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ThirdCultureFamily

ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 October 2015 - 12:09
[b'>We have been told already by JAPS that she won't be assessed there as they already have a large waiting list and siblings. We registered her in Nov 2013![/b'> I hope you didn't have to leave a deposit or pay a registration fee. That would simply be ridiculous if you did.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2015 - 22:39
Thank you lovelies for the information, I went straight to LULU from work and nabbed some gyoza wrappers and spring roll wrappers, and while I was at it I found the Japanese food aisle and grabbed some miso paste and wakame but I forgot to look for dashi (bonito fish stock powder), as it's been literally almost 20 years since I made it last - I used to cook Japanese food all the time. i ended up making it anyway and substituting the dashi with soy sauce and sugar and it wasn't too bad, but do any of you happen to have seen it for sale anywhere? I didn't look for it at Lulu. Soy sauce and sugar as a substitute for dashi? Who gave you that recipe...I don't think I've ever had either in my miso soup. Is it something from a particular region in Japan? If I were you and you don't find the dashi stock, you should just make the miso soup with just the miso. I couldn't even begin to fathom what miso soup tastes like with soy sauce and sugar in it. I do use the soy sauce/sugar combo to make other soup bases like to poach fish, but never in miso soup.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 October 2015 - 22:33
Definitely at Deans Fujiya in Oud Metha (near Lamcy Plaza). I'm pretty sure it's also at Carrefour and Spinneys in the Asian section. If you go to Deans Fujiya, you have to pop into their restaurant which is a couple doors down. It's called Fujiyama and it's hands down the BEST Japanese food in Dubai for home-style, no frills style of Japanese food. I can recommend sooo many items on the menu.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 August 2015 - 14:27
My experience from being in 2 schools here is that the schools don't regulate the uniforms as much as our private schools did back home. Even on the first day the "all white shoes," one-piece swim suits, etc...all broken by multiple students and continued throughout the school year. As long as you aren't going crazy and super obviously breaking the rules (ie school shirts are supposed to be white and you rock up there in red), then the schools might not care. At our schools, I could tell that many parents bought generic school uniforms from Marks & Spencer (or a similar store). The teachers have so many kids to worry about...checking to make sure the right logo is on the shorts/shirts wasn't a priority!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2015 - 18:24
You can't just get any credit card here. The company you work for has to be listed with a bank in order for them to issue you a credit card. It's better to fins out first which banks you can apply to and then see which card works best for you. This is the first I'm hearing of this...I had no idea. We just rocked up to a bank and got signed up.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 August 2015 - 16:10
Is the American curriculum really easier than the British? Has anyone tried both especially at the younger stages? I think this is an odd thing to ask...I've never even heard such a rumor. What do you even mean by "easier" do you mean the course load, homework, standardized tests, etc? The other day Martin Stephen from Hartland International School (I think he heads the gifted and talented program) was on Dubai Eye talking about an article he wrote for the Telegraph. He says that the GCSEs are a joke and serve no purpose other than to stress out less abled students and bore average and above average students, teachers, and parents. Going along that line of thinking (which I happen to agree with), that means every year thousands of students in the UK (and around the world at UK curriculum schools) spend years working towards passing an exam that really has f-all to do with their academic/professional future? I know this will ignite a lot of opinions, but my point is that there isn't a way to say whether one is more challenging than the other. We've been in American and IB curriculum schools in Dubai...about to go into a UK boarding school next year. I guess then I'll really be able to give a good opinion on this matter!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2015 - 12:59
I agree with Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Wild Wadi is literally a 3 minute walk from the hotel. You can go in and out of the waterpark as you please. At the hotel, they have a family-only pool w/ a covered kids pool area and indoor kids club attached. They had a summer residents deal going on which was something like 800 dhs a night (including breakfast). A steal considering you'd pay that much just to get into Wild Wadi (we're a family of 5). If you do this deal, I highly recommend that you go to WW in the morning then leave and eat lunch at one of the hotel restaurants. Then you can come back to WW in the afternoon and stay until closing. The food selection at WW is awful and ridiculously expensive for the quality. Honestly I wish we had done this deal every year since we've lived here. It's absolutely fantastic!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 August 2015 - 11:42
