Skiingfreak | ExpatWoman.com
 

Skiingfreak

103
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 09:59
I dip in and out of WW but need to get solidly into losing weight. But I am very busy. I have tried to find teh WW magazines, does anyone know where you can get them as I need to see recipes, and then pick and choose where all ingredients are measured etc and they have to be quick as I do not like cooking. Let me know if you get together. There is an app to download them online will find out what it is as thats how I get mine here as was cheaper than sending out from uk x
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Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 09:52
Hello!! Oh boy do I need some motivation!!!! I've arrived and have really struggled with just so much going on organising my kids and schools and the dreaded packed lunches!!! I would love to meet up with anyone as I have put on over the summer and would love to stem the flow and start to lose some again!!! I have brought all my stuff with me, all new pro points, magazines, cook books and access to esource where I believe old recipes can be converted into propoints. Just got my licence, but got builders in the back and trying to sort them out for the next week but if anyone is up for a meet after that I would be definitely up for it! I have normal digital scales at mine, a kettle and a box of tissues if needed!!!! (in ranches)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 09:12
Thanks everyone! Making me feel quite excited too as I've not had chance to do anything since arriving!x
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Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 09:11
Will speak to them about the 18 year old but I'm sure she will be ok, what is the age here please? Errr the answer is in my reply...... I find the 18-21 year olds the biggest challenge even if they don't drink alcohol some places still won't let you in if under 21. 21 ;) Doh!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 08:24
How fab! Thanks very much! I should have read the whole website before I asked! Thank you! Will speak to them about the 18 year old but I'm sure she will be ok, what is the age here please?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 September 2012 - 09:29
My back has been dug up for the last 4 weeks due to pool leak, they had to find what was leaking first, for us it was pipes and the header tank. We were losing loads of water so just had to turn it all off and the pool was drained. Yours might be simpler I don't know. Sorry cant be much help but only been here a few weeks and this is the first pool we've had! It's been a pain but we had to get it sorted due to the water loss!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 13:53
That was me this morning but with coffee and toast, might have to try it with ice cream next time sounds better than toast!x
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Latest post on 24 September 2012 - 07:23
We were in exactly same position, although we haven't had any grief from school yet, arrived 6 weeks ago had to enter on visit visa because the original title deeds hadn't been registered with rewa, we tried to put visa application through with just tenancy document but it was rejected. My husband kept chasing and chasing the landlord who was away on holiday which didn't help, eventually after 4 weeks of chasing, the landlord registered the original deeds and from that we could register the tenancy and start the process. We were lucky it's in progress but like you, we wouldn't have taken on the villa had we known it wasn't registered and that it would cause us such issues. Surely agents have to take some responsibility going forward to protect tenants. There are a lot of people in this situation due to the new regulations and the school should be aware of this and show some flexibility, I don't know what the actual rules are but we haven't even been asked for our visas at school at all yet. Keep chasing the landlord and the agent as its possible to get this resolved it just needs some harassing I think. We would have got to the point eventually i think where we would have spoken to the bank and dewa had this not got resolved to see if we could cancel cheques to get out of the tenancy agreement. We have been lucky, I hope you can get this resolved, the kids have all been through enough change we understand how you feel x
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Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 11:05
Just called them as I am o neg and a regular donor in the uk, my residency is in process so I have to wait until I have residency sorry, had hoped to help ASAP but I will call them again next week when I hope to have my visa through, wishing the baby very good luck x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 10:48
In case you can't get them, you can get lots of Australian woman's weekly cookbooks here and they usually have lots of lamington recipes in them, mine certainly do! If you feel like making your own!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 14:24
Thank you everyone! Wll have a look at oasis website I think!!x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 15:54
Just got my bike trailer out of its 6 week hibernation in the back garden since exiting the container it arrived in, was going to take the kids for swim lessons by bike as I can't drive until visa comes through, however there is some serious amount of wildlife now occupying said trailer, loads and loads of grasshopper kind of looking things. I will try and Hoover them all out (and hand my other half the Hoover to clean when he gets home) but if I don't get them all are they likely to bite my little ones?!! Sorry feel like a real girl asking this but I wouldn't fancy getting in it myself! In 6 years i have never been bitten by anything here. I know people have had mossie bites but that is it. I would set the hoover on them just incase. Thanks! Got the baby dyson out but it died on me in mid attack! Wll resume with Henry shortly! Think I wont mention them to the kids!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 10:28
Never had one of these before but hubby was looking yesterday and said there is a big choice, anything obvious to avoid or are they all pretty much the same please?!
