in these troubled times) 3) has specific laws protecting whistle blowers in the cases of business and government where the information being released is in the public interest... Please don't confuse freedom of speech with inciting hatred and violence... the two are and remain very different issues. The former is what we all aspire to in a free society... and luckily we have laws to protect us all from the later. (and you are right - many countries could learn from BOTH these concepts) From what you have written above, it sounds like you are putting the UK in the same club as North Korea! <em>edited by rubyslippers on 25/01/2015</em>
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 13 January 2015 - 21:39
Hi My LO learns at Emirates Equestrian Centre and we are very happy. As far as I am aware, it is the only one that is British Horse Society Approved in Dubai and have just had their accreditation renewed for 2015. The classes are either purchased individually or as a group (550 for 5 lessons). Re: travel... I have been told (but haven't tried it) that there is a short cut from Sh Zayed Rd through Bab al Sharms (which is next door) which may help with the journey. Good luck
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2015 - 11:12
Geordie expat replied : From another angle my mother was 40 when she had me and my father 49. As a young child I found that a lot of my friends thought my parents were my grandparents, as they were of similar age to theirs. Yes it did bother me for some time especially at school events and I was embarrassed by them. Not that I felt they looked or acted old, but when I was a teenager it became more obvious. As someone else has said though, it did keep them fit and active and I was lucky enough to have them long enough to see both my DD's born GE. Not sure how old you are, but it is becoming more and more common to see women in their late 30's early 40's having children, (even first children). than it was 10 years let alone 25+ years ago.. This is particularly true for professional women.. It may have been more unusual when you were born, but honestly.. Do you really look twice when you see a woman in her late 30's early 40's pushing a pram today? OP - if you can afford it in terms of money and time... the decision is yours.
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 29 December 2014 - 19:41
Because the middle classes in the UK are literally being taxed out of existence! Except they aren't. Not at all. Maybe within the pages of the Daily Mail, but not in real life. Whenever we go back to the UK, we're struck by how very little it's changed over the last 10 years or so. Yes, there are problems (every country's got problems), but for the average middle-class family, life really hasn't changed very much at all. It never ceases to amuse us that even though we earn *way* more here than we would in the UK, we're barely any better off. Rent, school fees and the rest are so high that they eat up more of our salary each month than taxes would in the UK - and we don't live in a villa in a snobby area and our kids don't go to a snobby school. So many of our friends have returned to the UK specifically because they did the maths and realised the exact same thing - if they were going to be barely any better off, why not stay in the UK, where family and friends are, where they have proper legal rights, where nobody's ever demanding a year's rent in a single cheque, where monthly utilities costs are a fraction of DEWA, where greenery is all entirely natural and doesn't have to be irrigated with partially-treated sewage water that stinks to high heaven... Actually having just moved BACK to Dubai very recently from the UK, I can say with confidence that things for us and those we know have certainly got much worse there (and it was a regular conversation point), which is why we are here..! Unfortunately for the UK many of them are looking at moving... and those that can't right now are buckling down the hatches... particularly if there is a labour victory/coalition in which case I think a trickle will become a roar... Why? Because to date they have been striped of child benefit, (only to watch it be paid to children living in eastern Europe), can't get their children into the primaries of their choice, have lost their tax free thresholds (so they are now taxed for every £ they earn), and face threats of increases in council taxes and the introduction of mansion taxes, .. (and no these are not particularly rich people. just people who bought in run down areas of London only to see them be gentrified over the past 10 - 15 years!) These are Accountants, journalists, IT professionals... NOT city bankers. They are people for whom they earn just that bit too much to claim any type benefit (i.e. child benefit), but not enough to be classed as rich. I think the term that the politicians use is the "squeezed middle" so clearly a category it exists... not just on the pages of the Daily Mail (does anyone actually admit to reading this? Come to think of it, does anyone actually read it at all?) Yes, some do put their children in to private school (which have had stonking increases over the past 6 years) but others have put them in local primaries. ( and BTW could someone please post a definition on what is a "posh" school is here in Dubai? What makes them posh? I am absolutely mystified as to what that means...and ditto "posh" villa areas?) I think I can safely say that those of us who are here are here specifically because we ARE better off than in the UK... until it hits the tipping point which will be different for each person. To remain here in Dubai when it ceases to make financial sense is truly shooting yourself in the foot.. and I would be the first on the plane when it ceases to do so for us. But as things stand, we are very much better off financially here and out of the UK... and THAT in my experience it the hook which is attracting so many people to leave the UK and seek their fortunes elsewhere. However I take your point that if you are only stopping for flying visits, even if it is over 10 years, things on the surface may very well look pretty much be the same. (but in my experience they certainly aren't!) <em>edited by rubyslippers on 29/12/2014</em>
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 28 December 2014 - 17:13
Because the middle classes in the UK are literally being taxed out of existence!
