Dear Dubai....I am divorcing you..... | Page 9 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Dear Dubai....I am divorcing you.....

312 posts / 0 new
Last post
3901
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:31
This thread is a good indication of what life in Dubai is really like. Really, I thought her post was funny but it appears that life in Dubai makes you bitter and defensive. Wuffles, has found her happy place you can tell by her posts shes happy and content others seem to like to belittle posters at any given opportunity. Maybe Mamaballs has had enough and wants to find her happy place, at least shes doing something about it. *like*
70
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:31
Making it work wherever you live has a lot to do with: a. asking for help b. making the best of your situation c. having a positive attitude None of which the OP seems to have done. Why make the best of a situation if you don't have too. Isn't that accepting second best?
787
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:29
Making it work wherever you live has a lot to do with: a. asking for help b. making the best of your situation c. having a positive attitude None of which the OP seems to have done. I did all of it and probably the OP done the same. It's not a matter of you have not done enough. Some people like cheese some don't ! That's it. If you don't like cheese then don't buy it. Don't harp on about how much you don't like it
648
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:29
This thread is a good indication of what life in Dubai is really like. Really, I thought her post was funny but it appears that life in Dubai makes you bitter and defensive. Wuffles, has found her happy place you can tell by her posts shes happy and content others seem to like to belittle posters at any given opportunity. Maybe Mamaballs has had enough and wants to find her happy place, at least shes doing something about it.
7
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:28
Making it work wherever you live has a lot to do with: a. asking for help b. making the best of your situation c. having a positive attitude None of which the OP seems to have done. I did all of it and probably the OP done the same. It's not a matter of you have not done enough. Some people like cheese some don't ! That's it.
70
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:27
I think the OP was making her point - this is an open forum I don t think everyone has to be so nasty to her Let her go without bad vibes from this forum - do we really need to be so nasty to her ???????????????????????? I don't think they can help themselves. I think if you're writing a letter on a forum, someone will respond.... But some lie in wait, like packs of rabid dogs waiting for some innocent poster to poke fun at and humiliate. These are usually the ones who claim to be happy, how can you be happy with all that hatred and anger inside of you?
1100
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:26
Anyway, good luck Mamaballs. I am sure you would be happier once you are at home. You know, I wish for Mamaballs I could agree with that comment however, I have found with my dealings people who are able to see such negativity around them tend to find it everywhere they go....
7
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:24
I don't understand why people are not allowed to express their feelings. We have different tastes, I think what Mamaballs wrote is quite beautiful, genuine and comes from her heart... Sometimes we get disappointed with places, people, relationships etc, it's natural we are humans. I also felt the same about Dubai, and we are leaving because we don't like it here, it's not for us! I had many guests that felt the same about the place, quite disappointed that Dubai is very superficial. Dubai is hyped up and is said to have "the biggest" and "the best" of all in the world, it can get too much.!!!!I agree with all the statements from the OP and I know many people that have the same opinion. It's not moaning about Dubai, but seeing the truth and what this place is really like. For some this is paradise for others it is ****. Good luck for those going and for those that will stay... Life is short enjoy however it makes you happy!
876
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:24
I am sympathetic with both sides of the argument. If you came out on a great package, have a large villa in Umm Suqiem or the Meadows, school places in JESS/Dubai College, husband works only fifteen minutes away, lots of money for brunches, nice cars, shopping, vacations, a great maid, then yes, Dubai can probably be a fantastic experience. But if you have a small package, a cramped villa in the Springs or are all the way out in the "sticks" in Silicon Oasis/Motor City, can only get your children into the mediocre schools simply because of a lack of places elsewhere, hours and hours driving on the road, a husband grumbling nightly because of a long commute to as far as Abu Dhabi, maid problems, the illogical roadways, the cumbersome bureaucracy and ridiculous laws, Dubai can easily be tiring and the grind very easily wears you out. This is especially tough on new people if they come here not knowing anyone and not being able to meet people easily. We have made Dubai work for us but the monent it becomes a grind we will leave. edited by Tallybalt on 23/03/2011 An excellent point Tally! but, still, some come on the carp packages etc and make it work because they want it, even if it is hard.
199
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:24
just planning our way back home. No offence taken, and now how can we assist you with your planning? Really VP? This was your kind gesture of offering help? Nice back pedaling, but I think its obvious you were just being nasty. Really I have seen enough of your posts to know your tone...Thanks again. I said NO OFFENCE TAKEN, then I offered to assist you. Uhuh...yeah....anyway....
