FairyDust | ExpatWoman.com
 

FairyDust

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Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 15:46
Have you got housing tax on that aswell? Because that will hike up your bill. Housing cots are 5% of the annual rent, over 12 months, added to your DEWA bill. And having lived in the Springs before, that's about right for the summer. It's the ac's that really push the cost up. <em>edited by FairyDust on 07/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 14:08
Hi Scruffles, I know it's not much help, but sadly this seems to be coming more common now. Not many companies are paying schooling anymore and it's a real struggle. A constant issue, schools are expensive, salaries aren't enough to cover it and many many people are being put in an awful situation. I have two friends who recently had to go home, because of this and another who sent his family home and stayed. I honestly don't know what the solution is, but I feel for you.
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Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 13:59
Personally I don't know of any companies that pay for the wife's / child's visa - so that is not unusual. I would just wait and do visa runs, IMO - if you are British don't you get 3 months anyway - so it is only 1 visa run until then 3 months? We've NEVER got 3 months! It was 60 days, now I think it;'s back to 30.
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Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 13:57
I would just do visa runs, or you'll end up paying the visa cost twice.
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Latest post on 07 August 2013 - 12:33
To add to what Sarah has said, you're husband also needs to provide an NOC stating that as your sponsor he allows you to work, as I suspect on your visa it will say 'housewife - not allowed to work'. It's all very easy. You give the NOC to the company and they apply for a temporary labour card.
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Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 15:41
I would agree with Blossomhill, I used to date someone who had major issues with me being friends with anyone of the male gender, yet it was fine for him to go out with female friends - that's control and zero respect. Now my husband on the other hand is absolutely fine with me having male friends. He's works on contract out of the country, so I might not see him for weeks or months on end - we talk every day and we have a mutual respect for one another. A mutual friend put him in touch with a lady where he is working and she was keen to meet him for a coffee and I didn't have an issue, but HE has an issue with that. His choice, his decision, although he did ask if I would mind. You don't/can't tell someone what to do, that's not what a relationship is about.
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Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 15:30
I think my question has given out the wrong messages! I'm not looking to get plastered with the kids playing but I just wasn't sure if compounds were classed as 'public' places. I've been living in apartments for 8 years now and openly had drinks and bbq around the shared pool on a Friday and never was there an issue and in face most people did the same. I'm guessing by the feedback that this wouldn't be the case within a compound of villas Sorry Sabrina, I wasn't actually implying that you would get plastered, but merely if anything were to happen, just having alcohol in your system under certain circumstances is not a good thing. As others have stated, it's technically a public palce, therefore illegal. Not worth it.
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Latest post on 05 August 2013 - 14:52
What Sarah said, plus alcohol whilst children are in a pool? = recipe for disaster. Should something happen, the consequences do not even bare thinking about. Please don't do it. <em>edited by FairyDust on 05/08/2013</em>
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Latest post on 04 August 2013 - 12:04
Oh wow - interesting info. Thanks for that.
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Latest post on 04 August 2013 - 11:41
If it's the British selection of Quality street you're after, then the place you need to head to is Park N Shop - either on Al Wasl Rd, or their Cash N Carry out at the Green Community. They have ALL the UK choccy and crisp favourites in there.
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Latest post on 04 August 2013 - 11:38
200 Dhs for rebonding? You know that old saying 'if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is'. There's no way that would even cover the cost of the products used. I've done both Rebonding - using Shiseido products - takes about 5 hours - leaves the hair in amazing condition. About 1,600 Dhs for shoulder length hair. Keratin - about 3 hours - 1,400 Dhs ish for shoulder length hair. The bonus of rebonding is that it's permanent and you only need to have it done once every 4-6 months depending on hair growth, but it will damage your hair over time. Personally I'm sticking with Keratin for now, as I like that my hair still have volume and waves - my hair is wavy/curly/frizzy - it really puts great condition back into my hair, is much more manageable and easier to straighten using tongs.
