TimTam | ExpatWoman.com
 

TimTam

TimTam
756
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Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 12:55
I have sugar in coffee and not in tea and my DH still puts sugar in my tea, or asks if I have it after 20 years of marriage!! I'm with you on that one :) How hard is it, it's the only thing he ever makes or cooks!
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 12:50
emwats80, change your username when you get here. There are lots of debates over schools and things that happen within schools so better that everyone doesn't know who you are. Don't be nervous, I think it's an easy city to live in, can be frustrating with setting everything up as they love paper work here and rubber stamping every document possible, along with photos and passport copies. You just need to accept it for what it is as you can't change it. It's always sunny, apart from the one day of rain and a few sandstorms. Weather is very hot over the summer months, but we have aircon! It can get a bit boring for little ones stuck inside, but you can go to the pool early morning or late evening. Friends have joined mothers groups and they meet at each others homes each week which is nice. There are also baby classes for swimming, music etc which you can join. If you're thinking of working at some stage make sure you get your educational documents attested before you leave home, much easier. Some say marriage certificate as well but we didn't need to. You can get just about anything here, everyone complains it's more expensive but that's how it is. You have to factor in that all expat food products need to be freighted in. If it's Jumeirah Primary school or Jumeirah College he is going to, both are lovely schools in my opinion, but I'm bias as my children go there. <em>edited by TimTam on 16/03/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 March 2013 - 12:39
Hi, I've never had it done as I'm too scared but friends do and they use Jaffer Khan or Dr Al Shunnar. Do a search on the forum under botox, but they also do fillers. There is obviously risks with any procedure. Both of these doctors are expensive compared to cobone/groupon offers but they are good at what they do. It's your face, do you want to take a risk? <em>edited by TimTam on 16/03/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 18:56
saw strawberry ones in Park and shop yesterday as DS wanted them.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 18:53
You can normally get parking near the shops, I go twice a week and don't have a problem. Palm strip mall is opposite Jumeirah Mosque and The One, there is a starbucks on the corner, turn into the carpark closest to the shops. There are 2 lots of street parking, one is paid meter parking and the other is free for Palm strip mall customers. If that is full drive out (Zara home is at the end) drive onto the road and take first right and the underground car park is on the right. Hope that's not too confusing, but you'll understand when you get there.
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2013 - 18:48
It's on the left hand side if your driving from Sheikh Zayed end to Al Wasl Rd, quite a modern looking building. <em>edited by TimTam on 11/03/2013</em>
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2013 - 18:46
At real-pilates in Jumeirah their beginner class is called Pilates core. I started going there 15mths ago, my osteopath recommended it would help with my back. I was going weekly to the osteo and he said once you start going regularly to pilates you won't need to come back to me and so far so good! (haven't been to the osteo in over a year) edited by TimTam on 11/03/2013 <em>edited by TimTam on 11/03/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2013 - 18:40
I've also only been to the Jumeirah branch, but some of the instructors seem to teach at both. Dana is excellent.
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 March 2013 - 11:16
I've bought arnica at the Life pharmacy in Festival city, near Dubai London Clinic. They have a few strengths. It was a small vile with little arnica balls. My husband and sister use it.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 16:07
Nathalie, the Milennium school isn't the same standard as the Wellington Al-Khail. The Wellington Al-Khail will be a Gems Premium school. It was orginally going to be the sight that Jumeirah College moved to. The principle at the new Gems Wellington Al-Khail was the Vice Principle from JPS.
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 15:59
http://www.gemsinternationalschool-alkhail.com/contents.php?pageid=4412&submenuid=5027&parentid=1057 Nathalie, not sure where you saw those fees, here is the link above.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 15:56
Thanks you toots and all the other ladies that have shared their experiences of living there. I appreciate all your insights. The general consensus seems to be it is filthy and povety ridden, but an amazing, interesting place that people have some good memories of their experiences there. Now we'll have to wait and see what happens. I like to know what I may be getting myself into. Thanks again :) Life here is very sheltered and you do live in a bubble. Very rarely do you see disabled people, or people with mental disabilities, let alone old people.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 08:42
It will depend what airline you are flying. You could fly to Bangkok or KL and then use AirAsia to Krabi. http://www.airasia.com/ot/en/home.page From Phuket they do have a boat but that is about 2hrs I think. By road/private car is about 2 1/2 hours. http://www.krabishuttle.com I hate road travel so personally I would fly. <em>edited by TimTam on 10/03/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 08:33
As appletiser said Debbie is great. I have used Debbie for years and follow her when she moves (Salon Inc, then patels now in JBR). She now just rents a chair in a salon in JBR www.ramijabali.com She also does a fantastic colour. I have 2 blonde Aussie friends that couldn't find anyone to do a great colour, they went to her and loved the colour she did. Debbie is Australian. <em>edited by TimTam on 10/03/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 08:26
We have a macbook pro too and love it. Takes a little while to get use to apple commands but very easy and straight forward once you work it out. We also installed microsoft office as it was just easier for my work. Dh uses aperture for photo editing and loves it. I do find the Macbook does get hot, maybe it's due to the metal casing, you can't have it on your lap for a long time. Ours is about 3 years old so not sure of newer models are the same. We use the 'mail' program, it's like outlook and hotmail downloads to that. We have 2 mail accounts, hotmail and the apple me account. Like Mrsb, I love the fact that the ipad and iphone all sync with the laptop. My husband and I each run our own calendars but we can see each others if need be. If we have an appointment I can add it to my calendar and invite him, so it adds it to his as well. We also have apple TV, so when I download TV shows,movies and music to the macbook/itunes, we can then watch it through the TV, which we also have connected to our stereo system. You can also share apps, they all download to the one apple account and I just choose which ones I want. We are an apple coverted family. Kids still have laptops with microsoft, but I'm finding for projects they are using the mac for movie making and composing music.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 18:58
Thanks girls. This thread on the first page has had more views than Justin Bieber and is coming a close 2nd to "the best car". Appreciate those that have positively commented.
