VictoriaM | ExpatWoman.com
 

VictoriaM

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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2015 - 12:33
That's another idea, thanks Frazzled.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2015 - 10:34
That's what I said to her Mags, that we need to keep some back so that she has something to live on for the month when she returns. She said she'll save some but I don't see that happening!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2015 - 10:28
Well Buddha I thought Skynet was a great option, but maid doesn't want to do that. She's worried about stuff getting stolen! She's made a half hearted attempt at speaking to them and discounted it immediately. She wants to take the stuff on the plane with her excess baggage. I give up! Sometimes it's not worth wasting your time trying to help people. Whoever said she has little common sense is right - we've had this sort of rubbish quite a few times. I have asked her how she's going to pay for the excess baggage, which of course is when the request for salary advance came!! Starting to wonder if it's such a disaster if she doesn't come back after her vacation...but doesn't it cause problems for visa cancellation and getting a new maid?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2015 - 21:52
Thanks for the tip Buddha. Skynet looks good, cheap and fast, and does go to Sri Lanka. Will get her on to them tomorrow. Have you used them personally?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2015 - 21:45
Thanks Joana. I didn't realise there was no vet to see. At least that makes it all very straight forward. So apart from the excess baggage fees there shouldn't be anything else to worry about. Yes our maid shouldn't take as much, but now she has bought all this stuff as gifts theres nothing much she can do. And thanks Sandy dog for explaining that the vets inspection is actually when you obtain the UAE certificate (or not, as in our case - we used an agent). Is all sounds nice and simple. Let's hope for a short and successful visit to the airport.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2015 - 21:38
Thanks for all the ideas/thoughts. Good to read that some of the ladies are a bit more sensible and organised. Unfortunately she can't send it cargo now because it will arrive after she has left and she won't be there to go and pick it up. It's too late now to send anything a few weeks before her departure as she's leaving in a few days. She has never had this situation before as she says Sri Lankan air has always let her through with excess without charging her. She says she always takes about 40kg in the hold. Seems she has been lucky so far, so never had to plan better. The stuff she is taking may indeed be worth less than Aed75 per kg, but she has bought all of it now so it is too late. I do not understand why maids waste so much money on presents for family and friends at home when they could buy these things cheaper there and without paying the excess baggage charges! I said this last year (she agreed) and am repeating myself now. None of it makes sense but sadly it is what seems to be expected of them. She has decided she has no option but to pay the excess baggage charges and take it all with her due to the timing issues. In total she will be paying out as much as the cost of the ticket on excess baggage! Next year she can go back to Sri Lankan airways and try and get through with her 40kg for free! Their rules are actually the same as for Emirates but clearly they are not enforcing them.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2015 - 12:42
Im not. Its her own fault.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2015 - 11:49
Far too nice sometimes...or plain stupid! Maid now cant afford to pay for all her excess luggage...Sri Lankan airways seem to let them take any amount without paying. Why do they have to take quite so much back as presents when they dont have the luggage allowance for it?! Time for another post..
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 May 2015 - 21:42
Hi Joana, thanks so much for the very up-to-date and detailed explanation. Does the cat get to see a vet at any point? I don't suppose you really know as it may have happened after your husband said goodbye to kitty. That helps a lot to know what to expect. It could be a bit fraught at the airport as it will be the middle of the night and unfortunately (as I will then have no maid to look after her!) I will have to drag my daughter to the airport too! Here's hoping it goes smoothly as DD has to get to school in the morning! Yes it is good that she is taking the cat, though it has been an expensive and time consuming exercise for us!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2015 - 20:56
Our maid is flying her cat home on Emirates next week as excess baggage. Emirates wasn't able to tell me how ithe process works in practice at the airport. Has anyone done this and can tell me what happens when you get to the check in desk and subsequently? I would like to brief our maid so she knows what will happen and doesn't worry (her English is not great and she sometimes gets quite confused). All I know is that we have to pay x AED per kilo for the cat and crate as for any excess baggage. What I would like to know is what happens after this is paid. Does someone come and take the cat and documents from her? Or Will she have to take the cat somewhere to be checked?? The other question I have relates to the e-card we apparently need to pay the export charge. Is this still necessary and can we get this at any bank? Many thanks!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 May 2015 - 09:32
A smartly dressed Asian sounds like a salesman to me. I had similar once, but in an outdoor car park in the day time, so not unnerving. The Asian guy was dressed as you said, and he didn't have leaflets with him either. He went and got a leaflet from his car after speaking to me. I think he was selling water filtering systems or something. Perhaps they don't have leaflets with them as people then know they're trying to sell something and avoid them! Rather an unnerving way of going about your business though, if that's what it was. They shouldn't be approaching women like that - don't they realise how scary it can be? Salesman or not you did the right thing.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 May 2015 - 18:28
Some BC schools (like ours) have nothing, not even a day!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 May 2015 - 16:40