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Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 10:21
Thanks everyone for your feedback, they are coming to look at my Siemens again today so will take it from there. I just can't believe that a cooker advertised with child friendly triple glazed cool touch glass (rubbish!!) then has the whole stainless surround scalding hot when the oven is on for 10 minutes, shocking design fault I feel, I daren't use my oven when the kids are around as it gets that hot! And they tell me that's just how it is....
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 17:56
Well I did ask!!! I have a Siemens that is scalding hot everywhere to touch when oven is on and is just gas so possibly have the chance to get a fisher and paykel dual fuel, but maybe won't bother after this!! Shame the one I have is driving me mad!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 18:10
We use Lebanese flat bread for our base, so cheap and quick to cook, load them with all the usual suspects and we all love them!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 22:14
as a visitor (ie not got visa yet) you cannot drive with uk licence a private vehicle, you can only drive a rental car. only uae driving licence can drive private cars. RTA have told me with Uk and IDP I can drive our own car if on visit visa until the point that residency visa is applied for, and insurance said as long as RTA fine then insurance is valid. (3 times I called them to make sure I got the same story each time)x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 18:27
Just on this as I'm in the same position. I've called rta a few times on this to make sure I was getting the same story. They have told me that I can drive our own car on my international driving permit (I have a full uk licence too) whilst in a visit visa only. And my the insurance company said it was fine as long as rta was fine, even asked rta for written confirmation as had so many conflicting stories about this I wanted to be sure, but they said no written confirmation necessary, it is fine to drive our private car on a visit visa. However the minute the residency process begins (not when you have your residency but from the very start of the process)you are no longer allowed to drive on uk/idp and you must wait until you then get your full residency and then you MUST transfer uk licence to UAE before driving. I'm doing school runs in a taxi (3 kids finishing at two different times, no fun!!) now since my process began on yesterday and expect to be doing this for a couple of weeks, annoying when I have a car in the drive but the last thing I want is to not be insured (which I wouldn't be) as not legally allowed to drive. Trying to be patient!! If in doubt call rta I found them really clear and helpful!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 11:14
Fees are on website under registration, which campus are you looking at? The new building on existing site is officially completed although I use the term completed loosely! Or are you looking at kings college? Info re this on their website also no confirmed date but they are hoping for 2013.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 16:57
She is in Alps, she is ok and quite excited, the 6 year old isn't sure though! Would be great to have a natter!x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 13:58
My oldest starting in year 5 too! I looked at her yesterday in total amazement and wondered where this grown up girl suddenly appeared from! Scary how time flies....!
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Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 13:56
We were never given a start date when we got the pack for my little one, all happened over the holidays, but Dania has confirmed to stick with Tuesday! Yes I think tomorrow will all be a bit mad! My 6 year olds face was a sad one when I said we could only drop her off and not come in with her but I'm sure she will be fine in the morning (she says keeping her fingers crossed and sounding more optimistic than she feels!!). Yes I've got 3 starting so I'm glad it's just the two oldest tomorrow, I'm very new to this whole packed lunch malarkey so glad to have a staggered start!!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 22:21
I had this yesterday in alvorada, loss of pressure then no water, I'd had workmen in the back during the day and they'd tripped something out but I didn't realise. A lovely neighbour came down and looked in the electricity box and it was just a switch that had tripped and so needed resetting. Worth checking in your box!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 21:44
Very enjoyable experience at Gladys tonight, thank you!
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 21:15
Just seen website, no contingency required all ok for a Sunday start!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 19:55
Thank you so much everyone for replying, really appreciated! Booked for Gladys as soon as I had your reply this morning so thanks for that and will give them a go, I've always had Jessica so good to stick with that for now! Haven't heard of bio sculpture so will do a bit of research on that! Thanks everyone!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 08:37
Gladys in Motor City does them. They are in the next major building past Spinneys on the lefthand side (same building Building Blocks). 044541285 Fantastic! Thank you I will give them a call!x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 21:35
Thank you!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 19:53
Thank you! Yes that's the ones!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 16:45
Brilliant, thanks so much for your reply!! I can cross them off the list now!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 08:46
Thanks Jules! I wish! Resorted now to coronation street on the iPad with earphones in desperation to try and lull me back to sleep! Got two rental viewings in my house today so trying to get the place looking a bit more organised! Ridiculous how even without furniture and belongings my house can be a mess still!! (hurriedly blames the children...). Have asked re school classes by the way but not heard back yet! Thanks for the sizing info too, good to be aware of that!x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 08:37
Oh all these joys to come!!! Yes I'm still in the uk but had insomnia for weeks now as just so much to organise and my simple mind is in overload!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 08:00
Oh well I'm sure he has nothing better to do out there on his own than pricing up wild geese! Thanks for the tips ladies!!x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 07:40
Thank you for that! Will check into it as he won't appreciate being sent on a wild goose chase!
