verdeque | ExpatWoman.com
 

verdeque

verdeque
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Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 05:07
it is a beautiful sunny day here with little white clouds - no haze or dust at all. Just been in the swimming pool and sitting thinking about how many different languages I heard being spoken around us. Had a lovely breakfast & chatted today with friends from all corners of the globe. There's nowhere like Dubai!!! Welcome in advance to the UAE. :) Thank you!!!!!!!!!!! I think I'm trying to figure out where I'll best make great friend connections, too, ie wondering if there's one community or another that caters to different types of people, similar to what I heard about the schools. I'm sure it'll all work out, I just don't want to have to move after one year, so I'm hoping we get the housing thing right.
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Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 05:05
Sadly the dust, heat and a/c are my arch enemies and my sinus problems have never been worse. But there are many more upsides for us living here than at home. Your kids are likely to love Dubai life, and as others have said the winter here is wonderful. I think most of us have all had the wobbles when enroute, but once here I am sure you will be fine. Our friends thought we had lost the plot when we told them we were coming here, but with a few exceptions Dubai life has been good for us, and have no regrets. Safe travels... Lol, my friends think I'm bonkers, as we only moved to the East Coast a year ago. Pretty bittersweet move, but we're leaving all of our furniture and renting the house furnished, so one less hassle, at least on this end! I'm counting on dubizzle for bargains once we get there. You can see what I wrote re sinus in my other post. My eyes are worse! I will be in serious trouble if that's a permanent thing for me there, as my eyes were dying! But, I'll be optimistic that it was just a summer thing. Are you in AR? The housing thing is probably one of the things that's causing stress - ie the uncertainty. I'm sure it'll all be fine and I'm coming out with an open mind and a positive attitude. :)
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Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 05:01
It's not so bad here, it's just the time of year that's bad :) The haze is pretty much here all through summer. Winter is very nice with clear sky and fresh air. No need for a/c from about November to March. I see u were asking about Safa School start date on your other thread, in that case, have a look in the Jumeira/Um Sequiem area so you will have easy access to the school. My 5yr old is also starting there in September and we live in Jumeira 3 which is so convenient location wise - just a short drive over the bridge and you are there. It's also close to the beach, Safa Park which is lovely, shops etc. We are very happy here. Properties in this area also generally have nice gardens and trees with lots of birds and wild parrots around. I also moved here in August, years ago and also had that OMG, what have I done feeling, but once the summer passed, it was fine. Good luck with the move. This really helps me, thank you!!!!!!!!!! I didn't really look too much in Jumeirah, but will again. I was just concerned about the lack of kids being able to be out and about, and I was worried I wouldn't be able to meet people, but hopefully that wouldn't be the case. Very sweet you'll be in Safa, too. Our kids will be easy to spot, as there don't seem to be many American kids there. See you on the other side!
verdeque
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Latest post on 18 June 2012 - 04:59
When you get here go and view some villas in Arabian Ranches, Mirador. It has a lovely green avenue, trees overhanging with Spanish style villas. I am sure there are many other places in Dubai like it but it always makes me think of Europe a little when I am there! As for sinus reactions, I have chronic sinusitis (three surgeries and on Nasonex for the last ten years). When I came to Dubai three years ago, I can say it only deteriorated when indoors with the air con on. But Nasonex keeps it under control. We drove thru AR, and it is lovely. I'd like to live in Jumeira or Umm Sequiem, but it doesn't really strike me as that pretty (but again, nothing did in the haze) and my kids wouldn't be able to run around outside. Re sinuses, ugh, I hope it's ok there. I actually have something called blepharitis (such a horrid name), which means my oil gland in my left eye gets clogged, causing dry eyes, leading to infection if I'm not careful. Pain in the butt! My eyes were dying when I was there a few weeks ago, so I'm even more paranoid about that. Hoping it was a passing allergy thing.
