saintlouismama | ExpatWoman.com
 

saintlouismama

314
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Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 08:51
Hi...I want to tell you we almost picked this school for our son who is going to be in grade 1. My husband took tours all over and he really like it, the location, the school....but they did not have a space for our younger child.....So we went with Raffles South..... The commute to two schools and a nursery for our third child is too much....but he did give Jum Bacc school a nice review.
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Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 08:46
I have to tell you I just bought my boys ralph lauren polos for 20.00 US and shoes for 25.00 from the summer sales...they are great...5.99 US swimming suits at GAP...will be moving to dubai in august...but i was advised to stock up in the USA.... Also have to second nordstroms sale.....it only happens once a year....it starts next week. :)
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 00:45
I hope you ladies are able to help me. My husband's company are moving us unexpectedly to Dubai in August (just got the news!).. i have 4.6 year old twin boys (will be five in October 2011) --- We are Americans coming over for about three years minimum..( probably longer!) so looking to settle them into a school. I have just called ASD, DAA and Gems Wellington, all of which said 'waiting list' central... I know its super late notice but are there any good schools that will still allow our kids places this coming intake?.... We are living on the Palm Jumeirah. Our company said they will purchase "seats" if necessary... but does this even guarantee anything... Thank you so much if you are able to help! Im quite lost.. i appreciate any input. Gems SO was filled.....at least in June for pre K age 4.....I didnt realize youre at the Palm...not close to universal american school...but try raffles or collegiate american..... <em>edited by saintlouismama on 07/07/2011</em>
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Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 00:43
I was in this same boat. Nobody had openings for our children. My son is grade 1 and my daughter is pre K. We are comming over from USA in August...We too had no hope at one point.... Well we just got word - Mid June- that they both can have a spot in Raffles International South Campus. Also, Universal American School had a opening.... I hope this helps....Try them both...Schooling is a hard.....and the costs are harder to deal with...... Good Luck....Ill be there in Aug!!! :)
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 09:05
It should never have been taken to trial........the girl is obviously barking, of course she killed her baby....but in a more civilised legal system she would have been deemed not fit to plead. She belongs in a mental institution, not in jail. And in spite of a total circus of a trial, twelve ordinary human beings had more sense and compassion than all the lawyers, and all the legal and media pundits - it's not an ideal verdict, given the choices they had, but a fair one. The saddest people in the whole case are the poor, poor grandparents. My heart goes out to them. Never be taken to trial? So what is the purpose of the legal system if people are to not have a trial? The verdict was a fair one? Fair to who exactly the child she murdered or the future children she may bear? The case was badly prosecuted and brilliantly defended and now a killer can walk free, great precedent for future child killers. edited by Here & Now on 06/07/2011 bravo! what precedent we set today in the US....where the decompositon can be found, but no death occured?!!!
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 08:53
I just returned from a 5 day trip to Jordan! You can get a good deal on the flight (air arabia from sharjah OR flyduai from DBX). After the flight, it can be a highly expensive or cheap trip, depending on how picky you are. If you avoid tourist hotspots for meals and accommodation and make smart choices, you can get by for insanely cheap- OH and I got by in several locations for 2 JD (JD about equivalent of a Euro) for a meal for both of us, including drinks, fries, and a chicken shwarma for each. We would plan ahead if visiting a tourist town and pick up water and local flatbread and such from a smaller town first, which can be even less than a JD all included. We also had a night in a tent for 3 JD which also had shower blocks and public restrooms for use, somewhat like camping. While visiting the Dead Sea, you can opt to visit the locals beach which is free and wash off under a hot spring waterfall instead of paying the resorts/hotels or public beach fees. We were able to rent snorkel gear for 6 JD from the local shops rather than the tourist dive shops for the Red Sea in Aqaba, and we swam out to the reef instead of paying for a boat. This all depends on how adventurous and easygoing you are, though- for the luxury meals, hotels, and nicer quality activities, these will add up QUICKLY! It is insane how much discrepancy there is in the pricing... Anyways, we spent 5 days/4 nights and saw: Karak Fortress, Dana Nature Reserve, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea. Would recommend all, except do not bother with the actual Karak Fortress as I was bored but the town is interesting, and has cheap and good food. Petra will be the most expensive place by far for eveything, and admission is 50 JD per person! As opposed to admission to most other areas being within 1-10 JD. I would recommend it as it sounds like you are looking for something adventurous, very Middle Eastern, and has the possibility of being cheap if you are smart. =) I am so happy you found Jordan to be nice! and it can be cheap or you can eat at the Four Seasons....:) looks like you liked it!!!
