Tartiflette | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tartiflette

Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 April 2016 - 08:30
Hi Gorobattie, We also spent a while on the waiting list for JESS Jumeirah and eventually got in. We moved without hesitation and are very glad we did. The management, the teachers, the students and the general vibe are all great. My child is extremely happy there and I can recommend it without hesitation. The facilities are older than other schools and not "flashy", but very well maintained and updated (last summer there was new wiring, plumbing, bathroom renovations etc.). The IT department is award-winning for its innovation. The sports teams do very well, the library has fun reading schemes and competitions, the music programme turns out some great musicians, etc. The small size (for Dubai) and empty sandlot across the road for parking (never any risk of not getting a space on there) make it very manageable. As Frazzled said, entrance to JESS Ranches is guaranteed, and many children get into Dubai College as well. I hope this helps!
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 December 2015 - 18:18
We use dubaipetfood.com, they have a wide range of "premium" foods and treats (and shampoos, etc.) with free delivery. I haven't bought any "furniture" from them but they are very good with selection and customer service.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 December 2015 - 17:55
Park'n'Shop (Al Safa) has a lot of North American products, they definitely have molasses and relish.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 December 2015 - 12:34
I wish my LO was growing up in Europe. Dubai is maybe a good place for babies and toddlers in terms of entertainment, but definitely not in terms of climate. Climate and AC air are quite unhealthy here, my LO was suffering from asthma between ages 2 and 3, despite no cases in the family. I also notice elder children are spoiled and misbehaved. The abundance of toy shops, play areas and fun activities make them crave for more and more and if you choose not to buy a new toy every week, they question you why their friends get more then they do, get envious. Parents of some cultures here also don't care much how their kids behave in public and the society is generally much more tolerant to what children do than in Europe, so be prepared your kid is going to acquire some bad habits. And the last but not least, raising children in Dubai is very expensive. School fees, transportation, afterschool activities are all private and get more and more expensive each year. Check carefully your school allowance and school prices before you decide to relocate. I know everything I mentioned might seem far away for a mom of a 9 months old, but time flies. These are some interesting points but there are two sides to every coin. Interestingly, our child suffered from severe asthma as a toddler, in Europe, despite no asthmatics in our family. Cold, damp weather and central heating are also not ideal.... She has not had a single attack since we moved to Dubai. I agree that SOME children are spoiled here and some young children can run riot (as I have seen in every country), but you can avoid "spoiled syndrome" by careful parenting and school selection-- in my own experience I think the ethos of a school (and of the peer group) makes a huge difference. I have witnessed terrible behaviour in Europe as well-- young teens kissing/fondling each other in cafés and on public transport, putting their shoes all over the seats, cursing... At those times I am grateful we live in Dubai. School fees etc. are all indeed significant costs, so do check your school allowance. (Although that said, our daughter goes to a top school and we pay half of what we were paying in school fees in Europe!)
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 December 2015 - 12:23
I agree that Sharm would not be my top pick. Madagascar is an incredible country, but if you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, of your 3 options I would suggest Seychelles (which also has the advanatge of being much closer and having direct flights). There is a beautiful resort in Madagascar on Tsarabanjina Island but it would be a shame to go so far and not see the country and its unique flora & fauna, which takes some time and is not a "deluxe" experience.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 November 2015 - 17:59
Hockey: www.dubaiyouthhockey.com Netball: http://ru-active.com/folio/netball-training/ Football: There are many indoor places, I'm sure one of them must have girls' sessions (or perhaps I am too optimistic?)
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 November 2015 - 17:54
I've had experience of both and I can tell you that the ethos of non-profit schools comes through in their communication with parents, facilities and general manner towards education. I would not want to go back to a for-profit any time soon. GEMS schools, in particular :) We switched from a (very sought after) non-profit to a GEMS school and for us the experience was 100% beneficial - wish we'd started at GEMS, my child has a bright future compared to 'no hoper ' as quoted by DE**... but that's my own personal experience ... my child will graduate from GEMS this year with an awesome qualification and a very bright future We also prefer the non-profit ethos BUT not all non-profit schools are equal. A good for-profit school can still be a better place for your child than a poor non-profit, no matter how good its reputation may be (especially if that reputation was earned many years ago). We also switched from D*** but to another non-profit school and it was a huge relief... In this case I think it was the school rather than the non-profit angle that was the problem.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 November 2015 - 17:47
Livigno (Italy) is good for late-season skiing, great food and duty-free shopping.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 November 2015 - 17:45
My Tag is about 21 years old. After about 12 years and some rough environmental conditions, it did need a fairly big service but since then has remained in perefct condition...
