The Russian | ExpatWoman.com
 

The Russian

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Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 11:28
Oh my goodness. What a bummer. Thanks for the feedback ladies. Guess I'll have to get a job in Dubai to sponsor her myself!
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Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 11:29
Thanks Cushion, I read up a bit and it seems nets are a bit more of a hassle to put on and off, so we opted for a fence. Lauraloo, may I ask which company did you use?
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 22:46
Thanks :)
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Latest post on 26 April 2012 - 21:17
Really - anyone? should I keep looking or does this sound like a reasonable quotation?
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Latest post on 22 April 2012 - 17:57
Ahhh... was kinda hoping someone could come over, measure the length and send the ready ones back... but thanks anyway :)
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Latest post on 19 April 2012 - 15:23
The latest Time Out issue has a beach club guide, with prices, too - Nasimi Beach is listed at 185-295 aed for a "saturday bubbleQ event" which sounds quite intriguing... they have reviews of 10 beach clubs + a few public beaches + a lot of places for an al fresco brunch.
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 17:39
Thanks ladies, will try that one!
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 16:22
Just discovered one of the diamonds on my ring is missing :( There are (were) five of them on the ring, small, so am hoping to find a place where they can replace the one that fell out but I have no idea what the price should be and I'm not a pro so would probably not even know if they put a fake one in. Can anyone recommend a reputable shop where an amateur can go without the risk of being ripped off/cheated? TIA
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 15:05
Hi there, We've been looking for a villa for quite some time in these areas and from what I've seen there's very little difference between Jumeirah & Umm Suquim and it's also just about 10 mins drive from Jumeirah 2 to USQ 3. There are many small-ish compounds with shared facilities such as pool/gym and a big choice of stand-alone villas if you prefer those. It's a nice area and generally quiet but beware of mosques, they are everywhere and it does get quite loud :) It's well connected with the rest of Dubai, there are parks, shops and beach nereby, some people say villas are too old there but we've seen a lot of 4-6 yrs old and generally compound villas are very well maintained. Can't comment on Safa or Al Barsha though as we wanted to stay closer to the beach. Hope it helps and good luck!
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Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 14:23
I know there's a risk this thread gets deleted but I feel it's my duty to warn you - do not, under any circumstances go with Hayley from Prestige! She is the reason why we are still homeless after three months and it was my worse experience ever. We saw some properties with Mira as well and were not overly impressed as she didn't make enough effort to look for something really matching our criteria. I also dealt with Twinnet (where Aida is working), albeit with her colleague, and they seem good, too. Good luck! <em>edited by The Russian on 15/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 07 April 2012 - 21:04
I use Gap UK/Europe via shop & ship. If you sign up for their newsletter you get 15% off your first order and notification when sales are on. I use Lands End UK and they post out directly, VAT off and only £8 postage. I don't use Lands End US as they put the wrong address on the parcel and 8 months later I am waiting for my goods or a refund. Amazon I use both with S&S and not, we usually order enough DVDs for the VAT refund to. Cover postage but for books we use S&S. Could you please explain in more detail how does it work with the VAT refund? We are spending a fortune on DVD's here so I'd really appreciate to learn about less pricey alternatives :) TIA!
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 23:03
Our both children (1.5 and 3 years old) are in Kids Cottage in Jumeirah 3 (or maybe it's already Umm Suquem 1) and we love it. They have flexible timings (from 7.30 to 13.00, 15.00 or 17.30) and you can choose to attend as many days as you like. Flexibility is actually one of the things I like the most about them :) We saw Kids Island as well and it looked good (apart from the outdoor area mentioned by Poppy) but I found it to be quite strict on following the routine which I thought might become a bit of a challenge for our kids. Love our nursery for the very warm atmosphere, great teachers, lots of various activities, spacious play areas, and they do make sure your LO settles in smoothly and is happy and comfortable at all times. They did a great job helping our youngest to settle in and I couldn't be happier. Love it! :)
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 20:03
You might like to get a copy of LL's passport and any necessary papers... I'd like to... but afraid the sad truth is that i need them more than they need me so not sure how far i can push. looks like i should just be hoping for some good luck here!
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Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 17:13
Thanks CP! Thing is, we absolutely have to move in by a certain date so am afraid if suddenly we can't have the villa by the date he promises, then we'll be left without one and without our money...
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 16:25
the budget is up to 280k but if it's something truly compelling we'll consider to pay extra ourselves (well not 90k though)... do you know of something??
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 15:04
@ nessy, these two restaurants share one buffet so not really a big difference which one to pick, and they both also have nice sitting areas outside. Seafood stations are in Al Muna and in The Wharf they have a lot of pork, so choose whatever you wanna be closer to :) DC, Yorky - yes to both, you can use vouchers for brunch and also pay extra for the alcohol package. Actually the cool thing about this place is that you only pay 60 dhs extra for alcohol package, cheapest add-on I saw so far which makes it a good deal if you have vouchers (we ended up paying 485 dhs for two alcohol packages whereas standard price of one is dhs 425. You can get prosecco, wine, beer and plenty of nice cocktails). HTH!