This is going to depend on her current employer. I believe technically the sponsor is supposed to make sure she goes to her home country and not go to a nearby country and re-enter Dubai on a tourist visa. I know this rule gets broken every day, but my understanding is that's what is supposed to happen. Make sure she stays on good terms with her employer. It would be easier if she find another job to start immediately after her contract ends w/ her current employer. Her employer should be OK with this because they get to save money because they don't have to pay for a plane ticket home. It all depends. For example, if she is going to work for a freezone company then she has to physically exit Dubai (this was for Fujairah Creative Zone) and reenter with the new e-visa.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 August 2015 - 11:34
I haven't even heard of Queue Point before... Some good suggestions have already been made, but we can give you some more if you give us a bit of info like what your budget is, where you/your husband will work, if your children are enrolled in a school (and where), whether you will have a car, etc. There are trade offs with housing in Dubai. The newly developing areas are cheap, but you have to be willing to give up a lot. With a family (and being new here), I don't think that's the best idea. It can be REALLY isolating if you cannot go out to play with neighborhood kids or pop out for a short shopping trip.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 August 2015 - 11:27
If you mean that your child is not of school age yet (ie 3 years old and potty trained -- which I believe is most schools' minimum requirement), then no. I haven't seen any schools that offer this. If you mean before and after school care (ie for parents that work full time and cannot pick up the child until after 5pm), then again, I would say no. However, most schools do offer after school activities (either run by teachers or outside providers on school grounds). Those normally end around 4:15 or 4:30. I find it weird that schools don't provide afterschool care. When I was growing up, my parents both worked and it would have been impossible for them to get out of work and pick me up after my ASAs by 4:15-4:30 (let alone at 3:15 when school actually got out). My parents picked me up at 6pm! If you are looking for daycare then there are tons of nurseries around that use the UK/British curriculum.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 August 2015 - 15:56
Sorry, my mistake ThirdCultureFamily, I thought a 12 year old would be in year 7, first year of high school? Is that not the case in Dubai? It's hard to keep track with the different curricula here. My interpretation of 12 years old is: Year 7 (British), Grade 6 (US). Which can be either the last year (or one of the last) of primary school or the first year of middle school. Depends on how the school classifies it. In both schools we've been at in Dubai, it was considered part of the primary. I don't know where you are from...maybe where you are, high school and middle school are combined? All unnecessarily confusing isn't it! :confused:
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 August 2015 - 09:49
I have to disagree with a couple of points. [b'>@Cheeky Monkey [/b'> All of OPs children are still in primary school. The complexity of the topics is still at the fundamental stages. The school books provided by K12 are very good (better than the materials provided by the schools my kids went to in Dubai -- both respected, "Good" American and IB schools). K12 provides a textbook, a teacher's guide, and a student's guide for the major subjects. The teacher's guide helps you structure your lesson and literally guides you through what types of questions to ask and the goals you were trying to reach. If you/your child are particularly interested in a topic, it also gives you guidance on taking that lesson a step further with an activity or discussion. Teaching 3 children in this age group is definitely possible, but I agree it is a lot of work (I only homeschool 1 child and it's a lot of work!). I know a woman that homeschools 3 children through K12 (after having left a top school in Dubai due to fees). Their ages are varied like the OPs and they get it done. Time, organization, and patience are the key factor here. [b'>@wickedangel_78[/b'> For 18k a year, it's very difficult to find a good school in Dubai. The few affordable schools (in this price range) are oversubscribed at all age groups. Finding a place for all 3 girls in 1 school is nearly impossible. There is a big misconception about homeschooling, especially online homeschooling like K12. We spend about 1/4 of the time in front of the screen. The rest we are discussing, reading from a text book, working (handwritten work), or doing experiments. That's just as much (or even less) than some schools. Yes, socialization is really important, but that happens in the afternoon (as your friend does). My child is very social, too social. So homeschooling was a way to focus on school work and all the socializing with peers was done after school (sports every day, in our case). Also, my child is the type that uses social skills to mask weaknesses in school work. It wouldn't be until exam time that