captainjacky | ExpatWoman.com
 

captainjacky

captainjacky
740
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 November 2012 - 13:21
Also I dont understand how or rather what factors about Dubai per se affect marriages so much? I think Derien's last comment is a big clue. In the UK, USA etc women are able to be equal to men, they have rights and power within the marriage. Here that is taken away as soon as you step off the plane. For me, in 8 years of marriage in the UK, I was an equal partner, I worked and contributed to the family lifestyle, I had confidence in my abilities and felt valued and felt like I had a purpose in life. Then you move here, in many respects it is a dream to be a full time SAHM and I get a lot of value from it. But I don't work, it is hard to find a balance to work and be a Mum here, and part time jobs pay a pittance in many cases. So for many women I supsect, like me you lose your sense of purpose and value in life, it affects your confidence. This can have huge impact on your marriage. You are no longer an equal partner, you rely totally on your husband for money, and when you've previously had independence and control, it's hard when this is taken away from you. Add the above to the fact that you have no family support around you, and the husbands work long hours, the pressure on the women can just build and build and it's difficult for the husband to understand how their wife feels! Not saying it's all bad, and I've now got more used to, and accepting of the situation, just my own view of why marriages can struggle here in particular. edited by Scribs on 22/11/2012 Sorry for the long quote but I think this is spot on. Yes, marriages can potentially fail anywhere, but after years and years of managing a family, finances and working full time, you really do have to reassess the building blocks of how "The Team" works over here. Not even having your own ATM card is pretty stressful! You do have to re structure and that needs both of you to be adaptable and supportive. *Saying that, I've just had a lovely morning at the pool reading, something that I would NEVER have had the option of doing on a Thursday morning, In November, In Nottingham!!!* lol
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 23:51
Not to worry I'll get them on Amazon. sounds like I'll have an excuse for not doing the jobs! ETA Must put Kindle down now and get ready for work/go to bed!! edited by TOLB on 21/11/2012 Hope you enjoy.... x
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 23:23
Just came back from seeing it, it's great! Is it? Did you really enjoy? x
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 23:21
I havent got too much info from hubby yet but he emailed me to say that there are further procedures in order to claim the money back...we cannot keep coming to dubai so sadly we are going to leave it. What a rotten situation you must be in. Gather you spent an awful amount of time and money coming backwards and forwards. Is there not a legal company here you could hire to get it sorted once and for all? Must be awfully draining on you financially and emotionally. Really feel for you. And must say that it strengthens hope in human nature the help you have been given (And returned in kind too). I really really hope this situation works itself out in your favour. I'm not at all eqiupped with a legal background. But if there is anything I can do in terms of collecting paperwork, posting etc just shout. x
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 23:08
Ohh CJ I follow recs quite closely here and other places but not heard of those! Look really inetesting. Loved Khaled Hosseini Alismum! Unfortunately I havn't got them here with me or you could gladly have them. But I think they are available throughout all the regular bookstores. They are (Well to me anyway!), the kind of books you open at page one and thats it... No dinner on the table, no kiddies collected from school!!lol
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 22:47
We are also going tomorrow and I can't wait, I've been wanting to see it on stage for ages. Me too!
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 22:29
Obviously it depends on what you enjoy... But as an avid reader of all sorts... Lesley Pearce stands out. Two books. Remember Me and Trust Me. Both stayed in my mind for a long time. They are not a continuation of eachother, but two different stories. Enjoyed them so much that I bought all the books in the bibliography, and enjoyed those too.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 22:24
We are going tomorrow evening. Looking forward to it.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 18:26
What was that someone said about the Springs earlier? ;) Lol!!
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 17:43
Thank you so much ladies. Have booked Al Muna, Mina a Salam. Apparently it's the 2012 Time Out winner for brunch. Excited now! Hi Sue R If you have an Entertainer (Family one) book there's BOGOF vouchers in there..... Doesn't include alcohol but they do let you pay the difference... Great value. Enjoy. Wow, thanks for that CJ. Actually don't have the family one, only have fine dining. Anyone in Arabian Ranches willing to do a voucher swap? Would offer you mine Sue, but unfortunately I've already used them...And begged/Borrowed more... Hic x
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 16:29
Thank you so much ladies. Have booked Al Muna, Mina a Salam. Apparently it's the 2012 Time Out winner for brunch. Excited now! Hi Sue R If you have an Entertainer (Family one) book there's BOGOF vouchers in there..... Doesn't include alcohol but they do let you pay the difference... Great value. Enjoy.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 November 2012 - 11:46
Saffron at Atlantis... Quite lively! Al Muna At Mina A Salam.... Great ! Dusit Thani SZR... Lovely food but bit quieter... Still fun though! Guess it depends on what sort of "ambience" your guests are looking for. If its views and nice food....Albeit not the selection of those mentione above, then The Yacht Club in Dubai Marina takes some beating. HTH
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 01:29
I'm just stunned some of you actually sit on the public toilet. My mom told me not to, and I tell me kids the same... we squat over it (feet on ground though!!). lol Squatting over loo seat leads to water infections!