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Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 07:15
By the way penny lane thank you for the info, definitely feel not as worried now and will stock up on some plastic book covering before I come out! Thanks for your good wishes!x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 07:13
Ha, not much room in Zak's then!! Sending my other half in there tonight to do a pricing reccie for me so beware ladies! Sandy1 we really are similar situation, my other half been there since february, we've just stayed here to finish the school year and give him chance to save some money out there for the up front rent cheques! We are staying in the house until schools out then I'm lucky to have a static caravan I can decamp to then! Been sleeping on a mattress for the last month so it will be nice to sleep in a bed again even if is a caravan bed! Then we head out August 16th, and really looking forward to all being together again! Slightly nervous at my husbands expectations though, he has been in a serviced hotel apartment since feb getting his bed made, dishes washed, ironing done etc., not sure the service I provide will be up to scratch!!! Where abouts in the UK are you based?x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 22:54
Ha how funny! Good luck to you too! Sounds like we are in the same boat! My stuff left last Monday and sailed I think on Friday, hope it doesn't turn up before 1st August as it wont have a home until then!! Our house is now very empty but that makes it easier to clean!! When are you heading out?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 21:34
Thank you! Feel reassured now and this is much preferable to sending my other half shopping! Will get school shoes and socks before we come out so that will at least be sorted! Sitting here on my mattress in the kitchen as this is about all I have left in my house starting to feel excited rather than just stressed!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 20:35
Havent arrived in Dubai yet so unsure on the school uniform situation, do you think I will be safe shopping for my 3 kids around 3rd week August when we actually arrive, or do they run out?! Wondering if I have to send my husband out with a list and a tape measure!!! Any advise welcome!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 01:17
Hi, have you had any joy with this, we are just about to ask for a deposit refund and this is the first I realised there may be problems, when did these rules come in please?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2012 - 16:10
Just a long shot in case anyone was interested, I'm still in the uk but my container will be due to Dubai early August, I have 3 lascal kiddy guard stair gates which I have always used and are absolutely brilliant, they have to be properly attached ie wall or frame fixed in but will extend to 51" / 130cm, I have all the fixings with them of course, when they aren't in use they don't get in the way and fit snugly against the wall. I might keep one of them just because they are so handy, but I was going to sell the others on eBay for about £40 before leave but I would be happy to stick them in the container if you can't get these out there or if anyone might be interested, have all instructions too. If you aren't familiar with these have a look online, they sell in uk for between £100 and £150. Just a thought!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 13:39
The thought of standing on one of these little blighters in the middle of the night whilst going for a pee has made me contact US eBay to see if I can get some of this dupont advion stuff shipped to me in the uk before I come out!! (looks very expensive in the uk) so thank you for this information!!x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 10:41
Hi Skiingfreak I'm afraid I don't. I haven't really done any racing since I was a Junior in 1995. I had a bad fall in which one of my skis didn't come off and I tumbled through several gates, sliced my leg up and twisted my knee. It left me terrified of slalom gates. When I first came out here I went to the Saturday night Slalom night (which Mohammed takes). I was hoping to get my confidence back. But a herniated disc (unrelated) in my lumbar has left me unable to ski on and off since January 2010 (and very miserable!). I was often the only person there. I understand there is a ski club you can join that is a bit more social but only found out about it after my injury. If there is one negative thing I can say about Ski Dubai is it takes the social aspect out of skiing. My last ski centre in the UK would do 2hr lessons with a short break in the middle, to get a drink, watch some video analysis, have a chat etc. People would join and come every week. The Snow Tigers and Snow Tiggers (kids club) were always stacked full of kids that all knew each other and Saturday morning was dedicated to them. During the week there were two adult club nights which were 3 hour sessions with a longer break. A second negative point would be that many of the instructors are hopeless with advanced skiers, especially mixed groups. If I hear someone else say the words 'make carve turn' without explaining the movement to do so (and then watch the entire group make a skid turn for the next 30mins) I think I will strangle them! With almost any instructor except Mohammed I also spend the 30mins demoing carve turns, which I don't mind except that I was paying money to work on something applicable to me, like short turns, that sneaky a-frame that still sneaks in very occasionally, early turn