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 15 December 2014 - 11:05
Its horrible and I am sorry you are going to have to go through this... It is also something that those of us who live away from friends and family for any length of time will have to face at one time or another... (although it doesn't make it any easier.) I had three family members die in a matter of 10 weeks last year. At the time my mother said that I should "come back" for the funerals and when I tried to explain to her that I would have barely had time to get off the plane in my current country, and would pretty much have had to turn straight back around a get back on a plane for the next one.. (she seemed to think that there was nothing wrong with that). Once I had got over my shock/anger/resentment (*you choose to live away^) it really was an epiphany.. It helped me realise that no matter what we do as expats, those who stay behind for whatever reason will never truly grasp the tensions and complexities of the lives we lead... and really we don't have any right to expect them to...they see the world through their lens and we see it through ours.. Don't be too hard on yourself - if the situation was reversed and she was overseas living your life (with all the restrictions you have right now) and you were back home living hers - would you really expect her to return?... try and take some comfort in your answer.. xx
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 25 November 2014 - 21:46
Hi We are four months into our first lease and my husband and I were having this exact debate last night. My feeling is that I would like to move to somewhere cheaper, out of our small villa and into an apartment. He on the other hand would be happy to stay for another year. Why? For me it is not just the rent but the outgoings. We have a pool and the costs are horrendous! So either we don't heat/cool and can't swim 6 months a year or we heat/cool and pay the hideous electricity costs! Either way I cant see us staying more than two years in a villa...
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 12:57
Bizarrely, the Dubai Garden Centre had quite a number for sale... at what I thought were quite good prices
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 20 November 2014 - 12:33
I saw them last week at Wilton's in the Gold and Diamond Park. (they also have other locations) Think I have also seen them at Lakelands MOE. Worth a call before you go... Good luck!
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 07:53
Hi I have also been on the hunt. After recommendations from EW met with Dr Nazeer at Dr Joy clinic in Mirdiff. Have to say was very impressed. I went to him to sense check what I had been told by another orthodontist... and I have to say even though his advice was diametrically opposed to the first advice for treatment I received, his made a lot of common sense. The differences are as follows: Dr Nazeer.. 1) didn't ask for a fee for a consultation 2) explained the pros and cons of starting treatment now (said it could cause further more complicated problems by doing it now!) 3) recommended that my daughter should be reviewed in 8 months to see where we are. He also recommended that she was too young and we should wait for a couple of years for the treatment!! (previous advice said must start pretty much immediately with consequences for leaving it to later - so Dr Nazeer is clearly not revenue raising) I going to see the other recommendation as well - but unless there is something outstanding about the next consultation, I am going to transfer to Dr Nazeer's client list. Hope it helps..
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 16 November 2014 - 07:38
Thanks ladies - have made appointments with both of them.
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 November 2014 - 20:23
I took my little one last week to the sky dental surgery - they have an outlet Burjuman centre as well as JLT. The paediatric dentist was fantastic... very pleased. (they are also treating my husband as well).. got the referral from Expat woman for the surgery - and haven't been disappointed. good luck
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2014 - 19:07
My heart goes out to you... I have seen this pressure on my husband for years with his family slowly trying to bleed him dry. His story is very much like yours - in that he left and they stayed. Over the years, he helped his grandparents buy their house and underwrote the loan (which I absolutely agreed with), but also paid for international school trips for youngest sister,his sisters wedding when two weeks before she broke the bombshell that they didn't have the money after being engaged for 18 months... the list just goes on and on.. (all of which we were together for) Over the years it has caused a great deal of anger and problems between us and resentment on his side that his family whilst not acknowledging his successes are happy to take the benefit of it. It culminated with one sister contacting us overseas and asking for us to buy her a house which she could then renovate and sell on - in the month before I was about to go on maternity leave! It took this for him to finally lose it. After that they didn't speak to him for a period of time however, they DID come around and haven't asked since... The moral of the story... You teach people how to treat you...and by you supporting them for all this time even though it has been done with a kind heart, it has hurt your relationship with them (resentfully helping with no thanks) and their ability to learn resolve their own problems ( not wear the consequences of poor decision making), as well as your pocket. If this has been going on for years (like in my husbands case) it will come as a shock when you finally say no, and they are going to be very angry... stay strong! All you have to say is 'I'm sorry that things aren't great for you right now but I am unable to help...'. That's it! No details, no apologies, no maybe next time (which if like my in laws will definitely arrive sooner than later) End of. Their reaction is their business... yours is looking after you and your family.