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 01:28
Hmmmm.... MIL was well impressed with Dubai loos..... Until we took her to Safa Park for a picnic.... Hole in the ground job! And why are there only hole in the ground jobs? Understand several nationalities like to use these..... BUT.... I don't, so why aren't there regular loos? I don't use the hose but I have no problem with it being there ( Apart from the floor and loo seat being soaking wet)
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 15:31
We recently had the outlaws over. And FIL is on lots of different medication. Didn't want to worry MIL so said nothing and all was fine. She always puts his medication in those "Take for a week" tubs anyway.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 15:11
The quality problems over here stem from a number of widespread issues that impacted residential construction during the boom times: - The over-promotion of under-qualified staff at management level, and a reliance on incompetent labour on the ground (quantity over quality). - Impossibly tight time constraints, which meant many developments went up far too quickly. - Rampant corruption. Not an expert and don't claim to be but... I think they did have competent experienced "managers" but have now chosen the "I can get someone much cheaper, but bear with me whilst we educate these people" logic..... Yes, It's all down to economical pressure in the construction industry.... Know that first hand. But I'm afraid safety can take second place, behind inferior knowledge and a cheaper workforce.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 14:41
Lol.... I will be expecting Hubby to be drip feeding me copious amounts of "Beverages"! Checking availability as we speak... Thanks x Bear in mind they're close to the airport - again, I cannot remember how close planes would be flying. We don't mind them though, we like plane-spotting. Don't mind it either.... After a Pina Colada or three I just make silly plane noises anyway.....
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 13:13
Thanks. Don't mind a walk... Just don't want to be in the middle of nowhere! And as hubby drives all the time here, I was hoping to avoid hiring a car... Was there a beach there can you remember? Thanks The beach is accessible from the hotel. I always only remember lazing by the pool feeding DH prawn cocktail when I think of this hotel! I think we were there about 4 years ago. I remember our room was overlooking the lake, the buildings were pretty - [i'>kampung house[/i'> styled, we, umm... yes, went to the skybridge.... the rest goes into a haze! Driving was extremely easy on the island. Lol.... I will be expecting Hubby to be drip feeding me copious amounts of "Beverages"! Checking availability as we speak... Thanks x
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 12:47
Thanks. Don't mind a walk... Just don't want to be in the middle of nowhere! And as hubby drives all the time here, I was hoping to avoid hiring a car... Was there a beach there can you remember? Thanks
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 12:10
Does anyone know if you can enter JLT , right now? Need to go there. Not sure about actually entering it, but the traffic is runny freely on the inner loop road, so I'm assuming you can.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 11:31
Thanks shopgirl.... Are there any bars or restaurants within walking distance? It looks nice.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 11:18
Really interesting info on this thread, so thanks all for posting. I am looking at going to Langkawi in January and have spent time researching hotels. Want to be around the Pantai Cenang Beach area and really fancied Casa Del Mar, but unfortunately its fully booked. Four Seasons etc look lovely but way out of our budget. Lots of small 3 stars but they look a bit "grubby"... Can anyone suggest a middle of the road priced hotel near to shops, bars restaurants etc., that won't break the bank.? Not to bothered about the quality/selection of food at the hotel as will want to eat out.But a nice pool area would be great! Thanks again CJ
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 09:28
You could try Horizon at Amwaj Rotana in JBR... Had a kiddies cooking station, not sure what else. Also JW Marriott in Diera is a brunch over 3 restaurants and has a kiddies bouncy castle and painting section. A while since I've been though, so ring to check. HTH
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 09:25
To be honest fay, I wouldn't even contemplate venturing into JLT today. Its utter chaos on the roads. If its an appointment you have, then I would strongly advise that you re-schedule. HTH
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 06:57
CJ by loop road do you mean the internal ring road? V scary. Yes BH. The only traffic coming round is that leaving after Tamweel Tower.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 November 2012 - 06:24
Hubby just called to say that the "Loop Road" is all but shut off. Cars driving wrong way down one way system in order to get out of JLT. He had to detour right up to Al Barsha/Greens, so it may be wise to leave extra time for your journey this morning. Hope everyone got out safely. Happening far too often lately, it would seem.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 14:10
Oh story of my life at the moment! Blame it on the hormones.... Daren't watch Titanic or Braveheart. ;-(
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 14:08
A friend looked at an apartment there when the building first opened and said it was lovely. Very spacious. And in a great location. Well worth a look i'd say.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 12:49
Thanks ladies, I've been here 2 years and DD is 18 months. I do have a group of "baby" friends and a group of friends for me but everyone seems to busily be getting about their own lives and fitting play dates / ladies nights in around school runs, work, teenage weekends etc. I guess I've just lost my way... Think sometimes we just feel like we've lost our way a bit. Guess not having the "normal" routines that we've always been used to can seem slightly scary at times. Hope things look up for you soon.... x
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 12:27
I'm pretty worried about my DS who is in Dubai. He moved there in early July to work. He was hoping to get involved with local Scouts and rugby but due to his horrendous work hours, he does nothing but work, eat and sleep. He spends his weekends sleeping as he is too exhausted to do anything else. He starts work at 8am and is often still there at way after 10pm/11pm at night! This is sometimes Saturdays too. He's alone out there and hasn't made any friends as such. We skyped him the other night and although he tried to assure us he was fine, he looked awful, so tired and thin looking. He is 30, hardly a child but he is quite a sensitive guy and we know that homesickness is an issue for him. His sister and DH were out last month to visit and she felt that although he said that all was fine, she detected that he is not really that happy. Are there no limits on working hours in Dubai? Sorry to hijack the thread! Yep these are standard Dubai hours i'm afraid! Hubby leaves after 5am and returns anytime after 7pm. Travelling Dubai to AD and back. Its a worry. Working 6 days a week. Blood pressure up etc..... Hearing stories of sudden heart attacks amongst employees. Makes you wonder. Not trying to worry you by the way. Just stating facts. Maybe your son needs to find some buddies to see at the weekend to relax with. Sure, if he's only been here a short time, he will adjust. But yes, Dubai or anywhere in the Middle East can be pretty unforgiving in employment rights/terms.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 12:19
Can feel your pain OP... Albeit in a slightly different situation. Back at home I worked full time, cleaned, cooked, looked after hubby and daughter, visited relatives and still found time to go to the gym/swimming either before work, after work or in my lunchbreak. Now I'm here (4 years), I have just me and hubby to look after, a pool and gym in the building... No bus routes or time scheduling... and hardly ever use either. Lordy lord...What I would have given for these facilities 4 years ago!! Don't beat yourself up. Things ARE very different here and it can sometimes be hard to become motivated. *Glances at the 1/2/3 Dubai stone that has appeared*
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 18:14
Hiya You could go to Channels in Media Rotana. Its an all you can eat and drink from 7pm till 11pm. Thinks its AED205 on a Thursday night. Its always busy...And its in The Entertainr! Then maybe pop down the lobby into Nelson. Thats usually pretty lively on a Thursday night. Music etc...