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 October 2015 - 12:36
We have several pieces from this range and have been happy with them.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 October 2015 - 12:35
Recently in stock at Emirates Hospital (Beach Road opposite the former Beach Park), American Hospital (although only if prescription is from one of their doctors), and Life Pharmacy at Healthcare City (only that branch).
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 July 2015 - 11:49
You could also look at Healthy Home (www.thehealthyhome.me/)-- they came to do a demo at my place (48 hours after Churchill cleaned my carpets) and their super-hoover sucked up a huge amount of dust left behind (even though the Churchill water was scary-dark). They don't steam-clean or wash, they use the hoover and UV light to sterilise. Great for mattresses (I worry about wetting them- do they ever dry properly or can you get mould?) but not ideal if you have spots on curtains or carpets that need washing... But for carpets you could book them to super-hoover then get a wet-wash (like Churchill).
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 July 2015 - 11:43
Don't even get us started on the October thing! I really feel like everyone needs that break as it is a big adjustment coming back into the school year with the heat and humidity... Then there's half-term, everyone has a bit of a rest, the weather cools, and the rest of the term is so much easier...
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 July 2015 - 11:39
Park'n'Shop (Safa) is a ghost town...
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 09:38
I know this is an old thread but I just read that "All spouses, dependents and domestic workers will also have to be covered by June 2016. " So since we are less than 1 year away I'm sure they will check for all renewals from now.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 09:18
We have school this whole week until Thursday afternoon :cry: Yes I think it is KHDA driven (number of days).
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 10:21
Mine is not just slow... It cuts out completely for seconds or minutes at a time... It also routes my traffic through either Turkey or Romania so when I open websites they are in Turkish or Romanian and the defaults are all set to the matching currency... This has never happened before :confused: (Also Etisalat)
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 10:17
If you live in a villa, Emirates Post will deliver to your door three times a week for AED750 per month, or 6 days a week for additional AED500. www.emiratespost.ae (you can select "English" at the top)
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 10:10
According to the Customs section of the Dubai Airports website, no. http://www.dubaiairports.ae/before-you-fly/procedures/security-customs This is in line with most countries' regulations, I think. [i'>Items you cannot bring into the UAE All narcotic drugs. Gambling tools, machines. Ivory and rhinoceros horn. Trammel (fishing net with three layers). Forged or duplicate currency. Any printed material that contradicts Islamic teachings and/or decency, or that deliberately implies immorality or turmoil. Cooked and homemade foods. Radios, self-defence equipment, sharp-edged knives and swords. Pets and skins of endangered animals subject to CITES convention. Weapons, ammunition and military equipment. Fireworks and explosives. Trees, plants and soil. Requirements are subject to change. Please consult Dubai Customs for additional details on entry requirements. [/i'>
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 20:19
I think you would definitely need malaria prophylaxis (Malarone Junior can be taken from a young age) and you may want to vaccinate for Hep A and typhoid if not already done. I believe that yellow fever vaccine is no longer required. Also, for Zanzibar, check electricity situation as when we were there they were having serious electricity supply issues so there was only AC in our hotel room at certain (short) times of day and it was beastly hot and humid... Also no electricity at the airport so no xray machines, no metal detectors, no AC... it was not very reassuring. Arrival of incoming flight was announced by little boys who had been sent out on the runway to spot the plane in the distance!
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 20:10
Count me in for Mauritius! Or maybe we can take over a whole smaller island of the Seychelles? I will be embarking on 6.5 weeks of travel to multiple countries and to multiple destinations within countries, by plane, train, automobile and boat. (DH will join for 2 weeks.) We haven't yet found the right formula for summers. http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2015-06/22/private-island-laucala-fiji-tagomago-ibiza-seychelles-north-new-york http://www.businessinsider.com/private-islands-you-can-afford-to-rent-2012-4
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 20:07
Yes, more important to do Night Zoo! Top tip from my friend who used to work there (and it worked great for us): When it opens, everyone will rush to to do the train ride, then they will do the walking path afterwards. So the smart thing to do is to do the walk first, while everyone else is on the train, then when you finish you can do the train tour without queueing and you will feel you have "earned" the ride by having done the walk.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 June 2015 - 20:57
Don't leave out the Night Safari, it was great! Get a bite to eat beforehand then head over there. We (and all of our friends) really enjoyed it, we went in the night instead of the day. (Although we were tempted by the orangutan breakfast but didn't have time.)