initiation, getting that lazy inside ski working, stance width depending on terrain, keeping my hips facing downhill and them to fall downhill a heck of a lot more than they do so I can see some bigger angles on my skis! I am hoping to join the ski club here once I can ski again, possibly October providing my back doesn't go again whilst doing something dangerous like swimming (yes that is how I last injured my back). That sounds awful, no wonder it put you off, and a shame that now your back is preventing you from trying again, I hope you continue to recover but I'm sure it's difficult, when something like swimming has made your back worse, to find things that help. Good luck to you and maybe bump into you there one day. We will see how it goes I guess once we arrive, my husband is a good skier so he may have to work with the kids himself. Thanks for replying x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2012 - 08:02
Ski instructors there are mainly qualified with the Austrian Ski School and many of them are level four (highest level). There are some very nice Filipino girls that often teach the kids (although may only be level 2). I personally like Mohammed a Moroccan level 4 race coach, the best technical instructor there in my opinion. You may be surprised to find a number of European and NZ ski instructors there, bear in mind ski instructors are badly paid everywhere so this is probably one service in Dubai where staff are not paid less than the rest of the world. Ski instructors do not generally have any formal qualifications for teaching children specifically. This is normal for any ski school. I know a number of people whose children have learnt to ski there and been very happy. Also be aware that in Europe it can be harder for children as young as four to learn as the natural environment has more dangers and is harder going (my parents took me to Switzerland when I was four but I wasn't strong/big enough to keep up with the class). The greatest risk at Ski Dubai is probably when your child starts on the big slope, there are a lot of reckless skiers there, that do not have any control and ski patrol are too afraid to send them packing (I would love to work ski patrol there but after I threw out all the spoilt rich brats that can't ski I'd probably get deported!). That said this is normally in the evenings at the weekends. In some ways learning to ski at Ski Dubai could be considered safer than on a mountain as it is a controlled environment, there no risk of avalanche, skiing off a cliff etc. Ski Dubai does have comprehensive insurance so if you or your child do sustain an injury there ensure you see the first aider to get a claim form and at least some if not all your medical costs should be covered. Ski Instructor, Ex Junior Club Racer. Apologies for butting in! Ruthm do you mind me asking if you've had anything to do with the race team in ski dubai, just wondered how it was for kids with them? Due out soon and keen for my kids to continue some sort of training with a group!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 18:44
Does anyone know about gems Wellington Academy (silicon oasis) at all please? Wasn't sure if or when they would be inspected? Any info welcome!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 00:20
Swiss pass is fab, the whole of Switzerland is wonderful!!! And the trains run on time!!! I worked in zermatt for 8 years which is well worth a visit especially if you are into walking. Hope you have a wonderful time!x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 23:53
This all sounds like we could get a really good support network going for this (well done solo what an awesome, awesome achievement), I've struggled all my life with my weight, so any help like this so very welcome, they say losing weight can't make you happy, but I kind of have to disagree with this, as losing weight just made me happy with myself and gave me some confidence in myself which had been lacking for a very long time and was causing me problems in many areas of my life. I really want to come to Dubai as I am and to try and stay as I am, and as you guys point out it is a way of life change, but frankly I'm scared of coming and being without the support network I have here, so if there are even just a few propel who would be happy to meet up weekly and share their trials and triumphs that would be so reassuring!x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2012 - 14:02
I would love to meet up to do this, lost over 4st with ww and kept it off for a couple of years now, but I know how easy my weight goes back up! I'd love to even informally keep a check!!! I'm bringing all my stuff with me when I come in August x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2012 - 15:21
Thank you everyone for that, I was budgeting an average of 5k/month and thought that was ok, then I started reading some horror stories about really high bills so I just wanted to make sure I was being realistic with that, feel a bit more reassured now thank you all!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 12:02
No if you change your mind you loose your money.my dd goes to DBS. Applied for 2 schools for my other dd turned down DBS as we have moved and lost the 500 Dhs. Hi Thanks for that, it's not the 500 initial fee to register on te waitlist that I mean, I know that will be lost, but the actual 5000 deposit to secure the place once offered, any ideas on that at all please? I don't mind losing 500 but not keen to lose 2 x 5000 for my 2 kids if I change my mind but also don't want to close doors until I'm totally sure what we want to do! Thanks!