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Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 07:38
Verdeque, all he said was that UK citizens would likely soon face a ceiling on tax free income here-could be similar to the US citizens. At this point it is only a rumor, just considering the source, I thought it was worth mentioning. Interesting. It would be pretty challenging to then re-apply if we want to come back to the US, so not sure it's worth the hassle.
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Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 07:37
Hi I'd been there, but they don't have this school year's dates up yet. If it's the 9th, that'd be great! Thanks!
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Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 07:33
AmFam- you mean 180k, divided by two, ie max 90 per person, correct? We are about to move over and my DH is a Brit and considering surrendering his green card so he can be a UK resident again, and thus, tax free. Also, is there some sort of equivalent to a w2 in Dubai? Do you submit any sort of paperwork that's been provided by the employer? And re allowances not being reported, were you advised this by your accountant? We will leave our house(s) behind, and our tax liability diff is significant if our allowances are submitted as income. Thanks in advance! just a note, you may want to look into whether or not the tax laws are going to change for UK (and Australian) citizens before he does this. I have heard that soon the tax situation will be different, and that was from a private wealth investor, not just random hearsay. I hope that won't be the case, but worth checking out. And it should be 90K per individual...not sure about the others questions. What sort of difference did the investor suggest might be coming?
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Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 06:52
AmFam- you mean 180k, divided by two, ie max 90 per person, correct? We are about to move over and my DH is a Brit and considering surrendering his green card so he can be a UK resident again, and thus, tax free. Also, is there some sort of equivalent to a w2 in Dubai? Do you submit any sort of paperwork that's been provided by the employer? And re allowances not being reported, were you advised this by your accountant? We will leave our house(s) behind, and our tax liability diff is significant if our allowances are submitted as income. Thanks in advance!
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Latest post on 17 June 2012 - 04:45
thank you!
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 22:10
What did he say about sharing a container? We are going to ship some things the first week of August but out of FL. We were going to use a 20 ft but I think we'll only use half of it. Sent an email. But those liftvans look awesome. Now I gotta look on Dubizzle to explore the cost of shipping vs buying there. I will let you know as soon as they get back to me.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 21:46
That link is fantastic!
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 21:36
Did you call Crowne Relocations yet? Also try Cartwright moving. Under the size of a 20 ft is called "lift van" and it's basically a big wooden box. Mayflower offers them. Look at this site and it gives you info about lift vans. http://www.sefco-export.com/whse2.htm I emailed Crown but they didn't get back to me. I will have a look at Mayflower. Just emailed you. Thanks for this. Got the pets sorted with airanimal, I think they're called. Fabulous experience.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 20:44
Hi Verdeque, we used Ocean Star International (www.osishipping.com). I thought they were on the expensive side for a 20ft container. That said, everything went really smoothly and the gentleman I was in touch with was great at staying in touch and answering emails/calls right away. Good luck! I just spoke with them and they will send me some quotes. Thank you!
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 20:16
Sugarbeach, we opted for Safa, in the end. I think it'll be a softer landing for them in Dubai, and as this is their second move in two years, I'd like them to be in a nurturing environment. I think it'll be the right choice! :)
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 19:24
Kempinski hotel. Perfect location. I've heard this is a great hotel.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 19:21
I asked the guy who doesn't service NY and he said that's a bit tricky to organize, though I'm game. Do you have a moving co you'd recommend? DH's co told us only on Sunday that we've got to organize the move & pet transit, after making us wait for over a month for an HR relo contact, so I am scrambling, as we've got a long-planned 3 week vacay this Monday. Grrrr.
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Latest post on 12 June 2012 - 15:44
I don't know if financially you can manage it but I've worked part time and never looked back. Pre kids, I had a glorious career, making a bunch of money and travelling the world. When they're still young, it's hard as **** for women to balance it all, isn't it? We make big sacrifices for our kids. But, my youngest will be in KG2 this year and I am freaking out that she will be gone all day, as it will be like this for years to come, and I won't be able to have those little kid years anymore. Is it possible for you to work part time? Are there other moms in your area who are willing to take your child after school? (I'm an American, as well, and am used to having a vast network of moms who take care of each other's kids). If your company won't do part time is there another place that would? Sounds like someone needs to open a day care center there!
verdeque
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Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 18:37
You can just use olive oil, which is what our midwife suggested. Or coconut, or jojoba.
