gaijind | ExpatWoman.com
 

gaijind

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 November 2017 - 14:10
Hi, I would like to know who is responsible for the medical expenses that insurance does not cover? the sponsor or the patient (maid), for instance. Thank you.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 September 2017 - 01:33
Maids do not fall under the same labor law as other workers so all you have to do is tell her you are terminating her employment, cancel her visa and book/accompany her to the airport for a flight to her home country. Can she refuse to fly back to her country? What happens then? Thanks.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2017 - 09:52
Hi please can you advise what to do?: Our tenant has not payed his rent since April. My husband has been very lenient. He fed him lots of stories ( wife sick, surgery, trips etc.) The contract stipulates two cheques. His second check bounced since April. My husband did not report him as he was believing his excuses or rather my husband is a very kind person and likes to give people chances. But it's September now and we need the money. It is impacting on our finances as we have payments due as well and we relied on this investment. Thank you for any advice.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 October 2014 - 19:06
Yes, I go to the Oasis center one. But soon they will be running outdoor classes, which is fab. I first started outdoor when the weather was nice. They do parks. I used to go to southridge park. Now they have classes at The palm park and at umm Suqueim park which I found great too. I sometimes go to other locations if I feel the need to train more :), towards the end of pregnancy, I found it is helping me a lot with reducing water retention ( almost non) and reducing swollen feet etc. it just make me happy and helps me keep fit. Because kilos can easily add up ... Good luck! Enjoy your pregnancy and definitely do exercise. Amy is fantastic. She's pregnant too and she has great advice. All the trainers are really nice and good and care about each one's conditions, limitations, abilities etc.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 October 2014 - 21:46
Check Urban Energy Fitness, they offer group classes and personal trainer services. They are amazing. I am training in classes. And it has been helpful throughout my pregnancy, am starting my ninth month now. So it has been a great commitment with them. Check their website or FB page. Speak to Amy Saunders.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 11:22
Kidzania The lost chambers in Atlantis and the aqua park The dubai aquatic zoo in Dubai mall If he likes zoos: al ain zoo or this new RAK zoo Swimming with dolphins in Atlantis Or the dolphins show in the creek park area.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 11:22
Oh you can him to Ferrari world :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 11:11
May be not enough interest has been requested. Or perhaps a new one will be added in the near future :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 11:10
I am planning to visit there but i saw in the news its the 3rd largest ZOO in UAE so its going to be great. Cool, I wanna take my daughter there too. I also heard they have AC-ed cages so may be in this heat it is still worth the visit. But definitely when the weather cools of a bit, it will be a great attraction. I also hope the new Dubai Safari opens soon. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 11:02
The problem with old town apartments is that some of them don't get enough light / sun. So you may wanna hand pick the apt.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 10:54
Try running! It's the best workout to burn fat everywhere and build muscles as well, I find. You can download apps that help you run or exercise in general.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 10:52
Out of curiosity, cant you report or block on Facebook? I hear about this all the time, and cant seem to understand how it continues to work. If you unfriend the bully and change settings so they can no longer message you then how does it carry on? Or do they create a new profile to connect with you again? In which case, you just repeat your earlier steps. In your privacy settings on FB you can block whomever you want. Technically they can't reach you once you block them. If they create another account and contact you just don't add them back. If you don't accept a friend request, the person can't really be in your list. You can even restrict your profile so you don't get messages from people you don't know. In general, as a rule with social media, I don't talk or add people I haven't met in person.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 10:48
Did you manage to remove it? Did you get some stain removers products? I have no clear idea but I would go browse the aisles of Carrefour or any grocery shop to see what type of stain removers they have and that can help.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 10:48
Which medcare?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 10:46
This is a personal question. How do you expect that we help you? Did you talk it thru with DH? Do you want more kids? What are your priorities? I hope these questions can help you start brainstorming. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 10:44
Check Toys R. Us
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 10:43
Doesn't sound true.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 10:41
Ask how much accommodation and transportation each cost. It would be good that you know where or in which area she will be staying.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 September 2014 - 10:37
Check toys R us
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 15:02