a teacher (with 60 other kids to worry about) would realize that my child was behind. That doesn't happen at homeschool. We know what's going on and address it immediately. With homeschooling my child was fortunate to be the priority so we didn't have to "teach to the middle" or use other methods of just getting through the curriculum. We labored over topics that were difficult, we blew threw topics that were inconsequential. It is a viable option for many, many children. I suggest to the OP to speak directly to people who have homeschooled in Dubai. Amongst the homeschoolers here, there are many reasons why we choose to do it, opinions about if it's good or not, etc. Some families do it because they have to (ie school fees), not because they want to. However, I think it's somewhat unfair for someone that hasn't homeschooled to give their opinions of why it isn't a good idea.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2015 - 16:57
Thank you Marroosh. What does the schedule of the children look like. Do they have to start and stop classes at the usual time or can we make our own schedule. I work full time so am concerned . Can or do parents hire teachers to help or would I be able to do it after work in the evenings? I've used K12 in Dubai so I can speak from experience. First off I highly suggest you go in and speak to them directly. There are lots of options, it's not strictly homeschooling in the home. You can choose an option that works for you. We do the option where the child doesn't go to K12 at all, the entire schooling is done at home. That is not the only option, but it's the cheapest. Other options include going to the learning center for some/all of the school day. When you do all the schooling at home, the cost is a fraction of any UK/US/IB curriculum school here. However, you do ALL the work yourself. You cannot work full time and expect to do the homeschooling in the evening. Your children need minimum 3-4 hours of your direct interaction. The exception to this might be your 12 year old (if she is highly motivated and doesn't need any direction). The curriculum is fast-paced and challenging. There is a LOT of work to cover. You have flexibility in the timings...you can literally do it whenever and wherever you choose. If you want to make Tues/Wed your weekend and study through Sat/Sun, no problem. As long as you hit the milestones in terms of the "final exam" and turning in projects/essays on time. There is still some flexibility even with the milestones as long as you discuss them with the teacher and your "homeroom" teacher so everyone is on the same page. The only exception to the flexible schedule is Arabic Language/Social Studies (same class). This is a set day and time every week because it is taught by a teacher through an online interface. The kids use a virtual blackboard and interact with other students from around the world (via audio, typing, etc). There are SO MANY resources that I loved. Kids could pop in for one-on-one help w/ any of the subject teachers based on a schedule. For example, the math teacher has a standing homeroom twice a week at set hours. You pop in whenever you want and ask for help with a topic. Your child does this on her own through their online interface. You can talk to your teachers (any one of them) WHENEVER you want via Skype, email, etc. I chatted by texting through Skype all the time. They are there to provide direction, advice, resources, and general support. That part was really brilliant. There are classes you can attend as well (online). We almost never attended a class because of the time difference. It just didn't fit our schedule with my child's evening sports activities. However, you can get a link to the class recording where you can listen to the thing. Right now, if your child is sick from "regular" school, they just miss those lessons. There really is no making it up. However with the recordings on K12, your child can listen to lectures/lessons as many times as they want, whenever they want. I could go on and on... I'm happy to answer more of your questions if you have any.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2015 - 19:00
Unless you signed a contract to buy the business and put down a deposit, then I think it's fair game. Signing a contract to purchase the business would provide BOTH you and the seller protection. You can't expect anyone to hold off on selling something based on your word. It has nothing to do with if you are a serious buyer, trustworthy person, verbal promises made, etc. A contract and deposit safeguard you from having the sellers (unfairly/dishonestly) do what they did and safeguards the seller from waiting around baed on someone's word (and potentially losing out on a buyer in the meantime). It's extremely problematic in Dubai (IMO). If you ever try to sell something in Dubizzle or any other classified, you'll see how many people will promise they are coming to buy something but either A) never show up or B) show up at the last minute (ie later than they promised) and then offer a fraction of what the agreed upon price was.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 July 2015 - 18:47
