Genie | ExpatWoman.com
 

Genie

Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2013 - 09:34
They sell these in Lakeland. They do not fit on the holders for the shelf but sit a few inches off the floor of the oven. They are one size - rather on the smaller side so they fit in all ovens. <em>edited by Genie on 01/04/2013</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 15:12
That is one of the most cruel and heartless acts I have ever read. May God grant whoever did it the mercy that they were so clearly lacking when they did that to that helpless, innocent soul. RIP
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 15:49
From my experience.. be prepared if you get the dog and have it shut up all by itself during most of the day that it will bark and howl and sow havoc due to boredom...mine even dug a hole right through the door during a single day...had to replace the door and ask some one to take the dog...even more hurtful than deciding not to even go there by getting it whilst in an apt.! If you had a full time maid...perhaps yes. Just my opinion! Someone on my floor has a new dog, from the sound and strength of it's bark it is a large dog - sounds like a German shepherd or something similar. It must be on it's own all day as it never stops barking, Everytime a lift pings or someone is in the corridor it barks, all day. I feel sorry for the poor thing but at the same time am getting a bit fed up of hearing it as it is constant barking for about a month now.I hope it settles down soon.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 March 2013 - 15:43
You could try the Beach Centre In Jumeriah - it is the smaller, old, blue one down from the zoo. There is a small shoe shop on the ground floor, near the entrance, opposite side to Burger king. The have a large selection of Fit flops and in smaller sizes. I take a 38 and have seen smaller sizes there. <em>edited by Genie on 23/03/2013</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2013 - 21:51
Book the Marhaba service; they will meet her at the plane door, take her through the airport in a buggy, fast track her through the special immigration desk, help her collect her luggage and take her out to meet you. It is the Gold service level (used to diamond) I think it is about 300dhs plus she will get a voucher to use the Marhaba lounge on her return flight.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 March 2013 - 08:14
I have said things many times in the past. In a situation such as this, I would be very polite and hope that she did not know. However, when I am standing behind someone whose rear end is literally hanging out of their shorts with their [b'>whale tail [/b'>on show underneath -- I have little patience and don't hold my words well -- much to my children's embarassment. No matter what anyone says, they do know better but choose to ignore it. I know it is hard to believe, but I am an extremely tolerant person but "blatancy" is not something that goes down well. What is a "whale tail" ? I am presuming it is "camel toe" seen from the back? Genuine question as I have never heard this before.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 09:22
Majority of the car rental companies in Deira do not ask for a credit card and their rates are better too than the well known large car rental franchises. Just be careful to triple check the insurance. Some of these small independent companies insurance policies are not that comprehensive. For instance if you have an accident you have to pay for every day the car is being repaired - I know someone this happened to who ended up paying for 6 weeks car hire when they only rented for the weekend. Most of the bigger, franchised car companies cover this in their insurance ( I know I've always checked when hiring due to my friends experience). Also worth checking that they include "blood money" on the insurance.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 08:35
You could try the new restuarant, The Archive, in Safa park. It has an outdoor terrace so you can sit and watch the children play nearby in the park. It is a library and an art gallery as well, has free wifi and I hear the food is really good.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 08:11
I did this once, reversed into a very low border wall around a flower bed - low enough not to be seen in my mirror but high enough to do damage! I knew from others that had done similar things that the police have to come and check and see that the damage to the car is caused by what you claim (rather than an accident with another car) I callled the police, they came, checked the wall and the car and gave me the paper. Another time someone damaged my car whilst it was parked in parallel parking on the roadside - again I just called the police and they came and gave me the paper. I think you might need to drive back to that pole and call them once there.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 11:11