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Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 20:31
LOL, we had some of the same issues! We used World Pet Express for the 2 dogs and they were great, no problems at all. For moving company, we used Star International Movers (they actually helped us with that one). If you think they are unhelpful before you move, just wait till you are here... GOOD LUCK! I just sent them an inquiry. So frustrating, and I don't even want to think about the other side yet!
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Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 20:30
I am taking you out for a drink when I get there! Thank you! I am so freaking annoyed that they only told my DH today that we have to do this on our own. We're going on holiday for 3 weeks so I have to get this sorted this week, and then I'll have just a few weeks to turn this around. When we moved from the West Coast to the East Coast, the movers screwed us in every way possible, and we ended up with a big insurance claim, stuff arriving late, and a ton of it ruined. They also did a bait and switch so we ended up paying almost double the original quote. We got it back, but the company is now out of business and it was a ton of stress. I loathe movers. That seems to be a pretty good deal, and I think I'll pack a lot of it myself, though, as I've got to wrap my head around what we're taking. We have a budget of $12k, not including pets, for the move and set up on the other end. Looks like I'll be buying a ton of furniture on Dubizzle! BTW I remember you said you had PB furniture. Do you know if in Dubai they do the thing where employees get a 50% discount? I have a friend who worked there for 2 weeks at Xmas then furnished her kids' rooms using her discount. I will also call the animal place, thank you!
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Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 17:15
Suzie, did you move everything? Our budget is paltry and includes set up once we get there, so I think we won't move much, which is fine with me. I'll reach out to them, thank you!
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Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 16:56
Ugh, dh's HR & 'relocation experts' (oxymoron) are USELESS! Just been told we can use who we like (translate, go ahead and flail on yer own!) for moving from US and shipping pets (2 dogs, 1 cat) over. Soooooo.............who do you recommend? I have no idea what container shipping costs from here, and was expecting to get a point person to organize this for us. Spitting nails right now, as we've been waiting for months for this mysterious relo expert, only to be told by her that she can put us in touch with MoveOne, but that they only help on that end. WTF???? Argh, I could have sorted this out, myself, over a month ago, had I known I was on my own! Sorry for the rant, advice much appreciated!
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Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 00:04
Sue, looks like our paths will be crossing soon, as my son will be year 4. Don't you have an older one, as well? My daughter is year 1, or maybe kg2 at safa, it's all a blur now! Does anyone carpool from AR to Safa? Seems to make sense. I need to call them and ask if there's a diff start/finish time for diff age groups, as well. Do you ever use the bus? And do you know if they will have hot lunches at new premises? It's very surreal, from over here in NY. Just finished a bball game with my son and about to go do a cub scout thing. Dubai feels like a million miles away. Now I just need to sell our beat up motorhome, rent our house, pack up & organize a move in the middle of August!
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Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 21:36
Hi Yes we are happy at the Villa, nice community feel but does lack facilities, but still it works for us. With regards to the Heads. The Senior Head who left months ago,was only ever on a year or so contract and actually stayed a little longer before heading to the US with his family. His role has been filled by the Director of Studies who has been at the school for quite a while already. The Primary Head who is very much liked by many, isn't actually leaving exactly. He is going to be working for the company who own Repton having more input into how the education works, so I see this as a positive move. I hear of talk of the overall Head departing but I think it is just talk and that he is likely to take a more hands off and more admin stance to his current role. The homework is probably under an hour, they say no more than 20mins but that isn't realistic. We often find we are trying to teach the logic of something from scratch, if it had been taught in class already it would be much quicker. If we had to move then I think we would be looking at DESS, but the class size at Repton helps us as dd has the concentration of a nat! HTH's That's very helpful, AND confusing! Have you had a chance to make friends with other families there? I do wish, too, I'd looked at the Villa, but I thought it was pretty far from Dubai, isn't it? 15 min is an impressive commute! As Safa is moving to a new location, I'm trying to figure out best way to get there & best place to live for the shortest run for me! I'm spoiled by a few years of a bus pulling up in front of my house while I am either in a bathrobe or not far off! What is the class size there? How old is your daughter? Our son also can go into la la land if not engaged but here on EW people have said that's not a good mix with Repton. Having said that, the year 4 teacher we saw seemed wonderful with her class, and the kids seemed very happy to be there. The nice thing about Safa is that it is personal, which I like. I also don't think the kids would be burdened with a lot of homework. So hard to make this decision from the other side of the world!