Just got back from a Spinneys run, no luck! I'll try Carrefour next but was rather hoping for a restaurant take-away suggestion ... I know the brand the others are talking about. Spinneys and Carrefour definitely sell it at multiple locations. I normally find it in the area that has the tofu, bean sprouts, or pre-packed (but uncooked) gnocci. It's a small plastic tub w/ a red top (there's also different varieties in a larger pouch). I happen to like this brand, but don't think it's spicy enough. If you want a restaurant, then [b'>Shogun[/b'> at Al Ghurair Centre has good kimchi. I think it might be homemade because it's different every time I get it. Also any of the korean restaurants like[b'> Koreana[/b'> and [b'>Mannaland[/b'> would have it for sure. [b'>Kimchicken[/b'> has it, but I don't like it. It's kind of sweet. ALSO, try the Asian supermarkets. The one on SZR just past Safa Park has kimchi. I think it's made here and not an imported brand. There is also a wholesale Korean foods place in fruits and veggie market in Ras al Khor (I think it's Ras al Khor...the one off the 311). By the way, there are lots of different styles of kimchi (they probably have different names). My favorite is the cucumber variety. So if you can find that one, definitely give it a try! We love kimchi in house...if that wasn't obvious already!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 July 2015 - 18:40
Did you cancel your visas before leaving? I know your residencies have expired now but I think they need to be cancelled in the immigration system. if they are not cancelled you might not be able to enter the country without canceling your residency in the system. Residence visas automatically expire if you are out of the UAE for more than 6 months. So I think that it's automatically entered into the system. [b'>To the OP: [/b'> I would absolutely get a lawyer to help you with this because of the complexity and gravity of the situation. The only thing I can suggest is that you contact Ludmila Yamalova who does a show on Dubai Eye 103.8. She seems to do a lot of short Q/As on the show. I think people send in interesting questions/topics and she decides what to read on air. Or if you have the money (and especially because this is time sensitive), I would hire a reputable Dubai-based lawyer for a 1-hour consult on the phone. And lastly...no one has the right to judge you or your family for what you guys did. Good luck.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2015 - 12:09
Saw this on Gizmodo as well. We have one of these drawers and it absolutely is a hazard if they aren't bolted in. Called IKEA and was put on hold for so long I just hung up. I'm going there this afternoon specifically for this. I was hoping to avoid a lot of standing around waiting for them to figure it out, but I think it's the only way. I'll report back what I find.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2015 - 12:06
I was thinking that the other day too. The only free place to sit in Mirdif City Centre is at the food court. It's ridiculous. My daughter has a condition that makes her joints tire easily so we have to frequently sit for a short rest. Since there are no benches, we just sit on the floor in the middle of the mall. Sounds silly, but what else are we supposed to do? I'm open to suggestions.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 July 2015 - 16:33
I desperately need to clean my rugs, carpets, and couches. I've rented a machine from Ace in DFC before but apparently they don't have any that work at the moment. The SZR branch doesn't rent out equipment at all. Any suggestions of other places I can rent one from? I would rather not hire someone to do it, but seems like that might be my only choice.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 July 2015 - 16:10
Not sure what you are looking for...I prefer mine to not have any scent at all. However, I do know that Chubs smells fruity. Like candy grape flavor, not real grapes. They are cheap and thick, so it's my 2nd favorite behind non-scented wipes. They are the ones in the yellow packaging, sold in almost every store I've checked.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 July 2015 - 15:47
Why don't you ask the Ministry of Labor? They are good at answering questions about labor contracts AND you can actually take their advice back to your employer and fight for your rights. Regardless of any of our experiences with this particular situation, what we say here doesn't really hold any weight. You can't really go back to your employer and say, "But on EW [i'>they[/i'> said it's not allowed..." I hope I'm not sounding snarky here, I just think when it comes to legal questions you should probably talk to a lawyer or the government department that deals with it. Good luck!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 July 2015 - 15:42
The staff was so rude to me, as if I didnt "belong" there... Let people dressed a certain way have a free kid above the age limit, when I asked why mine was being charged was told very nastily, peering down at me, that's the rules"here" as if it is another planet. Why pay to get treated like that, if my kid didn't want to go I would have walked out, rather go to Dubai mall in any case. There's no people, the place hasn't been updated in years so since they increase price is there any justification? I don't know, and I'm not trying to slander anybody, not naming names come and find me [b'>but help us all if their 18 layers of makeup falls off into the fish![/b'> I understand your frustration, but was that [i'>really[/i'> necessary?
