how long did it take you to settle in? | ExpatWoman.com
 

how long did it take you to settle in?

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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 22:32

Hi,
Just wanted to ask you ladies how long it took you to settle into Dubai.
I've been here for a little over a month now & I'm still not "feeling" it. I'm not lonely, as I have met a few "nice" people here & the children are keeping me busy, even if it's slightly insane in the membrane.

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 November 2011 - 23:45
Hi Simpleasabc, your welcome is just fine! I am glad to see that there are a few Greeks around, well, I knew already but you know... I will be glad to meet you whenever you have time. I am actually on the moving procedure at the moment, furtniture is coming tmrw, daughter and husband arriving on Friday! Finally! I do agree with Shamat, as soon as I will see them, everything will look better. My daughter is just 2 years and 4 months old. So I believe she will pick English fast. My husband also speaks English, not Fluently but good enough. Hopefully we will sort things out and we will manage to make friends and socialize a bit in Dubai :) Thank you all for your support!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 09:53
Kalimera, Efi, kai kalos irthate :) Sorry if that's wrong, I'm don't speak the language, but am married to a Greek, who is away at the mo, and who travels a lot for work generally. Our daughter is 16 and speaks good Greek and is fluent in English as well. Your daughter will pick the language up in no time. There is a Greek Orthodox church out at Jabal Ali (though I think for some reason the language spoken by the priests there is not Greek), where you should meet other Greeks. We often hear Greek spoken when we're out and about in the Malls, so we're sure there must be quite a few here! (Think of all the Greeks who emigrated to Melbourne and who may be here now, sounding Australian ;) ) We too are very worried about the whole climate in Greece, (particularly our back taxes which have just come to light) but my husband has lived and worked away from his country for over 35 years, so we are not in Dubai as a direct result of the current Greek situation. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 02/11/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 09:31
EfiGR - welcome to Dubai! I am sorry to hear about your anxieties about your move - I bet you will feel better when your husband and daughter arrive. I don't know if there is a Greek community in Dubai but I'd be surprised if there wasn't. I've come across a wealth of different nationalities since I've been here! You might want to do what others have done and start a specific thread on here asking all the Greeks to come forward! Similar things have worked for other nationalities before! How old is your daughter? Depending on her age she should pick up English quite quickly, but it may be worth getting her some lessons to get her started. I haven't used them myself but I understand that the Eton institute runs a variety of courses and can arrange for individual tutoring as well. Finally, what work does your husband do and does he speak English? It could be that someone on here can give some advice about how he might get a job out here. Good luck, I hope it works out for you. As long as you and your husband stay strong and are very clear about why you are here, which it seems like you are, then everything will be fine x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 02:56
I am due to arrive in Dubai in a couple of weeks and I am getting a bit worried after reading this. Some great advice though, I will make an effort and go to coffee mornings, even if I am very shy and will not reject any offers to go out, coffee or whatever. I am also planning to work so will have to really get out and meet people before hand. Any of you have been to the EW coffee mornings? I have a baby, I believe there is one where you can take them but it might take a while until I am confident enough to drive as I have not seen any meetings in our area. I would be great to meet some of you sometime When do you arrive, and how old's your baby? I use to go to the EW baby groups, (they are very popular and great for meeting people) but i've just started going to the toddler ones because i like that they take place in areas where the babies can be more active (soft play areas etc.) as opposed to just coffee shops with toy matts. Drop me a note if you want to chat more and i'll give you my e-mail address. Be brave, it's not all bad. =)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 02:50
I know exactly how you feel Kanamfk. Moved from Derbyshire over 6 months ago and still don't really have any friends beside my DH as I always find it hard forcing friendship! Hey Rebecca, sorry to had you're struggling. My husbands from Derby too, so we've got one thing in common already.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 02:39
if I'm feeling like spoiling myself, might cut my toenails on a Friday!!! Brilliant! lol. So glad i'm not alone. =)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 01:55
