derien | ExpatWoman.com
 

derien

derien
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 08:38
Thank you ladies. What a great idea Catawba. I wonder if I can buy one of those pool coolers here. TIA
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Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 08:36
it is an Events Managment Company, I rented the property to them in effect, they then subleased it, I didnt ask them to manage the property for me per se, on the tenancy contract they are deemed as tenants as they actually signed the contract as well, it was never signed by the tenant who it was then subleased to (there is a mention on the contract that they will be subleasing it to the guy who is now living there). Starsouthern I assume you signed your tenancy contract? we are also not asking for more money like your landlord unfortuantely was doing, we are only asking for the standard rent owed to us... Hi Derien, yes I did try to contact you a couple of times, but I understand that you didnt see my messages, thanks anyway :) edited by swarovski on 23/05/2012 The offer still stands. sorry I didn't see your messages :-(
derien
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 15:09
Doha could do with some brains... what a great service to society. Well done
derien
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 13:07
Firstly thank you for the advice given. Unfortunately the EW user that volunteered to call round never responded... wander why people volunteer and then not bother even replying that said we have managed to contact our tenant and he had paid the company upfront, however it turns out the company is swindling cash this way. If the police do get involved then it wont be the tenant that will be arrested it will be the dodgy company, anyhow that still leaves us with unpaid rent so we have no choice but to give notice to our tenant to leave our villa with advice for him to report the theft of his money to the police.:( I was the one who volunteered but never saw your follow up post so just assumed that you weren't interested.
derien
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 13:01
In Spinneys last month, and my LO was sat in the main part of the trolley going through my handbag. With that suddenly something small was thrown straight out of the trolley and it rolled under the fish counter. Fishmonger came to the rescue, went on his hands and knees to recover lost item, to hand me back....a tampon! I died! OMG isn't that just the worst? I remember being in a bank in France once and looking for a cheque stub in my bag. I pulled it out and put it on the counter along with a small tampon and almost died.............
derien
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 10:39
I am also still so upset about Josh being voted off. I've wanted him to win from the start. I have never liked PP! he sings flat and just because he's a bit 'qwerky' people vote for him. I was convinced it would be a Jessica and Josh final but with Josh out of it my vote will be for Jessica. Such a tiny, young lady with a huge voice. I can't stand Philip. He is so boring!!!!!!!!!
derien
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Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 10:12
There is no risk in answering but it is probably a scam.
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 13:16
Dear hugsys, congratulations on your pregnancy. Sorry to hear that you're stressed about this. Once again, govt orgs appear to be contradicting each other... if you could obtain a spousal visa then DNRD obviously does recognise your marriage cert. Your dh's PRO was able to sort it out. Do you think he/she could sort it out this time (i.e. speak to the powers that be)? If not, I would suggest getting married in a civil ceremony in the UK or Cyprus. DH and me actually got the spouse visa sorted ourselves. We spoke directly to the Manager at DNRD who did it for us understanding the situation but MOFO and MOH and not budging and dont care if DNRD accepted it as their requirement is an attested certificate. I'm now 26 weeks pregnant. If we get a marriage certifcate from Cyrpus or even UAE they can also reject that on grounds that I was pregnant well before getting married? I have not heard of any birth certificates being rejected for many friends of mine who have been 4-5 months pregnant when married. However, they weren't muslim. It may be different for you. I would definitely get your PRO to sort this out and get the correct information
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 13:08
Very very envious of her shape. What a lovely figure she has
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 13:07
But it that really history and does it give Dubai a soul? My view on this is that UAE need to start giving longer residency visas and rights to the expats that have created this history. A city has a soul through generations and generations living there as a community. Dubai is far too transient. There needs to be a real debate about how Dubai are going to sustain themselves and create a sense of civic community moving forward. Go out of town. Sit, chat, drink with the locals out there. Hear their stories. I hear you... but thats 10% of the history in Dubai! 10%
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 13:06
To make my story short and simple I've bullet pointed it. 1. Me and DH are both British Muslims. We were married in UK via Muslim marriage ceremony (nikkah) 24th July 2011. We didnt have Civil Ceremony because DH's work didnt allow him off enough time to provide notice etc 2. This is a Muslim marriage certificate and cannot be attested in UK as UK is not a Muslim country of course 3. We came to Dubai and successfully obtained spouse visa for me with our marriage certificate 4. I got pregnant in December 2011 (currently 26 weeks pregnant) and Medcare Hospital also had no problems with our marriage certificate 5. We are now having problems when speaking to MOFO and MOH who have both rejected our marriage certificate which means we will not be able to obtain our sons birth certificate or passport in August. Very distressed and no idea what to do. I'm really looking for some helpful advise please. How can they say it's not vaild now if they accepted it for the visa?
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 13:03
Dubai has history. They just keep demolishing it to put up new, stupid hotels. Hence, no history, no soul. Look for its history beyond the high-rise buildings and bling. Yeah - just pop down to Deira and the Creek - I love old Dubai! But it that really history and does it give Dubai a soul? My view on this is that UAE need to start giving longer residency visas and rights to the expats that have created this history. A city has a soul through generations and generations living there as a community. Dubai is far too transient. There needs to be a real debate about how Dubai are going to sustain themselves and create a sense of civic community moving forward.
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 12:15
Actually, there is a very good book in French by Luc Ferry which explains what the problem is. He says that we love our children too much. so much so that we are afraid that they wont love us back. Therefore, we have lost our bearings and can't teach them right from wrong anymore through fear that they we may "hurt their feelings" It is actually a bit deeper than above of course but that is the general idea
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 12:13
Agree that children are rude today. that's for sure What would you say is cause? There are lots of causes. Many parents cant be bothered to teach their children about accountability. We live in a victim culture where it's everyone else's fault but our own. Children are exposed to bad influences very early on in life through TV and other outlets. Polite society is on the decline. It really is a shame.
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 12:10
Dubai has history. They just keep demolishing it to put up new, stupid hotels. Hence, no history, no soul.
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 12:00
Haha. Grew up in French Speaking society and my elders would have corrected me had I given a nonchalent answer like Non..... which is exactly my point.... if their elders have not taught them, then they will not know! It's not correct to say the child is rude, they just do what the parents do (usually). And I am sure you would agree since the time most of us here were kids, that children seem to get ruder and ruder as the years go by... a reflection on society in general, I think.. Agree that children are rude today. that's for sure
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 11:50
My point is, not everyone is brought up the same way, or to be polite. And what is polite to one is not to the other. You can't go around putting your standards on other people (as much as I want to sometimes) you will just drive yourself crazy. And I have to disagree, plenty of French speaking people say just no, or I don't want that, or wave their hand at me when they speak to me in English. I don't think it's rude, because when thinking in another language I just assume they are thinking in 'shorthand' because it's easier. I would say it's a 50/50 mix between those who use polite English and those who don't (in my own experience) I can tell if they're still being ncie because usually the face matches the tone... e.g. "No" to coffee but they are smiling, I know they are not being rude, just direct. At the end of the day she is just a child so either next time gently correct her (if in your house) or leave it alone. As someone said, it's hardly the worst thing in the world to do and if your daughter is not concerned with it then I would leave it. Teach her to decide what she will put up with and what she will not, that is really all you can do. the rest is up to them as friends. Haha. Grew up in French Speaking society and my elders would have corrected me had I given a nonchalent answer like Non..... you must have just met a bunch of rude people. Poor you
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 11:37
You mentioned she is from Belgium.... could it be a language difference? I.e. most French (yes, I KNOW, I do not know any Belgians) people I know are very direct and that is just how they are, perhaps it is the same for this girl, she does not know any better that being so abrupt can come across as rude, to her "I don't want" is just a statement, not a judgement on a gift/gesture, whereas for you and your daughter it is. I agree that this is a good learning opportunity for her as to how to stand up for herself if she is not happy with something her friends do and what she can say next time if it happens. No sorry. Most polite French/Belges would say. Non merci, je n'en veux pas. Note. No Thank you.. I don't want any. She just sounds rude
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 11:33
A soul
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 11:15
One of our former employee had a small stain on her left lung during the X-Ray. They refused her entry on the basis that she had medical problems and sent her home
derien
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Latest post on 22 May 2012 - 11:10
Thanks for the comforting words GM!:\: Well ... it's true though. My son and his friends are always really polite to each other - they have fights but no one is purposefully mean. But my DD is only three and her friends are horrible to her and each other. I think biologically girls are meaner than boys. Yes, I am afraid it is true. My son and his friends fight but it's over in a second. My daughther is in a school and the girls can be quite mean and clicky. So are the mums!
