blimey | ExpatWoman.com
 

blimey

blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 09:03
Personally, I always use travel websites to book my hotels as I find the hotels' reviews and rating helpful in finding hotels that would suit my family needs the best. You could fly direct to KL and then take MAS or Airasia to Langkawi. http://www.agoda.co.uk/asia/malaysia/langkawi.html http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g298283-Langkawi_Kedah-Hotels.html http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?sid=8fb7074dbfdad303bed86efc6e6d5b0e;checkin_monthday=8;checkin_year_month=2011-7;checkout_monthday=16;checkout_year_month=2011-7;class_interval=1;offset=0;score_min=0;si=ai%2Cco%2Cci%2Cre%2Cdi;src=index;ss_all=0;;iata=LGK;origin=disamb;srhash=804551505;srpos=1
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 08:20
We are thinking of going to Langkawi in July or August. Is the weather Ok then or is it the rainy season? Hot and humid. Easily get tanned without spending too much time on the beach. You might even be happy when it rains a bit ;)
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 15:58
Usernames don't bring images to my mind but what the users wrote here do make me wonder about the person ;)
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 11:06
I would be 40 next year and surprisingly not dreading it at all. I look good, feel good and very happy where I am familywise, healthwise and careerwise. When I think of myself when I was in my 20s, all I can say is that....been there, done that!!! So really.....there is nothing to be sad and depressed about. Most important thing I would say is to be able to look back and feel proud of how far you have come ;) Happy birthday in advance! <em>edited by blimey on 14/03/2011</em>
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 10:39
I believe that whoever we bring into our household as a maid would come with risks even when they come with "good" reference. As much as we have good intention and want to help people who is "in need", I would say that we should avoid hiring maids with "baggages" as it could only lead to various problems later. I once hired a young filipina maid. I had doubt as she was young at 25 but married with a 1 y.o. baby. She told me that she was conned by a couple in sharjah who gave her visa to come here. They ended up pimping her. She managed to run away with the help of a fellow compatriot. I felt sorry and hired her and ....it only lasted ONE month! Within two months of her arrival in Dubai, she managed to get herself 2 boyfriends who she spent her 2 off days with on an alternate basis. I let her leave Thursday evening after I came home from work but she must be at our house on Saturday by 6pm. She managed to break this and twice came back on Sunday morning just before I woke up to get ready for work. All my Filipina colleagues told me to fire her immediately. The next maid I hired, I used an agency. She was new in Dubai and no reference from previous Saudi employers. She was far from perfect but much better than the first one and no real issue during her 2 years with us. The current one is almost perfect ;) edited by blimey on 14/03/2011 edited by blimey on 14/03/2011 <em>edited by blimey on 14/03/2011</em>
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 12 March 2011 - 13:24
Some people have their own companies. They will hire their maids under their company's employment visa. That's why the visa is for 3 years. Obviously the visa doesn't state domestic servant ;) If I am not mistaken, maid who is under local sponsor would get 2 years visa instead of one. My boss who is from GCC country hired his maid from his home country, his maid visa is also for 2 years.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 17:41
Mine asked for advance a couple of times over the years but she always tell me the reasons. I recorded the advance given and asked her to sign it. Depending on the amount, I either deducted from the next salary or over a few months. Honestly, I think it's really depend on whether you trust her enough to do it.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 09:36