I know that the university of Wollongong offers one. Heard also about a new one at the British university in Dubai. May be contact the ministry and ask them However have you considered applying for some scholarships? I had mine years ago thru a cooperative scholarship program between my country and the phd program foreign country. Thee are plenty of opportunities if you do some search. Eventually, having been here for a while and working in academia ... I honestly don't recommend doing a phd here.... Unless it's from outside and you need to travel from time to time or submit your work online etc... Which makes of me think of a friend who is doing something like that with a university in Manchester I believe. Good luck. It also depends on what field u wanna do it. the value of a phd is really in the quality of the program you are in.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2014 - 17:40
Where is that?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 13:20
I think it says in the contract given by immigration that if she were the one to decide to discontinue working she would have to pay for her own costs back home. That means you are not obligated to pay her the ticket. May be you tell her that. And see if she feels a bit responsible about her decision and at least works to collect her ticket fares. I too find it unfair that we input everything on the back of the employer just because they have "more money" ... What about right and wrong? What about duties and rights and responsibilities. edited by gaijind on 21/06/2014 <em>edited by gaijind on 21/06/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 06:59
As previously mentioned, you will need help. You need to talk to her and see. This will show you her character. If she is not understanding and caring from now then you better look for someone else now while u still got time. What starts with drama most often ends with drama ...It's not your fault that her previous employer didn't pay her the trip. Did they speak to you personally? You never know sometimes they ask not to be sent home to look for another sponsor and then lie to you to gain ur sympathy.... Anywas, check if you have the new contract that says 14 days. And recall that she is entitled after a year of service not before. Why don't u send her home now? <em>edited by gaijind on 05/06/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2014 - 10:22
I did two and a half years ago. My OB was delivering there. It was a good experience. The staff was always nice with me, effective. The room was big and it had a guest room, so I appreciated my private space. I did not like that there wasn't a lactation consultant, but I knew about that when I first asked. Some nurses tried to show me how but it was confusing at times. Eventually I managed on my own and with help from family and external consultant and support groups. I understand many hospitals do not offer lactation support, though hopefully this changes with the new law. Donno how it is now at the IMH. I can ask my OB next week to check. If I am pregnant again, I would first c where my OB delivers. If there, I wouldn't mind.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2014 - 09:36
I think it's normal for your to feel fuming. But you need to calm down and explain to your son that the girl finally decided that she's doesn't want boys. So it's beyond him and his friend. Tell him that it's a misunderstanding and that girls are like that at that age. Tell him he should not be upset. May be take him for an exciting activity. ( donno how old he is) but it will be good to take him enjoy the day so he can feel happy and why not brag about it later lol. You could also later invite his friend the boy and him for a boys activity or something. It hurts to feel left behind. I hope the other parents realize it and apologize again or have the decency to offer to invite your son for an activity wit their boy later on. But even if they don't, you still can be the better person.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 March 2014 - 08:17
It was fun. The kids seem to like it. My DD (2.4 years) loved it. And my friend's four year old loved it too. It's a good entertainment for kids I think.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 March 2014 - 19:40
Check out Dar Ben Gacem: http://www.darbengacem.com/
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 10:52
Thank you SweetSugar. It's indeed the tshirt factory. Here is a link for their kiosk in dubai mall: http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/shop/Kiosks/tshirt-factory.aspx They have several colors/sizes. Can't recall the price. I think there is a number in the link. You can call and check.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2014 - 10:41
I use a kiosk in Dubai mall. I think they are in the first floor near that waterfall with statuettes area. Can't recall their name right now.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 13:34