derien
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Latest post on 21 May 2012 - 10:35
Sounds like another confusing, silly, only in Dubai law! I hope it's not true
derien
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Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 12:15
Eva Ines Manon Victoire Alexandra
derien
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Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 11:47
my favourite taxi driver quote is: taxi "I am outside your villa" me "no you're not" taxi "yes I am" me "I think I know where I live"! edited by cymraes on 20/05/2012 And when they finally turn up " Oh, sorry Ma'm.. I was waiting for you at the other villa... No Sh*t!!
derien
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Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 10:05
I did that, had another guy do my hair, and it was much better, so next time I booked with him. Then my stylist saw me and bumped him off, stating that he was free, and would do my hair. I said it was ok, I was fine with the other guy.....he didn't get it...lol I will just keep making appts with the other guy until he gets the msg. ugh How can he not get your message? You must me a much nicer person in real live then on EW ;) LOL! Yeah CA, you have never had a problem getting your message across on EW!
derien
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 12:16
Try having the gas men around to check for a gas leak...how you may ask.... by running a lighter along the line!!!! No way!!!! wow that is setting a new standard of stupid, even for Dubai!
derien
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Latest post on 14 May 2012 - 12:12
We rented our 5 br in the Meadows full lake view in May 2010 for 200'000. There are 5-6 houses on our street that are the same and sitting empty beacause landlords are now asking 320-340K for the same villas and some of them are complete mess. There is another real estate bubble forming in Dubai and it is about to explode. There is nothing supporting it other than greed. I would be very careful not to spend too much on one of these villas and make sure you get a full assessment done regarding the condition it is actually in before signing the contract. Good luck!
derien
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 17:02
"Compliment" involved my DS and indirectly myself.....her comment followed after I made some affirmative lines, if not compliments about my DS concerning his blue eyes and his looks in general (we were all talking about kids and "family genetics" that were passed down)...she said and I quote "poor thing" in the sense "to have me for the mother" and obviously my genetic material...the way it was said, the manner, body language and piercing words, did not left any room to be labeled as lost in translation.Not to mention bit of the "awkward silence" that followed. :( sounds like someone is bored and stirring the pot so she can have some sort of pulse in her life. I always end up feeling bad for these people; could you imagine being so miserable? I hear you. That's just nasty. Jelousy maybe?
derien
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Latest post on 13 May 2012 - 16:17
Beurkkkk. What was said? sometimes, people are just rude and mean. Others are just from different cultural backgrounds to our own and so it gets lost in translation. Just move on
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 16:12
Oh that's so annoying! I hope you get it back yes and I hope that I get it back too. Thanks god the stroller is not expensive, but still... I just can't believe that someone mistakenly took my completely red stroller for theirs which is red with grey panels and doesn't have any hooks at all (and it's still there in Favorite Things) :( and it was a first time for me to venture to Marina mall and Favorite Things and this happened :( You know that they have cameras everywhere at Favourite things. You could ask them to check the footage
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 16:00
Hi derien, its on Jumeirah Beach Rd right near the big flag. Its directly opposite The One & the big mosque. Its actually quite a nice little centre, easy to park and easy to find. I will post their details on the site when I get home later tonight to make it easy for you. Otherwise you could search facebook for them. Thanks! No need. I know where you are talking about I just didn't know it was called Palm Strip. Excellent, I shall go and get my bag fixed tomorrow!!
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 15:54
Oh that's so annoying! I hope you get it back
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 15:53
If the company is paying for the rent, health insurance etc and 5000-7000 USD is just salary, then I would say that you could live quite comfortably in Abu Dhabi
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 15:44
Hi Littleone, where is this Palm Strip mall ? Thanks a million!
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 15:38
No way. it's too hot
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 14:40
The original post dates from October 2011, not quite sure why the thread has been resurrected? Thanks ABC I hadn't even noticed that. Very old thread
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 14:14
Which hotel was it? If it was an upscale one, it was probably legit. If it wasn't, it may have been a lure. Honestly, there are some serious scammers out there in Dubai. I think, based on the way they reacted, that the were up to something!!!