Thank you all for your kind words and support. It is so sad to read so many of you have gone through the same and worse, but it is good to hear that you have all moved on. I have been asked for the building. I can assure you there would be no reason for anyone to visit that building as it was a complete mistake that I was sent there. I don't know if I am allowed to write this, so admin if I am not, please just delete this post and not the thread. Jewelry and Gemplex building 3 DMCC Buttercup - the head of security for DMCC is an Australian ex policeman, he will cetainly listen to you and take you seriously if you report this to him. <em>edited by Genie on 25/02/2013</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 10:33
Buttercup - please don't feel too bad or blame yourself in any way. It is easy to think how we would act in these situations until they actually happen and then shock takes over. At least you will (and those of us who read your story) now know not to put yourself in that kind of situation. I think it is easy to do here as we develop a kind of unacknowledged and unthinking trust for certain individuals. Whilst looking for new work premises I was often on my own with the security guy of one building on empty floors like you describe - and being single and living in cities most of my life I think of myself as street smart and would never have done that in London or Sydney say. Your post has been a bit of a wake up ( or reawakening) for me! I had a similar thing happen to me a few years ago - in a crowded supermarket in the early evening. I was persusing the canned chickpeas when a man who was walking past me grabbed my breast and said something about "nice". I stood there stunned for a few seconds whilst he hurried off then felt a huge surge of anger and started chasing after him shouting at the top of my voice. The whole supermarket stopped and looked at me ( the only western woman there) as though I was a madwoman. He was heading for the exit and I shouted "that man has jsut assualted me" and two male shop workers (very slowly and reluctantly) followed him out.When I got there I asked the men which car he was in ( it was dark and all the cars had tinted windows) one said the black 4W car and one said the white one! They could not have misssed him he was exceptionally tall and large but given his dress I guess they did not want to get involved. I stormed into the managers office to ask for his help with the cctv - he said they had no cctv in the shop (they didn't) and calmly told me that nothing like that had ever happened in the shop as though I was making it up. I did not report it as I thought what is the point? No car number, no cctv, my word against his etc. So I do know how you feel - I was angry and upset for a long time. I should have had the presence of mind to throw a few cans of chickpeas at his head but I certainly keep a beady eye on men who are near me in a supermarket now!
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 23:44
It would be interesting to hear how what the shower situation here in the UAE in 60s and 70s. We had toilets and bidets, mostly squat toilets. DH was in Dubai in the early 70s and shared a basic bathroom with 3 other guys. There was no shower, just a small square bath and squat loo. I have Emirati friends who often discuss life here when they were growing up in Dubai in the 50's and 60's. One topic (of great hilarity to them) is the difference in hygeine between now and then. Most of the houses had no indoor toilets, they has to "go" far from the house in the sand, at night this was not practical so they would go nearer the house, let in dry in the sun / sand and then bury it. The women used to all go the beach in evening for this - that was their time and place! I knew Gertrude Dyack ( Doctora Latifa of Al Ain) and many conversations with her confirm how different things were back in the 60's. In her book the photos of the Bedouin (taken in the 60's), show them with what would be considered very dirty clothes. They were just too sensible to waste precious and hard to come by water on washing clothes. They also cleaned themselves with sand. This is what my friends laugh at now - the comparison between that and the sparkling white clothes (with 3 showers and changes of clothes a day) that they have now. So I guess not too much difference between here and the rest of the world back then. Everyone has changed ther hygeine habits (some to a bigger extent then others!) What would those Bedu think of all the waste of water now?! edited by Genie on 21/02/2013 <em>edited by Genie on 22/02/2013</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 10:16
I read a comment "Guilty by media". The legal system should decide the case not the media, i do hope he gets a fair trial unbiased by media and gossip. I found it very strange that the SA policewoman giving the press briefing yesterday gave away such details as neighbours heard shouting, previous incidents etc I felt it was very prejudicial and not the norm in most press briefings you see - but maybe in SA it's different?