Hiya ladies, I had my first in the UK, natural birth with only gas and air, it wasn't easy but doable. This time we've planned to stay here and im hoping i have the strength to put my foot down and demand a natural birth again. A week and a half ago i had a horrid accident in my kitchen were i cut my finger, the cut went straight through my artery and bruised a nerve which will now take about 6weeks to heal. Anyhow when i went to see a hand surgeon about this he said "if it gets worse we can operate while you have your c section" i looked at him in total shock bcos it just convinced me that this is what happens here and i will have to be super firm to get my natural birth. I told him i want a natural birth to which he questioned my first labour experience. I never mentioned i had my first back home but he seemed shocked that it was natural and laughed as if to say, good luck if you think thats happening again. Has anyone had a natural birth here with only gas and air (i wish to avoid the epidural too) is it as hard to achieve as it sounds? What can i do to ensure i get it other than turn up to the hospital last minute. With only 5 weeks to go i'm getting very nervous. Tia x Lol. I had a natural birth too without epidural. No one ever suggested or pushed anything on me. I think you need to discuss it with your doctor to feel reassured. The way I see it, I don't think this guy meant you will be pressured to have a C section, but rather I find he didn't think you are capable of pushing till the end. You should have asked him then what he meant exactly. Lol Just ignore . May be with your injury and the closeness of your due date you are naturally nervous about it all. But it was lame of him to suggest he could operate while you were having your C Section. I hope it a different doctor you are talking about here ^^ Just seek reassurance from your OB. Ignore any negative feedback. :) I hope you get well soon and get your natural birth.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 09:45
If you need a live-in maid then it is good to hire one. Since you already know this one and are happy with her you may consider sponsoring her. There is a fee for immigration I think ( sponsorship fee and emirates ID fee and visa fee). I am not sure whether you need to pay the agency any fees because she is already here and her contract with them will expire and technically she would have 30 days to find another job or leave. You need to ask immigration may be. <em>edited by gaijind on 23/02/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 09:37
we are moving out of our three bedroom apartment on shk zayed road just next to towers rotana hotel... it's 3 bedroom plus maids room... very spacious but has a very small balcony (as we're on the first floor... all other levels of the building have lovely big balconies)... we are currently only paying 95K but this will surely rise to 120-130K for a new tenant... the building has all other facilities like a big pool, party hall, gym, squash courts, etc. it's also very easy to access Oud Metha from there as there's a lovely back road that connects the two places (so you don't actually have to use the main szr) This sounds like a good deal. Which building is that?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 09:34
Hi, I am very sorry to hear about that. I hope she regains her confidence back soon. I haven't been thru it ( yet ) but may be you could try extra curriculum activities? May be she would build new friendships there. She can try painting classes or acting classes ( these are good to build character ). I think in DUCTAC they offer some. Or music classes, or sports... What kind of hobbies does she like? Depending on that you could perhaps take her to some activities that would complement what she does at school and would help bridge the gap that is taking place right now.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 09:17
I think if you ask them they can provide you that. Check howdra or busy bees. But they charge a lot I find. Good luck.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 09:14
When I first had my first baby, I was like no way am traveling with a small baby. Then we had a trip when she was 4 months old. It was easy breezy. All the worry and stress was in my mind. I bf so it was really very practical. She didn't cry or anything during take off or landing. The passenger next to us, when we were leaving the plane congratulated us saying, this is the best behaving baby I have ever seen ^^. The we flew when she was around 8 months. That was a tough one as its around the separation anxiety phase. I wasn't aware if it and now I know I will never fly again with a bigger baby. Of course we flew when she was around one and a half...I am just glad my hubby was with me and won't consider flying alone with a toddler lol So bottom line: if its ur first, enjoy flying when they are small. The younger the better lol. Only now, with hindsight I know it. But I understand that a new mommy would find it a hard thing to consider. You will only know it when you go thru it :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 09:02
It depends on age I honestly find. The younger they are ( less than six months) I preferred, slings or wraps. I actually did try everything. I finally found the one: the Boba carrier. It's fantastic. My DD is 2.3years now and we still use it. It is up to 20 kg I think. Very easy to use. You can hook it by yourself ( very important). Very practical when traveling. Doesn't make you feel the extra weight you are carrying. I like it. Have a look. The more you look at the different options available ( and try them) the more you will know what works best for you. <em>edited by gaijind on 23/02/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 08:52
I also highly recommend Dr.Khan He has been my DD ped for more than two years now. He is very patient with first time moms and very supportive. He replies to my SMSs :) He listens to moms. He is very caring and good with kids. He is in Cooper clinic as someone mentioned below.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 01:58
