They can't let go of Dubai | ExpatWoman.com
 

They can't let go of Dubai

876
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 08:12

I notice a lot of ex-Dubaiers staying on EW, some to offer advice, others to join in the heated debates, and it leaves me wondering what sort of life they moved to. I always imagine moving to be oh so time consuming etc...perhaps life away from Dubai is too boring so they come on EW, or maybe it is the addiction.

Just curious to know....it is nice to hear how those who moved got on with everything, but some seem to still be here, a lot!

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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:44
Greenish I'm changing your name to VSPIMH (blugh).
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:41
Oh...and I had a think last night about the title of the thread. For me, it's not so much that I "can't" let go of Dubai. For numerous reasons, I don't want to. I was happy there and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. Pass the bucket. Yikes SW. Got up on the wrong side of the bed? (perhaps I've been wrong all this time about who I thought you were??) *evil grin* You do make me laugh!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:40
Oh...and I had a think last night about the title of the thread. For me, it's not so much that I "can't" let go of Dubai. For numerous reasons, I don't want to. I was happy there and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. Pass the bucket. Yikes SW. Got up on the wrong side of the bed? (perhaps I've been wrong all this time about who I thought you were??) nevermind her, she is always sticking her head in a bucket, whose I have no idea
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:39
Oh...and I had a think last night about the title of the thread. For me, it's not so much that I "can't" let go of Dubai. For numerous reasons, I don't want to. I was happy there and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. Pass the bucket. Yikes SW. Got up on the wrong side of the bed? (perhaps I've been wrong all this time about who I thought you were??) *evil grin*
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:36
Oh...and I had a think last night about the title of the thread. For me, it's not so much that I "can't" let go of Dubai. For numerous reasons, I don't want to. I was happy there and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. Pass the bucket. Yikes SW. Got up on the wrong side of the bed? (perhaps I've been wrong all this time about who I thought you were??)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:34
Oh...and I had a think last night about the title of the thread. For me, it's not so much that I "can't" let go of Dubai. For numerous reasons, I don't want to. I was happy there and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. And that is the reason I chose you as a lifetime member !! (wait for it.....here comes a certain someone to ask me who I think I am....) Thanks vp. :D xx
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:34
Oh...and I had a think last night about the title of the thread. For me, it's not so much that I "can't" let go of Dubai. For numerous reasons, I don't want to. I was happy there and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. Pass the bucket.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:33
I agree that many posters who have left add value to threads however when the majority of replies begin or end negatively it may be time to back off. We must also consider that not all members will be aware of that persons baggage or history in relation to their comments and that they can come across as being overly critical and tedious. I don't expect people to view their time in the ME through rose coloured glasses but reliving past difficulties and providing negative commentary can't be good for ones mental health or ability to move on.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:27
Oh...and I had a think last night about the title of the thread. For me, it's not so much that I "can't" let go of Dubai. For numerous reasons, I don't want to. I was happy there and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. And that is the reason I chose you as a lifetime member !! (wait for it.....here comes a certain someone to ask me who I think I am....)
2340
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:13
Oh...and I had a think last night about the title of the thread. For me, it's not so much that I "can't" let go of Dubai. For numerous reasons, I don't want to. I was happy there and it will always hold a very special place in my heart.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:12
I think letting go for some people is very hard. Perhaps it's made harder if your life is not hugely full. I don't care if people who left continue to post, but I do notice that there are a few who seem to do so only in a very negative way. Major Dubai bashing goes on which seems to come under the category of flogging a dead horse. Edited to add that by hugely full I mean the difficulties of resettling and finding a new circle of friends, feeling part of a place again/ setting up in a new location etc. edited by mejane on 06/04/2011 This is probably 75% of the reason for me. If my life was a full as I'd like, I might not have time for my old mates in here. The other 25% is that I genuinely enjoy EW. I like contributing where I can, I like hearing what you're all up to and I love reading the latest scandal and having a giggle at the 'ridiculousness' of it all.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:08
There is/was a lady in Doha constantly posting about how she hated the place and couldn't wait to leave; nearly every post she wrote (no matter how irrelevent the original topic of the thread) was about how her life in the UK will be so much better. Don't know if she's left yet, I stopped reading anything posted by her. edited by dairylea on 05/04/2011 I thought it was only me felt like that about her. Could never see her attraction. She was just a whiney know it all in my eyes! Surely she has gone by now? I think you will find that she is still around and posted today on another thread. Perhaps you might reconsider your comments as I'm sure many posters find each other irritating, but there is no need to be hurtful. I second that. And third it. I know she was unhappy there, but I thought she had (has?) a lot to contribute to EW and hope she hangs around for a while.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 12:02