Hi girls, well, for me it is more or less what you have all mentioned below. I am Greek, coming from a country that is currently facing a lot of problems. Moving here was a real deal for me, given the circimstances. I was always the "breadwinner" in the family as my husband's job wasn't good enough to support us. Now, I am here for 3 weeks, I have just found an appartment, still haven't signed the tenancy agreement, I feel an continuous pain in my stomach and I miss my daughter and husband sooo much. They will be here by the end of the week, but still I don't know where to start from. Many of you are native English speakers, there are plenty of Brits, Australians or NZ around, even Germans and Dutch, this makes your life easier. My daughter doesn't speak a word English (or maybe she speaks 2 :)). Greeks I wouldn't say that many (I guess we will increase eventually as it seems it doesn't get any better back home). I am very open person, I get along well with people in my working enviroment, I have spend a couple of years in other countries so eventually I will settle my self in. What worries me the most is whether my family will settle in. My husband was always very supportive, he was encouranging me to grab this chance and start fresh, but I am really worried whether he could get a job here and under what salary. Ofcourse I love him, we make a great couple, I just sometime wish that I could relax a bit financially cause he could fully support us and just be a real housewife and mother for a couple of years. I really don't know whether I will settle in, if this decision will change our lives in a good way or not. Well... many thoughts, not in a particualr order in my head... This is my first post here! Let's see....
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 23:13
I'd like to say when I first started this post, I was pretty much on a downer. Leaving my family, friends, home and a lot of sentimental things behind just made me feel so sad and empty.At times I'd thought I'd made a big mistake in coming here. However, since then, I've just changed my whole way of thinking, & it's making a positive difference to how I'm feeling. I still smile and say "hi" to people in the lift. I still say Thank you to the cashiers who don't say thank you back. Sometimes it's returned with a hi back, sometimes not. It doesn't matter to me it's no different from being back home. In fact today my DS wouldn't leave a shop until the cashier said bye to him lol....at first when he said it, he never got a response, but when he said it the second time loud and clear, he got a "bye" back, with a smile ;) It does take time....I still have "off" days, I just have to keep reminding myself why we are here...& I know we aren't here forever, so I intend to make the most of this experience and learn from it. It's a learning curve for all us newbies ;)
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 20:20
I too feel this way...We are from the States...so now I know Im not alone. Got here in Aug, horribly hot...... But have followed advice here...went out with a couple we just happened to bump into..... I have 3 kids 6 and under....so I am busy also!! Glad to read Im not alone in feeling alone. thanks for this advice....your notes DO help...but its just hard to move and restart.....I really miss the fall and Halloween in the USA. I forced myself to go to a halloween thing here, yes its not the same, but kids had fun.... My city is also celebrating a world championship, so I so miss home.....but you just do your best, one day at a time.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 19:03
I am due to arrive in Dubai in a couple of weeks and I am getting a bit worried after reading this. Some great advice though, I will make an effort and go to coffee mornings, even if I am very shy and will not reject any offers to go out, coffee or whatever. I am also planning to work so will have to really get out and meet people before hand. Any of you have been to the EW coffee mornings? I have a baby, I believe there is one where you can take them but it might take a while until I am confident enough to drive as I have not seen any meetings in our area. I would be great to meet some of you sometime
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 14:44
Hi Zara and Loopy loo KathyT, 3boys, coco pops and anyone else out there with older children, Have been settling in for last month and have just about got it together for work and weekdays, but weekends still feeling a bit isolated. Most of workmates are childless and have long brunches... have son of 10 and we're keen to get to know some fun people who do stuff that kids can take part in or at least some stuff the kids can go off any have fun while I get to spend some time with some good company... we're from London, have you guys got together by now????;) Hi Missy D sorry just read this now....how are your children settling in? Have you met with anyone? I've not met with anyone recently from here, but I have been introduced to people via mutual friends. My eldest son is in year 7. Let me know if you'd like to meet up one Friday with the children....:)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 13:12
Rebecca I think someone pointed you in the direction of a place that organises meetups/friendly things - but I don't think you went there...might be worth another look? Sorry for the crypticness of the post...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 12:59
Thx for the response Rebecca. How do you make friends without feeling like you're pushing yourself onto someone?! Moved to the Marina earlier this week, thought I'd have activities and hobby clubs on my doorstep but it doesn't appear to be the case... Do you know of any yoga/exercise classes in area? Anything to stop me bening the Skype queen! Btw my name is Farhana :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 12:51
I know exactly how you feel Kanamfk. Moved from Derbyshire over 6 months ago and still don't really have any friends beside my DH as I always find it hard forcing friendship!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2011 - 11:15
Hi all, I have recently transferred solo, due to work commitments, to Dubai from having been a central Londoner all my life. As the days go by I feel less like taking a one way ticket home, but not knowing anyone here means I am sooo out of my comfort zone...pls tell me if these feelings resonate with you? And primarily how you overcame these? My email address is [email protected] feel free to drop me a line <em>edited by Kanamfk on 29/10/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 18:22
Have taken down emails will send joint one out
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 October 2011 - 09:23
Hi ladies, I have lots of spare time too, live in JLT. email me if you want to get together! [email protected]
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 20:44