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Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 15:10
Sounds as though you have been busy. We live at The Villa and dd is at Repton. I don't think Repton suits all and will depend what you have been used to. Academically they are extremely driven, it feels as though it is assessment after assessment. For their age IMO I feel we get far too much homework. It is such a vast entity for us there is no personal feel to it, almost production line like, nodding dogs. However, our dd is coming into her third year there and is happy. So we have done the whole we think we should move her, but that is down to our feelings about the place and some of the staff. If she wasn't doing well and didn't enjoy it then the choice would be easy to move her. Where to I am not sure, we looked at around 8 schools initially and at that time Repton felt right. It's marmite, alot hate it, some love it. The drive from The Villa is a dream, 15 mins top, no traffic hold ups on the way, fantastic. Interestingly, we have friends that lived Green Community, there kids went there, then they moved them to Jess at AR, and they are now all at Repton and doing brilliantly. It is not an easy decision, so all the very best of luck. Thanks for this. I didn't even look at the Villa, but people seem to love it. I'll ask my DH to have a look. Re Repton, what's up with all of the heads leaving? We heard that there were issues and that the heads were either being fired or quitting out of frustration with the inability to run the school the way they wanted to. Strange, again, as we really liked it. We really didn't expect to like it but the kids all seemed very happy and close to their teachers. Re homework, how much are we talking about? I got the feeling there was a lot of it, but if it's under an hour, I think that's ok. It was one of my biggest concerns about the school. I didn't want them to be stressed as kids. Had you looked at Safa? It feels like we'd be fine at either school, although they are totally different, I realize. It's been a very thought provoking process, causing us to ponder what's important to us for our kids.
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Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 21:38
Hi SD. Sent you an email, thanks! It's really weird, because you hear so many conflicting things and in the end it seems you need to go with your gut. We def have spaces at GCS if we want them, and at CAS & Safa & Regents (which we never even went to, in the end.) We can also get them into Repton. Which reminds me, what have you heard about Repton? I heard mixed things, but we really liked it. Having said that, not sure it's best for our kids. There's a woman from Arizona, I think, who's going to be the new head of Primary at GCS next year. I think we'd be fine with the school, and would choose it mainly because of curriculum, though our hearts are leaning towards Safa. Like I said in another post, UAS said 'no way' are there spaces. As my DH is British, the kids are wanting to try the UK curr, which is why Safa sounds appealing, too. I wish I liked Umm Seq more, as I'd really like to be in the heart of things. We have done the burb thing, and I'm ready for more action. But, I see the appeal of kids running around safely outside with other kids. I thought the Lakes seemed like a good compromise. And I thought the Green Community was so nice, as well. Got a great vibe from it. Re traffic, isn't it the same from AR, too, or any of the communities, for that matter?