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 July 2015 - 00:47
Sorry for such a mundane question but I am looking for towel robes for my kids. Not the kind that go over your head like a poncho (the necks always seem soooo tight on those). I want the ones that are just like bathrobes, just not so large and lush. Oh, and of course, kid sized. I've looked in so many stores, but I have yet to find any. Our building has the A/C on super high in the hallways and it's freezing during the walk home after having a swim. First world problems and all that.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 14:45
In all honesty do you have any idea how difficult and stressful it can be for some people to give up I tried when I wasn't pregnant and struggled. I would have hated to have tried while I was pregnant. Lots of people manage to quit smoking. I know many of them. Where there's a will, there's a way.... And if the health of your unborn child isn't enough of a reason... :brokenheart:
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2015 - 14:42
The thought that "my mum did it when she was pregnant with me...we turned out OK" is quite flawed. It's the same excuse that people who don't buckle up use. The fact that nothing has happened while your mother smoked while pregnant OR you haven't been seriously injured in a car accident while not wearing a seatbelt means you are LUCKY. Both are unsafe activities and you should do everything you can to avoid both. My mother also smoked while pregnant with twins AND also while pregnant with me. My brother came into this world as an only child. Smoking while pregnant is despicable. How one can equate it to a glass of wine is incomprehensible. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome cannot happen because of a daily glass of wine or beer. It happens because of constant alcohol abuse. And to equate smoking while pregnant to things like yelling at your child or using an iPad to babysit...well that's just reckless. Every, single time you inhale cigarette smoke is directly harmful to your baby's health. Say something once, then move on. No amount of nagging will do anything to change this woman's ways. Hope for the best for her child and her. Personally, I would have to distance myself as well.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 11:09
It depends on the bus so you should ask your school's transportation department. But rest assured, if it is a proper school bus (and not a van or minibus style), then your child shouldn't need to wear a seat belt. I know this sounds weird, but it's true. Buses are built differently than cars and they take crash impact differently. Your child should actually be safer driving to school in a bus than a car. This is based on studies done by national transportation safety boards in the US (and other countries). As an aside, if your child is still in a booster seat then lap only school "bus" is not appropriate. Using a booster seat with lap only restraint systems is dangerous and every single car seat manufacturer explicitly states that booster seats cannot be used w/ lap only belts. I've brought this up with a large nursery chain here that REQUIRES booster seats, but they have ignored me after multiple calls and a very detailed email where I sent them copies of the booster seat manuals. So please be aware of this.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2015 - 18:53
For the most part, yes. However, you might have to answer some questions at immigration about why you are switching around. Some countries have specific policies in place about which passport you can travel on. For example if you are a US citizen and hold 2 passports from 2 different countries, you are still supposed to travel in and out of the US using the American passport. I don't know what happens if you don't and I don't remember reading anything that says what the "crime" is if you don't. Kalo taxidi!
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2015 - 17:04
I agree with oopsiedaisy, there's no reason children should be sent home early because of the heat. However schools should not allow kids to play outside, even in the shade or with hats on. At our kids' school they were allowed to play outside at 11:30 when the temp was like 115! Ridiculous.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2015 - 15:10
It's not a government medical card as you might think. Basically go to your local primary health centre and pay the fee to register. Then after that they give you a booklet with the schedule for vaccinations. And you set up appointments. It's easy and super cost efficient. I can't believe the price private clinics charge when these are FREE after the initial registration fee. Crazy. And they are the same exact vaccinations...it's not like there is a quality difference.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2015 - 17:04
They do teach classical Arabic in schools as you can't teach colloquial Arabic. There is no other way to read and write so they have no choice. However the teachers may at times talk in colloquial Arabic to help the children understand (in the same way they may defer to English). Do they? The 2 schools my kids go to teach MSA not Classical Arabic. I thought the KHDA/MOE curriculum for AFL was to teach MSA.