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Latest post on 01 August 2013 - 12:37
Personal space invaders drive me up the wall. I always have to say something, or casually step backwards on their toes - ooops sorry.
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Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 12:38
The way I understood it, cargo flights are different to passenger flights. To a lot of countries doggies can go as excess baggage on the passenger flights but to the UK, they have to go as cargo, meaning a cargo flight Someone correct me if I'm wrong Passenger flights also carry cargo - no difference! It just means the animal must be transported in the hold. In fact airlines will insist there is either someone travelling on the same flight as the animal, or that there is someone to meet them the other end. And I would agree with what others have said, for 2 weeks, it's just not worth it and would be unnecessary stress on the animal. <em>edited by FairyDust on 28/07/2013</em>
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Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 08:07
Ooops sorry Di@DXB, just having a look and it doesn't seem that these options are available for 'pages', but you can choose to not allow comments to posts on your page, but I think that's as specific as it gets. Sadly doesn't look like you can just filter out some people without banning them.
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Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 08:03
Not sure if he's the Manager, but I always deal with Kieren (sp) and he's usually very helpful.
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Latest post on 28 July 2013 - 07:58
To OP, yes it's rude and unethical. Simply 'ban' the user from your page - problem solved. Or if you don't want to ban them, add them to your 'limited profile' list, and put your settings so that they cannot make comments on your page.
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 17:52
Quick question. I've booked Careem for the first time for tomorrow. I have given my card details on line but wanted to know if this is a 'guarantee' and we pay the driver in cash or if they debit the card for the trip. Don't want to end up with the driver expecting payment and me not having enough cash in my purse!! They don't accept cash payments. The trips are all charged to your cards. Also the drivers do not and will not accept tips either. Also ladies, don't forget your link to recommend friends and get your credit added - free trips are always good :-) If you log into your account, you can track the driver online to see how far away they are. They ALWAYS turn up at least 20 mins before the specified time.
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 17:44
Do a search for Homely Petz, pet sitting service, they look after your pet in its own home.
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Latest post on 24 July 2013 - 07:40
Just leave the geckos and learn to love them. They keep all the 'really nasty' creepy crawlies away. I'm always happy to have a few in the house.
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Latest post on 20 July 2013 - 13:19
Can I take a different side to this? How 'close' are you to the person who organised the party? Why do you think someone should feel obligated to invite others to something? Not everyone can be invited to everything all the time and I don't think people should expect to be asked to every single thing going. Sometimes it's nice to move in different circles and socialise with different people. I honestly wouldn't take it personally and really don't turn into one of those people (I know a few), who expect to be asked to anything and everything and if they're not - they invite themselves! Whilst it might feel a little hurtful, I think to bring it up, could make things a bit worse. Just move on, don't hold a grudge about it and don't 'punish' the person whose baby shower you've been invited to, just because you feel awkward towards the organiser.
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Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 10:01
AnonDubai, thank you, you know I never really looked at it like that. As I said, interesting thread and amazing to see the different perspectives and peoples experiences.
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Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 09:58
Wild Wadi is great now they have their new rides. Also really liked Yas Water World. Get there BEFORE it opens! We got there 30 mins before opening and the queues were already building. Get there early, do all the rides to avoid queues - then rellllaaaaaaax for the rest of the day. Otherwise you spend the majority of your day in queues.
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Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 09:08
Thank you for your reply kiwispiers, I guess it's just everyone else in my family has children, my brother, all my cousins and there's always been pressure and the 'you're next' etc comments. But I always wonder why I've never felt that way, can't put my finger on it, I just don't. Plus I also feel sad and even possibly feel guilty about that, considering so many women would love to have children, and yet they struggle or can't.
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Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 08:30
I've been reading this thread with great interest and am sad to say, that I have never had these feelings of craving the need to have children - I've just never been very maternal. I've been through phases of 'maybe' but it always comes back to 'nope, not for me'. DH already has two children, who are teenagers - which I'm quite thankful for as we can do 'cool' stuff. I do envy those of you who want children and will do anything to have them, but it's not for every woman. And I really do feel sad at saying this.