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 17:56
May help if you state what area of Dubai you are looking at, and what kind of food you enjoy. Lots of restaurants but all not to everyones taste/location.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 17:53
No worries.... Happy moving! ;-) Thanks, it would be happy if only we could find somewhere!! Feel your pain.... We packed up in The Marina, Went on our holidays, Spent Christmas at a friends thinking we were moving to Qatar and ended up in JLT.... Happy life of The Expat!!!lol All the best to you anyway! x ETA... We spent time in hotel apartments too.... Just to complicate things a little bit for ourselves!! lol <em>edited by captainjacky on 04/10/2012</em>
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 10:49
Morning... Thanks for the offers of help. Fortunately, we managed to rehome him with a friend fairly quickly, and Bugs is now a contented "House Bunny" getting lots of love and attention.... Thanks again. CJ
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 08:50
No worries.... Happy moving! ;-)
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 08:45
We used 800 Storage. They came and packed apartment up and took it into storage in a secure unit in Al Quoz. We had access to it if required and found them helpful and reliable. 04 338 8028. HTH
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 09:19
Had same problem last week. Thought it was a UTI and got antibiotics from the pharmacy. Didn't help and was in a lot of pain. Eventually saw a doctor who did a test and it was a water infection and prescribed Ciprobay which cleared it up within a couple of days. Went to Welcare in Knowledge Village and they did the test whilst I waited within 10 mins. Prob best to go and see a doctor... These infections can get very nasty if not treated or treated incorrectly.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 07:10
Morning... I have seen these in Lifestyle MOE recently... HTH
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 20:27
Change of plan in the CJ household.... So me and another EWer coming to find you after your meal!!!! lol
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 12:54
we are booked at Channels and will check out Nelsons after, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm just gutted that all of my shoes are crossing the Atlantic somewhere right now. Oh well. Aw I shouldn't worry bout that! Good thing about Dubai is that you can either dress up or dress down.... Or in some cases hardly dress at all.... But thats an entirely different thread me thinks!!lol Have a super night.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 11:50
There is one round the back of MOE if that helps. Useless on directions though. Also one in Knowledge Village.... Building 10 I believe.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 10:42
Hey now, I am in my 30's and like THAT kind of music for dancing :) Always have a good time at Frankies, as I did this week, although the small dance area can get crowded Do they play "That" kind of music in Frankies? And do they have a ladies night? Knew there was a small bar area there but thought it was mainly an eating type place.... hmm, I was dancing to Billy Joel and Barry White last time I was there. Everybody joined in to sing a classic Journey tune, also :) They have a pianist that covers songs, and then he has small breaks where the music can vary. The bar area has a piano, and seating, but most people dine in the large dining area. The food is awesome (coming from an Italian, here) and the drinks are even better. The bartender there is a true mixologist!! I had some papaya drink there that knocked my socks off, as well as a chocolate enhanced strawberry daquiri! Billy Joel eh?... You aint lived till you've seen my Uptown Girl moves..... lol
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 10:35
Hey now, I am in my 30's and like THAT kind of music for dancing :) Always have a good time at Frankies, as I did this week, although the small dance area can get crowded Do they play "That" kind of music in Frankies? And do they have a ladies night? Knew there was a small bar area there but thought it was mainly an eating type place....
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 10:16
I never go to ant mall on a weekend, tried this a couple years ago. A real waste of time. Where's Ant Mall??!!.... Sorry SalsB, I couldn't resist! lol
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 09:56
Well, like the nearly 43yr old that I am, I actually thought it was Sunday today!! D**n and Blast these ageing brain cells....lol Yea, I'm sure there will be dancing by 11pm!!! And it usually gets quite busy. Best to book Channels as it does get booked up. Think its Polynese (sp) on a Saturday night.... Depending on how many of you going, I have some BOGOF vouchers if you need more than the 3 out of The Entertainer you could have? Let me know and I will post email...
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 09:25
Lol! I gotta get my boogie on before I have to replace a hip, right? I've not yet been to Bur Dubai, nor Media Rotana, for that matter. (Been here a month). We are going with some friends and are planning dinner first, preferably with Entertainer but won't die if not. So... any ideas? We live in the Meadows, if that helps. Thank you!!!! Maybe we'll be shaking our things side by side to Murder on the Dance Floor one day! :) Hee hee.... Well if you're in The Meadows then probably would suggest going to Channels in Media Rotana. Its in The Entertainer. Its a buffet (You can pay a bit extra to upgrade to alcohol package... Would be rude not too!!) and the food is lovely. Then slip yourself and your ra ra skirt down the lobby into Nelsons, where the music and lights (Get me?!) should be just about kicking off. Channels is open from 7pm till 11pm and if you upgrade its free flowing drinkie poos all night. Enjoy.... And Happy Birthday for tomorrow.
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 08:59
He's a big boy, surely he can play by himself for a couple of hours in the morning lol! Tee hee.......
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 08:32
He's a big boy, surely he can play by himself for a couple of hours in the morning lol! Tee hee.......
captainjacky
740
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2012 - 08:12
Morning Waxys down in Bur Dubai plays "our" sort of music and is good for a cheesy dance... Gets abit...erm... Busy though! Also Nelsons in Media Rotana has a DJ and a dance floor. Not been for a while but was always a good night. Feel your pain in looking for somewhere that we can just have a bit of a boogie (Did I really just type that!!) to some "Danceable tunes".... Although the "Danceable" bit is debatable! HTH
 
 
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