787
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:22
Making it work wherever you live has a lot to do with: a. asking for help b. making the best of your situation c. having a positive attitude None of which the OP seems to have done.
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:22
I have enjoyed my student life in America, lived and worked in London and live and work in Dubai. I have travelled to various countries and my conclusion is, no one place is perfect. It is so easy to focus on the bad stuff and be oblivious to what the place offers and try to make the best out of your experience in that place. I guess I have never actually been to any place in the world where I feel the need to list down all the things that I hate about it. I don't have many friends here, no relatives and yet I am not lonely. Just wish I have more time to do stuff. Anyway, good luck Mamaballs. I am sure you would be happier once you are at home.
876
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:22
just planning our way back home. No offence taken, and now how can we assist you with your planning? Really VP? This was your kind gesture of offering help? Nice back pedaling, but I think its obvious you were just being nasty. Really I have seen enough of your posts to know your tone...Thanks again. I said NO OFFENCE TAKEN, then I offered to assist you.
1100
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:22
Haven't read all the replies, but Dubai isn't for everyone.... We're kind of like trees, some trees can be re-planted in a new environment and flourish, others just wilt and die...
199
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:19
just planning our way back home. No offence taken, and now how can we assist you with your planning? Really VP? This was your kind gesture of offering help? Nice back pedaling, but I think its obvious you were just being nasty. Really I have seen enough of your posts to know your tone...Thanks again.
654
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:19
I am sympathetic with both sides of the argument. If you came out on a great package, have a large villa in Umm Suqiem or the Meadows, school places in JESS/Dubai College, husband works only fifteen minutes away, lots of money for brunches, nice cars, shopping, vacations, a great maid, then yes, Dubai can probably be a fantastic experience. But if you have a small package, a cramped villa in the Springs or are all the way out in the "sticks" in Silicon Oasis/Motor City, can only get your children into the mediocre schools simply because of a lack of places elsewhere, hours and hours driving on the road, a husband grumbling nightly because of a long commute to as far as Abu Dhabi, maid problems, the illogical roadways, the cumbersome bureaucracy and ridiculous laws, Dubai can easily be tiring and the grind very easily wears you out. This is especially tough on new people if they come here not knowing anyone and not being able to meet people easily. We have made Dubai work for us but the monent it becomes a grind we will leave. <em>edited by Tallybalt on 23/03/2011</em>
70
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:18
I think the OP was making her point - this is an open forum I don t think everyone has to be so nasty to her Let her go without bad vibes from this forum - do we really need to be so nasty to her ???????????????????????? Nobody is being nasty. She wrote an open letter and it was ALL negative. I do not remember a post from her asking for help with all the issues that she mentioned. It is because she never mentioned anything good that happened since she was here. How do you think EW could have helped her if she had posted asking for help?
324
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:18
I think the OP was making her point - this is an open forum I don t think everyone has to be so nasty to her Let her go without bad vibes from this forum - do we really need to be so nasty to her ???????????????????????? I don't think they can help themselves. I think if you're writing a letter on a forum, someone will respond....
115
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:16
But do we deserve to hear such negativity and get such bad vibes from the OP? I think the OP was making her point - this is an open forum I don t think everyone has to be so nasty to her Let her go without bad vibes from this forum - do we really need to be so nasty to her ???????????????????????? I don't think they can help themselves.
2362
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:14
Dear Dubai I love you, I love my life, and I love living here. That is all! xx
70
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:13
I think the OP was making her point - this is an open forum I don t think everyone has to be so nasty to her Let her go without bad vibes from this forum - do we really need to be so nasty to her ???????????????????????? I don't think they can help themselves.
324
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:12
mamaballs; I think part of your disappointment is that you didn't do a lot of research before you came, like not knowing that it will be very very hot in a desert....makes me wonder how good the UK school system really is that you say is so much better than here. Enjoy your journey back home, but I truly believe a place is what you make it to be and if you haven't seen more than the malls and the beach what can I say?
2043
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:11
Actually, I have to say, the road systems *do* suck. Big time. And it has nothing to do with it being a new city - it has to do with bad planning. It is not normal to have to do two at least u-turns every time I try to go someplace. How come there isn't an exit out of both sides of Arabian Ranches for people going to Abu Dhabi? How come Sports City's roundabouts, when completed, won't let you go towards Abu Dhabi? How come the round about besides the Spinneys in the Springs is set so it is useless for leaving Spinneys and you have to go completely around, passing a school, to get back to where you are going? There are plenty of planned cities they could have used for an example - Islamabad, for one, is a well-laid out, planned city. So is Washington DC. But whatever Dubai's good points, the road system is *definitely* not one! I have to agree Guinness, some days I drive twice as far as I need to because of these silly U turns and lack of junctions/exits!