There is/was a lady in Doha constantly posting about how she hated the place and couldn't wait to leave; nearly every post she wrote (no matter how irrelevent the original topic of the thread) was about how her life in the UK will be so much better. Don't know if she's left yet, I stopped reading anything posted by her. edited by dairylea on 05/04/2011 I thought it was only me felt like that about her. Could never see her attraction. She was just a whiney know it all in my eyes! Surely she has gone by now? I think you will find that she is still around and posted today on another thread. Perhaps you might reconsider your comments as I'm sure many posters find each other irritating, but there is no need to be hurtful. I second that.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 09:17
I think letting go for some people is very hard. Perhaps it's made harder if your life is not hugely full. I don't care if people who left continue to post, but I do notice that there are a few who seem to do so only in a very negative way. Major Dubai bashing goes on which seems to come under the category of flogging a dead horse. Edited to add that by hugely full I mean the difficulties of resettling and finding a new circle of friends, feeling part of a place again/ setting up in a new location etc. <em>edited by mejane on 06/04/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 17:46
I very much enjoy that posters posts and agree with most she says. I now have been told of who this poster is, and I quite like her posts.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 17:43
Yes a, it has. Surprisingly hard given we were only away for five years. It feels different here. I feel different. Shame I'm not articulate enough to explain it clearly. :) We're living in a part of Aus I've only ever visited for holidays so apart from my Mum, I don't know a soul here. Starting all over again is exhausting. The only two school mums that I've bonded with are an English woman married to an Aussie bloke (who also does FIFO!) and an Aussie who's best friend lives in Istanbul so she's done a lot of travelling. I'm sick to death of having to be careful of what I say. I often can't mention our time in Dubai because I almost always get one of two reactions...disgust or disbelief that I'd choose to live in the Middle East or eyes glazing over and rolling like they assume I think I'm better than them because I've travelled. I've had to tell my son not to talk about our travels too much because I heard one stupid woman saying to another that my son is a snob because all he talks about is his holidays in Italy. HELLO! He's five, all kids love holidays and his just happened to be in a different part of the world. Those of you who know my Ben know there's not a snobby bone in his body. :( edited by Green-ish on 05/04/2011 I think part of it is that Australia (and particularly where you are Green-ish) is soooooo different from here and I imagine you would have to check in to EW occasionally just to remind yourself that yes you did experience all those things and its not part of your imagination! Besides, we miss you (and your lovely, non-snobby kids) and its nice to think you're still around, even if its on the other side of the world! And who knows, maybe you will be back here again?!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 17:35
I am apparently very slow today. Who is this poster?
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 17:18
I very much enjoy that posters posts and agree with most she says.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 17:15
There is/was a lady in Doha constantly posting about how she hated the place and couldn't wait to leave; nearly every post she wrote (no matter how irrelevent the original topic of the thread) was about how her life in the UK will be so much better. Don't know if she's left yet, I stopped reading anything posted by her. edited by dairylea on 05/04/2011 I thought it was only me felt like that about her. Could never see her attraction. She was just a whiney know it all in my eyes! Surely she has gone by now? I happen to like this poster, she comes across as a kind, no-nonsense and helpful type. Do I wish she'd tone down the comparison and putting the ME down? Yes. But I dont want her to stop posting on this forum, she may be back home but she is welcome here as far as I'm concerned.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:51
I'm sick to death of having to be careful of what I say. I often can't mention our time in Dubai because I almost always get one of two reactions...disgust or disbelief that I'd choose to live in the Middle East or eyes glazing over and rolling like they assume I think I'm better than them because I've travelled. edited by Green-ish on 05/04/2011 I have heard it can be like this when one moves back home. We are fortunate that our friends in Brissie (where our home is) are all well traveled and they actually love hearing about Dubai and life here, many of them have been here too. In fact we often have to really try and change the subject so we can actually stop talking about Dubai, so I am thankful for that and we feel that we'd slot right back into our life back there. Its my friends and extended family in my hometown that are different... my friends from there are not all well traveled and they just don't 'get' the whole Dubai/Expat thing. They thought me moving to Sydney then Brisbane was crazy enough. So luckily we'll be going back to Brissie, not Cairns. As beautiful as Cairns is, I know I couldn't live there anymore. Maybe in my retirement. Come back to EW anytime, you know you're loved!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:38
Right...almost 11pm here on a school night. Seems EW is in my blood. See you tomorrow lovely ladies. :D
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:37
What is a FIFO job? Fly in fly out. He's away three weeks and home for one. Oh, that's horrible. At least if the husband is gone it should be equal time!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:35
