deedeebear5 | ExpatWoman.com
 

deedeebear5

21
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2015 - 11:14
That is all really helpful, thank you. So a few more. Does the cost of living make the salary hike less significant? Can money be transferred back and forth to the UK quite easily? What about residency visa medical - would something like breast cancer stop me getting one? How much would a beachfront villa cost? We swim in sea April to November so it is probably biggest draw for us. How easy is it to get an alcohol permit? We are likely to need to do an amount of entertaining for my husbands work. Are there theatres in English? Is it easy to learn Arabic? I know everyone speaks English but it seems like a good opportunity. If I come out as a wife, can I change to employment? How much of a culture shock is it? How do we have gay friends or daughter and boyfriend out without risking offence? Is there a Catholic Church and is it used by expats other than Indian/phillipino? Are there things like book clubs/sewing groups/am dram or voluntary work opportunities? I mean no disrespect but you're looking for a church yet you don't want to go to a church where Indians and Filipinos go to? Well, that just defeats the purpose of your intent to go to church, doesn't it?
21
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2015 - 09:20
My mother is the same with her complaints with maids. But then it's quite tricky, isn't it? To find a smart maid because we know that if they were smart enough they would be employed with better jobs than what they are doing now. I understand all the grievances but then how do you handle this kind of situation when there's only so much their intelligence can absorb? I believe sometimes it's also a matter of language barrier. They don't know how to communicate with the employers, therefore are afraid to ask or do not understand the instructions that they are given. I agree, if the heart is in the right place you could be more patient. Otherwise if they are just arrogant about their mistakes and seem to be making them in purpose, then that's a different story!
21
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 October 2015 - 08:34
You ladies do know that if they were geniuses they wouldn't be working as maids right?
21
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 17:17
My sister used a special detergent powder for babies/kids. It's hypoallergenic and more gentle on the skin. Plus, it doesn't smell as strong as the regular ones. My niece had mild asthma before so anything scented that touches the skin was not advised. It's not a new thing to opt for baby-friendly detergent. In fact, fabric softener was not advised by the pediatrician as it can cause rashes and other allergic reactions to sensitive baby skin.
21
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 16:47
OP, there's a St. Joseph Cathedral in Abu Dhabi. No worries about first communion although I do remember you need to attend catechism classes (two years!) before receiving first communion. Inquire about how you can lessen this especially if you child has already prepared for it in Ireland.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 15:26
For pizza I like Papa Murphy's. For Chinese my favorite is Nom Nom Asia.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 13:06
I totally agree that you need to give them access to your bathroom, but only on the two days they are meant to be working in your garden. I think that you really need to take control of the situation and explain that you only expect them two days a week and that is all you are expecting them to do. Anthing extra they feel they need to come a do, should be agreed with you in advance, no turning up on the door step unanounced. I agree! Set some rules, be firm about them that they should be strictly followed. Not entirely ban them from using the bathrooms.
21
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 12:50
I haven't seen bicarbonate of soda/baking soda that come in a bigger size, only the tiny ones. As for hydrogen peroxide... they usually are available in pharmacies but since nobody uses them to clean wounds anymore I'm not sure if they are available at all.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 12:46
OFGS! Have some humanity. How would you feel if you worked and your employer told you that you weren't allowed to use the bathroom? You're not even cleaning the bathroom yourself so what is your problem here? Perhaps you shouldn't employ a gardener and a pool boy if you cannot provide them basic human rights? Perhaps the below would be a solution for you... :\: http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/05/03/us-chile-retail-diapers-idUSN0237031620070503 http://metro.co.uk/2013/08/14/workers-wearing-nappies-over-fears-of-being-sacked-if-they-take-toilet-breaks-3924165/ I hope they pee and poop in your bushes. I second this! It's basic human rights. It's common decency to provide people who work for you a mode of excretion. Do we even have to explain this? It's common sense. I understand that your bathroom will be filthy but if you had an alternative then you can be picky about the cleanliness of the workers. However, you don't but that doesn't mean you don't provide them one. It's disheartening to know that servicemen don't even earn enough for the work they do and yet they are also being treated this way!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2015 - 11:32
She's my doctor but I've never been under pregnancy care with her. However, I just found out that I'm pregnant so I'm booked to see her on Wednesday. Wish me luck! Is she your doctor too? I love her warmth and her bedside manners. I've been to three doctors and they have no bedside manners at all. I think I'm sticking with Dr. May for this pregnancy.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2015 - 15:41
I'm so glad I'm not alone. I agree with every single point. I used to love the UAE back when I didn't live in Dubai. Then I moved here and realized how different this city is and that they're always progressing. Everything is overpriced and every move you make you need to pay for it. I miss the simplicity of everything when everything was genuine and people were real. Some people I've met here are really shallow with their lives revolving around brunches or which material thing to buy next just to be able to flaunt it.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2015 - 16:48
Dear OP, I know it seems difficult at first and realistically speaking, it gets better for some but worse for others especially when they can't seem to find people to be friends with or refuse to put themselves out there. To be an expat, you need to go out of your comfort zone, meet people and be open-minded. I know people who are introverts and have social anxiety, thus they stay home and avoid people as much as they can. But they are only making things worse for them because they get lonely at times too and end up hating Dubai, for that matter. I hope you do get yourself out there. I was shy too, at first. But then I started talking to people more because if I was going to stay in my shell and be antisocial nothing's going to change about my situation. Good luck! You can always join ExpatWoman get-togethers so you can meet fellow women who are adjusting to the city and women who have been here for ages.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2015 - 10:44
Crowne Plaza has a nice Ramadan tent. I found the listing here: http://www.expatwoman.com/restaurants/monthly_restaurants_eid_dubai_festival_city_13388.aspx
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 16:13
It's summer and it gets super hot (they are, afterall, near the equator). But Singapore is fantastic! I keep going back. We stayed at the Carlton Hotel, which is the best area to set up basecamp. It's near everything (museums, Merlion Park, etc.).
21
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 16:13
It's summer and it gets super hot (they are, afterall, near the equator). But Singapore is fantastic! I keep going back. We stayed at the Carlton Hotel, which is the best area to set up basecamp. It's near everything (museums, Merlion Park, etc.).
21
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 July 2015 - 16:11
Sana Movers are fantastic. Didn't have to worry about anything at all.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2015 - 14:53
On my first trimester here and planning to give birth at Al Zahra with Dr. Nirmala. Has anyone had experience with her? Any thoughts? TIA!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2015 - 14:48
Aww I can't believe this looks simple to make compared to the ones I have been googling! Definitely making this as soon as possible! Thanks for sharing! :D
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2015 - 14:14
Oooh, do share umm ali recipe please! My husband's favorite but still haven't tried making it at home.
21
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2015 - 09:03
Have you tried the shops at the old souk (now World Trade Centre)? Also, I've heard the shops behind El Dorado cinemas have small shops that sell kaftans, sarees, etc. Not sure if my memory serves me correct, though. Moved to Dubai from Abu Dhabi a year ago.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 July 2015 - 15:01
Vanilla Extract is everywhere here. No worries about that. I wonder who told you that it's hard to come by? I've never had difficulties getting them.