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Latest post on 06 July 2011 - 08:32
She was not insane. She is a very good liar. The evidence of decomposition was in her trunk, however they could not pin point a cause of death. The sheet her body was out in matched the sheets on her bed. The laundry bag the poor baby was found in had a mate- also found in the house. There was so much evidence but not evidence that can pin point death cause.....so they found her not guilty. I do agree with the forensic examiner- who is nationally known- how can a baby have duck tape on her mouth and it not be homicide? horrible. she lied to police for months, while boozing it up and entered bikini contests.....what person does that?
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Latest post on 26 June 2011 - 06:42
2 girly girlz can you resend the Raffles information? I did not get it....THANKS :) Can you confirm if I had the correct addy? dangerismyname at yahoo dot com yes, youre right...Ill have to double check, but thanks so much for your help!
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Latest post on 25 June 2011 - 07:13
K.. got it.. You can delete your post/email now : ) GMAIL and I will use Raffles as the title. girly girlz...i did not get the email? can you resend? thanks...:) :)
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Latest post on 23 June 2011 - 23:05
this is a funny thread.........please submit the you are a crazy fool request to facebook also!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 23:30
Just got back from Jordan and had a great time. The weather is hot but not humid and definitely cool nights. Since you are only there for a short time, I'd skip Amman and go straight to Jerash to see the Roman sites. They also have a gladiator show which was fun to watch. Of course the Dead Sea is a must. They have the mud in buckets and you just help yourself with it and 'float' in the Dead Sea. Very relaxing. Then you could do Petra which is a 3.5 hour drive from the Dead Sea. Take a good pair of walking shoes. We spent 8 hours in there and did not get half of it done. So much to see plus we had 2 children so lots of breaks and rest. Depending on how many hours/day(s) you want to stay at one place, you could do Wadi Rum and do a Jeep tour or go to Aqaba for some squba diving. Really up to you how you plan your days. Was shocked at the prices, not what I was expecting. Found it to be an expensive country. wow...you saw alot!!! yes its not cheap...but it really is cool to see petra?!
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 23:28
ok ill look for it and then delete....:)
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 22:21
Wow ladies, thanks for the honesty!!! Despite the heat, we are thinking Amman. Isn't it at least less humid if not less hot than here? (Correct me if I'm wrong, this is just based on light internet research) go to amman...my husband is jordanian...and its got nice weather now...hot but awesome nights.....cool...i have been 6 times....let me know if you want any help...plus--youre not far....and you can buy a visa at the airport....
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Latest post on 20 June 2011 - 18:15
K.. got it.. You can delete your post/email now : ) GMAIL and I will use Raffles as the title. girly girlz...i did not get the email? can you resend? thanks...:)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 05:00
Hi saintlouismama - My DD is just about to finish KG2 and she has had a great time there and we've found the montessori system really suited her personality. She is heading into Grade 1 next year so hopefully that will be as good as what we've experienced so far. My son will be in year 1 .... My daughter will be in KG 1... thanks for the feedback! :)
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 03:12
what school? may i ask...also will be in the american system come august.... also, why not complain, something must be wrong somplace if that number failed
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 16:22
Have you thought about a minivan ie Honda Odyssey or Chrysler T&C I have 3 kids and this is soooo much easier, to have 2 'armchair' type seats in the middle row and a central walkway to the 3rd row I have a Odyssey.....so EASY. I know not to cool, but easy. Very dependable.
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 16:19
I live on sheikh Zayed Road, next to Crowne Plaza, and love it! it is a high rise (which is love!) All the hotels and shops are close by, and it has a very yuppie feel. I have 3 kids....do alot of the high rises have kids areas....or just the big ones like JBR? what about the Palm shoreline? nobody has mention the Palm......
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 16:18
In my opinion Jumeirah is central to all other parts of the city and there are shopping areas nearby that are nice, but in terms of a walkable area with loads of services? No, not really, but then I don't find any areas in Dubai like that (with the exception of the older deira/bur dubai areas which I think could offer more of that feeling). Totally disagree - i live in Jumeriah and at the weekends i can and do walk to most things i need. this is good to know. i live in the city now, and i walk to alot of places with my kids.....i enjoy it also.... should i keep in mind a area.....jum 1-2- or 3?
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 16:16
I live in JBR. Its been interesting to watch this place change so dramatically in the last 4 years. It was a ghost town when I arrived, we literally had the beach to ourselves and the only stores in sight were useless ones we didnt need such as fur coat shops -when all we wanted was a place to buy a litre of milk and a newsaper! Gradually though we have seen it turn into the buzzing community it is today with the Walk and beach jam packed full of people. I do like the atmosphere and the fact there are a great array of nightspots and cafes on our doorstep (and a place to buy some milk!) but sometimes the traffic and the fact that it is an 'it' spot now full of posers in their cars cluttering up the place - makes it somewhat annoying to live in. But take away the weekend traffic (excessive honking) and unfinished roadworks and the Marina is awesome :) its funny you sound exactly like my husband. he just said after his first visit how much is around, but there is alot of weekend traffic....still might be very good for a newbie family.....
