Arch | ExpatWoman.com
 

Arch

Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 10:32
I dont agree with the lawyer; the risk of getting arrested would have been there if the complainant had done anything remotely illegal, like had a drink without a permit, otherwise I dont see any reason why .... Todays paper has a report on a driver jailed because he touched a boy inappropriately in a car.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 09:32
This is the thing about personal space. Among blue collar people from many Asian/Middle eastern countries, personal space is less than what you are used to, but that is only personal space [i'>between the same gender[/i'>. So even if they are used to bumping/touching other men, the concept of personal distance of men with women is actually higher than in the West. If a man comes close , its not because of his concept of personal space, it is because he is trying to judge that you wouldnt complain and he is trying to get away with what he can <em>edited by Arch on 25/02/2013</em>
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 15:10
Is there anything that can be done now? IT is one word against the other... admittedly it could shake him up if questioned but as regards this occasion, is it not done and dusted? I think its safe to assume the OP is not lying, and in that case he deserves everything that comes his way
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 14:58
Dont call his employer, CALL THE POLICE Immediately There is always some chance the employer will try to work on his behalf and make you withdraw a complaint.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 February 2013 - 13:57
A lot of the time the conversation is about the customer.........and there was a pretty good Seinfeld episode about this
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2013 - 11:28
Set out the rules, and if she breaks them, after a warning, send her back. But i dont agree that she is acting like this just because you treated her well. There are many maids treated like a person and they dont act up, and vice versa.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 09:29
I am not surprised to read this, though it may be true for quite a few downtown areas. San Francisco is a great city but within less than a km of the tourist-filled Union Square, are some scary areas. Some of Seattle's best attractions are an hour or 2 drive outside the city; Mt Rainier National Park, Olympic (?) mountain, the Boeing Factory etc. WIthin Seattle, the main steretypical attraction may be the Space Needle and the Fish Market area. It is not a city with lots of downtown attractions like DC or NYC. <em>edited by Arch on 13/02/2013</em>
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 11:52
If the OP can stay in a plane for 14 hours, she would actually gain a lot of time by flying direct. Flights to Washington/NYC are ~13-14 hours. Flying from these 2 cities to Seattle would be 4+ hours. If flying direct is only 14 hours, it is a substantial saving in time.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 10:30
One of the few American cities we havent visited but would love to, you are lucky :) The only airline with direct flights is EK, but they will be expensive obviously. Options would include routing via Heathrow with BA, or flying to NYC/Chicago with Etihad , and then 4 hours to Seattle. I would say ~6k would be a good price in summer as summer is peak season in Seattle
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 13:53
Bur Dubai is a large area, which part of Bur Dubai would it be ? "Comfortable Salary" is hard to define; 25k+ accomodation+car would be fine for most people as long as they dont have mortgages back home to pay. Oh, and you need to figure in Schooling Costs as well. On the + side, you may find many groceries and services as well as fuel cheaper than in Australia Personally I would not move from Brisbane unless i am really unhappy there for some reason.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 14:46
The way I look at is that: A company which is so tight that it wants its employees to live in Ajman (not even Sharjah), would be tight in other areas as well (insurance?, promotions ? etc.)