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 November 2014 - 11:53
Hi We went to the dentists at Sky Dental Clinic after a referral on EW. My husband went to their Burjuman Tower offices and we went to the Paediatric Dentist in their JLT branch last week. There is only one (can't remember her name - sorry). She was great. Definitely go back again.
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 November 2014 - 17:07
I asked my cousin who is a chemical engineer (?) for Mars this exact question... He replied that the recipes for each country are tweaked for local tastes which is why the same product nearly always taste different in different countries, and that generally what you prefer is what you have grown up with.
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 29 October 2014 - 18:01
M & S at Mall of the Emirates has chocolate coated sultanas.. bought some a couple of days ago..
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 21 October 2014 - 22:40
Someone else hoping to be relocating early next year (and also desperate to hand in her notice ). Can you point me in the direction of some of these books please? No kids here. Thanks I would recommend books by Robin Pascoe.. they are quite useful and talk about issues relating to being a trailing partner -including expatriation and repatriation there is also some excellent stuff on emotional resilience, including The Emotionally Resilient Expat, Engage, Adapt and Thrive Across Cultures by Linda Janssen there are also some great websites on third culture kids, expats, trailing wives (traditionally its been women following their husbands)... it is a fairly new area of research but a very interesting one.. happy reading!
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 21 October 2014 - 22:27
true - but there is no guarantees just being on the waiting list - and you normally need to be on more than one to guarantee your options remain open.. (and there is no refund if you don't take up the place) at least if you spend it on a restaurant - you WILL get a meal..! :)
rubyslippers
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Latest post on 21 October 2014 - 16:10
Hi There is no way that I would allow my daughter out to any party underage without 1) adults present and 2) having met them personally! She is only 15.. if she was 14 would you even be hesitating? Does that extra 12 months make that much difference? That said - if it is not a possibility to meet them- I would still say no - but also plan to do something else that night so that when she is asked by her friends if is she going/why she isn't going - she has a decent reason ... we are going out the theatre/cousins/cinema/whatever - my parents have already booked the tickets/arranged dinner etc That way she can 'save face" among her peers if she is worried that they will tease her for having such strict parents (such as mine were - so I know her dilemma)... hopefully this may soften the blow. Good luck -
rubyslippers
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2014 - 18:14
Hi I know that Alliance Francais runs programs for Francophile and non native speakers at Oud Metha as well as Mall of the Emirates but they are not 1:2:!. I know someone who attends the Francophile one for reading and writing and highly recommends it (but you have to speak at native level) give them a call -they are apparently very helpful
rubyslippers
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 20:30
PS: Meant to mention that there is some great books published about relocating, expats etc.. particularly relating to trailing spouses and children that I have found really useful and well worth a look (and available on amazon.co.uk.) I wish someone had have pointed me in the direction on our first assignment. t would have made live a lot easier .! :) In answer to your question I did have a school tell me that they were full but they would put me on the list - only afterwards did I actually discover that there was virtually no chance!.. What I did find was that if I picked up the phone - I got a better response than if I emailed - I also got to ask some of the questions that I had and get some sort of feel for the school - my thinking is that if the admissions officer is unfriendly it bodes badly for the ethos of the school...