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Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 16:03
Ahh, reading this makes me want another baby! We're done, but I sure miss those early months and years. I agree re slinging or carrying. Between the 2, we must have had 5 diff types of slings, as they had diff preferences. My daughter liked the wrap then ergo a lot, my son the traditional sling. Ergo was most comfy for us, and my DH used it, too. I'm thinking your baby would react better to your DH if he used the Ergo, as well? Also, are you swaddling? That does a lot to calm a baby. And I cannot recommend the book, The Baby Whisperer, by Tracy Hogg, I think, enough. A great balance between attachment parenting and a bit of a schedule. It literally changed our lives with our son. Re crying, we never let ours cry it out, but I did let them go for 5 min at that age. I would either have my DS out in the garden where he could listen to nature, or play a soothing cd, or mobile, etc. If I knew he was fed, burped, nappy changed, etc, then I wouldn't stress about 5 min. I also would put him down initially where he could hear me get on with what I was doing. Somehow, between about 3 hours of sling/wearing a day & a bit of experimenting, we got through it. A glass of wine sure helps with the stress of it all, too! Congrats on your new baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
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Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 15:53
Will do. And re Horizon, that's correct. But it was a bad enough experience spanning over a few weeks and culminating in person that no matter how good the teachers, we wouldn't choose it. Shame, really. And I hope not to offend re Umm Seq & Jumeirah. If we knew people there it makes sense to live there, as it's close to everything, but the communities seem to provide a softer landing. At least I hope so!
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 07:56
Lego is considerably more here. The Batcave, for instance, is selling on Amazon UK for around £50 but here is it equivalent to over £100! And...our DS got the Batcave for his bday a week ago - $62! I dread shopping for lego sets there! It's almost cheaper to send them from the US!
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 07:54
The lego comment reminds me of a question I've been meaning to ask - do people use ebay a lot in Dubai? Our DS is a lego addict and Santa brings him about 10 pounds of pieces each year, which we can get for about $50-75 on ebay, a total steal. I also like to buy a bunch of my DD's clothes on ebay. We'd never be able to afford his 'habit' with those kinds of prices! 8 isn't too young to tell him to get a job, right? ;)
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 07:48
lol. I can handle anything but a camel spider crawling up from under the car seat, which I read about here!!!! It would be the end of me! On my way in 12 hours to look at schools and areas!
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 07:23
To good morning: its the relationship between daughter and mother that i miss most . even if my third one is a boy i'll not regret at least i have tried it. and when she turns 15 you will remember those words, and wonder..... besides all that, as I type this, it is my son asleep beside me.....DD is in her room...where she spent most of yesterday, whilst I was out with DS at the mall, having dinner etc...the joy of girls. hmmmm OMG you are right, aren't you? My daughter already acts like a 15 yo so we always joke that we will be in for it, while I'm pretty sure that our boy will be easier in the teenage years (though he's the challenging of the two now!). I suppose you just be happy with what you have, right, and drink a glass of wine when you can't take it anymore!
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 03:35
there ia a cable wire my son wants that is only av online on ebay. It only costs $10 so dont want to spend a whole lot on postage :) I was wondering if I can have it mailed to someone addy in US who can bring it along? TIA We are coming in August if you don't have it by then I can help.
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 03:29
so, like a complete idiot I stayed up till 1 am reading horror stories on EW about huntsman spiders, camel spiders (holy ****), scorpions, rats, redback spiders and cockroaches, many of them in the Ranches!!!!!!!!!!!! So, puhleeze tell me that I don't need to worry about living there!!! Based on the stories I got whipped up into a completely irrational frenzy and told my DH there was no way I was living in AR. Now that it's NOT the middle of the night, I'm back to my senses, but would love assurances!!!
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 03:24
Personally, I don't think the Chinese calendar works. I was referring to things to make your body more hospitable to your preferred ***. I think the calendar gets a bit esoteric, IMHO. This is also from convos with my doc, as I said before. Again, I'm going to caveat this by saying I have zero insight into your relationship with your husband, but I do understand the strong desire to have a girl. Who knows what the future will hold with my son or daughter, in terms of the type of relationsihp we'll have? But I do know that right now it is wonderful, and I enjoy the very unique relationship I have with my son AND my daughter. I have a history of strong grandmother/mother/daughter relationships for many generations in our family, so it was important for me to have a daughter. And I looooove having a little girl, and I always wanted one, so I get it! And yes, it would have been perfectly fine if I'd had another son, but I'm extremely grateful that I have one of each.