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 16:51
Thanks so much Kaydee and Alismum. Nothing is definite, but I need to look into all the options and obviously go and see for myself, if the offer is made to DH. Our accommodation would be excellent, housemaid, driver and car included. Schooling and medical also included. Not sure how much they allocate for schooling but have been researching the American school of Bombay, unless they cover that school it's not even a consideration to move. To all those that moan about school costs here,this school is USD31, 500 per child per year and a one off fee upon registration of USD25,000. Probably a stupid question but can you get beef in hotels? What is the standard of hospitals/healthcare Kaydee? Do you know anything about the schooling? Thanks so much :)
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 08:33
Thanks Oopsiedaisy, I'm amazed how negative some people can be. Thanks :)
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2013 - 07:55
So many people looking at the thread, there must be someone else that has lived there! I think people are reading this thread with shock and horror. Lol! Surely there must be jobs in Singapore or Hong Kong in your DH's industry? Really Asti?? Do you think if that was an option I'd choose Mumbai! Some of our husbands are not CEO's of major companies and we can't pick and choose the most glamourous locations, sometimes we just need to go where the work is. I can tell you now it's not my first choice!
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 20:03
So many people looking at the thread, there must be someone else that has lived there!
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 19:34
Nothing concrete, DH says if you visit you won't want to move there! Great! Have seen Amazing Race and Idiot abroad... By all means I would go and have a look, but what choice really do you have if your other half wants the job? My biggest concern is DS changing from GCSE to IB? Other option is to go back to my home country with the kids.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 March 2013 - 17:22
Sweetcherry just ring and make an appointment at any of them listed, no registration. Ours asked for your Emirates ID on first visit.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 12:15
Pastles Mercato also stock it.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 March 2013 - 12:14
Most people only go for a couple of nights, you would get bored any more than that. <em>edited by TimTam on 04/03/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 18:05
sweetcherry you can go to any GP, you don't need to register. My insurance is a pay and claim so I go to the one I like but some insurances have agreements with certain clinics. Dr Fischer is lovely, we used him when we first came to Dubai 7 years ago. Then we changed to Dubai London clinic as it was closer to home, but the doctors we used have now moved on. We now use Healthbay Polyclinic Mirdiff - Dr Nicola Deamer and Dr Gordon Bland. These 3 doctors all have many recommendations onthe forum.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 17:58
Haven't been for a long time but it was very relaxing and very scenic, have a look on tripadvisor. Here are some articles from trip advisor that might be of interest. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g297701-s401/Ubud:Bali:Family.Travel.html http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g297701-i8984-k6014037-Child_friendly_restaurants_in_Ubud-Ubud_Gianyar_Bali.html
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 17:01
Can also receommend Dr Bland, Dr Deamer (Healthbay Polyclinic Mirdiff) and Dr Fischer (Coopers)
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 March 2013 - 14:04
We also went to Sheba and found them very helpful. We had been to a few in the Blue Souk but visited his store based on the recommendations on the forum. He bought a selection of carpets to our villa, left them with us for a few days, then the day he came back he bought some more options. Tell him the quality you want/silk/wool etc and roughly maximum you want to pay. I found them to be much cheaper than the malls of course. Love the rug we bought from him. We also got a certificate with ours stating it was an Iranian carpet and the family who made it, not sure if that means much? <em>edited by TimTam on 03/03/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 March 2013 - 10:11
I know with my job(teaching assistant) they started to process the labour card, I gave them NOC, photos etc, the attestation was being done, but they told me that didn't matter immediately as long as I got it at some stage, or could prove it was in the process. Not sure about all positions but as far as I was told the attested docs are only if the Ministry of Labour come and do a spot check at your place of employment you need to have it. My attested docs were not sent to the ministry of labour, a copy is just held on file at work. It may depend on the job you are doing. If unsure check with the ministry.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 20:24
As mumto2 said wrap the gifts. I use to wrap old and new things, fun for them to open!