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 June 2015 - 15:07
I can highly recommend Dr Millicent Grim, www.gulfeyecenter.com
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 June 2015 - 15:01
Definitely try Din Tai Fung for delicious dumplings (different locations so check which is convenient for you- there is one in Orchard Road in Wisma Atria mall, one near Raffles, and I think one or two around Marina Bay). There are usually queues but don't be put off as they move quite quickly and you choose your items while you are waiting. Most popular are the "soup dumplings"-- the soup is inside so eat carefully! www.dintaifung.com.sg/ You could check out Dempsey Hill for dinner after visiting the Botanical Gardens. http://www.dempseyhill.com/map.html If you have time, you could also try Escape Hunt (locked-room mystery) in Orchard Road, a great way to spend an hour if the kids are bored of shopping or it is raining heavily! We went (twice- different rooms) with my 9-year-old and she loved it. http://singapore.escapehunt.com/
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 22 June 2015 - 15:01
Agree: let her go.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 June 2015 - 18:32
Like the others, I would absolutely NOT do this and would not consider any nursery trying to convince me to do so!
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 June 2015 - 21:40
My daughter is at JESS (after a couple of years on the waiting list!) and we are delighted with the school. We find the teaching and results excellent. The campus may be old, but is very well maintained (compared to her previous school and to other schools we have been to for activities, sports fixtures etc. which look much newer on the outside but have been quite filthy and decrepit on the inside). Buildings are regularly repainted, carpets and furniture cleaned and/or replaced, and new classroom resources/play equipment/books regularly purchased. Plumbing has been redone, bathrooms refurbished, landscaping undertaken... So don't judge a book by its (old) cover if that's what is putting you off!
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 13:16
Hi Snoopy, I moved my child to JESS Jumeirah from another school and have been very happy. It is MUCH better in every way than our previous school. Kids from JESS J get automatic entry into JESS AR secondary. I don't know how hard it is to get into JESS AR from Year 7 (or into other IB schools), but we spent years on a waiting list before getting into JESS J so you'll need to see with them what the chances are of your child getting a place anytime soon. I don't know how old he is but I think it does get easier as they get older. HTH!
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 May 2015 - 16:23
DESS has a good reputation but in my own experience that is based on past glory; we were not happy there at all. Just adding my view to balance the many EW posts on here, many of which mention its great reputation but are from posters who haven't attended the school.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 28 May 2015 - 16:20
Hi, I agree with the other posters-- I think it will be quite unpleasant for your child and I think seeing friends after school (excellent for settling in quickly) will be difficult.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 May 2015 - 15:41
Think carefully about location-- if you are thinking of somewhere cold in winter you will have to pay for heating throughout the year and have someone check it regularly to make sure everything is OK and the boiler hasn't switched off (for example due to a power failure, or being out of gas) to avoid freezing pipes, damp, etc. The exterior is easy enough, it will need virtually nothing in winter, just maintenance and "winterising" in the fall and then some care in the spring-- a local landscaping company could easily handle that for you. In warmer locations the landscaping can be contracted and frozen pipes are not an issue but I would still recommend someone checking in regularly to make sure there hasn't been a break-in (this apparently happend a lot in the south of France). Or as Scaralex says you could rent it out to keep it from being totally unoccupied and bring in a bit of income.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 26 May 2015 - 15:34
I have friends who have (or have had) kids in both schools; I have heard quite a bit of complaining about both of them but much more about AFLEC so I agree with Cornish Pixie that Pompidou would be the better option. A Swiss international school will open in September that will have a French/English bilingual option (leading to bilingual IB), but I think they will initially be primary only, adding years as they grow.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 May 2015 - 10:23
Spinneys (Mercato but probably other branches as well) carries "real" dulce de leche in glass jars with a blue label (Mardel I think). It's very good.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 March 2015 - 16:48
Resurrecting this thread as currently having the same issue, with a screaming goat instead of a sheep... Based on an experience last year, it is likely to be slaughtered under my bedroom window and hung by its feet from the clothes line... Does anyone have more recent experience? Or are people truly "exempt" from the laws in areas like Jumeirah?