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 February 2013 - 11:26
It is amazing what greed can make people do.... and i agree with the "fake jump" bit. There has been an increase of 20-30% in some parts of Dubai. However, many agents and landlords are beating a drum of "oh my god, rents increased by 50%, they will double in this year, quadruple in 3 years" <em>edited by Arch on 06/02/2013</em>
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 February 2013 - 09:29
I felt that if I continued to cave in, they'll (the in-laws) will just keep expecting more and more and they don't have any right to expect anything from me. If I'm doing something, it's out of my own good will and I'm doing as much as I can with the 2 LO's and the house stuff. This is true, but will be true regardless of whether you cave in, or not. Some people, particularly in Desi In law relationships are like that; i.e.when you do stuff, its a case of "whats the big deal", and they will expect more as if its the most natural thing If you dont comply once or twice, you become "bad", and all your earlier deeds are forgotten. I'll second what Sanddy said though, its a few months, and not the case of a few years, in which case you could afford to be harder. Dont expect they will remember this later on; just think you are doing it for your DH's sake and let him be aware of it
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 January 2013 - 09:49
Well, even when there wer eplenty of flats arounds, there were owners/agents having the attitude that they are doing a huge favor on tenants by allowing them to have a roof over their heads
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 January 2013 - 11:20
May Allah make it easy for you :) Would anyone who has received the vaccination know if there is a side effect (like fever etc.)? <em>edited by Arch on 29/01/2013</em>
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 08:31
Those coming from Europe/Australia wil definitely not find things as expensive as those coming from the US. Rents and schooling, at least is many parts of the US, are cheaper than here, while gas, services are costlier. Its obvious that rents and schooling comprise up to 50% or even more of many people's spending here, so saving 300 dhs on gas every month may not mean much when you have to pay twice as much for rent or schools.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 01:40
Not to mention schools :) Its annoying when some places act as if we are the "cheap" ones for refusing to pay extortionate prices. "It is good product, good products are expensive". "if you want something for 100 dhs, it will be cheap", "other customers happily pay 500 dhs as they know they are getting quality product". The "500 dhs" product was a pair of Levis, which typically cost 30-50$ in the US
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 11:38
I just bought the Ipad2 as a gift yesterday so have some idea of prices; most places have it at 1599 without facetime. Some of the smaller retailers, includin OneMobile are selling the version w/Facetime for 1499, so its a good deal. Either take the Ipad2 or the Ipad4 (W retina display), The Ipad3 is kind of languishing in the middle, not much better than Ipad2, yet not that good as Ipad4. If you look at Samsungs, almost all retailers have the 10 inch tablet at 1799 and the 7 inch and 1499. If you get the 7 inch from Carrefour , you get a 200 dhs voucher so effectively its 1299.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 January 2013 - 05:18
Begging is illegal here anyways. There are actually people from india and pakistan who take out visitor visas just to come beg for a few weeks here in the uae. They apparently make a heap of money just doing that then they go back home. Im not giving money to people anymore. There are beggars here from quite a few other countries; it takes different forms, wounds, no petrol to drive back to Saudia/Oman etc
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 19:59
One question on Iphones: If you buy a Iphone in the US, will you have to cut your existing Etisalat SIM to be able to use it? And can you buy only a NanoSim from Etisalat/DU or can do you have to get the SIM with the phone/package?
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 December 2012 - 15:53
2 weeks back, they only looked at the Emirates IDs and did not ask for passports
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 December 2012 - 11:07
A popular business site had a headline "Mideast sees boom in demand for British butlers", and continues saying how there has been a "surge in demand" for butlers earning up to 20000$ a month ! Somewhere in the article a crucial line is buried, saying these butlers were hired by "very rich people and celebrities". The headline, read by anyone unaware of life here, would give the impression that many well off people in the Middle East are paying so much for butlers, when in reality maybe less than 10% of rich people pay that much
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 09:19
I was reading some of the reviews on the Pajero here. Many said it's "sluggish" the acceleration isn't good, drinks up too much fuel, road noise is noisy. Thanks everyone for your opinions. Its a SUV so it will be thirstier, and noisier, and harder to control on bends than a crossover Fuel costs will be noticeably higher than a Corolla, but the difference with the CX9 may be 30 dhs a month <em>edited by Arch on 26/11/2012</em>
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2012 - 08:38
Forget resale value The main difference is that the Pajero is a real SUV while the CX9 is a crossover This means the Mazda will be easier/smoother to drive, but you cant go offroad with it, which you can with the Pajero. On the other hand, the CX9 is low for a crossover, so you may have better visibility with the Pajero Drive the Pajero and take what feels better when driving