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Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 02:45
Do I read EW? Oh on odd occasions. Oh yes, some people are on ALLLL the time. Not me, no, hardly ever. edited by Mrs Potato Head on 31/05/2012 LOL I'm not even there yet and I'm on a lot. To be fair, it's been really helpful, though it can get a bit nasty sometimes, which I think is just insane.
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Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 02:26
i agree that you get more villa for your money at the Villa/Falcon City but there is nothing there - no shops, pharmacy, fast food etc... Are there play parks, tennis courts etc ? Somehow we've managed to buy two houses in a row that we fell in love with, only to feel a bit far away from everything, esp a variety of restaurants & things to do, later. I think AR is as far away as I could go, even though the houses in The Villas do look really lovely, and I think this go around I'm willing to forego the fab house for a fab location. Funny enough, when we polled the kids, setting it up as either a community with kids out on their bikes, a community pool, etc etc (AR) vs being close to the beach, but not really a place where they'd ride their bikes and play with other neighborhood kids (Umm Sequiem & Jumeirah), they both opted for beach! I don't even know if I characterized it correctly, that's just the impression I had from my DH who went a few weeks ago. The kids said they could make friends at the beach. I was thinking Meadows or Springs could be a good compromise, but not if traffic to Safa and/or Internet City will be a nightmare. I hated the M25 in London, and am keen to either do an easy run, ie AR to school, or a CLOSE run. Really looking forward to our trip in a few days, as it's been 10 years since I've been there, and that was pre-kids! BTW, do you know if anyone is doing the carpooling from AR to Safa or any other schools? Do families car pool much there?
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Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 01:59
Do you mind if I ask how you go about viewing a school, and what to ask when I'm there? My LO is 1, and I've already been told by other mums that I've left it way too late (and apparently have ruined his chances of any kind of decent future) Do you book appointments! Are there open days? Do you take your LO? What kind of questions should I ask? Ugh, those mums are crazy! Just call the ones you'd like to see, view a few and go with your gut and put your name on some lists if you like what you see. It is hard to get them in some schools, but that doesn't mean it's hard for all. Re what to ask, I'd ask about their philosophy around academics balanced with allowing kids to be kids & play, their disciplinary policies, how they help kids who need attention (either because they're behind, ahead, have behaviour issues, etc). To me, art & creativity & a nurturing environment are also important, so I ask about that, as well. You can also ask about whether or not they like parents to be involved, and at what level. I'm going to visit 7 schools next week, but I doubt I'd put that much stock in it if they were a year old, barring getting on some lists at the top schools. BTW, I hear that the Children's Garden is great!
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Latest post on 01 June 2012 - 00:39
sooo, assuming if, and it's a big 'if,' your DH is ok with number 3, there are ways you can try for a girl. I had lengthy discussions with my chinese med practitioner about this (whom I pretty much credit for both of my kids). I really only wanted 2 kids, and I REALLY wanted a girl after number 1 was a boy. I researched like crazy on this topic, and did everything I could to have a girl, ie timing (boy sperm swims more quickly and dies faster, so if you want a girl you try a few days before ovulation), what positions, creating the right acid/alkaline imbalance inside you (I can't remember which, but an alkaline environment is 'friendlier' for one, and acid for the other), what foods to eat, etc. I was doing everything I read and was advised to do by Dr to get my girl, and I got her! I knew it wasn't 100%, but Dr said that there absolutely are things you can do to tip the scales in the direction you want to go in. Best of luck!
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Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 19:58
How long is the Safa-AR run?
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Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 19:54
Those are all great areas although my advice would be to get the school place first then choose where to live according to that (ie close to it!). Also bear in mind that places can look very different in reality compared to the way they appear in pictures. I always fancied Lakes / Meadows until I went there and thought it was awful (deserted, wind blown streets). Only months later did I realise it was because it was about 2pm, 48 degrees with a raging Shamal and that was the reason there was no one around! I refused to even look at Arabian Ranches because it was "too far out", which of course it isn't and the houses are lovely. Are you in AR?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 19:53
I don't necessarily believe in living right next to your school. Our boys will go to UAS and I don't want to live up there. I love AR's and it's worth it to me to have the great neighbors and amenities like the shopping center, pools, parks, Polo Club, to make the drive to their school. The new location of Safa school is an easy run from AR's or Meadows. Green Community would be far and their giant roundabout and entrance/exit is a real hassle. You'll see what I'm talking about when you go there. I felt the same about UAS re areas to live. They gave me a 'not a chance in ****' response. :(
verdeque
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 19:51
we're at the Ranches and Safa - easy drive with no traffic as long as we leave at the right time !! I remembered you're at Safa! Do other families car pool from AR? And what do you think would be the commute to Internet City from AR? I'm wondering if DH could drop the kids on the way to work!
verdeque
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 19:49
and make sure your sleeping pills are not on the banned/restricted medication list..... ;) Nooooooooo!!!!!! They're ambien, I'll check.
verdeque
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 19:48
You will get a bigger house for your money up at the villa all detatched and some with own pools. Safa is straight down al ain rd onto mayden rd past the horse track and your there...no traffic in the mornings that way either. You will get traffic coming out of meadows and along sh zayed rd going to safa. I agree with sun devil about not having to live right next door..the ranches also easy to safa. edited by fairycakeyumm on 31/05/2012 Can you tell me what you mean by 'up at the villa?'
verdeque
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 18:32
Barring some unexpected event, I think we'll go with Safa. We have places there, at Regent and I'm pretty sure CAS, though that's so expensive! So considering that, what do you think?
verdeque
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 17:39
Thank you! And Sue, you are the best. I appreciate all of your posts to me. :) It is going to be a hectic few days. 18 hours Sat to get there, 3 nights there, 18 hours home. Thank god I have a few sleeping pills left!
verdeque
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 16:49
Take lots of probiotics!!! I'd take them for a good month anytime you have antibiotics, as they kill of your good flora and make you prone to infection again, as this weakens your immune system. Can you get refrigerated probiotics in Dubai? Our family uses stuff that my naturopath prescribed, pretty high potency, and I hope we can get them in Dubai, as they are fantastic against tummy bugs, as well. Hope you feel better!
verdeque
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 16:45
We will be in Dubai from Sunday afternoon till Wed late touring 7 schools (insane) and driving through areas for housing, as my DH will move ahead of us and pick our house, so I'd like to make sure we get it right in picking areas now. We will rent a house, and I'd like to spend no more than around 200 if possible for 4 beds, though we have a little wiggle room. We have a cat and two small dogs, so we'll need a fenced area for them, as well. Greenery is important, as is an ability to meet our neighbors. Ideally we'll have a pool for the dogs to cool off in, and we'd like to not feel isolated. I know about Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah, Umm Sequiem, The Lakes, Meadows, and the Green Community. Do these sound about right? Are there other areas we should consider, as well? My DH will work in Internet City, and while I'd like to be in a good area, I'm also hoping to save a bit of dosh, and I was wondering if there were other areas I'm not aware of. I do understand that the school we select/are offered places in, will have a deciding influence, as well. Thanks in advance! :)
verdeque
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 10:11
Verdeque if you don't mind me asking, how are you managing to get your 5 year old places in Horizon, Jebel Ali? I understand the lists are pretty long at these schools.............. Jebel Ali is a long shot, because of my 5 yo. Having a sibling preference helps, ie my 8 yo DS. My god, the lack of sleep from calling at all hours (it's 2am here now) is going to be the death of me! I'm just scrambling to get places, like many other families, I know. My DH and I are coming Sun-Wed to do a whirlwind tour of schools and neighborhoods. Fingers crossed!!!!
 
 
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