Before crisis time when it was hard to get taxi, I always call the same taxi driver and if he was not available, one of his two friends. He no longer drive taxi these days but he still call me once in a while asking about the wellbeing of my family. One of his friend is on holiday at the moment but one is here. You could try calling Mizulla at 055 3082566. HTH.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 March 2011 - 09:12
Is Langkawi the best place? I think it's really depend on what you really want to do during your holiday. If you fancy diving/snorkeling, I would say that Sipadan Island in Sabah (http://sipadanisland.blogspot.com/) is a much better choice. Quiter too and more natural. Langkawi has more activities to offer. I love the Andaman hotel but it's isolated and more suitable for people who love forest and mountains. My friends enjoyed their stay at Tanjung Rhu beach resort (http://www.booking.com/hotel/my/tanjung-rhu-resort.html?sid=8fb7074dbfdad303bed86efc6e6d5b0e;checkin=2011-04-14;checkout=2011-04-20;srfid=d3ba5855ee4c2442fdebf6cccdca4b05X14). I have been to Bon Ton but long before this new development. If you love seafood and want to indulge on cheap seafood eating holiday, I would recommend Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. If you don't fancy climbing Mount Kinabalu, you could always go to Kundasang. (http://www.booking.com/hotel/my/shangrilatar.html?sid=8fb7074dbfdad303bed86efc6e6d5b0e;srfid=71a05a960f0d4a7f10e537e9b9035aafX8) Anyway, April is not school holidays in Malaysia and there is no public holiday during that month too. So, I think whichever holiday destination that you choose, the hotels would not be full of screaming kids ;)
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 16:04
Just found out from the event organiser that the tickets for children: Under 5 y.o is free 5 to 12y.o is half price &gt;12 y.o is full price Children prices would only be available from tomorrow onward <em>edited by blimey on 09/03/2011</em>
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 14:49
Mine is in her 3rd year now. I hired her through her sister who worked in the salon that I used to frequent to. She has hers sisters, brother, cousins and auntie here in Dubai. She is good with my DD, a great help to me as a working mom, very independent and reliable. I never keep a list of things for her to do. Always tell her that her priority is DD. All DH and I want other than that is a clean house, ironed clothes and dinner ready when we get home from work. How she does it, entirely up to her and her time management. She herself is very wary about her compatriots. Hence very careful in choosing her own friends. She never complain or whine about her work, salary or anything. Once in a blue moon she would ask me if she could stay overnight at her sisters or friend (who I also know). DD loves her but when I am home or at weekends, she only want to be with me.....pheww, I guess ;) So yeah....there are wonderful maids out there.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 14:21
ladies, i've found their website - http://www.picniconthepark.ae/ - they've got all the information there. I've just bought myself early bird tickets for 425 dhs! :D Is the price per person? Do you know whether you have to pay for children as well? Thanks.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 11:25
I think there is one poster on EW just transferred from Indonesia....can remember her username though. Anyway, expat websites would be a good start: http://www.expatexchange.com/rspnet.cfm?rid=95&answerid=25390&networkid=55&start=25390 http://www.expat.or.id/info/info.html http://www.alloexpat.com/indonesia_expat_forum/ HTH. Good luck. <em>edited by blimey on 09/03/2011</em>
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 08:46
A couple of years ago, while I was playing with DD at the playground, a mother asked me if I am looking for a new job as she need a maid. Taxi drivers ask me all the time if DD is my daughter and when i say yes, ask me where DH is from.....and then....ohhh...that's why!!!