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Latest post on 31 March 2012 - 13:00
I think so, yes - there's not so much actually for really small ones there so we'd probably use it much more if our kids were a bit older (things like safari, dinner cruises, water parks etc - not to mention eating out))..
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Latest post on 31 March 2012 - 11:13
Hi Simpleasabc - it's in the Family one, the voucher is for Al Muna but you can also book the table in The Wharf which is where the kids' area is (one brunch, two restaurants).
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Latest post on 30 March 2012 - 18:44
Thank you ladies :) we opted for Al Muna, reserved it just a couple of hours in advance and had a great time - great food, nice kids' corner and they do accept entertainer vouchers for brunch so it was also a bargain. Highly recommended!
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Latest post on 30 March 2012 - 09:50
Thanks SalsB - we've short-listed those three for today as they are all in the Entertainer book we've just got and are keen on using :) but will definitely keep Cavendish in mind for the future :)
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Latest post on 30 March 2012 - 09:24
Al Muna at Mina A'Salaam, Kaleidoscope at Atlantis or Waves at Le Meridien? Going with two small children so looking for both nice food and good entertainment for the little ones. TIA!
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Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 22:20
To be quite honest with you I think it should be standard that if parents are staying with their child then their expenses are covered. I think it's fine if it's for a few days but expecting someone to cover for all your living expenses for a month - well that's just bad manners to me... OP, I sympathise and I know the feeling - somehow some people seem to think they are in an all-in resort! Keep it up, soon you'll have all your time back to yourself and it's gonna feel wonderful :)
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Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 22:05
Sorry mareike I can't help you with the info on where to change dhs to roubles but I would definitely get USD or EUR here and then change them to roubles in Russia, or withdraw directly indeed. Exchange rates in the airports are not that bad but they can also change a hundred or so for the taxi and then use any of multiple currency exchange stations which are all over the city. In my experience they'd still be better off than changing dhs to rur directly, somehow rates are often a complete rip off and have nothing to do with the official ones.
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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 22:58
Tod's have great everyday bags, IMHO. And I'd also add Coccinelle to the ones mentioned below in the lower price range
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Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 21:27
We are in Kids Cottage nursery in Umm Sequim 1 and absolutely love it. I think they've just introduced extended day recently - from 7.30 to 17.30 - but not 100% sure about it so you better check with them directly if location is ok for you. Good luck))
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Latest post on 21 March 2012 - 14:26
Quitting is soooooo easy - I've done it three times already! ;)
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Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 22:32
OMG, and I fell asleep watching second episode of Breaking Bad!! Gotta try it again 'Allo 'allo - it's not really new, quite old actually but absolutely hilarious (in case you've missed it)) And my all-time fave is 24!!
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Latest post on 07 March 2012 - 14:25
Hmmm no I don't think they'd marked it up to make it look like a sale - true, original prices are higher than in e.g. Europe but that's given here, and with xx% off it was pretty much in line with what you get during sales time in Europe. Anyways, didn't make me feel special, just quite happy about some really good deals
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Latest post on 29 February 2012 - 17:26
Has anyone been there? Is it all high end brands or do they have high street fashion too? Thanks!
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Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 17:56
http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=171916 am looking for same and found this one. Would still very much appreciate if someone recommended a good ophthalmologist in a specialized clinic/hospital as we need to have a thorough test done for our LO... TIA
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Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 13:42
Sorry.. But what is SAHM and JJ, my little brain cant take too much thinking! :) SAHM - staying at home Mum, not sure about JJ though))
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Latest post on 20 February 2012 - 13:35
...is there anything else a glamorous Dubai SAHM should be doing? :D Getting a masseuse come over and give you a nice treatment to relieve you from all that stress from not having a maid ;)
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 17:48
Guys, thanks a lot! Great news, happy to hear it's so easy - now off to Dubizzle! :)
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 16:04
for new car from dealer ( up to 3 years from model ) no test you only pay reg fees for 2nd hand used car should pass RTA test and then u make insurance &gt; register to new buyer Thanks, what about if the car is 2 yrs old but we're buying from a private individual - still need to do this RTA test?
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 15:52
Ah, ok - so top layer it is)) thought that's how it's always done anyway so got a bit confused by the definition... thanks))
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 15:47
Hi, We are planning to buy a car (second-hand) and DH is inclined to go through a dealer in order to avoid the hassle of registering it himself. But there are so many good deals if you buy it directly from owners! Could someone please advise if it indeed takes a lot of time/paperwork to register a vehicle on our own or is it a fairly easy process? TIA!