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 20:22
Here is the KHDA framework link attached. But it says: New students: A school may charge up to 30% of the school’s tuition fees as an admission fee to confirm that selected students will opt to take up the offered places. This fee should be deducted from the total tuition fees for the academic year in which the admission is being sought. http://www.khda.gov.ae/CMS/WebParts/TextEditor/Documents/FeeFrameWorkEnApril2012.pdf
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 20:16
You could try the 2 GEMS schools mentioned. There is also a new Kings school opening in Nad Al Sheba, not sure if they are full? <em>edited by TimTam on 27/02/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2013 - 16:28
Hi, I'm looking for 2 tickets for the tennis Wednesday. I have checked Dubizzle and there aren't any. Let me know if you have any,please email me sfdubai at hotmail dot com. Thanks
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 17:26
I also did mine at Healthbay Polyclinic Al Wasl Rd. They have 2 packages. I chose the most extensive one, I had the mamagram but be careful as they offer to do a breast scan as well yet this is not included in either pkg, they also offer to check Vit D level and that also cost more on top of the package. <em>edited by TimTam on 24/02/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 14:51
Another vote for Dr Rolef, she is excellent
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2013 - 10:18
Haven't been this year yet, going today. But have gone for the last 6 years and always see people with cameras, no problems at all. I always take a seat cushion, I like a little comfort :) and some snacks as I can never be bothered waiting to get food then waiting to go back in between sets. <em>edited by TimTam on 23/02/2013</em>
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 20:59
That was it Bubi, well done
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 February 2013 - 20:50
There was one called Maison Coloniale and next to that was another store that also used to have a branch in Deira City Centre but can't remember the name of that one.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 14:28
You can do it through International House, near Safa Park, but you do need to go 1 night a week for your teaching practice. Cambridge CELTA qualification. http://www.ihdubai.com/schedule.aspx?type=3&t=Teacher-Training I wouldn't do it all online as the teaching practice is invaluable. <em>edited by TimTam on 21/02/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 08:13
My boys have done both. The indoor one at Wafi is good and I think it's not as rough as the outdoor one. The paintball bullets at the outdoor one can leave welts and bruises, the indoor one they are not as powerful I don't think. Both really enjoyed the indoor one for their birthday which they did at 9 and 10. The Wafi paintball is more for kids and the outdoor one near creek park if more older children and adults. (my personal thoughts). Obviously outdoors they have more space to run around.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 21:38
We get a similar monthly salary and live in Dubai but on top of that we get medical ins, 3brm villa, Dewa paid, annual ticket home and schooling. We easliy save money but it would be very diffficult if the big things weren't included. School hours here are different to Australia. For the 3-4 year olds they go from 7.30-8am to about 12-12.30. (approx) Then as they get older they stay until 2.30-3pm depending on the school. It makes finding work hard unless you have someone to pick them up or use the school bus and someone at home to meet them. Then you need a maid. Good luck
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 10:38
I've rarely seen any specials to Australia. I always fly Emirates as I like direct and yes they are so expensive! Friends have flown Royal Brunei and said they are quite cheap. Check Singapore Airlines and maybe even Qantas, but I would say the Emirate/Qantas agreement will have the price nicely fixed.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 10:35
Hi, I don't think they have time to check ages of kids. There were 2 small children behind me last night, they looked about 4 and 3 children in front of me maybe 5ish? The ones in front started to get a bit bored after an hour, but their mums were ready with the ipads :)
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 10:29
Hi, lots of people were holding seats. They obviuosly went in early and then friends/husbands etc met them, didn't seem to be a problem. It seems last night that the queue only started moving around 5pm for the 6pm show. Prior to that you're just waiting in the line. Andreamullet, this isn't a permanant show it's touring. http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/dralion/default.aspx A friend mentioned the other day that there was talk about a permanent show, like in Vegas but I think it fell through. <em>edited by TimTam on 08/02/2013</em>
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 February 2013 - 07:56
We got there at 4.30pm last night for the 6pm show, there was already a reasonable size queue. We had S2 tickets and managed to get the 3rd row in the middle. No problems with drinks or toilets. All seemed to run ok. Show was excellent.
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 13:17
Why can't this city have designated seating for events! Most cities around the world have pre-seating. This is one of the many reasons things here are so unorganised at events, you have too queue so early!
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 February 2013 - 10:14
I have also tried to ring organisers and couldn't get through for the past 2 days, so hopeless. I also rang the Word trade centre and asked about door open times and they said they didn't know. My reply was "But they are your doors!" So annoying.
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 18:17
Thanks, never looked at the tickets, but just checked mine now and they don't say anything on them. I have only an electronic ticket though. <em>edited by TimTam on 06/02/2013</em>
TimTam
756
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 January 2013 - 16:47
I've always used strawberrynet and have it sent to DH office, never had a problem. I ave ordered redkin haircare, lancome, clinique and perfumes. My last order was just before Christmas and no problems. <em>edited by TimTam on 27/01/2013</em>
TimTam
756
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 08:10
Stragely enough I saw 3 of them in Cotton on in MCC. They were near the counter with all the Typo products, near the childrenns clothes on sale. I thought it was an add shop to have Sophie the Giraffe? They were 99dhs <em>edited by TimTam on 19/01/2013</em>
 
 
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