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 09:39
Firstly, have faith that is no longer suffering and is in a much better place As a daughter, you are one of the 3 sources of Sadaqa Jariya for him, so you are privileged in a way that you can earn good deeds on his behalf throughout your life. And even if its not much consolation, Allah enabled you to go there even if for a day. So many people get "that" call, as my mother did for my grandma, that she is no more. And they spend the rest of their lives saying , if only i could see her once.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 10:04
Imagine if all businesses ran on that "logic", like a food delivery service for example, you could order a meal but they would not send it to you becasue the ordering system only meant that 'they know you want a meal but did not mean they will send any food to you.' How long would a business like that survive! A food delivery service like that would definitely survive and even do quite well; as long as they are the only delivery service in town, if you know what I mean :)
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 11:58
I will recommend the Traverse, Also you may want to consider the New Ford Explorer, its easier to drive than the older one The resale values for the ones you mentioned are roughly the same When it comes to SUVs, Prados/Landcruisers/Patrol/Armada have good value, while the rest are roughly all the same
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 10:39
Weather is roughly the same in Malaysia all year round. Thailand/Vietnam might be slightly cooler than in summer. If you want a beach in December, I wouldnt look apart from Thailand. Bali maybe an option but it would be a longer flight. Seychelles is ok but might be duller than Thailand Wouldnt have to worry about Emirates, they reach almost all major citiies within 8 hrs flying
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:58
I was ordering cheesecake to go from a well known Cheesecake establishment in Dubai Mall, . I just cannot figure out which place you are talking about :) <em>edited by Arch on 19/11/2012</em>
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:44
I'm wondering what would be more essential; clothes or toiletries like pastes/tissue papers or food ?
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 10:43
Wow rather than spending so much time trying to prove a point why not actually *do something* to help those who have lost everything in the fire. I've just made a big bag of my clothes including tops, maxi dresses and some clothes of DH's ready to drop off tonight. I'll look around the house for spare duvets now. Can somebody please tell me exactly where I need to get DH to drop these things off? He has a phobia of JLT (I really dont think the loop is that bad) so an in-out job would be great! As per a poster below they are taking donations at the Almas: That is the huge tower in the middle of JLT. Directions: Take the SZR Exit towards Springs/meadows, and at the signal turn right. The road will end up dividing; take the flyover on your left. After coming down from the flyover, the road to Almas will be the 2nd right turn There should be boards saying Almas Tower as well
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 09:24
True. The amount of people out there that don't wash their hands.. Ewww! Yes, I was waiting in queue for a cubicle in Ibn Battuta mall and a girl came out and walked straight off without washing her hands, as she left I noticed her T shirt logo had the brand name on a well know coffee shop printed on her back! Needless to say I do not frequent that particular outlet anymore, really makes me worry about eating out anywhere with people like that serving food. My experience is that many of those from one particular background who are most likely to not wash their hands, always blow their own trumpet about being "clean" the counter argument, which doesnt make sense to me, is that doors are dirty as well, so no point in washing hands and then opening doors
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 09:05
Everything is relative ladies - this is not a western country. Here and in most regions of the world, squatting is the norm. I guess lifelong habits are difficult to break. In many public toilets I have entered on my travels, those that werent squat ones, I had only wished they were - would have been more hygienic. Squatting is the norm in many areas, but have you ever wondered why airports, govt buildings and malls seem to have only the sitting type? Habits change over time and many people adapt by using whatevers available And even for squatters it is considered bad practise to leave muddy footprints. Atthe end of the day it all boils down to the same lack of consideration that we see in many places Similarly, those who wet the entire floor wont do that in their friends home.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 09:00
Same thing happened to me. Call the person cashing, and the bank. In my case it was reversed the same day. But there was no apology, and the cheque would appear bounced if there were no funds. That is why you shoul dalways have a copy of all cheques given out
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 14:53
How long did it take the country your B-i-L is from to reach standards of construction where places are not likely to catch fire because of bad wiring? More than 40 years, perhaps, I am sure its not a competition on who took longer to do what. Take a look around; You have malls, airports, roads which are generally among the best worldwide; were they negatively affected in any way by the fact that this is a young country? No, similarly there is no reason why building standards and quality should be low . And its not as if prices were low so poor quality stuff was used..