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Latest post on 13 February 2012 - 14:56
Hi Girls I just got back from Nabiha at Hairworks in Rimal 1 JBR. Had a half head of highlights and she has done a fabulous job. I come from a family of hairdressers, so can be quite critical, but must say, I am very very impressed and would highly recommend her. She is a lovely person as well, nice to chat to. Very professional. Will be going back. Paid 355 for half head. Thanks Beebers and Pamya for the recommendation. Sorry, silly question - but what do you mean by 'half head'?
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Latest post on 07 February 2012 - 15:49
No I am commenting on systems which are not up to decent international standard. Well that is true, but I have had worse security in the USA Haha.. so true! Reminds me how we got pass Port Everglades security after coming off board from a container vessel, carrying huge luggage bags.. no-one bothered to check documents and/or luggage.. or even ask a question! Actually, the security guys were kind enough to show us the way out of the port area... And that was just half a year after 9/11 attacks!
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Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 19:09
Diamond Lease will rent you a car with a driver, Hertz also do this. It is far more expensive however! Make sure you do the VIP driving programme with Emirates Driving Institute, one of my colleagues got her license in 3 weeks! How cool - thanks a lot for the tip! :)
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Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 14:23
He would have to work just for one family, and they would have to sponsor him too, and provide the car! Ahhh.. that won't work for us - need someone part time just for a couple of months. But thanks anyway CP)) Realize this is most likely illegal as well - but what are our legal options then? I have a license which is not transferrable so will take some time for me to get a new one, in the meantime our kids are supposed to start in the nursery so really need someone to drive us there and back. Taxi? Or is there some kind of company who can provide a part-time driver? Any feedback is much appreciated!
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Latest post on 06 February 2012 - 09:27
Thanks CP - you got mail!
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Latest post on 04 January 2012 - 16:40
Amely, sadubai - thanks a lot! Sorry a bit belated - lots of hassle with moving out and travelling these last days... But for now kids are happy with their grandparents in Moscow whilst DH and I are checking out nurseries and houses down here :) Seeing some villas tomorrow - fingers crossed! Thanks again for all your advice ladies
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Latest post on 28 December 2011 - 02:26
In Umm Suqeim-Jumeirah area, I highly recommend Mira (050 3509666) to anyone needing a good real estate agent, she is a very honest and patient person with a very lovely and enjoyable personality. I have never had a realtor take that much care and concern from start to finish. She was inquisitive and did a great job at understanding what type of property we were looking for. With that knowledge she relentlessly searched for a house for us and was able to negotiate and close a deal that was extremely beneficial to us. You won't find any better! Amely, thanks! Do you happen to have her e-mail address as well?
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Latest post on 27 December 2011 - 17:26
Ladies, thanks a lot. Am starting to freak out a bit, having read all recent threads about a$$holic LLs... please someone tell me you have a nice LL!! ;)
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Latest post on 27 December 2011 - 02:58
Thanks a lot ladies!!
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Latest post on 24 December 2011 - 00:01
Hi Korst. I am not vacating a villa but just rented one and my experience is the best thing to do is drive around the area you want to live in and stop and ask for availability at compounds you like or keep your eyes peeled for to let signs. Brokers here are quite bad IMHO. The best broker I found was someone who drove me around...he had 2 properties to show me but with a drive-around we saw 7 in one afternoon. Your budget is fine for what you are asking. If you are keen on some of the big compounds like Al Nakheel Villas, Sheikh Ahmed Villas, Al Wasl Villas call the company direct and register your name as they all have waitlists. Sadubai, could you please share contact details of this broker? TIA
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Latest post on 21 December 2011 - 03:27
The annoying thing is his birthday is right at the end of July (29th). If most schools cut off the ages in Aug or September - he is not only going to be up against children with 1-2 years more school experience than him, but he will also be among the youngest in the class, by a almost a full year in some cases? Really sorry about your situation. Maybe you could try IB schools then - most of them have cut-off age in December, so it'll be a bit easier for him.
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 15:04
The Heat, Lock, stock & two smoking barrels, first Pirates, Kill Bill
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Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 14:31
There's one here to practice sign test (bottom right): http://etraffic.rta.ae/rta/english/e_services.jsp?Page=portlets.jsp Edited to add that if the link doesn't open, just delete everything after "rta/" in the command line and press Enter again. <em>edited by The Russian on 04/12/2011</em>
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Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 19:10
Exactly.. 'blemish balm' creams! I don't know if any of the ones produced by big cosmetics brands are any good though, the best ones are said to be Korean and heard a lot of people on different forums raving about their Missha & Skin79 BB creams. You can read a bit more here: http://bestbbcreams.com/ Unfortunately I haven't tested them myself, they are not represented in Germany and the one I eventually got was from mentioned Dr. Schrammek. It does provide a very good coverage and no-one can tell that you have any makeup on, but I only use it when going out as it has some pore-clogging ingredients, plus I find it a bit too heavy to wear daily. Hope you'll find something you like))