I'm not sure there is anything similar to a British prep school here, at least there wasn't when we arrived 3 years ago and went from a tiny London prep to a school of almost 1,000! Repton was probably the closest in philosophy, but was/is huge. It does sound as though some of the newer schools, Foremarke, Hartland and perhaps Nord Anglia to some degree may have the closest ethos, from what I've read/heard (and seen first hand in the case of NAS). Amongst the more established schools I don't personally think you'll find the kind of experience you're looking for, much as they are great schools. We haven't and no longer expect it. I suppose we've adjusted our expectations to the best of what is available here, and that choice is broadening and improving, which can only be a good thing. Just something to bear in mind, perhaps best not to expect to replicate what you have exactly, as it may not be possible.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2015 - 16:20
As CHewit rightly says, it's difficult when they need the computer for school work. The number of times I've confiscated the iPad and sent DD off to do homework only to find myself giving it straight back to her because she can't do any homework without it! It is impossible to know, without looking over their shoulder constantly, exactly what they're doing on it - homework or personal stuff. Doesn't make it any easier to restrict or police. I'm waiting with baited breath for the answer as its a big problem for us too. I totally get the thing about rudeness and bad behaviour when they are on the computer. Sorry, not being any help, just sympathising.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 May 2015 - 07:33
Aren't you meant to use your UAE licence anyway if you have one?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 April 2015 - 20:27
We were impressed with the food at the Park Hyatt one recently.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2015 - 15:10
I agree about the pricing SIlvstet, but still love it, that aside. Apparently it will be something completely new - very much doubt it will be cheaper though, being JUmeirah GRoup!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2015 - 10:48
Oh no- for good apparently. Just googled it. Our favourite restaurant (and surely many other people's too), and much nicer than the Souk Al Bahar site. Gutted. Let's hope they replace it with something similar and as good.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 April 2015 - 13:44
Sorry to hear that Wicked Angel. I assume you mean that it is preferable to let your maid go on vacation near the end of the contract when you have less to lose financially and time wise if they abscond? I think we will do that. Doesn't mean she'll come back but it won't be as much of a disaster. From my reading of the standard maid contract I assumed the norm is for maids to go on vacation at the end of the annual contract, but I'm still confused as to how that works in practice if you are renewing. Perhaps it doesn't and is only for those who are returning home?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 April 2015 - 15:17
Thanks Cowboy. That makes sense. Not sure how other people generally do it? I thought I was the only one letting our maid go in vacation before the end of the contract but maybe that is actually what people do. its got to be at a time convenient to the family after all, and her contract renewal Is in July when I'm away, so maid vacation then is impossible. I think she will come back. She is in her 40s and generally responsible (if very indecisive!). She was under pressure last year not to return but did the right thing. I can hold her pet cat to ransom in case she doesn't! And yes, I will have to have strict words. I've already done that about her mind changing regarding staying or going.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 April 2015 - 08:04
LOlacat, I thought of that after replying. The most important thing is whether or not the half term break is long enough to get the kids through till the end of term. Does the well thought out calendar still have some week long half terms? Perhaps some calendars are not well thought out because the schools have had to negotiate with the KHDA so it's something of a compromise solution.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 April 2015 - 07:57
We had friends posted there for a few years (left a couple of years ago now) who loved it. I remember being very envious as we absolutely loved the city when we visited. Very cold in winter- snowy when we went in November.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 April 2015 - 19:17
Yes it's very disappointing isn't it darling boys. I checked another couple of schools to see if it was just ours but all 3 were the same, so thought it was the KHDA influence. I know they've added days to the school year. It's a shame - we're used to half terms in the British system and the weeks off are indeed very useful. Can't go far with a few days only.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 April 2015 - 21:20
I am finding the same but for Sri Lankan maids, who tend to be cheaper, well so I thought! There is a supply problem with Filipina maids at the moment, which could be driving up salaries.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 April 2015 - 10:47
That's what I thought Third culture, but the 3 schools whose dates I'm aware of all have different start dates on their KHDA approved calendars. However, I do know the KHDA has changed some of the dates on the calendars submitted by schools - our start date has come forward a week from the proposed to the approved calendar. Maybe it has just adjusted calendars to fit in a certain, higher, number of school days. Also, is it just my imagination or have most of the half terms seem to have disappeared? We usually get a couple of week long breaks, but not anymore. Our school doesn't seem to be the only one either.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2015 - 09:52
Service used to be dreadful, I agree, and we stopped going. However we went for the first time in a long while a month or two ago and it was really fast (we were expecting the usual long polo club evening). So we thought maybe they'd pulled their socks up, or perhaps it was just a positive blip!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 April 2015 - 19:05
Yes they are still doing the free birthday pass - we just downloaded the voucher.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2015 - 19:39
Will report back Bingo. Just started taking the capsules, which came from the 'Anti ageing compounding pharmacy' in Healthcare City - the only compounding pharmacy here.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2015 - 12:39
We thought they were amazing too. Great show, and definitely worth it. Paying the price today though after such a late night! No idea why they were so late on though...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2015 - 14:16