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 10:38
If that is true, then thank God for no casualties. And its also good news that the smoke alarms worked well.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 08:48
Really hope all the families living there got out in time and there are no injuries. Prayers for the survivors that things get better soon for them.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 08:41
Anything could have started the fire But yes, i have seen people throwing their cigarette butts onto other people's balconies. You can only imagine if the balcony has inflammable stuff.... I have seen that firsthand. WTH are people thinking?? :( Not thinking anything; just another symptom of the "Screw the world, I will do what i want unless there is a chance i will be caught/humiliated/punished". Otherwise people wouldnt visit their friends place for a party and throw 3-4 cigarette butts in the balcony belonging to the next apartment, nor would they throw used diapers in the desert
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 07:52
Anything could have started the fire But yes, i have seen people throwing their cigarette butts onto other people's balconies. You can only imagine if the balcony has inflammable stuff....
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 06:15
Still going on :( and its going on in the higher floors.. May God protect all those who were there and hope there are no casualties
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 November 2012 - 11:16
I cant imagine what the father is going through; may he get the strength to go through maybe the hardest test a person can go through
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 November 2012 - 10:51
Anyone who has brought a property in Dubai, without question owns the land. The laws changed in 2006. They did not All mentions of "owning the land" comes from the same generic source On another note; is it true that one cannot make major changes to one's property unless the developer approves it?
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 November 2012 - 13:58
Isnt it DEWA's fault for giving estimated bills for 4 months ?
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 11:46
They are victims of a scam, not criminals, Sand Fairy. well they are illegally letting ...... that's not necessary guilt free... That's rubbish, they were duped and stupidity is not a crime. To add to that, the landlords were duped as well; as at the end of the day, it is their cheque from the fraudster that bounced.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:55
therefore not the LL responsibility. It never is, is it?
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:35
Yes, but its not easy in some cases to identify subletting If a company poses as the owner, you have to check the title deed; some properties dont have title deeds as the owner did not "buy" it, so the tenant takes a risk by taking a property. How can the owner not buy it? Owners need to pay a sum for the title deed, and some owners did not pay it. Now theyare forced to as title deeds are needed for DEWA. Aside from that there are new properties where the developers has not given title deeds to the owners
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:34
Another thing; its easy to say "check everything" etc etc, but unfortunately even after checking, when things go wrong, the "small man" is made to suffer. Case i read somewhere: Tenant signs agreement with the genuine owner, yet does not get the keys even after 2 weeks of paying and signing contract. Why? The owner is not well, and because he is "important", the agent wont disturb him; what does a tenant do in this case?
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2012 - 10:31
Yes, but its not easy in some cases to identify subletting If a company poses as the owner, you have to check the title deed; some properties dont have title deeds as the owner did not "buy" it, so the tenant takes a risk by taking a property. It is ridiculous that when a fraudster commits fraud on 2 parties, only one side is made to suffer while the other side is not affected. But there is always karma; those landlords who are "glad the committee did not get swayed by emotional appeals" may one day be in a situation where they will be forced to plead to someone and suffer because their pleas get turned down
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 November 2012 - 17:56
No place is perfect but some places suit others much more than others. Dubai may not be for everyone, and for e.g. there are people who simply cannot adjust to 40+ temperatures and sand 5 months of the year even if they get a huge salary. And vice versa Take a vacation, if you can, maybe your DH can look for jobs, if things still look bleak after a year or 2, just make decision to move and do it. It is perfectly natural to not like it here; and we have only one life, so if other opportunities do come knocking, take it.
Arch
993
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 November 2012 - 09:41
We cancelled the maids visa after a 3 year contract and she was taken to the airport. just got a call from the driver who took her that she tried to switch her ticket home to go to Iran rather than back to the Philipines. Before anyone jumps on me- I am just warning that even if it SEEMS they do not do a runner at the airport there are others ways. I should have more details later as I am not sure how this all works. I am assuming she intended to go to Iran to get a visit visa(?) and return back to UAE...I could be wrong. Either way I have been lied to. Once you cancel her visa and she leaves the country, shouldnt it be her business where she goes to; Philipplines or Iran? Any subsequent visit visas wont be linked to you in any way. What the employer needs to be sure of is that the maid leaves the country, i.e. passes through immigration.
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose