Suzieq123 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Suzieq123

Suzieq123
180
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Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 12:49
excellent! I thought my Thurs night plans were ruined :)
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 12:48
Good questions... My agreement says for up to 2 years I can have a maid through them for x number of dirhams. No cancellation penalty. She is sponsored by and all of her paperwork is taken care of by the agency. SHE has the contract with the agency. But, she doesn't know (apparently, and sadly not surprisingly) what the penalties/repercussions were written in the contract she signed. She doesn't have a copy of her contract to show me. I agree with you about her best interests, but I'm not sure they care. If I can help her before I leave, I really want to.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 12:23
But is it Wed sundown to Thurs sundown, or Thurs sundown to Fri sundown?
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 12:16
Good luck, I agree with all the posters, it'll be a fun discussion and fallout I am sure.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 09:19
We used explorer maids and it's been fine, lots of friends have used them too. you need to call and call and follow up with them, don't be surprised. number is 043587622. Good luck.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 09:17
We went through Sheesa Bay with a friend with a 5 year old. It was an overnighter and she kept him in a lifevest, even to sleep, and he had a blast. That said, I was a wreck every time I heard a splash because I thought he had gone over! The sides were very low (unsafe in western standards) but doable. You'd be busy busy busy watching him!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 09:15
We looked and looked at JI (where I thought I really wanted to be) before finding a house in Meadows 1, and I feel like we dodged a bullet. I have 2 friends who have moved out of JI this year because of landlord issues, shoddy construction, and inconvenience of location. Their kids both go to ASD. The drive - it depends on which cluster you are in, but if you are in the middle without easy access to an exit, it is a lot of speedbumps and roundabouts and can take awhile just to get to the entrance. There are lots of westerners, and the kids are out playing, and the paths to walk/run around the lakes are super nice. I know 3-4 ASD families there, and I'm sure there are lots more and GWA as well. And the club serves alcohol :) Good luck!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 16:23
I see Dr. Cristina Reira Obrador at the Dubai Bone and Joint Center for a podiatrist and I really like her.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 15:28
I saw them at the party store in Garhoud last week!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2013 - 11:39
Can you tell me exactly where this is? I haven't seen it!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 February 2013 - 14:23
The camel market has these - they feed it to the camels! Past the Sevens on Al Ain road, you'll see a sign at the next roundabout to the market. There are barrels and barrels :)
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 20:38
I use Becci at The Stylist Salon in Barsha and love her.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 20:30
When we first tried to use the vouchers for LUX in Maldives, they quoted a much higher rate than what we found on line. We emailed back and forth until they acquiesced. they eventually gave us the rate we found for the first night, free the 2nd, 20% off the rest, breakfast every day. it was a great deal. but we had to push for it. simpleasabc... where did you see the bab al shams voucher? it isn't in entertainer travel!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 20:30
Poor baby (both of you!) I had this with my youngest and it was chronic. Lots of air time, occasional baby powder (I know it's not recommended by a lot of drs but it helped us), and most importantly - NO BABY WIPES. Even the tiniest bit of alcohol they put in the solution to keep them moist irritated her bum. Washclothes much better.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 17:05
We used the LUX resort voucher in the book, it was fabulous! My only complaint is everywhere is blocked for spring break so we cannot use.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 18:32
There's a place called The Will Specialist in JLT that we went, the lawyer's name was Etka, she was prompt and efficient and we were pleased. We didn't do the will part, but the guardian docs were each about AED 2500, not cheap, but worth it for my peace of mind. I'm guessing that's the same ballpark, but call over and ask!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2013 - 13:44
Yes, We just finished doing all of this. First of all, you do not automatically get custody if something happens to your husband. Need to file paperwork with the courts for this. Secondly, you need an "in country" temporary guardian who can take your kids until a permanent guardian is located and brought here. Then you need to have permanent guardianship papers. All need to be translated, attested, filed with courts here. We keep as little property/$ here as possible so that's not really an issue for us. Of course, if you are OK with your husband's closest male relative getting the kids and everything else then you are fine.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 11:56
I was wondering if a friend and I can "share" an entertainer travel book, or whether the card that you have to show is attached to a person's name? TIA.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 19:51
I agree with verdeque. we had a wonderful vacation flying into Vancouver then working our way down to San Francisco, through Seattle, Portland, the coast and the redwood forest. There are also some beautiful areas in Wisconsin/Minnesota as well if you like outdoorsy things. No siteseeing there really, but you can go through Chicago and there is tons to do there - and shopping on Michigan Ave can't be beat!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 19:48
We went on Saturday. Directions - follow the signs, you exit just before exit 55 off the bypass road. once you are off, go straight straight straight till you see a makeshift wall in front of you. Go around it to the right side, and follow the road - you will get there! It says it starts at 1. We got there about 130, they said it would start at 2 inshallah, it started around 230. it was interesting, esp seeing all the local men with their falcons. we stayed for about 45 min watching and that was enough. It was a slice of culture and I'm glad we went. kids were entertained for all of about 5 minutes, but they were good sports. There was free food and drinks, we were served coffee and given shirts!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 18:43
My kids are learning Spanish at school and I would love to rent a place somewhere in spain for 2 weeks. if anyone has suggestions I'd love to hear them. Last summer we travelled all over visiting family and friends and it wore on us. I don't know what do to make it better this year.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 18:33
My 14 year old DD was read a story at a Christian preschool when she was 3 about a city sewer rat that was mean and nasty before meeting the sweet Christian country mouse... she still sleeps with her lights on today. It is awful when they are exposed to something that, as their mom, you know they are not ready for.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 20:02
Thank you so much! The souq sounds like a great option!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 14:09
My 10 year old daughter asked for an ipad/kindle/macbook - any of the above. And she is getting a toiletry bag for travelling, a new swimsuit/towel, a beanbag chair, some books, a puzzle, some clothes.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 13:48
I went through this last year and it was driving me crazy! Then we moved to Dubai, and it stopped. Recently it started again - I think the culprit is JEANS... possible any pants with a rough zipper? When we got here i was wearing a lot of skirts and shorts and now that the weather is cooler I notice them again. Think about it... it can't be a bug, because it's only around the waist. If it were a bug it would eat indiscriminately...
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 19:00
Ziplining through the rain forest... my experience was in Mexico but I hear that Thailand is awesome too. I keep thinking about parachuting over the Palm... someday...
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 18:58
I always start with half of what their "best price" is and work it out from there!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2012 - 18:32
We use Explorer agency and it is 2700/month, of which our maid is paid 1000. There was a one time office fee but I don't recall how much, and a 5000 deposit. Good luck!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 December 2012 - 15:52
We used Explorer agency, contact was Megan, number is 04-358-7622. We've been happy with the service.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 December 2012 - 16:44
We just got back from Jordan this weekend and loved it - enjoy! We are thinking Chang Mai Thailand
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 21:31
Thanks Daza! I will try that tomorrow as well!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 21:05
OK thanks, I'll keep an eye out for your post. My DD just today told me she wanted to go with some friends that already have tickets, and of course they are sold out!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2012 - 20:53
I would love one of them if you are willing to split them up??
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 November 2012 - 11:38
I have a friend that is coming to visit from Germany. She has her masters degree in teaching, but has not yet started her student teaching. Is it possible for her to substitute teach here? What kind of visa would she need? TIA for any help.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 20:20
My DD is 14 and has been babysitting for other kids (including a child with Down's) since 12. I have no concerns at all!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 20:16
Our Wii is plugged into a transformer. We brought games with us and order through Amazon.com. We've had no problems!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 November 2012 - 20:25
There is a "shop" in the spice souk, about 5-6 down to the left from where you enter, with a youngish Iranian guy who calls himself Mohammed Ali... hair is in a bit of a slicked up mohawk... he always explains all of the spices to my visiting friends when I see him, and there are lots of nuts and more spices inside his store. You can tell him your American friends fron Thursday who bought all the cashews sent you :) I second Bayt Al Wahkeel... great place to sit outside and eat overlooking the creek!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 16:45
I just asked at school and they said that "EEG is the group that picks up our recycling and at one point the elementary followed them back to their center to see the operation. Here is the link: http://www.eeg-uae.org/about-us" I hope that's true - I put a lot of effort into making sure my family recycles as much as possible!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 15:08
A friend told me today that all of the items that are collected in the recycling bins at Spinneys and other places are just dumped in desert landfills with regular garbage. Does anyone know if this is actually true? With facts, and not just hearsay? Thanks!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 14:18
Thank you for all the responses. We went to Sind Punjab and found it to be delicious, and they accomodated 22 of us with no problem!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 08:40
It's not a US thing! You need to get out and try some new things. i went paddleboarding for the first time last week. Walk around the Bastakiya and take some beautiful pics of the courtyards. Plant a garden. Invite someone to coffee. Learn a new sport. Take a cooking class. There is so much that Dubai has to offer. Volunteer and meet some new people. It's awful when you don't have friends, I know, but great when you do. It just takes a lot of effort to get there. The shopping my size I totally get!! But I find the road rage with drivers in the US as bad as some of the habits here. I hope you find something that makes you happy :)
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 November 2012 - 10:07
We just got back from a long weekend in Sharm El Sheikh and it was FABULOUS!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 09:42
I wouldn't make it through a day in Dubai without a sense of humor...
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 09:40
Thanks for posting this. I was wondering the same thing. When you have visitors who want to go to Ferrari World or Grand Mosque and you are not available to drive, is there a bus? Also, how much is a taxi to these locations? Thank you!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2012 - 16:00
I second Cara's!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 September 2012 - 08:17
My kids have all danced at diverse as well, and I agree with the other posters. What they have lacked, though, is teaching real technique in the classes. They are adding a new slew of ballet classes this year and hopefully that will improve the quality. If you are looking for the full run of singing, dancing, and acting, I think they are great. The musical theatre program is audition only, and limited numbers... They did their auditions in the spring already, so I'd call sooner rather than later to see if there are spots! <em>edited by Suzieq123 on 04/09/2012</em>
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 06:38
I love my iPhone. I do prepaid and am pretty careful about the data side as it eats up data, but overall I it's doable (not as cheap as the US, but ok). I usually use 50 aed on calling and another 50 on data and can make it through the month.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2012 - 06:22
I typically wear a skirt to capris and short sleeved top. I like to abide by the local dress rules of covering shoulders and knees. In general, though, I find people dress up much more here at school pick up time, coffees, etc. back in the US this summer I am picking up a few casual dresses and more skirts. Good luck with the move!
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 09:29
I would pull her out and have her get her GED. That is a lot of money for someone who doesn't appreciate it. My brother was like this, and he says now (he is 43) that if my parents had stopped coddling him through his screw ups he would have gotten it together much quicker, but they made it easy for him. Tough love is so hard, but your end goal is not to make a 17 year old happy, is it? The end goal is so much bigger. Good luck, I really feel for you and may be in the same place in a couple more years. Fortunately my eldest is very consciencious - it's the next one I worry about.
Suzieq123
180
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 20:01
We brought our 2 dogs as well. Good luck with the move!
 
 
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