Congrats. Depending on where you live, I recommend a hospital or clinic nearby so it's easy for transport and for having the doc nearby around the latest stages. I delivered in the international modern hospital two years ago with Dr. Andrea. She is German. Amazing. Very efficient and to the point. Now she has her own clinic on al Wasl road, western medical clinic I think. The hospital was good and they took nicely care of me. I don't know how things are after two years. But if I am pregnant again, I will definitely go back see Dr. Andrea Farhat For the hospital, I will check it out again and would also see where my OB delivers. I have visited City Hospital twice to see friends who delivered there and it looked nice too. I hope this helps. There many useful apps for iPhone or other phones that you can now download to learn about pregnancy day by day and how fetus grows etc. enjoy the moment. I hope this helps. <em>edited by gaijind on 04/02/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 February 2014 - 01:48
For baby, I recommend bodysuits (newborn and/or 0-3 months) that have press buttons ( in front preferably) as newborns are fragile and new parents are nervous, in the beginning, with clothes that go thru the head. It's also good get a changing table. We still use ours ! ( 2years now), my best investment. Just get one crib that baby can use from day1 till old enough to move to a bed ( no need for the Moises basket or the small crib) For the stroller, there are many choices out there. We used inglezina ( umbrella style), one click and it opens. Very easy, doesn't take space. The car seat was till baby weighs 10kilos, so for more than a year we used the same car seat. We did not need to change when baby turned 6 months. For bathing baby we used a baby bath chair that has a net from toys r us.it was very practical as newborn was not easy to hold. So she lays comfortably on that chair that is slightly inclined which made the bathing for first timer parents, less stressful. Get towels, small face towels. It's good to have these ready. Usually people forget about them and focus on clothes. No need for shoes, may be socks are better for tiny feet. And hand mittens coz baby might scratch their face. U may also use the socks for the hands as well. Get shampoo/all body wash etc. diapers for newborns U will need a baby bag that u can carry with u anywhere u go with baby stuff A changing mat for when you go out ( to use on surfaces in changing rooms in malls, or if u go to the park, or if u visit someone etc) Two or three baby blankets. For you, Get pj that have easy opening from front if u plan to BF. it's more practical Get a breasfeeding cream 100%pure lanolin. It is very shooting. I found one with medela at mother care or baby shop. I regret not buying a rocking chair( or sofa). It would have been helpful during nursing or just holding baby and rocking. Get a nursing cover. This is what comes to my mind right now. If I recall so,etching else I will write again :) I hope it helps.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2014 - 23:27
Looks like he acquired a special taste for the breast :D Good luck trying. My daughter never took the bottle, she simply refused to suck on artificial nipples. I tried several ones and would pump and throw my milk ( which hurts) until solids started at sixth month and would mix my milk with her cereals and even then, the first month was a struggle. So good luck but don't despair if he doesn't take it again. Solids are starting soon... But why did you stop alternating it would have been easier to use the bottle when you have guests...coz I recall with mine, since we never used the bottle, it was tough on me when there were visitors as often I get stuck in my room nursing, especially that mine wouldn't let me cover her with the nursing cover. Anyways, wish you all the best. They say give it a break a few days and retry ( didn't work for me). But honestly I enjoyed ebf :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2014 - 14:43
You seem of two mind sets. If you already have looked up the new place and can afford it then why wait?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2014 - 14:42
Why don't you contact both, get a quote. See which one you feel more comfortable with and offers you a better quote?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2014 - 14:30
You're right! She must not be worried about renewing her visa in the first place. Suppose she stops working for us in the next few days, do I send her back to Sri Lanka right away? And do I need to terminate her contract even though her visa expired? Isn't the contract and visa both yearly? I understand here the visa is renewed every year and so does the contract? So if you renew the visa, the contract is automatically renewed? Regardless, you are giving her too much thought while she isn't as much thoughtful towards you or your family. I would do what is best for me and my family. I won't consider what is best for her anymore. She doesn't deserve it. Now, since she is annoying the **** out of you, I would just cancel her visa ( and terminate her contract) and send her home and if there is a chance to ban her, I would...let her next time think twice before putting her job second. ( with your current circumstances and knowing how much you need her). All that with a large smile :) Tell her my upcoming baby is upset and doesn't want you around anymore, am terminating you, not renewing your visa and sending you home with a ban to ponder upon your priorities in life. ...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2014 - 10:35
I took mine to Caboodle in Dubai Mall. I know it's not in the neighborhood you've mentioned but in case you go to Dubai Mall, you may check it out.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2014 - 09:32