What is a FIFO job? Fly in fly out. He's away three weeks and home for one.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:34
Interesting post Greenish, can I ask why you left Dubai, did you want to leave or did you have to? We are about to leave Dubai and although I always thought I would be happy to leave I have really mixed feelings when it comes to the crunch. Without realising I guess Dubai has become home for us! Also having the kids here makes it special. We did want to return to Australia but we wanted to do it on our own terms and in another year or so. My husband was made redundant and that being his second below average employment experience over there we decided enough was enough. Also, my son was due to start school here this year so we figured we might as well come home and settle him in. Two of my children were born there and that definitely creates a special connection. I cannot tell you how much I miss seeing dish dash and abaya everywhere. I want to hear the call to prayer and eat an Ikea shawarma. :( (LOL...I do love Ikea and sharwama in the same sentence. :D )
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:34
What is a FIFO job?
Anonymous (not verified)
0
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:26
Yes a, it has. Surprisingly hard given we were only away for five years. It feels different here. I feel different. Shame I'm not articulate enough to explain it clearly. :) Financially it's been a massive struggle. My husband didn't get a job for almost three months. When he finally did it was for less than tradie's wages so we went backwards fast. Now he's on ok money (still less than before we left Aus) but doing FIFO work so we only see him one week every month. Interestingly, two friends I met in Dubai now live in South East Qld too and both of their husbands have had to take FIFO jobs. We're living in a part of Aus I've only ever visited for holidays so apart from my Mum, I don't know a soul here. Starting all over again is exhausting. The only two school mums that I've bonded with are an English woman married to an Aussie bloke (who also does FIFO!) and an Aussie who's best friend lives in Istanbul so she's done a lot of travelling. I'm sick to death of having to be careful of what I say. I often can't mention our time in Dubai because I almost always get one of two reactions...disgust or disbelief that I'd choose to live in the Middle East or eyes glazing over and rolling like they assume I think I'm better than them because I've travelled. I've had to tell my son not to talk about our travels too much because I heard one stupid woman saying to another that my son is a snob because all he talks about is his holidays in Italy. HELLO! He's five, all kids love holidays and his just happened to be in a different part of the world. Those of you who know my Ben know there's not a snobby bone in his body. :( I was gutted when Embo was in Brisbane a few months ago and I couldn't see her because of the freakin' floods. I'm ridiculously excited that another Dubai friend will be here for holidays in 13.5 weeks (YES, I'm counting down!). I hated DSO, but I do miss going to the pool (when they would let me in with all of my children ;) ) and wondering which one of the women just might be my old mate Pudding. :D Ooh...not like me to have a massive whinge! I am happy here. I did enjoy hearing the locals whine about the unbearable heat when it hit 35 degrees a couple of weeks ago. ;) We live on 2acres with trees, kookaburras, wild ducks, a pool, awesome neighbours, fresh grit-free air. I like the predictability of most other drivers on the road. I like that my favourite supermarket products will always be on the shelves. I love the smell of the gum trees and the police who enforce the rules. Maybe I'm not ready to sign off from EW just yet. I need you girls for a little while longer. :) edited by Green-ish on 05/04/2011 Interesting post Greenish, can I ask why you left Dubai, did you want to leave or did you have to? We are about to leave Dubai and although I always thought I would be happy to leave I have really mixed feelings when it comes to the crunch. Without realising I guess Dubai has become home for us! Also having the kids here makes it special.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:22
When I first left Dubai I never came on here for months and months, then I moved again and one day decided to pop in an have a look what everyone was arguing about. Old user name didn't work anymore so had to sign up again and just never left... haha! Besides, there are so few threads that are directly connected to Dubai (i.e. where to find something) and more about morals and dilemma's etc that anyone who has an idea about life in Dubai can continue commenting. It's my guilty 'trash' entertainment, I love coming on here to see what's brewing and don't care who knows! Besides, we still have a house in Dubai, so I like to keep up with the gossip in case we ever come back! :D
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:20
There is/was a lady in Doha constantly posting about how she hated the place and couldn't wait to leave; nearly every post she wrote (no matter how irrelevent the original topic of the thread) was about how her life in the UK will be so much better. Don't know if she's left yet, I stopped reading anything posted by her. edited by dairylea on 05/04/2011 I thought it was only me felt like that about her. Could never see her attraction. She was just a whiney know it all in my eyes! Surely she has gone by now? I think you will find that she is still around and posted today on another thread. Perhaps you might reconsider your comments as I'm sure many posters find each other irritating, but there is no need to be hurtful.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:18
TY.. Surely we will find our way out of the deep dark hole. Now that the last car is sold, we can make our month long journey to Jordan to see my dh's family. Just looking forward to being home and settled in and find myself in a new routine..
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 16:15
I hope it all goes smoothly for you bc. It's been a bit of a bumpy road for you. xx
 
 

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