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 00:25
Jumeriah 1 - and love it. I can walk to most things i need, beach, shops, baby malls, restaurants. Can just about walk to the gym in winter (can in summer but by the time i get there have lost half my body weight in water). The area i live in back on to Irani Satwa and it feels like a different country, sand alley ways, with small local shops, tailors, cafeterias etc, i live in the vacinity of 4 masjids and love the sound of call to pray. ask i ask where there is a gym? in case i dont have one where we end up living? are they alot in fees? men and women mixed?
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 00:23
Live along the beach in Jumeirah 3 in a compound with 6 other villas with a mixture of expats and Emiratis. There is nothing like waking up to the sound of the two mosques on either side of us as the sun start to illuminate the ocean waves. I love sitting outside with coffee and watching all the kites from the kite surfing dance together int he wind. It is very quiet, peaceful and from every window all you can see is water. There are a few good small shops along the beach road where we are, reem al bawadi which is a favorite restaurant is just across the road, the cake box is a constant favorite and there are pharmacies and small groceries nearby for picking up milk, eggs etc. We like being close to mina a salam and al qsar and of course spend a lot of time by the water each day. The cons definitely are that along with peace and solitude comes the need to drive everywhere and the loss of being able to walk anywhere which I miss. But all in all, its a pleasant place to be. Though truth be told, if I could choose, the new yorker in me would opt for the house in the consulate area of bur dubai described by an earlier poster. I would like to feel like I lived in another country! Instead I live down the road from Subway :-) hello new yorker....i love your city...can i ask...is there alot of places around jumeriah....schools are close...but what about other needed things? and is it too close to crowded areas like the hotels etc..that are also in jumeriah? thanks
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 22:18
what about fav areas of jumeriah and um sequiem? any place I should definetly keep in mind or avoid? this might be close to school for us after all....THANKS!
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 22:16
My issue wasn't only in that grade, but with others as well. But just to note on your comment, The Director was also a teacher (only spending 1/2 day in the class room with assitants filling in) all year until a couple of weeks ago, so how is that rectified right away as I know many parent complained for months? Not every school is for everyone, just glad we were offered other options for my children. thanks for the feedback...appreciate it. :)
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 22:14
The negativity that was being "aired" earilier in the year was about the Montessori director. She did have her hands full at one point as she was needed in two places at once. Some parents were not very happy with the situation, voiced their opinions and the issue was rectified right away. The Montessori school received an Excellent rating this year from the kdha, they must be doing something right : ) If you get to experience the Junior portion of the school, the superintendent is from Iowa and I can not say enough great things about him. Every morning the kids gather into the atrium and do the *cha cha slide* as their morning exercise including the teachers. This school definitely has a *community* vibe. Let me know if you have any more questions. Thanks....my kids are in grade 1 and KG 1....we are from the USA...going in Aug....any other advice for me girly girlz? thanks !!! :) <em>edited by saintlouismama on 15/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 22:13
Well it looks like we are going to Raffles. One in KG1 and one in grade 1. It is the only school that we could enroll both kids in and that didnt cost 70000+ I would love any other feedback, things I should be aware of, good or bad......
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 22:09
I have been there several times. Driving from Amman? I hope ?.....Its not a bad drive, but at this time its hot...Where are you staying? the Marriott or the Kapinski? Are you comfy driving in Mid East? Jordan's roads are a bit crazy...... Its very nice place to visit....and the mud is awesome for your skin.
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 09:47
wow...i am really torn, but you all write such nice things....really nice. Might have alot to look at!
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 23:43
Thank you ladies for all these comments....all different but so nice. Making my anxious feelings disappear a little!!! :)
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 23:05
I am still here in the USA...comming to dubai in aug...but I can tell you we are already having some awesome sales on summer clothes, which is what youll be able to use and stock up on... Just got a ad for Macys....awesome deals...and they only get better as Aug approaches.
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 23:01
how far is it from jumeriah or um sequiem? 20 mins, longer or shorter dependent on traffic, route, driving skills. wow..not horrible then....i think we might look to live there....but i am really drawn to that school. my husband went to tour it and really said some nice things.
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 22:56
Sorry to be negative, but it didn't work for us and we have moved our children to another school for next year. what happened? may I ask?
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 22:54
how far is it from jumeriah or um sequiem?