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 16:01
Is it possible just to do a quickie sharia marriage here so as not to fall afould of laws here, and then later do a formal marriage how you want. Not sure how it works, but maybe a possibility. First option I thought of, but DH will have to convert religon... Hang on ... am I missing something? Is the OP Muslim? If so, that throws all these ideas out. Absolutely no permission from ANY church of any faith will be given for a Muslim woman to marry outside of her faith in the UAE. Sorry if I'm jumping to conclusions here, but I saw the word 'sharia' and ... That's what come to my mind as well...esp when OP said that her OH would have to convert. I really hope not as her ex might use THIS in his custody battle. Hope it's just my misunderstanding.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 13:39
Probably the most outstanding feature of Arab customs is that of generous hospitality. To the Arabs, extending good hospitality is more than just an admirable thing to do--it is a matter of honor and also a sacred duty. Hospitality is shown regardless of personal cost [b'>and is expected to be returned[/b'>. Then does this really count as true hospitality? My idea of true hospitality is that expects nothing in return -especially if it is done as a sacred duty. You learn something new everyday about people of different culture. In my culture, we are told that when our right hand is doing a good deed, the left hand shouldn't even know about it ;) I have only one kid, so no sibbling issue. I do however send my kid with my maid to birthday party when the party is on weekdays. I always ask the host in advance whether it's okay or not to do so.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 15:33
Thanks girls for all the info. DH and I are definitely wary about the long drive and ferry trips. Really don't want to spend more time on travelling than necessary. So far I really like the cottages in Dingle but have not checked out Sneem yet.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 12:13
Thanks Freckle. FIL want to drive from south west of England to I guess....SW of Ireland :( Hoping we could fly from Bristol instead.....not sure to which airport yet. I guess depending on which area we decide to stay at. Will check out the websites.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 11:49
I would have thought the whole idea of coming to Dubai to work apart from the experience would be to live in a tax free enviroment and to SAVE money I am very sorry but I defy anyone to save a good amount of money with a family here on 19k For one you would not want to compromise your living conditions against your current ones and you would I assume want a better life ?? well franky you re not going to do that on 19k !!! JMHO I know many many people whose living conditions have been greatly improved on salaries less than 19K. surely it depends on "where" you are coming from, and "where" you are going to. Everyone is different. Totally agree. Not to mention, where you choose to live, what car you drive, which school you send your kids too, how often you go out for brunch or night out, how often and where do you go for your holiday, etc.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 11:06
Everyone has completely forgotten to mention to the OP that your salary and benefits are largely dependent on the colour of your skin. If you on the darker side you don't get much whereas if you on the lighter side you get all the below benefits +++. And I always thought it is based on your passport.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 08:20
SAFA school didnt make any misrepresentation in any way to parents about their lack of facilities during the school tour. When parents registered their children into SAFA, they know that fact already as there is no promise that something difference would be delivered in the future. DD already in SAFA when Horizon called. DH and I agreed that it's not worth it to move her there as they are sister schools. We do register DD at another school and that would be the only school that we would take DD out from SAFA for if there is any place become available in the future. Until then, she is enjoying herself at the school and that's all that matter. For my DD class, all the moms know each other, some of the parents socialize outside school activities and I am always grateful to the SAHM who constantly volunteer with the class activities. It's a good community spirit.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 14:24
kcinthecity: yeah, I hope that's the case....just venting her frustration but knowing how she feels about the ex all these years, I couldn't help but feel very wary and concern about the ultimatum she said she has given her hsbd. She is a good friend but can be very unpredictable at times. BMAP: From what I understand, her hsbd is paying 1K a month to the son until he turns 23. She mentioned that the son also receive benefit from govt. Not sure about the alimony support for the ex though. Could be the reason for the ex seeking to jump start her career at this point of time. The other kid is already 21 and working.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 10:31
Okay. I have chosen the coward way and sent her an email. I figured....she would at least read it and hopefully, reconsider and try to look at the issue in a different perspective. Wish me luck ladies. Hopefully, I still have a friend at the end of the day ;)
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 09:33