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Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 08:24
Personally I grew up going to church and Sunday school and all the rest of it. Then in my teens I just stopped. I was never Christened and my parents wanted us (my brother and myself) to make up our own minds which path - if any - we would choose to follow. And I chose not to follow any religion. I respect those who do and I have done lots and lots of research and spoken to many people over the years and have just concluded that none of it is for me. I'm more of a spiritual person and just live trying to be the best person I can and to others around me and I'm happy with that and it's worked for me - so far. Leading a better life is about making a personal choice to do so, it's not a hard thing and sure it's nice to take some guidance, but at the end of the day it all starts with yourself and how you choose to live your life.
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Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 07:51
I don't use normal taxis for reliability. I use a private car company, which, ok it costs more, but for the sake of a car actually showing up when I want it to is great. If you give them advanced warning i.e. booking a day in advance, they can also arrange car seats. Take a look for Careem.
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Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 07:44
All you can really do is spread the word, put notices up in supermarkets etc. Sadly it's the worst time of year with so many pets being abandoned or rescued from the streets. All the shelters and rescue organisations are at bursting point and some have already had to close their doors to new cases. I don't know what your circumstances are, but it's very sad that the majority of dogs and cats looking for homes at the moment, are owner surrenders. If you can reconsider and keep the dog - do - as she's just joining an already too long list of animals looking for a home.
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Latest post on 15 July 2013 - 07:47
I also love Kelly at SI - she's brilliant and brutally honest about what you should and shouldn't do as well.
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Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 09:57
I'd also be wary of an agent who offers an owner a years rent upfront for a property and then they go and lease it out for much more. This has happened to a couple of friends of mine - don't fall for that either. Sadly a work friend was on the receiving end as well. He was sharing an apartment and 'thought' he was leasing directly from the LL, unfortunately, that person was subletting it for more money (which my friend did not know obviously), then when the actual LL turned up, the guys in their got booted out, all their money down the drain, not a leg to stand on. It cuts both ways and people need to be wary from either side.
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Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 09:50
I hate to say it, but rewiring to pull more amps than is available is probably a worse fire hazzard as you'd overload the system.
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Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 09:48
Sadly it's the time of year when many people leave or move, so there is a huge influx of goods to be sold. Takemyjunkuae will also try and sell your items for you, as will cash convertors.
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Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 09:17
The purpose of life is to LIVE it!!! Experience as much as you can, love, pain, happiness, sadness. Travel, see the world, experience different things. I want to leave this earth looking like I lived my life and had a great time doing it. edited by FairyDust on 14/07/2013 I was with a friend today who only has months to live.... She is amazing and wants everyone to carry on as normal no tears no feeling sorry for her. She says she has done her job here ,been wife mother and Grandmother and had a h3ll of a time doing it.When the time comes she says she is ready BUT won't have any regrets. It has really brought home to me the importance of living life in the here and now. Very sorry to hear that Nomad. But at least she has a really good outlook on things and feels she's achieved the things she wanted to.
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Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 09:16
In all the kitchens in our building there's a sign which states 'NO Electric cookers!' - so everyone is using gas.
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Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 07:24
The purpose of life is to LIVE it!!! Experience as much as you can, love, pain, happiness, sadness. Travel, see the world, experience different things. I want to leave this earth looking like I lived my life and had a great time doing it. <em>edited by FairyDust on 14/07/2013</em>
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Latest post on 12 July 2013 - 09:39
Calling the police and deporting him, is a tad of an overreaction, is it not? Not to mention a complete waste of other peoples time and money - be sensible. Yes, he is being cheeky! He should not have access to your property and he certainly should not be asking for extra money. You give it, if it's warranted, but shouldn't be bullied into it.
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Latest post on 10 July 2013 - 14:45
If she takes no action, what will happen to his next 'victim'? She has an obligation to file a case against him.
