This week’s Into-yous features Canadian expat Corrine Kajfasz.

Tell us a little about yourself
I am a new mom (25 years old) to my seven month old little gem Ruby. I studied media tech in college for three years, and then worked as a producer assistant at Big Studios, an animation company in downtown Toronto for a couple of years, followed by another producer assistant role. I worked with an amazing lady named Anne Phillips at Howling Dog productions. I plan to get back in to film in the coming year once the little one is a tiny bit older. For the time being I have started up my own little business called Ruby Tutus, I make handmade unique little tutus for your little divas! You can find me on Facebook.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
February 28th, 2008

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
Only Dubai! Moving to Dubai was my first time being away from home, from my mom and dad!

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
None! Just to be careful, believe in myself, and enjoy it!

What surprised you most about Dubai?
I was expecting it to be more Bedouin, less modern. I was shocked that people could actually drink alcohol here too! And the party scene was so lavish!

What area do you live in?
Mirdif, Shorooq

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Somewhere along the beach in Jumeirah, where I could just open my villa doors and stroll along the ocean front.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Mashallah, I believe that is how you spell it hehe! I was taking a jewellery course at Damas, and the students and teacher were always saying Mashallah!

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
I try to avoid the habibi and yallah!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Having my baby at the American hospital on 10-10-10!

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Somewhere relaxing where I can just vegetate on the beach! But before I do that, my husband, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and I are planning to do a trip in August to the South of the States, to see New Orleans, Texas etc…

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My mom, dad, and brother! Thank goodness for skype and facebook! I also picked up a Magic Jack the last time I was in Canada, which I love to use!

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
Smiling BKK, Mango Tree (can you tell I love Thai food!), there used to be a great Indian restaurant at the Dubai Outlet Mall but they shut it down, Shakespeare, and More Cafe.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
I can’t say I miss that many things, probably the junky stuff like Oh Caramel cakes, and Joe Louis, which is not a bad thing since I am trying to get rid of this baby fat!! I love to shop at Union Co-operative for fruit and veg, great selection and quality. I make all of Ruby’s food at home, and I love that they sell a lot of organic and locally grown produce. Oh, and my bread I pick up from Spinneys, gotta love those Portuguese Rolls!

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
The beach! Umm Suqeim, at the Kite surfing beach, lots of fun! Then we always make a trip down to Oman for the Dolphin dhow boat trip! And all of the other common places, such as Dubai Mall, The Palm, Madinat Jumeirah, etc…

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The team at Expat Echo Dubai would like to feature you in our Into-yous section

Please complete our 5 minute interview and submit your answers along with a profile picture (in JPEG format).