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2015 - 16:36
So on the complete other end of the spectrum... Has anyone had their hair cut at Formul'a in Knowledge Village? According to their website if you get your hair cut by a new student it's completely free. Then for a junior stylist and teacher the prices go up. Any one gone there before? I figure I really have nothing to lose if it's free...
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2015 - 16:27
Very interesting! Considering that cartoons in English are completely opposite. I guess then it begs the question...if Classical Arabic is good for kids' entertainment then shouldn't they teach that in schools here (instead of Modern Standard Arabic). Or vice versa why don't they use MSA for cartoons? I just don't feel like there is enough synergy or support between the various methods of "teaching" Arabic for a child to actually pick it up as a foreign language. Shame...
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2015 - 13:30
Really? I thought Classical Arabic wasn't spoken except for the news and maybe really formal events. I'm surprised it's used for cartoons.
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2015 - 16:46
You should probably talk to the school directly and ask their policy on this. Hopefully they are very understanding and will be supportive (accidents do happen!). In general, I find that children that young do "train" themselves to go when they get home. My kids have always waited until they come home and go within an hour of being home. You can help them make it part of their routine if you want. For example, at 4pm (or whatever time you want) take your child to the toilet and try to consciously poop. Obviously not pushing too much or too hard (and never forcing them or stressing them out about it), but just making it part of the routine. Nothing will happen for days or maybe even weeks, but eventually you'll "teach" yourself to go at a certain time.
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2015 - 12:53
I know in 2 different schools here the kids used ipads in class and have not been asked to bring them in or "lease" them from the schools. All included in school fees (as it should be since it's not optional!).
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2015 - 11:55
[b'>Actually, each factory making branded stuff has to have the same standard![/b'> They go through thorough inspections before being given an order for the brand. In a branded staff you pay years of of work to bring the brand where is now on the market, loads of funds invested in marketing, PR, advertising...and last, but not least the quality of the used material, the quality of making, etc...thing is more of the copies are made in the same factories, by the same workers and with the same fabric so, judge for yourself. As for the non-branded stuff...you can get amazing quality at very small price. But yes, branded staff should cost more, because was more invested in it. Nowadays though, the prices are sky high...some times, unjustified. That's not true. Depending on the market that the goods will finally be sold in, the standard/style is slightly different even by the same brand. My explanation about the seam/hem (not sure what it's called) on an undershirt is an example. The exception to this would be very high retail brands. However, those items will likely be made by only a handful of factories that are very closely monitored. Items like everyday shirts, pants, etc are made by a large number of factories and cost/profit margin are simply the most important things considered when making those types of clothing.
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 April 2015 - 14:57
I was interested as well. Looking forward to your feedback whataloadof. Do you know if they do free trial sessions? If I remember correctly it was a bit expensive considering they don't do family memberships.