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Latest post on 10 July 2013 - 07:13
I met my husband in Dubai as well - online too - but also dated A LOT of frogs and weirdos before finding him. So there is hope.
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Latest post on 09 July 2013 - 14:43
An organisation will find a dog suitable for your circumstances as not all dogs are good with children or other dogs, so they will pick one who is most appropriate. :-)
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Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 15:41
I was told 3 to 4 working days after disconnection. <em>edited by FairyDust on 08/07/2013</em>
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Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 14:48
No, I don't think you're being mean. Is he contributing anything at all money wise? I think you need to put your foot down and explain to your husband that you feel like you're being imposed upon, have no privacy and it's not up to you to wait on this guy hand and foot. I feel sad for the position you've been put in. It's not nice when you feel obliged to be 'nice' to family members, just because they're family.
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Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 14:41
I think it depends how clean your tanks are. Much of the time you get an awful 'back-wash' that makes the tap water taste vile.
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Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 11:12
Hiya, yes the dog will still be advertised as looking for a forever home. When you go on vacation, the animal is found another foster home, goes to kennels or crated at the vets (obviously the latter options are not ideal, but with a shortage of fosters, sadly it's inevitable). You don't pay for any kenneling costs BUT seeing as all these organisations are charities and run purely on public donations, I think any contribution you could make would be appreciated. All the organisations are crying out for foster homes, especially now, when so many people just dump their unwanted animals - you should see the sheer numbers of owner surrenders Sharjah Cats and Dogs home is dealing with on a daily basis - it's horrific. I feel so sorry for many of these dogs that are constantly bumped from one place to another, so the longer you can look after an animal the better really as they do get very upset. But good for you for considering fostering an animal :-) <em>edited by FairyDust on 08/07/2013</em>
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Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 10:41
Six times in just under 10 years and it's exhausting, not to mention expensive to have to constantly keep moving.
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Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 15:06
And people wonder why so many children, grow up to be violent thugs, who are disturbed, when they are subjected to blood, guts and gore and violence. Yet they never get to see people sharing love and affection. They become desensitized to violent behaviour. Parents really do need to take more responsibility to what they expose their children to at a young age - they're scarring them for life.
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 11:57
The entire ac system, as well as topping up probably all needs cleaning - more than likely full of filth. On a side note, it's going to take long than an hour to cool down. Especially if the villa has been empty - ours used to take ages.
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 10:28
Also water early morning and at dusk - pointless watering during the day as about 50% just evaporates.
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 10:25
http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/xpress/news/dubai-zoo-s-last-summer-in-jumeirah-1.1204873 Have never been to the zoo myself but have always heard about the despicable conditions of the animals there. I hope there's a better future in store for them.... Perhaps you should go. This was the only zoo I knew of growing up, so for me it was normal. Anyway, better you go and see. Sorry to say, but just because something is 'normal' for you, doesn't make it right. The animals are kept in awful conditions. They're stressed and bored. It's not the curators fault, he's basically taken in animals that have been confiscated or dumped over the years. BUT it's about time Dubai had a better, more appropriate facility for these animals and they've been saying it will come for years now. I really hope that finally these animals have decent living conditions.
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 09:58
I find that hose utterly disgusting to touch with all the bacteria that goes around in Dubai...yukkk...Im a germ phobe...LOL LOL then you won't like learning that the keyboard you're typing on, as well as your mobile and money all have more germs than your average public toilet! - lovely. Yup, Can pump my own fuel - it's not exactly rocket science.
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 09:55
It would be amazing if this actually, finally happened. Those poor animals have suffered in there for far too long.
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Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 20:51
If it's not a leak, I would consider that someone else is tapping your DEWA supply. A friend was a victim of that in Victory Heights, they were suddenly getting 6,7,8k bills. Couldn't find a leak. Sprinklers were only coming on twice a day - suddenly the neighbours moved out, surprise - costs went straight down. They fought for months with DEWA, no joy, ended up having to pay it.