I sympathize with you. I understand how tiring pregnancy with a toddler can be and how irritating the hiring process of a maid can be and you always never know what to expect... That's why we tend to give in to the hope that by being too nice and friendly with our help, we can win them over. Reality bites: they don't necessary see it that way. Not everyone is grateful for the good treatment they get or the nice people they work for. When I read the 2-3 day period, I laughed: seriously??? This is a joke. She clearly is under the impression that you "can't live without her" and is using your kindness to her advantage. Perhaps if at first she would have wished to be exempted from traveling two months but instead one and waited for you 2-3 days to think about it and give her your decision, I would say, why not. But seeing how the events have unfolded, I can only but reiterate, enhance your plan B... This one has to go. Luckily you are at the end of her service. So better not renew. What worries me, is that she might for sure know that her contract/ visa is for renewal. Who on earth would jeopardize that unless a person who doesn't care to keep their job. Because anyone else, would be, "yes, sir, whatever it takes, just renew my contract/visa".... Please be strong and confident you get by without her. It's very tough once we are used to someone. But just recall all the beginnings are tough and you will manage like every time you did. Just, be firm and don't let her play you around like this. I say it again, whomever makes a pregnant woman worry or go thru hard time is plain lame and. Better to avoid/ get rid of that person. This is draining your e energy and nerves for no goods.... <em>edited by gaijind on 24/01/2014</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 11:34
Also, you may wanna check if her family back there has a smart phone or a computer. My friend was offering to her maid to use skype etc to discover that back home they dont have a computer and that she cant really skype with them (she told her she doesnt skype), only needs to call her family by phone or text. She however uses her smart phone mainly to facebook (upload her "controversial" pix, hook up boyfriends, (though she is a married mom), apply for sales jobs etc.) ... So your call.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 11:27
1) She didn't ask, why do you offer? 2) When she asks, you can help her out but she has to pay it back from her earnings..No free lunch. You are entitled to provide her with things she needs for work, anything else, she has to get it by her means, not yours. Does she need a computer for work? if no, then if she wants one, asks for one, she can save up for one, or pay you on installments for one. 3) you can always give her access time to chat with her family or Skype using your computer/tablet/phone.. until she asks or can afford one.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 11:14
Dora Dina Kenza, Leila, Jasmin, Maryia, Sofia Nadia Sonia Rym (Reem, Rim)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2014 - 10:44
Lots of good advice here. I'm of 2 minds, mainly because only you can decide if you want to keep her or not. This may be a ploy she is trying because she is "madly" (there is a reason for that word) in love with her BF. If you are afraid this behavior is a slippery slope of her trying to dictate how and what her job duties are, then I would start looking for a new maid so she'd be settled in by the time your LO arrives. However, if you feel like this is an anomaly in her behavior and she's just testing her boundaries, then I would do the following: Sit down with her and explain that you are worried her father does not realize that he could be costing her her job. Ask her to find a way to reason with him as *she* must know how important it is that she travel with you. Tell her to reason with him because you're sure that once he realizes her job is on the line, he will come around. This way, you'd give her the message without actually threatening to fire her as that, IMO, would be uncomfortable should she decide to stay. You get to still be the good guy, which to me would be quite important if I had a maid who I trusted with my children. Good Luck! I agree with Gentle. Moreover, this little incident is gonna create a divide between you guys. You may even feel you can't trust her anymore... or at least you are disappointed with her. I was very surprised to read that basically she is refusing to help you out (aka doing her job) after you deliver abroad. Whomever she puts first, it is not you or your child (children/family)...which means ... if it were me, this is the beginning of the end, as much good as she may be... I recommend, to play it diplomatically, that you sit her down as mentioned by Gentle. Explain to her that she need to convince her dad (she not you. you dont deal with her family, let her does it), to let her fly otherwise she will lose her job because of "him"... Meanwhile, I highly recommend you start looking for someone else without letting her know. Have a backup plan. Also forget the June break. She might get her break (if she stays with you) by September. Otherwise, you might just terminate her in a month or two and she can enjoy all the break she wants. But regardless, you only can tell about her true colors towards you and your family. But as mentioned by other posters, dont get trapped in believing she is indispensable and irreplaceable. Free yourself from her, if you start feeling, you can't function without her, seriously... Finally, you may want to reconsider you travel arrangements all together. Is it necessary you give birth back home? I mean, if you stay here then she is getting no break. If you need to travel, then you may also consider doing it on your own. I am sure you can do it. Don't depend on her. You will feel empowered :). Good Luck. I just dont like her, for simply giving you all this headache, knowing you are pregnant!!! who would give a pregnant woman things to worry about it, let alone, your boss?! Seriously...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 November 2012 - 13:14
Party shop near Welcare hospital, lots on offer and not expensive Where is that exactly? how do we get there? Thx.