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2015 - 08:09
Another vote for World Nomads. This is the blog where I first learned about World Nomads: http://www.escapeartistes.com/travel-insurance/ [b'>Cliff Notes: [/b'>Mom and son traveling in remote Mongolia Son falls and breaks bone No modern medical facility (not even running water!) Medical evacuation by helicopter, private jet to Hong Kong and lots of expensive medical treatment ALL COVERED by travel insurance
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2015 - 10:22
Along with the cost, you also have to realize that the same brand you are used to "back home" just isn't the same here because of where the clothing is made for distribution to this region vs. where it's made for "back home." For example, I bought undershirts for my husband the other day from "a well-known, popular" brand we use back home. The product looks exactly the same pre-wash. Once I washed them, the bottom hem was all awry because of the way they stitched it. Instead of a proper double-stitch to hold down the hem flat (I think it's called a double-stitch), they simply folded the fabric over and did one stitch all the way around. The fringe hasn't come undone, but now the bottom hem is all curly and I have to iron it down to even get it wearable. It looks like a ballerina tutu! But as I write this, I think: #FirstWorldProblems and kinda get embarrassed that I took the time to moan about this. :cry:
ThirdCultureFamily
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2015 - 10:14
What exactly is nasty about not liking her voice or finding it annoying? Nobody says she's not a nice person. For a radio personality a voice is of the utmost importance. If I was Chanel 92, I would want to know if people switch channels because they have a problem with my new morning person's voice. [b'>er because you employ someone for more than their voice? [/b'>Their personality, the ability to be interesting and engaging. She's only been there a week and already you're crucifying her. Give the poor girl a chance. And the head of station wouldn't have employed her, if they didn't think she was up to the task. Well, technically how your voice sounds is pretty high up there on the priority list when hiring someone for radio. It's kind of like hiring a PE coach that isn't athletic or an accountant that can't use excel. Just because you are qualified for a job, doesn't mean you can do it to the highest degree/expectation.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 12:32
Apparently, according to some posters on other threads, there are no dryers in Dubai! :P
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 12:31
When we went there was no "quickest" way regardless of whether you are a UAE resident or a tourist. Everyone in our family (from the 2-year-old to the 60-year-old) had to physically exit the car and go inside. There were no lines, but everything moves at a snail's pace. Seriously. Get there with plenty of time or else you'll end up rushing while you drive. <em>edited by ThirdCultureFamily on 15/04/2015</em>
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2015 - 12:25
This year I have made it a point not to buy toys for children anymore because of so many different reasons. Instead, I make sure my child asks her friends what they are interested in and I buy them a book about it. Instead of filling their house with plastic toys that are sure to break and lose the child's interest quickly, I think books help enrich a child's life in many ways. I don't care if it's a book about bugs, Lego Movie, Star Wars, etc. Whatever interests the child, that's what I buy. I've never had to spend more than 60-75 dhs (even for a hardback book).
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 11:12
Wow 30% of the school fees are due within a week of accepting a place. Is that typical of BC schools? Our children are in an IB school and we only paid 4,000 dhs registration fee to accept the place. Dovecote are asking for over 12,000. Ouch. We are considering moving to Jebel Ali/DIP area so this is a school we would consider for our youngest...
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 10:47
I heard Geordie Bird / Stephanie Burgon for the first time on Dubai Eye the other day and I don't think she fits well w/ her co-host or the format of talk radio. To be honest, she's a bit too energetic and is distinctly a "morning show" entertainment personality. She was great at her old job, not sure she will be as successful in her new position. She is much better as witty, quick banter than speaking at lengths about a topic. Best of luck to her though...
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2015 - 09:55
I thought starting the KHDA or MOE was having all the schools use a unified calendar? Or maybe that was only for the start and end dates of the school year...but all the other dates in between can still vary.
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2015 - 10:42
Thank you for the further replies, its really helpful. [b'>To be clear it was $200,000 AED offered for housing and not in USD or AUD, I know that there is a difference! [/b'> Will this stretch far for a decent 3 bedroom villa or apartment? Hi PommyBlonde, I think the reason people keep asking you to clarify is because you keep leaving a "$" with the number. Honest mistake, it takes getting used to. The ladies on here just want to make sure they are clear because as you and they say, there is a world of difference between what you can afford on a $200,000 vs 200,000 AED budget. Best of luck!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2015 - 16:16
Unfortunately I've just been told they've decided to hold off announcing till the new term :angry: What does that mean? New term as in September...?
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2015 - 13:42
When I called the school they told me 'the new school will definitely be somewhere in Dubai' as if I had Al Ain in mind! Hilarious!
ThirdCultureFamily
138
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 09:47
Hi there are several high standard youth football clubs in Dubai. He will need to join an academy to get multiple training sessions every week though because at his age there are no youth football clubs that train multiple times a week. Every "serious" footballer at that age plays with both an academy and youth team (as far as I know). So he trains with an academy and then he also plays with a separate club to fill in the gaps in terms of additional friendlies, tournaments, and league play. If you are interested in more information, I can help. Just leave your email and I'll write to you.
 
 
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