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 22:52
I love this thread. It makes me want to be here all the more (now if I could just find a place to live, lol). Please keep the posts coming! have you been here yet? Remember you said you were coming soon... I am comming in August.with our 3 kids.....husband is there now....hunting :)
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 22:03
We might enroll there in Sept...making our decision this week....Will have a Kg 1 and year 1....:)
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 21:52
CON: Elevators have issues fairly often; garlic smell through the fresh air vent a few evenings a week. thats a laugh! thanks....:)
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 21:05
I am so so sorry for your loss. Grieve for the baby you lost, but hope for the baby that can come in the future. I also have had losses (2). It is very hard. Every september and january i remember the babies that should have been here with me. I am sorry for you and your family, but time will heal these wounds. Stay positive and please relax. AND DONT PUT BLAME ON YOURSELF.....
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 20:52
such nice comments.....seems positive all the way around....:)
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 07:14
I went to paris with one child...now I have 3....:) I always remember our vacation fondly but we stayed right near the Eiffel and walked...pushed baby around.... I know you might need more space also than a hotel.... have you tried VRBO www.vrbo.com-- you can find a apartment in almost any place to rent. you would have some space..... also, why not use trains? might save you hassle of driving and parking...and gas prices....can be quite crowded in paris.... Also, my husband went to a small city called tours....loved it......very quaint. Hope this little bit helps....good luck from USA and enjoy the vaca....
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 07:03
Yes, still very satisfied with the South Campus : ) BIG THANKS...just needed a little feedback...so unsure because I am in the USA!!! Coming from the U.S., we thought one of the "American" schools would be the best decision. Long story short, I was not impressed. I was expecting a bit more more than we received considering the amount of money we paid for tuition. We went to Raffles South this school year despite the *bad press* and I am so glad we did. After plenty of research and comparison of school work etc... it turns out that a majority (the schools we would be interested in) were all doing the same thing. The Superintendent stands outside every morning to greet the children by name as they enter the school. My children are very happy with the school, and we as parents are happy with our decision. THANK YOU THANK YOU really i was attracted to the montessori ....but was put off my the negativity....at the same time can we really justify spending 70+ per year on a school? that is what i paid for university. THANKS...comming in august....should be nice and hot by then ...huh?:) <em>edited by saintlouismama on 14/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 23:40
Yes, still very satisfied with the South Campus : ) BIG THANKS...just needed a little feedback...so unsure because I am in the USA!!!
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Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 05:20
are you all still happy with the south campus? teachers, school facilities....?? my daughter will be there for KG 1 in Sept.....Thanks for your feedback....:)
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Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 04:59
Thanks...any other information known? good and bad?
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 23:03
Ladies, any advice/info on this school...its teachers...its facilities? .Thank you....
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 17:04
No harness like that is legal in the US. They are airplane seat harnesses. Laws here require boosters until age 8 or 80 pounds....children must be in rear facing seats until age 2 now. How anybody cannot have a child in a seat [b'>there [/b'>especially blows my mind. I have seen some horrible thing with children in seats.....keeping children in seats should be a law. Well I do have to add something, if you are in a taxi, why not just use a booster with a belt positioner? I know I dont know if you can find all that but the issue is usually the height of the belt on the child during a accident.
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 17:02
No harness like that is legal in the US. They are airplane seat harnesses. Laws here require boosters until age 8 or 80 pounds....children must be in rear facing seats until age 2 now. How anybody cannot have a child in a seat [b'>there [/b'>especially blows my mind. I have seen some horrible thing with children in seats.....keeping children in seats should be a law.
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 00:10
Hi ! I have seen the school from the outside, as it is still not completed, therefore we cannot really visit it. However, the Registrar offered a Tour as soon as it will be accessible. It is big, and brand new, and when I saw it last week they were painting the outside and doing the landscaping. Will you be relocating to Dubai for the first time? Umm Sequim 1-2-or 3 would be a perfect location, housing wise. Just in case you are also looking at where to live. Good luck! Thanks for this information!!! I do not have a place in any school yet! and no i dont have a home either! Hopefully it will all fall into place. I am wondering how this school will be....?! <em>edited by saintlouismama on 08/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 22:07
I have looked for this in Jordan...recently...could not find it ( my husband is jordanian, wanted it for our kids)
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 07:51
Hello other moms of children who might go to the new American school - CAS...I might have a son there in grade 1. I am in USA now but will be in Dubai in August.... Have any of you seen the school yet? Heard anything? Thanks !:)
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Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 22:09
In the States there is a shampoo that is medicated that can assist with allergies. I know its hard to bathe cats, but my vet swears it helps her. She is allergic and she uses it on her cats that live in her office. She also runs a shelter. For whatever its worth, whoever loves animals there, gets a gold star! such good work you do for the voiceless.