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 February 2015 - 11:17
Re: the bras, I can highly recommend TKD Lingerie in Town Centre Mall, next door to Mercato Mall in Jumeirah 1. Their staff are well trained and very helpful with measuring/advising and they have a good selection from 5exy to basic to sports bras to swimwear & cover-ups. They are generally more expensive than buying the same thing in another country but you get to try it on and walk out with it in your hand which to me is worth it! Have not tried Piccinino but "tina08" is dreging up old threads to advertise it so I am not likely to do so.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 January 2015 - 09:08
I haven't used that Jean-Louis David for colour, but have been there a couple of times for a trim/blow-dry and it was fine. I agree that Toni&Guy should be avoided. My friend has her hair coloured regularly by Sévrine at Studio 7: 7, avenue Théodore Weber 1208 Genève +41 22 735 68 68
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 10:18
Hi - Girls here tend to wear tennis skirts + slim-fit t-shirts for recreational netball (afterschool/weekend programmes) and schools provide kit for school matches, so probably not a lot of netball-specific kit here! You could check out http://www.kukrisports.ae, they specialize in team kits but I think you can buy individual items of clothing. Good luck!
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 December 2014 - 12:43
Bumping as I have the same question!! I assume it would be OK as they are used to handling huge events but would love a personal review from someone...
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 November 2014 - 08:49
I have used Careem a lot but decided to give Uber a try recently and was very disappointed. I highly recommend Careem, especially for any time-sensitive trips (airport, appointments, school drops/pick-ups), or harder-to-find places, or late at night... Anyone tried Uber? Never tried Uber as I heard bad reports about them. We always use Careem if we need to go out as the taxi's can never even find us in JVT ;) edited by Geordie expat on 25/11/2014
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 October 2014 - 22:19
I was looking for pumpkins too...I want my porch to look totally fall-ish...LOL! I would need also Indian Corn and mums...any chance to find them here? :) Spinneys Umm Suqeim had a great pumpkin selection (including an ENORMOUS one) and also large and small corn that looked very nice-- some in mixed colours and some dark red. I was scared to look at the price though!
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 August 2014 - 17:16
At the Al Wasl Rd Park'n'Shop, I have found them in the regular canned-goods section (not sauces or pickles, not "Mexican" section with Old El Paso stuff). Good luck!
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 August 2014 - 14:57
Park 'n' Shop (Al Wasl) usually have the big tins of chipotles in adobo.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 August 2014 - 14:32
I have had a couple of issues at Spinneys, but I always let them know and they have always been apologetic and refunded me immediately... Like all of the shops they have some issues with quality control but sometimes it isn't ill will, things can also spoil on the way due to improper temps during shipping, etc. I encourage everyone to report such instances to the manager-- if everyone complains every time, they are more likely to act... (I dare to dream!)
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 20:40
I usually have great arrivals back in Dubai... But it's just not the same since Emirates stopped playing that upbeat video before landing ("Oh yes it's nice, to go travellin', but it's so much nicer to come home")...
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 August 2014 - 20:33
I like Dilmah (from Sri Lanka), I find their tea tastes very fresh. It is picked, processed & packed in Sri Lanka so not getting shipped all around to be blended, repacked, re-shipped etc. (Edited to add: If you do like flavours, blends etc. then Mariage Frères do some lovely ones, I like their "Marco Polo" blend.) <em>edited by Tartiflette on 13/08/2014</em>
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 13:39
Article does not mention whether baby was exclusively breastfed so not sure what logical thinking people have missed...? It does mention odour though. [i'>But manager Donny Lala, whose family owns the restaurant, says customers started complaining. 'As soon as you start opening the diaper, people start complaining about the smell of the diaper,' Lala manager. 'Last thing I want is a customer throwing up.'[/i'>
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 13:34
The little mall is called Souk Al Manzil, it is attached to the hotel but has its own parking garage-- if you turn in as if going to the hotel, there's a ramp going down into the garage. Hotel also has valet parking, I believe, although I have never used it.
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 13:20
Perhaps chair is marginally better than table... But still, it involves human excrement in the dining room, at (if not on) the table and that is just gross... (According to article, odour was involved.)
Tartiflette
357
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 August 2014 - 13:18
I agree, we have moved a lot and for my daughter, "home" is where her parents are (and a few favourite books, toys...); she has never minded being in new places. I think your daughter will manage just fine in temporary accommodation, just try not to be too stressed/crazed during this time as she will sense it-- but I think it will be better to be together as a family. As csafaya said, do lots of research and pre-select housing to view, you can then view from Abu Dhabi if you prefer, to avoid an additional temporary place. A relocation agent could help you schedule visits efficiently.
 
 
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