876
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:09
I think the OP was making her point - this is an open forum I don t think everyone has to be so nasty to her Let her go without bad vibes from this forum - do we really need to be so nasty to her ???????????????????????? Nobody is being nasty. She wrote an open letter and it was ALL negative. I do not remember a post from her asking for help with all the issues that she mentioned. It is because she never mentioned anything good that happened since she was here.
140
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:09
Dear OP best wishes, hope you find what you are looking for, I thought your post was very nicely written. Don't know why differing points of view aren't welcome on EW, surely it is variety that makes the world go round. For the record I love Dubai (mostly) even though this week I have been wondering how empty this place would be if common sense tests were added to the visa applications.
1257
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:08
Who's being nasty? I am simply addressing her points and -- I hope -- countermanding them. Seems only fair that if she attacks Dubai, we might defend the place. If we feel so inclined. ;)
1238
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:08
You didn’t tell me that your road systems SUCK. They don't. They just take some getting used to. I have no problem with them and I consider any minor pinpricks to be fallout of this being a new city, not one forged centuries ago. Actually, I have to say, the road systems *do* suck. Big time. And it has nothing to do with it being a new city - it has to do with bad planning. It is not normal to have to do two at least u-turns every time I try to go someplace. How come there isn't an exit out of both sides of Arabian Ranches for people going to Abu Dhabi? How come Sports City's roundabouts, when completed, won't let you go towards Abu Dhabi? How come the round about besides the Spinneys in the Springs is set so it is useless for leaving Spinneys and you have to go completely around, passing a school, to get back to where you are going? There are plenty of planned cities they could have used for an example - Islamabad, for one, is a well-laid out, planned city. So is Washington DC. But whatever Dubai's good points, the road system is *definitely* not one!
876
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:07
Horses for courses I guess. DH and I were only saying (or perhaps I should say slurring as we'd opened a second bottle) that we felt blessed to be here. And we did say 'blessed'm but it was the second bottle after all. Best of luck to NYC Doll (will miss your comments!) and mamaballs I feel blessed to be here too. Its better for my family right now. Thank god we were here during the financial melt down.But that doesnt mean I can't miss home and look forward to moving back. I miss my friends, family, four seasons. For example, when my husband is away on business I feel lonely at night. Back home, I would have spent the night at my moms for a good home cooked meal and a movie. Its simple things I miss. I also miss all the good shopping ;) Yeh NYC, but that kind of stuff is understandable, but slagging off DUbai is another thing, isn't it? Did I slag it off? No, but yet you still offered to help me plan my move back? That's not very friendly is it? And frankly, it is that kind of thing that is really off putting here in Dubai.I meant the OP slagging off DUbai. I actually offered to help in your planning. Not a bad thing since you said you were planning. you seem to constantly miscontrue every thing I say.
455
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:06
I think the OP was making her point - this is an open forum I don t think everyone has to be so nasty to her Let her go without bad vibes from this forum - do we really need to be so nasty to her ????????????????????????
1257
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 11:01
You didn’t tell me that your road systems SUCK. They don't. They just take some getting used to. I have no problem with them and I consider any minor pinpricks to be fallout of this being a new city, not one forged centuries ago. You didn’t tell me that the administrative rubbish we have to deal with was like living in the 70’s. And the red tape in the UK is leading the way?! Again, this is a young country. REMEMBER THAT. I'm staggered that people come here expecting everything to be just the way it is 'back home' when there are a whole range or reasons why this Cannot Be So. Get over it. You didn’t tell me that you were no better than anywhere else in the world and would let me down this way. Oh wow, wake up and smell the coffee. Who said it was any better?! I LOVE the tax-free status out here, that we have a nice home, friends and life, and goals for the future [which Dubai is helping us meet'> but I never thought I was going to some paradise where we didn't have to work and TRY to make our lives better. I don't feel 'let down' at all; I feel vindicated by the move. For that reason Dubai, I am divorcing you. I will be leaving you shortly and I hope that you learn from your mistakes and change. I will not miss you and I no longer love you. Don't let the shamal blow you too hard on the way out. ;) 'Bye. And good luck. :)
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY