Genie | ExpatWoman.com
 

Genie

Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2014 - 16:30
Actually it has come to the point now where the red thumbs have no relevance whatsoever as it is totally clear that they are the work of the the terminally stupid or bored who have nothing better to do. It started off with the occasional red thumbs for posts people disagreed with but with all the red thumbs for mundane posts now it is something more like playground behavior. Personally I was never bothered by red thumbs on any of my posts as I know people will always disagree on a forum and I took it for that. Now however with all the thumbs down for simple questions or statements ( see Madge_Gustard's post again or DR's re her grandson) it is clear it is just nastiness and nothing to do with a difference of opinion and can therefore be ignored completely. In fact with the deluge of red thumbs this week it is mildly amusing that there are that many bored or nasty people out there.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2014 - 14:19
The amount of thumbs down in the last week for totally innocuous posts has become ridiculous. To the point that it makes me suspect that a group of schoolchildren have realised that they can thumb down posts on here and are doing it for a joke amongst themselves. I mean over 30 thumbs down for a post about chicken soup for iftar? would adult women really do that?? If so they should be ashamed of themselves, but I find it hard to credit that adult woman would do that. The thing is that you do not have to be a registered user to thumb up or down posts - anyone viewing the thread can do so. That leaves it open to trolls, if admin changed the feature so that only registered users could thumb post up and down I am sure we would see a lot less of the red thumbs. In fact I think they should do that. ETA - if you look at the previous post where Madge- Gustard has 2 thumbs down already it kind of proves the case! <em>edited by Genie on 04/07/2014</em>
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 July 2014 - 18:04
I have to say I am really very puzzled by all the thumbs down on this thread (cue me getting lots of thumbs down for this post :D) .. Especially for the original post requesting recipes ..and Izzys dinner.. 25 thumbs down? What's that all about? These threads happen every Ramadan and to me are no different from the countless other threads asking "What's for Dinner tonight" or requesting recipes for mulled wine etc at Christmas. Why all the disapproval for this particular thread? Genuinely puzzled.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 20:12
In the past I have bought it from both Spinneys and Al Maya ( laundry section) and from the haberdashery section in Magrudys. I have not looked for any for a while though.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 16:20
My God, i had no idea it was so expensive! 20000 is a lot! She has been with us for a year but she is extremely good with kids and they are quite attached to her. We are away for the summer in Europe and she is here with us. She got sick with bronchitis so we took her to the doctors here and he revealed her diabetic condition. [b'>Her glucose reading was 350!! That's when we found out she was actually on medication for it and i was shocked as she consumes at least half a kilo of sugar a week, only with her coffees!!![/b'> My husband is going to try to get her on his companys corporate scheme, maybe that would be cheaper. Apart from costing you or the insurance company a small fortune from the consequences of consuming this amount of sugar this habit will also kill her.. slowly with the possible loss of her sight, kidneys and legs along the way. With blood sugars that high she is on the way to this. Is she even aware of that?
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 10:59
I second what Mushypeas said. Personally I would get the insurance [i'>only if[/i'> the maid was prepared to take responsibility for her own health. Otherwise why take on the financial responsibility for someone who has complete disregard for their own health. This is an adult not a child and if she is not prepared to commit to looking after her own health then why should you commit to the financial responsibility of it? If she was prepared to make changes and look after her own health and I could find a reasonable health insurance I would do it. Anything else is madness.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 10:41
What i am trying to understand thou, is if your personal beliefs are that animals should not be used for food - how can you then disregard that belief in order to cook an animal for someone else? Are you assuming that everyone who is veggie has that belief? that is simply not the case. I am a veggie because I do not like meat or the thought of eating it myself. I have no problem with others eating it. ( although I am rather glad I do not contribute to factory farming and the environmental issues of massive scale meat production). I know a lot of other veggies and their reasons for not eating meat are varied - I only know one who has the belief that animals should not be eaten and she would not cook it for anyone. That is her right of course. I will cook meat as long as it has no skin or bones and it is not something I need to taste as I cook it. So that's a roast then or one of the meat based dishes I know by heart from the days when I did eat meat - so no new dishes in my meat repertoire :D Although I will cook it I only do so if I really feel I have to - if people are prepared to try veggie dishes then I wont. So like most veggies I know who did not give up meat for ethical reasons I will cook it - those who have the belief that animals should not be eaten wont - and if one does for a TV programme - really so what ? We cant assume that they are the flag bearer for all other veggies..
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 19:54
Great post Genie :) Thanks Daza.. I can honestly say I have never encountered a single problem in Ramadan, even in the days when I would go into town and be the only western person in sight.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2014 - 19:42
This will be my 24th Ramadan here and I have never been made to feel that I should lie low in the first week of Ramadan - even way back in 1990 in very conservative Al Ain when I was a minority working and living amongst a majority of Muslims. Respectful of the time of year and customs - yes. Hiding away - no. Most years I swim more in Ramadan than at any other time of the year due to the shorter working hours and the pools being quieter.. this includes in the early 90's in Al Ain. It has never been a problem and I have never been made to feel that it was either.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 14:56
I think it depends on where you are how much of backlog there is. I know two different lots of people in Rome who are really stuck. One should have flown out yesterday and has been told Friday night at the earliest and the other has not even been given a day for another flight yet :( <em>edited by Genie on 26/06/2014</em>
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 13:25
It may take you a while to heal..but you will and you will learn how to avoid these men in future..whereas he is stuck with being an emotional void for the rest of his life - that he can only fill by destroying others. So yes it is sad for him - but that is his problem. Concentrate on you now.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 13:16
It sounds like you have hooked up with a narcissist. Don't blame yourself, these men choose their partners carefully and they choose women who are giving and with a capacity for forgiveness. If you Google narcissistic men you will find many websites with descriptions of the typical behavior - you may even think it was written about your partner when you read it as they all display such typical behavior. You must cut all ties and if he is a narcissist be prepared that he will try to come back into your life - you will need to be strong. Eventually he will find another open hearted, forgiving woman to be his victim. To avoid such men in the future be aware that they look for women with weak boundaries - they test them out early in the relationship and if they get away with crossing your boundaries in a small way then they will stick with you as you are their perfect partner. Always guard your boundaries carefully and have lines that no-one can cross. Be strong and in the words of another strong woman ( Maya Angelou) - never make someone a priority in your life when you are only an option in theirs. edited by Genie on 26/06/2014 OMG I burst into tears when I googled this. It is exactly how he is and I have been searching for the right word that describes him and its this..totally! The get away as fast as you can and don't look back. The whole point of these mens existence is that they like to destroy women emotionally. Forgive yourself and move on. Please read up on the subject of how to avoid these men as they always choose the same type of woman - someone who is generous and forgiving. Don't beat yourself up about it - these are good qualities - you just need to be aware that these men look for this. Find someone who respects these qualities in you rather than abuses them. Please take the time to look at the websites and forums, you will find a lot of advice on how to heal as these men pretty much destroy womens confidence and emotional well being. You will find a lot of support on there. You have taken the first step in identifying the problem - now take the rest and good luck - be kind to yourself.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2014 - 13:02
It sounds like you have hooked up with a narcissist. Don't blame yourself, these men choose their partners carefully and they choose women who are giving and with a capacity for forgiveness. If you Google narcissistic men you will find many websites with descriptions of the typical behavior - you may even think it was written about your partner when you read it as they all display such typical behavior. You must cut all ties and if he is a narcissist be prepared that he will try to come back into your life - you will need to be strong. Eventually he will find another open hearted, forgiving woman to be his victim. To avoid such men in the future be aware that they look for women with weak boundaries - they test them out early in the relationship and if they get away with crossing your boundaries in a small way then they will stick with you as you are their perfect partner. Always guard your boundaries carefully and have lines that no-one can cross. Be strong and in the words of another strong woman ( Maya Angelou) - never make someone a priority in your life when you are only an option in theirs. <em>edited by Genie on 26/06/2014</em>
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 23:20
Have you thought about trying AirBnB? My brother used it in Spain and London and raved about it. There was a thread about it not so long ago with lots of very positive recommendations. It is much cheaper than a hotel.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 23:14
Neutorogena Norwegian Formula concentrated hand cream ( I feel there should be something about fishermen in there for some reason?) really good - I buy the mini tubes in the UK for about £1 and keep one in every handbag. If you really want to push the boat out ( keeping with the fisherman theme) then Skin Doctors Younger Hands cream. Supposed to make hands look younger in 6 weeks - mine look better after just one application ( when I remember to use it - need something that does that same for my memory!)
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 01:06
Not a Dubai scam but I am sure a very common thing and very irritating none the less.. Just about every day I receive bogus contact requests on Skype - up to 10 a day sometimes.. all American Generals in Afghanistan or Doctors in the USA .. or so they would have me believe.. with the occasional request to be the recipient of $1000,0000,0000 from some African bank account of a rich, dead, dictator or president. The same user photos crop up time and time again with different names and appalling English.. if they were really Generals in the American Army or Doctors then God help us... I always just decline and block but is there a way to stop them seeing that I am female and in Dubai? I have looked at my public profile on Skype and privacy settings countless times but cannot see a way to hide this information. I will never fall for it but would like to know how to block the endless contact requests if anyone has any information on how to do that? edited by Genie on 20/06/2014 <em>edited by Genie on 20/06/2014</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 19:43
I too would recommend going to see a Podiatrist. I went to see one when I had Plantar fasciites - she recommended an insole that was not available here and whilst I was waiting to have it shipped over she made me a temporary one. The one she recommended was the Boots one and it made all the difference and cured me. A podiatrist will be able to tell you exactly what you need or make you one.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 18:47
I use a product from Boots called Gorgeous Feet. It is a type of silicone wax that comes in a tube ( like a fat lipstick case) You apply it to any areas of your feet where shoes rub and it stops them rubbing. It is great as you can keep it in your handbag to reapply if needed and it really works.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 15:30
Hotel Intur Palacio San Martin, lovely hotel and very centrally located. <em>edited by Genie on 12/06/2014</em>
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 14:34
I worked in the health system in Abu Dhabi for 16 years with many midwives who sponsored their families. As a midwife you are automatically a senior nurse so have the salary and grade to allow you to sponsor. In fact even the junior staff nurses, mostly Filipino, earned enough to sponsor their husband and children and a lot of them did, This was in the government sector. ETA - I am not sure if the system in Dubai is the same. From what I have seen of the government hospitals the care is not midwife led so the midwife positions may not be as senior. I know that a few years ago they were advertising for senior western midwives in the government obstetric hospital here so it may have changed. The government hospitals in Abu Dhabi have a midwife led system with good packages for midwives. <em>edited by Genie on 12/06/2014</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 June 2014 - 11:02
The Palace - the rooms there are lovely - they are large with small terrace with views of the fountains and the Burj and as others have said the Spa is really nice too. Maybe a bit hot now but around the pool they have tents with seating and a bell to ring for service :-) The breakfast buffet is very good as well. In the cooler weather it is great sitting out on the restaurant terrace for breakfast watching the Burj sparkle in the morning sun.. Highly recommend it.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2014 - 21:39
Try it with a small amount in a freezer proof container then defrost it and see what it is like. If you only freeze a small amount as an experiment you won't mind so much if it does not work.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2014 - 21:29
Also, what is the reason to get married? Are you in love, does the person share the same values and are you really compatible (wanting the same out of marriage, kids, culture etc) ? In my opinion, marriage based on the second will be most successful. If you think he's your guy, go for it. Maybe not your intention but you make it sound like an either or situation. I would say that most people who marry for love also share the same backgrounds, interests and ideals etc as that is what attracted them to each other in the first place. Being in love is not based on looks or attractiveness only - that just accounts for an initial attraction in [i'>some[/i'> cases, but it is more common to fall in love with someones personality not just their looks. Do people who marry for love make bad marriages sometimes? undoubtedly.. but so do those who have arranged marriages.. just look at the regional divorce rates. One method is no more of a guarantee of happiness than the other. IMO it is what you do once you are married that counts more than the reasons why you got married in the first place.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 21:47
Love it too! Am about to settle down with a glass of vino to watch episode 5. Is it the beginning of a series or just a six episode one - off? I hope it is the former. Sarah Lancashire is excellent in it.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 21:43
When I lived in apartments without a watchman I always changed the locks and wanted to do so when I moved into this building but was not allowed to. However I have decided that if I live in a watchman controlled building I will not change the locks. There have been two fires in my building where the watchman saved the day by gaining access to the apartment. The first was a serious fire on the balcony and the tentants were fast asleep and did not know - the watchman opened the door and woke them up. The second fire was an unattended candle that set fire to the curtains - the tenants were out :o - again the watchman gained entry and put the, quite serious, fire out before the fire brigade arrived. This has changed my opinion about them having keys. ETA - it is also useful when you lock yourself out - particularly when you do not have your phone or purse with you :D After 7 years in the building (with the watchman having keys) I can only say that there have never been any problems and in fact it has been a plus. <em>edited by Genie on 28/05/2014</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 21:34
I use Pledge Marble & Ceramic floor cleaner - perfect streak free finish everytime.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2014 - 09:52
Yep - my building was swaying and all my pictures are now crooked. Must have been a big earthquake somewhere.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 20:20
On the home page under the search box - there are the two grey buttons - and then under that some script - this is where to change the language. I do not have Arabic script on this computer otherwise I would type the word you need to hit. Just keep clicking the blue script written there - one of them will take you to the English page, though you may hit Farsi or Hindi first. :-)
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 May 2014 - 01:38
I will probably be red thumbed to oblivion but here goes... I think if your 5 year old has such exacting criteria about what shows she will watch on TV then I would not try to meet her demands and hope that she gets bored enough to do something else. Eons ago when I was a child the only shows we got to watch were "watch with mother" and if Andy Pandy was not doing it for us then our only choice was to pick up a book or some Lego or crayons etc. I think that if she is bored with the TV shows / DVD's then let her use her imagination / creativity to do something else that interests and stimulates her. I am of the opinion that boredom is actually not a bad thing for children as it forces them to use their resources to come up with something that interests them / holds their attention/ develops skills - even if they are the skills of imagination only. <em>edited by Genie on 22/05/2014</em>
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 May 2014 - 01:17
If I was a member of Carrefours reward schemes already my curiosity would get the better of me and for the sake of 4 Dhs I would text WIN to that number. IF then they texted back requiring payment or phone credit etc I would send another text but it would say something completely different from WIN... :D
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 May 2014 - 10:48
I agree with Grumpy that is was more likely to be the local midwakh pipe. I know several Emiraties who smoke it and they all carry the tobacco in small medicine bottles rather than a leather tobacco pouch. I asked why and was told it was because it keeps the tobacco fresher and does let the smell of tobacco out. I also think that if it was anything else they would not have been doing this so openly here. Not that I think that is OK but I think it is the more likely explanation.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 18:43
My brother used it in Madrid last summer and then in London in December with his family. In London he had a great flat right on Piccadilly looking out at all the Christmas lights on Regent street. Although so central It was soundproof because of triple glazing. He raved about both experiences said they were both much better and cheaper than a hotel.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 May 2014 - 13:41
Alphonso Mangoes from India, banned in the EU for pest infestations are on sale in Dubai for at least 50% less than usual price. I was puzzled about the outbreak of small flies everywhere recently, wonder if there is a connection! http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/sweet-deal-alphonso-prices-fall-50-in-dubai-2014-05-02-1.547685 Shouldn't a pest ridden product be banned here too though? This post was mentioned on the ARN News this morning! They confirmed that fruit flies were not harmful to humans, just harmful to fruit - and that all fruit goes through tests/screening before being sold in supermarkets. Thanks for that! EW being used to source news as usual! The point is really that if they're seen as a hazard to the crops in the EU they must pose the same risk to farms here regardless of risk to human health, still surprised a pest ridden product is allowed in though! edited by Di@DXB on 08/05/2014 I read in the UK papers that the reason they were banned is because it is the oriental fruit fly which would harm crops over there as it is not an indigenous species but not over here as it already exists here. Makes sense to me. <em>edited by Genie on 08/05/2014</em>
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 May 2014 - 08:46
According to their website hairworks in Spinneys Umm Sequiem opens from 10am on Fridays
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2014 - 14:27
I would consider it being locked in if the only way [b'>out was to jump from a balcony![/b'> If she doesn't trust her why would she have her in her house and presumably look after her 'precious' children when she gets back! Glad I still have a grip on what's right and wrong in the real world unlike some on here. See you did not say this before did you? We can only go on the information that you posted and you did not include that bit before. As for judging your fellow posters who are trying to offer help all I can say is that on this board there are people who have lived here a very long time and have seen and heard it all- wrong and right on both sides of the equation. I cannot stomache abuse of maids ( or anyone else) but I know to act with caution when hearing second hand tales. As you are obviously convinced of the truth of this matter and feel obliged to do something -go ahead. But do not be surprised if either the truth is different or you get more than you bargained for.
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2014 - 14:09
If she can get out of one of the sliding doors and go and talk to other maids then she is not really locked in is she? [b'>I can see how some people would lock internal doors whilst they are away - say to the bedrooms or a room with valuables as there have been a number of cases of houses being cleared whilst the owners are away on holiday[/b'>. Not doubting your word or the maid's word BUT there are 2 sides to this and you are only hearing second hand through your maid. I would act with extreme caution before you consider speaking to them. edited by Genie on 23/04/2014 Especially if they have to leave the maid at home and they don't trust her .... Yes I know one couple in AD who came back from holiday to find that their much trusted male house help, who had been with them for over 10 years, had cleared the whole place while they were - every last single item. They did manage to track him down in Sri Lanka though. I have heard of plenty of other cases as well so it does not surprise me that people do this- although of course most maids would not do this - I can understand people taking precautions. <em>edited by Genie on 23/04/2014</em>
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2014 - 14:00
If she can get out of one of the sliding doors and go and talk to other maids then she is not really locked in is she? I can see how some people would lock internal doors whilst they are away - say to the bedrooms or a room with valuables as there have been a number of cases of houses being cleared whilst the owners are away on holiday. Not doubting your word or the maid's word BUT there are 2 sides to this and you are only hearing second hand through your maid. I would act with extreme caution before you consider speaking to them. <em>edited by Genie on 23/04/2014</em>
Genie
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2014 - 11:27
Ooh a lot of childhood favourites on here that I have not had since then: Golden Syrup Sandwich spread Salad cream and salt & vinegar crisps The fish finger sandwiches I only discovered as an adult ( with mayo and lettuce though) and I love them Might have to revive a few of the old favourites ( minus the golden spread as I no longer have a sweet tooth)
Genie
927
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 April 2014 - 10:18
Whereas some terrible abuse of maids does happen and we would all like to step in if we could to stop it I would act with caution in this case. The question that springs to my mind is - if she is locked in the house and can't get out how has she told your maid about it? Through a window - which she could climb out of as SalsB pointed out or is she communicating by phone in which case she could phone the police herself. Also as Mushypeas pointed out it is not unknown for maids to exaggerate mistreatment at times. I am not saying this is the case here and if what she says is genuinely true then she certainly needs help. But I would dig a little deeper with your maid first and try and establish how they are communicating. I understand your anger and need to assist - and it could be genuinely needed -but it could also be a case of fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Genie
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 12:22
As someone who is also really allergic to them I sympathize - I was bitten badly whilst in RAK last week as I forgot my usual mozzie defences and I suffered for days. They also attack me whilst not the people who are sat right next to me. As well as the suggestions you have already had I would add: Do not wear anything perfumed - so use unscented shower/ body lotions/ sun creams - no perfume or hair spray etc Eating a lot of garlic seems to help as well ( though it may keep more than the mozzies away :D ) Buy one of those small,portable, battery operated, hand fans that come with a built in stand - M& S sell them - they are useful when sitting outdoors or sunbathing to create a breeze to stop the mozzies from landing on you. Citronella oil - doused around outdoor areas where you are sitting and on the edges of sleeves and trousers etc ( it stings a bit if you put it on your skin). The really annoying thing about mozzies here is that you cannot hear them - in other countries where they are you can hear them buzzing when they are around but here I only know of their presence once I have been bitten! Silent but deadly LOL ETA - Skin So Soft by Avon is the only exception to the perfume rule as the smell really does seem to keep them away <em>edited by Genie on 21/04/2014</em>
Genie
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 11:58
Well it depends how much you want them if you make what could be quite a trek ( depending on where you live) to get them. The sell them in 2 of my local grocery stores - at least they had them when I was last in there about a week ago. They are the Towers grocery stores on SZR - the one that has the most is in a building by the Financial station Metro stop. It is the building one down from the metro station and the shop is at the back of the building. Though if they have them I am sure others must have them as well - maybe Park & Shop or Choitrams as I have seen them there in the past.
Genie
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 00:11
Last year I got fed up with paying the EK prices to Europe and the UK and so for the first time in years booked with other airlines. I flew KLM to the UK and both Swiss Air and Luthansa to Europe. As well as being nearly half the price the experience was very similar, so much so that I shall soon be booking flights to Europe again with one of the above carriers. The differences? Not as much inflight entertainment and that's about it. Not worth paying an extra 2000Dhs for that IMHO. <em>edited by Genie on 21/04/2014</em>
Genie
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 00:01
Hi RuthM, Thank You for sharing Your story. I can feel how painful it would have been. I have Rapid Cycling type. You are right about Dubai laws, I have had severe consequences of such depressive and aggressive phase few years back. I didn't harm anyone or anything, it was due to over dose of my medicine which landed me in hospital and doctors thought I tried killing my self. Thankfully I was already seeing this psychiatris so his report did the trick. It took couple of months to make authority understand difference between a criminal and a patient and retrieve my passport. Definitely Dubai is not a good place for anyone dealing with brain issues. I was told by Psychiatrist to have self control (which was a lame thing to even ask). Put me on some mood stabilizer and Neurontin which didn't work at all. I then tried keeping my self busy with things I liked I.e workout, movie etc. That worked well and I didn't have as many frequent mood swings. Now sometimes stress, sleeplessness and sometimes frustration triggers my depressive/aggressive mood. I can't go into details how torturing this condition is due to lack of energy and words. Unfortunately I have zero family support and no chance to go back to home country. At the same time I haven't come across a well qualified professional who could really help me. Needless to say I have already stopped seeing my Doc for now. Much sympathy to you Ruth for the experiences you describe with your father. Having a close family friend who has similar episodes I know that it is both heartbreaking and harrowing in equal measure - and that is viewing it from one remove. The family friend first exhibited these manic episodes here in Dubai in the mid- 90's - including the full Messianic complex in which he was convinced he was JC and went around telling everyone who would listen exactly that. Having been involved in trying to seek help for him I can say that the concerned doctors were excellent - particularly one who is very well known here. There was no condemnation but timely and appropriate intervention. I suppose I am only posting this to give the OP some hope that treatment is possible here - this was the mid 90's and I think that things have only improved since then. ( All the more so considering that this first appearance of a manic episode seems to have been triggered by lets call it a life style choice- sadly though it was only the beginning for him). ETA - sorry I quoted the wrong post. edited by Genie on 20/04/2014 Can You please give me details about that hospital/clinic/doc where he was treated. TBH talking and sharing about this illness in person is so embarrassing, even with educated people when they give me such weird looks. ?s Dr Raymond Hamden.. the other one was a psychiatrist in a local government hospital whose name escapes me now but gave very good advice and initiated treatment. The majority of the care was with Dr Hamden.
Genie
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2014 - 23:49
Hi RuthM, Thank You for sharing Your story. I can feel how painful it would have been. I have Rapid Cycling type. You are right about Dubai laws, I have had severe consequences of such depressive and aggressive phase few years back. I didn't harm anyone or anything, it was due to over dose of my medicine which landed me in hospital and doctors thought I tried killing my self. Thankfully I was already seeing this psychiatris so his report did the trick. It took couple of months to make authority understand difference between a criminal and a patient and retrieve my passport. Definitely Dubai is not a good place for anyone dealing with brain issues. I was told by Psychiatrist to have self control (which was a lame thing to even ask). Put me on some mood stabilizer and Neurontin which didn't work at all. I then tried keeping my self busy with things I liked I.e workout, movie etc. That worked well and I didn't have as many frequent mood swings. Now sometimes stress, sleeplessness and sometimes frustration triggers my depressive/aggressive mood. I can't go into details how torturing this condition is due to lack of energy and words. Unfortunately I have zero family support and no chance to go back to home country. At the same time I haven't come across a well qualified professional who could really help me. Needless to say I have already stopped seeing my Doc for now. Much sympathy to you Ruth for the experiences you describe with your father. Having a close family friend who has similar episodes I know that it is both heartbreaking and harrowing in equal measure - and that is viewing it from one remove. The family friend first exhibited these manic episodes here in Dubai in the mid- 90's - including the full Messianic complex in which he was convinced he was JC and went around telling everyone who would listen exactly that. Having been involved in trying to seek help for him I can say that the concerned doctors were excellent - particularly one who is very well known here. There was no condemnation but timely and appropriate intervention. I suppose I am only posting this to give the OP some hope that treatment is possible here - this was the mid 90's and I think that things have only improved since then. ( All the more so considering that this first appearance of a manic episode seems to have been triggered by lets call it a life style choice- sadly though it was only the beginning for him). ETA - sorry I quoted the wrong post. <em>edited by Genie on 20/04/2014</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2014 - 13:31
We've had Malaysian and Emirates so far today. First world problems....Spoiled expats. I so dislike this response when anyone other than a teenager makes it ( they are forgiven for their mistaken belief that only they know everything about the world). People on this board are living in the first world so obviously their day to day concerns will be of that order rather than say worrying that their only cow has just runaway, the well is drying up and warlords have taken over the only remaining water supply. What do you actually mean by this? That people who live in the first world should NEVER be allowed to voice a gripe? Everyone in the world no matter what their position in life can find someone who is worse off than themselves - should only those with the worst problems in the world be allowed to have a moan and the rest just shut up permanently? Or do you operate under the mistaken belief that if someone mentions something that niggles them in their first world life that they have no sympathy or care for those with harder lives?
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2014 - 13:16
Come on Izzy - the OP is feeling bad enough - don't rub her nose in it. OP - Sorry that you fell for this. It is a well known scam that has different versions in many countries and many victims. That is why it is still perpetuated as it works as there are still many who are unsuspecting and have not heard of this before.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 April 2014 - 13:04
Yes police do deal with cyber crime - there are often court cases in the papers regarding such cases. The parents need to go to the police with the evidence and get this pervert dealt with before they have the chance to commit a more serious crime.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 13:20
I read an article in The National on this topic a few months back. Basically the police were saying that they were aware that this type of blackmail goes on and they wanted people to come forward. They said they knew that people felt too humiliated and worried to report these crimes but they were more interested in catching the blackmailers than prosecuting the victims. They even talked about a scam whereby people where lead into a trap on Skype/ social media to reveal themselves or send revealing photos and were then being blackmailed - they really urged the victims to come forward. It is good to know that the police here are aware of this type of crime - because that is what it is - a crime, not just an embarrassing or worrying secret. In the USA several states have recently enacted legislation against this type of revenge porn. There is even a case where a mother of a victim pursued a young guy who hosted a revenge porn website and eventually got the FBI involved. He is now facing 42 years in prison. There is a very good article about it and revenge porn in general: ETA: I have removed the link with the article as I realised there were certain words and phrases in it that should probably not be on a public forum here. If you want to read it - it was in the Guardian 3 days ago - search the "most hated man on the internet" or Charlotte Laws and you will find it. <em>edited by Genie on 02/04/2014</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 12:33
I was stopped a few months ago by an Arabic lady, also in an abaya, niqab and gloves in front of Al Razi Building in Health Care City. She told me a story of her sick child in hospital and vaguely pointed at Al Razi. She told me she needed AED 200 for taxi money to get to AD. I told her I did not have that much cash with me and she promptly asked AED 70 for bus money. I feel uncomfortable taking out my purse in public after being threatened at knife point in my old life and my alarm bells were ringing anyway. I told her I had no cash and started walking away. She started talking to my son asking questions about me which I felt uncomfortable about. I am quite certain this was a scam. She appeared to be *expecting* me to give her money and she did not seem the least concerned about her sick child. Nonetheless, I do regret that I did not give her a recharge card or a metro pass with some money on it. I should have, at least, suggested she talks to the clinic her child is at and ask them for assistance, in .e.g calling her family or friends in AD. She could have very well been in a difficult situation and maybe I read the signs wrong. I would hate to walk a way from a person who truly needs help. It was a good reminder for me to keep some cash in the side pocket of my handbag that I can easily hand over. This is an old scam - I have been approached with the same story at least 4 times. It is always a female dressed in an Abaya. Doing the scam inside health care city just gives it more credibility. I used to work there and we even had one come into the office with the same story. It is similar to the "not enough money for petrol to get back to Oman" scam - always done with children in the car to pull on the heart strings. You should not feel guilty - you were being scammed.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2014 - 15:39
I took it as a tongue in cheek thread as that seemed to be vibe - like many others the OP starts. Anyhoo I am having a lovely low key day - do not want to get involved in a cat fight about a trivial thread so I am out of here.
 
 
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