Hi MissyD Glad to hear you're settling in! I'm in Springs. Kathy I've been here 7 weeks and it feels much longer too. I feel we're finally getting there with the paperwork/house/furniture sort of coming together ;) Kids have settled like they've been here forever! Problem being is I'm starting work middle of November but its at the kids school so its only school hours so hopefully I can still do 'coffee' it'll just be after school lol :) edited by LoopyLoo on 22/10/2011 <em>edited by LoopyLoo on 24/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 19:56
Hi missyd. Glad u settling in bit. It's a steep learning curve isn't it? We've been here two months now and I feel like its been much longer. Enjoying it tho despite many frustrations. Would be lovely to meet up with you and other girls and families. I have 8 year old son - 9 in January and a 3 year old son, both at JPS. Send me a message on kathy dot Mitchell at btinternet dot com. Let me know when you have address and will delete. We live on palm. Where are you? We are from Leigh on Sea in Essex but have lived all over London. K
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 19:03
oh good, it's not just me and my rubbish time management. No SB, you are not alone! ;)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 18:35
oh good, it's not just me and my rubbish time management.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 18:28
Can I be negative and ask how you find the time to "get out there" and meet real people, if you work and everyone else seems so busy too? edited by Sugarbeach on 22/09/2011 Ditto! DC
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2011 - 10:44
Hi Zara and Loopy loo KathyT, 3boys, coco pops and anyone else out there with older children, Have been settling in for last month and have just about got it together for work and weekdays, but weekends still feeling a bit isolated. Most of workmates are childless and have long brunches... have son of 10 and we're keen to get to know some fun people who do stuff that kids can take part in or at least some stuff the kids can go off any have fun while I get to spend some time with some good company... we're from London, have you guys got together by now????;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 11:47
Morning Ladies, We are new to Dubai and been here about 2 months. I have felt all the things that you have posted on this thread. I try and be positive but sometimes its just too hard when things don't happen how you expect. I don't think we have settled in just yet but things are getting better. It wasn't so long ago when I thought if I went home for a couple of weeks this would help. I didn't go because I had no passport as it was with the PRO sorting out our Visa for a while but now I think that if I had I may have wanted to stay and not come back which would not have helped. I have decided to find a job so that my little one (aged 11months) can go to nursery and meet lots of other babies and children from all over the world and I can meet some new people too. I hope that the other ladies on this thread can start to feel better about being here and it would be great to meet up with other mums. I am no way glam and am a bit rubbish at getting dressed up - think I still dress like a student despite the fact that was 15 years ago!!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 07:54
18 years on and September is always the hardest month of the year. Never mind only a week to go until October :) As someone else has already said accept every invite you get (especially in the early days), make the effort to get in touch with people who you meet at socially/at school etc. It's not easy to make friends here but well worth the effort. The hardest part for me is when good friends move on and you have to start all over again. I settled in really easily 3 years ago, but am finding it a bit hard at the moment - several non-working friends have left over the summer and most of my other friends work fulltime although we all meet up once a week and also socialise with DHs from time to time. As a mum of teenagers you don't have the school pickup opportunities to meet other women. Am contemplating hitting an EW coffee morning again - anyone around Monday for the Marina one? <em>edited by october on 24/09/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 07:42
18 years on and September is always the hardest month of the year. Never mind only a week to go until October :) As someone else has already said accept every invite you get (especially in the early days), make the effort to get in touch with people who you meet at socially/at school etc. It's not easy to make friends here but well worth the effort. The hardest part for me is when good friends move on and you have to start all over again.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 21:10
It was a genuine question GF.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 21:01
Can I be negative and ask how you find the time to "get out there" and meet real people, if you work and everyone else seems so busy too? edited by Sugarbeach on 22/09/2011 Helpful...really motivating SB!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 12:54
Can I be negative and ask how you find the time to "get out there" and meet real people, if you work and everyone else seems so busy too? edited by Sugarbeach on 22/09/2011 sorry SB, i think you answered your own question..."if you work".. most of the opportunities i have had have been coffee mornings during the day..and weekends are the only decent time we get as a family so i honestly don't know how working mums can make friends.. i'd assumed you would have colleagues at work but i now know that isn't the case for everyone.. maybe start a thread on it and hope other working mums can share how they manage it..
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 12:24
Coco pops, have left my address on post yest. Let me know when you have it. I have it, you can remove it now thanks x
 
 

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