rubyslippers
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2014 - 22:09
Hi having just done it and run the gauntlet of schooling here I can offer the following advice.. 1) if you can - get over here even for a couple of days and VISIT the schools - it may seem expensive but will be cheaper in the long run.. Otherwise you are going to end up spending 500 dirhams to just get on the waiting list - I certainly did for every one that I wait listed for. When you are wait listing for a few schools - it certainly adds up (and in my experience when I got here - decided against a number where I had paid the money to in a panic). I set up a spread sheet to keep on top of them all! On top of that you are looking at any where up to 1000 dirhams for an assessment...if you are savvy you can back to back your meetings/viewings and get it done in a couple of days (the schools here are open on Sundays - just check the holidays schedules here) and nothing replaces getting "face time" with the Admissions Officer! 2) everything takes longer than they tell you - so opening a bank account, getting utilities connected, etc... leave plenty of lead time (we opened our account from the UK in an attempt to speed things up) 3) we couldn't lease a house until we had a cheque book - and we couldn't get a cheque book until we had an ID card - which can takes days or weeks (no one tells you that!) its a huge problem..unless your employer is prepared to pay the cheques on your behalf - a lot of firms just pay you the allowance (in 6 monthly payments) and leave it up to you to sort whilst landlords often want one cheque) 4) its easy to sucked into the" we can get X size apartment/villa for our money"...think about what you really need and use that as your guide.. (you'll see what I mean when you get out here). if you can keep well below your housing allowance as the rents are pretty much guaranteed to increase in the next 12 months and it will give you a buffer 5) depending on what you rent - actually anything you rent, the electricity costs are HUGE! factor that into your considerations/budgets 6) beware the cost of shipping - we have shipped before and had no problems... this time we shipped stuff with a professional shipping firm recommended and a significant amount of it was damaged - and trying to claim back what was damaged is a nightmare - they make it so hard that you literally give up. In hindsight we would have shipped less and bought stuff here. 7) The travel estimates on google maps needs to be doubled and sometimes tripled! important when considering work and school runs 8) Don't be afraid reach out to strangers... I've asked advice on schools from women in coffee shops, where to buy items that I cant find when I've been stuck next to someone in a supermarket queues...Explain your new... .we've all been there, where we know no-one and don't know how to get things done - most of the women I have come across have been fantastic with their support and advice - 7) Just Breathe! I can pretty much guarantee that things will not go exactly to plan...but its going to be ok. :) Good luck!
rubyslippers
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2014 - 22:09
Hi having just done it and run the gauntlet of schooling here I can offer the following advice.. 1) if you can - get over here even for a couple of days and VISIT the schools - it may seem expensive but will be cheaper in the long run.. Otherwise you are going to end up spending 500 dirhams to just get on the waiting list - I certainly did for every one that I wait listed for. When you are wait listing for a few schools - it certainly adds up (and in my experience when I got here - decided against a number where I had paid the money to in a panic). I set up a spread sheet to keep on top of them all! On top of that you are looking at any where up to 1000 dirhams for an assessment...if you are savvy you can back to back your meetings/viewings and get it done in a couple of days (the schools here are open on Sundays - just check the holidays schedules here) and nothing replaces getting "face time" with the Admissions Officer! 2) everything takes longer than they tell you - so opening a bank account, getting utilities connected, etc... leave plenty of lead time (we opened our account from the UK in an attempt to speed things up) 3) we couldn't lease a house until we had a cheque book - and we couldn't get a cheque book until we had an ID card - which can takes days or weeks (no one tells you that!) its a huge problem..unless your employer is prepared to pay the cheques on your behalf - a lot of firms just pay you the allowance (in 6 monthly payments) and leave it up to you to sort whilst landlords often want one cheque) 4) its easy to sucked into the" we can get X size apartment/villa for our money"...think about what you really need and use that as your guide.. (you'll see what I mean when you get out here). if you can keep well below your housing allowance as the rents are pretty much guaranteed to increase in the next 12 months and it will give you a buffer 5) depending on what you rent - actually anything you rent, the electricity costs are HUGE! factor that into your considerations/budgets 6) beware the cost of shipping - we have shipped before and had no problems... this time we shipped stuff with a professional shipping firm recommended and a significant amount of it was damaged - and trying to claim back what was damaged is a nightmare - they make it so hard that you literally give up. In hindsight we would have shipped less and bought stuff here. 7) The travel estimates on google maps needs to be doubled and sometimes tripled! important when considering work and school runs 8) Don't be afraid reach out to strangers... I've asked advice on schools from women in coffee shops, where to buy items that I cant find when I've been stuck next to someone in a supermarket queues...Explain your new... .we've all been there, where we know no-one and don't know how to get things done - most of the women I have come across have been fantastic with their support and advice - 7) Just Breathe! I can pretty much guarantee that things will not go exactly to plan...but its going to be ok. :) Good luck!
rubyslippers
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 October 2014 - 22:23
Hi We did the crossing when I was 4 months pregnant on the QM2 approx. 6 years ago. Overall we really enjoyed the experience. Depending on when you are planning, I would recommend a balcony cabin - we went in May when the weather was mixed but it was nice to sit outside and have coffee etc just the two of you. I would agree that over all it is an older crowd - when I say that - I mean not too many in their early thirties but it didn't particularly bother us as there was plenty to do - there was great shows, delicious food and listened to fabulous guest speakers who we would never normally have the opportunity to meet/hear.... it depends on what you are looking for. I agree that there were plenty of people dressing for dinner - and some wearing some fabulous diamonds to boot. We flew from UK to NY and cruised back - reason being there is no weight restrictions on ship travel! (and NY offers such good shopping) I had dreadful morning sickness throughout my pregnancy (until the day I went into labour) but didn't really feel much movement on the ship - yes you do feel something but the QM2 was designed for transatlantic travel so has stabilisers. The best thing that I could suggest is that there are some very good cruise blogs where you can get the low down on the trip plus other information (i.e. what side of the ship to book if you want to be able to view the statue of liberty from your window) Would I do it again - absolutely. Would I do it with young children - probably not. Would wait until they are old enough to enjoy the experience.
rubyslippers
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 20:15
I too, gave up work after going back to work and juggling baby and work with no support. My DH travelled extensively leaving me pretty much on my own. So when the nursery rang me what seemed weekly with "she is sick, has a fever, is vomiting" etc. I was the one who had to take time off work to deal with the childcare issues. We were in the lucky position where I didn't need to work. That is not to say that it didn't impact us - but we were still able to make our commitments. .. there was a roof over our head and food on our table. I also cried as I typed my resignation. My mother (who was visiting at the time)in trying to soften the blow, said she couldn't remember hearing of anyone with three months to live saying, "I wish I had more time to spend at the office" I thought about that... dried my tears, and haven't looked back.
rubyslippers
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2014 - 20:15
I too, gave up work after going back to work and juggling baby and work with no support. My DH travelled extensively leaving me pretty much on my own. So when the nursery rang me what seemed weekly with "she is sick, has a fever, is vomiting" etc. I was the one who had to take time off work to deal with the childcare issues. We were in the lucky position where I didn't need to work. That is not to say that it didn't impact us - but we were still able to make our commitments. .. there was a roof over our head and food on our table. I also cried as I typed my resignation. My mother (who was visiting at the time)in trying to soften the blow, said she couldn't remember hearing of anyone with three months to live saying, "I wish I had more time to spend at the office" I thought about that... dried my tears, and haven't looked back.
rubyslippers
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 13:19
Hi we moved into the Palmera at the Ranches 8 weeks ago from overseas. Like you we wanted a family friendly place for our little one. Couldn't be more pleased. Within a couple of weeks my DD had a best friend and they are inseparable. Having looked at a variety of communities at the Ranches - I will say that the Palmera ones aren't the largest - but it depends on what you need. One of the bonuses for us is that it is close to the exit - very important when you see the long queues to get out and you are always running very close to the clock like I am. what I would look at carefully is the quality of what you are renting - we are lucky - maintenance is included in our rent - but a few of the properties look like they have been rented for years with very little done to them so don't look under very good repair.. Initially I was a bit hesitant as it was a fair way out from the main city area. However for us, it was absolutely the right decision and so far cant imagine living anywhere else. Good luck with your choice.
rubyslippers
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 13:19
Hi we moved into the Palmera at the Ranches 8 weeks ago from overseas. Like you we wanted a family friendly place for our little one. Couldn't be more pleased. Within a couple of weeks my DD had a best friend and they are inseparable. Having looked at a variety of communities at the Ranches - I will say that the Palmera ones aren't the largest - but it depends on what you need. One of the bonuses for us is that it is close to the exit - very important when you see the long queues to get out and you are always running very close to the clock like I am. what I would look at carefully is the quality of what you are renting - we are lucky - maintenance is included in our rent - but a few of the properties look like they have been rented for years with very little done to them so don't look under very good repair.. Initially I was a bit hesitant as it was a fair way out from the main city area. However for us, it was absolutely the right decision and so far cant imagine living anywhere else. Good luck with your choice.
 
 
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