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 14:05
Does anyone know if there is a Burberry store in Dubai that also does handbag repairs? TIA
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 14:04
Dont know how much to go by these ratings coz when i asked for feedback on Wellington International School I only got bad reviews and feedback as a result we dropped the idea of moving our son there. And on this list its tops :-( Hi Barbie- What kind of negative feedback did you get on Wellington? I am thinking of moving the kids there so would be interested. TIA
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 10:51
What the? We were also only saying positive things on it about them. Why oh why was it deleted?
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 10:42
After my recent miscarriage I completely blamed myself and my age (40) however, I came to realise that SO many of my friends in various countries had also sadly miscarried first time round and not all at my age either. It is too easy to blame yourself particulalry when older and there is no denying that whilst I am now desperatley ttc again I am stressing myself out about the possibility of it happening again which I know will not help. It is a common and sad occurrence that often goes unspoken about for personal reasons which I fully respect. Personally I needed to talk about it and was glad of the support and the success stories following on from previous miscarriages. I am now 41 and not giving up hope. Dangerous blonde - people never cease to amaze me with their 'helpful comments'! I hope all is going well for you! ilovewine - so pleased for you - you give me hope on what is today a 'yucky' day! Congratulations on your precious little bundle! xxx Confusion. Hugs... Some of my friends have children at 42/43!
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 09:29
This sounds like an odd question but I am hearing more and more stories of women here having miscarriages or unable to fall pregnant for a long time and I am wondering if it has something to do with Dubai or is it merely because I am at the age where my peers are all married/long term relationships and I will hear such stories. bit of a sensitive issue really, not sure it's something many people want to talk about... Why not? People come on here and talk about this kind of thing all the time. It's a valid question
derien
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Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 09:28
Hi Glamorgirl, It is very common. I had 2 before conceiving and carrying a healthy baby to term and that was in Switzerland were the air is clear!! My Mom had 4 back in the day. Most of my friends have had them and they live all over the world. It's nature's process of elimination. HTH
derien
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 17:12
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally a UAE moment.
derien
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 17:09
I don't think that is the case at all. It is probably more like that a lot of the "good" schools are outstanding in everything apart from the arabic/islamic studies parts, and that is the only thing holding them back. If they can get those bits sorted, they'll move into Oustanding too. That's the way I've read it. Thats why my DS's school got good instead of outstanding. Not enough Arabic according to KHDA,although I personally think there is too much already. Same with my DS's school. Not enough Arabic for the outstanding score but far too much in my eyes. I have friends from Jordan and Syria who are complaining about the Arabic lessons that their kids are forced to do. They would prefer their children to be practicing their reading with the teacher during that time. Are the kids holders or Jordanian/Syrian passports? if they hold USA or EU passports they are placed in non-native speakers section though they are native speakers. I am all for mandatory Arabic lessons, but the curriculum must be challenging and fun. No they are not holders of US/Euro passports but they speak Arabic at home and therefore the parents send them to school to learn to read and write English. they have also said that the standard of Arabic teaching is very poor compared to their home countries
derien
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 16:37
you can also walk to the Meadows 6 pools
derien
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 16:36
I don't think that is the case at all. It is probably more like that a lot of the "good" schools are outstanding in everything apart from the arabic/islamic studies parts, and that is the only thing holding them back. If they can get those bits sorted, they'll move into Oustanding too. That's the way I've read it. Thats why my DS's school got good instead of outstanding. Not enough Arabic according to KHDA,although I personally think there is too much already. Same with my DS's school. Not enough Arabic for the outstanding score but far too much in my eyes. I have friends from Jordan and Syria who are complaining about the Arabic lessons that their kids are forced to do. They would prefer their children to be practicing their reading with the teacher during that time.
derien
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Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 15:09
LOL... your own personal stalker!!!!
derien
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 13:28
We went last week and it was average... They give you four tickets - but some cocktails require two tickets... I went with a couple of girlfriends last week, and we stayed for about an hour and then moved on to Horizon. Sorry to hijack but what is Horizon Bar like?
derien
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Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 11:09
With the tickets, you can get 4 glasses of white white or two cocktails.
 
 
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