Thank you very much ladies. I feel now I have a clearer approach to advise my friend on this matter without appearing that I am taking the ex's side. Yeah...her resentment toward the ex has obviously clouded her judgement and most importantly her feeling toward her hsbd. I hope I could get through to her before it's too late. If you want to maintain a friendship with her, perhaps you should just say "I'm sorry, I can't get involved on this one"... Unless of course she accepts that you disagree with her.... I'm with DRose on this one, I really feel for this boy. He does not deserve this... You are right of course, I could just ignore the issue. She just wanted me to listen to her venting. But we are friends! How could I just let my friend commit a big mistake in her life without at least trying to make her see beyond her resentment toward the ex. If she want to throw away our friendship as well......well, I guess I have to be prepared for it. Sad as it is.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 07:58
Thank you very much ladies. I feel now I have a clearer approach to advise my friend on this matter without appearing that I am taking the ex's side. Yeah...her resentment toward the ex has obviously clouded her judgement and most importantly her feeling toward her hsbd. I hope I could get through to her before it's too late.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 17:24
When they met, the hsbd was already a divorced man living in another country but everytime he went back home, he would stay at his ex's house (his as well) because the children were still in school at that time. The ex were not happy when she found out that her ex has moved on. When they got married, they told the eldest child but not the ex. When the ex found out, she went ballistic and said a lot of ugly things and my friend found out about it and well, wouldn't delete it from her memory. I guess living in another country make the "problem" seem so far away. Now that daddy is finally home, well....he is accessible again 8-) MimiM - I don't think my friend care to ask the ex why she suddenly decide to re-start her career at this point of her life. I believe the ex is in her mid 40's.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 15:55
Glad that I post the thread here as I am getting some really good pointer here as how to go about advising her. My friend is in her late 30's. They have been married for 3 years now with the first 2 years abroad. They live in Australia. So far, the hsbd has told his ex that it's not his decision alone and told my friend that he doesn't want to lose her. I honestly do not think she and her hsbd have sit down and tried to figure out whether or not they could do it. To her...he will work the whole day and as she is staying home, she will end up taking care of the son on her own. I really think that her bad relationship with her hsbd's ex clouded her judgement to the point that she actually willing to throw away the marriage. Took her a long time to meet him too!!! Another issue could be because her hsbd has had vasectomy. In the beginning she was thinking about having her own child with him as he was willing to reverse the procedure. In the end she decided against it as she does love their "just you and me" lifestyle. edited by blimey on 15/02/2011 edited by blimey on 15/02/2011 <em>edited by blimey on 15/02/2011</em>
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 15:16
My friend is not oblivious about her being selfish. I am not sure whether she is aware or not about the son's condition prior to her marriage as they both met in a different country and she didn't meet the son until after their marriage. Both children have been living with the wife after the divorce while the hsbd has been living abroad. She told me that if there was any indication that THIS could take place, she wouldn't have married her hsbd. I feel sad esp for her hsbd and I do think she is making a big mistake. I have to be careful with my words though. We have been good friends for years and dont want to lose the friendship even when apart of me want to smack some sense into her.
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 14:17
My body was aching all over a couple of weeks ago due to a bad case of flu and work stress. Had a therapeutic massage at InShape for AED190 for an hour session. Don't think it's part of entertainment book though. In case you want to give it a try, you can call them at 043955718
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 14:21
My maid went to the one in Satwa all by herself but she has been in Dubai for 2 years. You don't have to go with your maid but just make sure you don't give her the EXACT amount as you never know....things here change quite often and without notice. Just make sure she go early and have all the documents required. http://www.dha.gov.ae/EN/ServiceCatalogue/eServices/MedicalFitness/Pages/MedicalFitnessCenters.aspx
blimey
482
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 08:01
Dr. Keith Nicholl of KNMC on Jumeirah Beach Road (04-3941000). His medical centre however doesn't do direct billing with the insurance companies. So, you have to pay and claim. Has been DD's doctor since she was 2 months. Now at 4, DD would run to him and give him a big hug whenever we see him 8-) He is just awesome and put new mothers at ease. http://www.keithnicholl.com/services <em>edited by blimey on 14/02/2011</em>
blimey
482
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2011 - 11:58
I am new to dubai and had no wills and a young family and I heard from other mums at school. I just found them helpful and honest as we only wanted one Will for all. Their paperwork says they are registered with DED, they told us they use lawyers in UK for us. Why are people here always so cynical ? Yeah...tell me about that. I put a link to an article that I thought would be useful for other expats but somebody thought I was the employee of the firm being mentioned in the article. Btw...not their client either. Anyway, I am glad that I did it. At least now other expats have several numbers that they could contact and make their own decision as to who they should go with for their Will writing. As wary as I am about the consistency of UAE Laws, I think it would be worst if you don't do anything about it.
 
 
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