Yes, see you and 31,999 others in the queue Daza! Not totally crazy to go so early then.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2015 - 12:37
We were planning on going early, say 3-4, to try and get seats (have standing tickets). Know others not going till 6-7 though, so making me wonder if it's really necessary. When are you all aiming to head out there?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2015 - 21:23
All sorted via Dr ANna Sepiolo at Dubai London Clinic. She has prescribed the bio identical hormones from the compounding pharmacy, which is what I was looking for. She gave me lots of detailed explanations and everything she said made sense versus what I've read during my research. Would recommend.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2015 - 23:00
Thanks for the recommendation ladies. I actually have an appointment tomorrow with another doctor, Dr ANna at Dubai London Clinic. I've waited a month for this appointment already, so will go and see what she says of my test results and (untaken) prescriptions. I am looking for someone who can prescribe natural bio identical hormones, not the synthetic ones this doctor is trying to Palm me off with (despite my asking him in advance if he could prescribe the natural ones). The recommendations from EW are Dr ANna at DLC and Eternity Medicine. Do you know if Dr Skorski can prescribe these too?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2015 - 22:26
Ive got one we dont need, but think its a gold one. Will check if anyone is interested.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 13:07
PS i think it cost us about £1,400 to ship 2cats Uk to Dubai, but that was 2.5 years ago now.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 March 2015 - 13:05
Hope you have better luck if you try Petexpress. Still waiting for a response to my 3 emails over the past few weeks! We used Alison at Doghouse when we cameto Dubai and she was very good. Will be using her again soon.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 10:51
We have always done similar to Horizon mum, both inthe Uk and here. We hide eggs in the communal garden under/on plants/outdoor furniture and the kids go round with baskets and hunt for them. Its great fun! We always help the youngest as the big kids get most of the eggs otherwise. And we tend to refistribute a bit at the end too - there is always one child with tons of eggs! Keeping some in reserve is a good idea. The only challenge here is the heat. We've had to do it first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to stop the eggs from melting and have still had some very liquid chocolate! Best to tryand find a shady area if you can for the same reason. You could even do it indoors if too hot.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 March 2015 - 10:40
You can only soak in the pool at that time of year if its chilled, which some/many arent. Ours is like a hot bath in the summer (as is the sea) so sadly offers no respite from the heat! Cant agree withyou on the pleasures of summer in Dubai, but i think it depends on whether you have children to entertain or not. If so, they do spend a lot of time indoors and also suffer from lack of friends around. Having said which i know quite a few families with working mums that are here for at least part of the summer and seem to survive. Wouldnt do it out of choice personally. Would go stir crazy!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2015 - 19:21
Third culture, in her case DESC. Good for any type of child, and particularly sporty ones.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2015 - 17:08
Lola, I agree with what you say regarding the tutoring now (ie since the introduction of the new style exams),but not sure the same could be said in the past. I know kids that have worked very hard to get in in previous years. Definitely a change for the better. Like you Plano we were never sure it was the right place for our DD either (bright but not particularly self motivated or overly studious) so the outcome is probably the right one, and what you say about the school reinforces that view. lWe worried that we might have set her Up for failure or stress later on if she had got in. So its a relief in some ways, and like you we have an excellent and probably more suitable alternative. You certainly do hear stories about some kids hating DC and leaving after a year or so. Must be very tough for the wrong kid.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 March 2015 - 12:47
My advice would be that its now a waste of time and money to tutor. Most of the tutored kids I know didn't get in this year. Last year was a different story,so it seems DC may have succeeded in tutor proofing its exams by introducing the reasoning papers. Good move! As Scaralex says, my observation is also that the exceptionally bright kids get in without the need for any additional extra curricular talents. The picture is very hard to fathom for everyone outside that category. Many kids who seemed to be at the right sort of level (level 5s, predicted some 6s maybe) with lots of musical/sports activities on top didn't get in, others who seemed weaker on both counts did! It is impossible to predict,so best thing is to just give a go if your child is interested. Practicing bond reasoning papers and maths/English entrance exam papers will do no harm, if only for exam practice/familiarity and strategy. The exams are long and formal so it could be unnecessarilydaunting and stressful for children that are totally unprepared.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 12:27
It's just an initial down payment. I have a distinct feeling the KHDA rules say schools don't have to refund these...anyone know for sure?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 11:32
You are lucky Third culture - I'm sure our 10k is non-refundable and we are not taking the place anymore. Off to check paperwork!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 March 2015 - 11:10
Ouch! I read somewhere that DC was contemplating introducing debentures but agree they should have warned potential parents. That's a big chunk of money to come up with at short notice. Wicked, the KHDA has rules governing the deposits schools can impose for the following year. We got the 10k thing from our current school as well, and it fell within the rules when I checked. I think it was 10% of the annual fees, but the rules depend on certain factors (new entrants/existing students perhaps?).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 February 2015 - 09:38
Thanks MC.We are considering the options. Husband still wants to stay..
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2015 - 23:18
Wow, kjt you are lucky! I've never seen lifeguards in a compound. It sounds like such a nice friendly community. Ours is a constant battlefield! I was right not to be too optimistic. The landlord didn't even show - no reason given. And the 'negotiations' with the manager were actually more of a monologue! She said a lot without actually saying anything if you know what I mean. A lot of placating and empty words. In terms of the issues, they are not prepared to change the rules prohibiting football on the grass. Ironically some of the kids played tonight and a light got broken!! So they do have a point. Mind you this is partly because things are old and in a poor state. Lights break at the slightest touch and thelawn is apparently old and won't withstand rough play. They won't replace these things, which is an obvious solution. They are not going to enforce the rule about no pets in the common areas unless there is a complaint, in which case they will be expecting us to address the problem and keep our pets in. So we don't really know where we stand on that - it could be fine or we could have problems next week. Who knows! Not really terribly helpful or conclusive, but then it must be so hard to keep everyone happy! I don't envy them this task tbh. Given the nature of compound living, these sorts of disputes must surely be very common. MaryCatherine, yes I guess your description just about sums it up! Stand alone villa won't work for us with an only child though - community would be better as a half way house. More privacy, but still some communal living for the kids.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2015 - 13:30
Rivingtonhas a few different cuts, including fillet (I nearly had it on Friday). No its not a steak restaurant as such,but at least that means more choice /options for anyone dining g with her.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2015 - 12:37
Simple as, thanks for that, but perhaps I shouldn't be too over optimistic! I've no idea what the landlord (or son) is going to say, but the fact that he has been willing to enter into a diallogue is something. Will report back, fingers crossed with good news! There have been lots of complaints, as expected (and warned) about the new rules. Unless they start listening to tenants the problems are going to continue. 40 odd kids need somewhere to play and expect to be able to do so on the grass (there is a lot of it). Having spoken to some neighbours, we are going to push for a designated play area somewhere eg by removing the lights on a patch of grass. We are told they are unlikely to agree to this. The compound was sold a couple of years ago and the new owner keeps a tighter rein on expenditure! Understand it has been downhill since then (used to be very well maintained and run previously). B, agree with you and Lola that having nowhere to play is very unhealthy and should not be encouraged. Need to impress that point upon our local landlord (fitness being less part of the local culture it seems). In retrospect our parents approach in the 60s and 70s seems rather negligent by today's standards! We were all totally unsupervised, but all survived! In some ways it was much healthier for us, and we have got carried away with health and safety in the UK at least. I didn't realise it was as much of an issue here though. No B we have no lifeguards here. Compounds don't tend to, unlike the larger communities. There are only 20 or so villas here, and 2 pools, so very well set up in theory.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2015 - 07:36
Meeting with landlords son (who speaks English) and manager arranged for later today. Fingers crossed for some progress! Apparently the ban on children playing in certain areas is for safety reasons, which make it difficult to argue with. All our grassy areas are surrounded by outdoor lighting which is dangerous if it gets broken, hence the football ban, and is therefore full of electric cables. The skateboarding/skating/cycling ban is to prevent kids falling off in the pool, as apparently happened last week with a 3 year old. Seems small kids are not being adequately supervised by parents or maids. Maybe the answer is for these activities to be permitted only if supervised by an adult. Not a very sensibly designed compound is it! It is a shame they didn't consult with residents BEFORE introducing the rules. I did tell them there would be resistance!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2015 - 15:52
You may be right Simple as abc. From your experience is that likely here?