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 10:07
Watching Sky news for an update & the breaking news is that Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster in Coronation Street) has been charged with 19 child *** offenses. What is the world coming too. That is scary - my neices used to go to his childrens parties as they attended the same school - I feel sick that they were ever anywhere near him. Re Oscar Pistorius - if this is true and he is found guilty in a court of law then it is a double tragedy.The worst one obviously being the brutal killing of a beautiful and intelligent young woman. But IF found guilty I would also find it tragic that someone who has overcome such disadvantage and worked so hard to inspire millions of people has thrown his life away. <em>edited by Genie on 15/02/2013</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 17:05
I would make her pay the 300 herself for 2 reasons: -She lied (by omission) when you asked her about any medical conditions -She ignored your instructions to use her medical card and visit a Ministry hospital My health insurance is provided by the company, if I chose to visit somewhere that was not covered by that I would be responsible for all expenses not the company. I think that you should be paying for her medication and any health care needs as part of your responsibility but warn her that in future if she choses to ignore you again that she will be the one to pay the expenses she incurs. <em>edited by Genie on 12/02/2013</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 11:49
My experience of being with a friends mother who was buying one and asked is that they looked at her like she had just crawled from under the nearest rock and should crawl back there ASAP. .. This despite the fact that she was purchasing a very expensive bag.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 11:40
Something that I have frequently observed is that some men get incredibly bad tempered when they are really hungry, even the most mild mannered ones. One of my brothers who is normally the most laid back and charming of individuals gets tense jawed and snappy when really hungry and I have seen it amongst other male friends and aquaintances. Seems that low blood sugars have that effect on them. Still no excuse that really was incredibly rude!
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 December 2012 - 00:13
Nippy - I followed your earlier posts and you have been on my mind since then; I was really hoping that you would be able to leave before Thursday and am so glad you did. However worrying life or your future seems right now just remember that you faced an overwhelming situation and you had the courage and strength to do what was neccesary to protect yourself and your children. Just summon those reserves of courage and strength and you will be able to get through anything life throws at you. Do not let what has happended affect your self esteem as you have every reason to be very proud of yourself. As for your excuse of a husband he is not worth wasting any time, emotion or even words in this sentence on. Onward and upwards. On a lighter note - you are in tthe part of the UK I call home. Stratford really is lovely and very Christmassy at this time of year and a quick trip to Henley - in- Arden always makes me feel like I am back in England, Try and make the most of it and enjoy your christmas and I wish you all the best for your new life in 2013.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 11:58
ok got it :) Good luck - let us know what you think when you make it, I like it as it is quite garlicky without being overpowering.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 11:50
I have made this one in the past and it is not bad: 200ml extra virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons soya milk or soya cream 2 garlic cloves crushed 1 teaspoon dijon mustard 1 tablespon red wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt fresh ground black pepper put all ingredients in deep measuring jug and whiz with a stick blender until thick and creamy or put in a blender or food processor and whiz for a few seconds. It is thick and tastes quite good and keeps in fridge for upto a month. I have another one that only uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil but I have never tried that one. This looks better than the dud I made last time. I would be willing to try that. Is it thick with the milk, too, or would you say to get the cream? Never have seen that, would i go to Organics Cafe, or could it be found at Waitrose or the like? I made it with the cream - I either bought it in the Organics cafe or the organic section at Al Maya. I did not think it would be as thick with the milk but as I did not try that can't really say.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 November 2012 - 11:11
I have made this one in the past and it is not bad: 200ml extra virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons soya milk or soya cream 2 garlic cloves crushed 1 teaspoon dijon mustard 1 tablespon red wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt fresh ground black pepper put all ingredients in deep measuring jug and whiz with a stick blender until thick and creamy or put in a blender or food processor and whiz for a few seconds. It is thick and tastes quite good and keeps in fridge for upto a month. I have another one that only uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil but I have never tried that one.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 November 2012 - 11:30
I would say the Ivy Dubai at Emirates Towers. It is a branch of the Ivy in London and promises " to bring a traditional, merry London style Christmas to Dubai". http://www.theivy.ae/christmas/
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 19:49
I have been sending toys to Australia for the last 7 years. After a lot of very poor experiences the best one I have used is onlinetoys.com.au
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 19:36
I would say that the ipad mini is the way to go - small, slim and lightweight with so many more features than a kindle. I have just read a very postive review of it comparing it to other tablets of the same size, google nexus, kindle etc and it beats them hands down for many features. Infuriatingly I cannot find it now - it was in the Independent online. I am thinking of upgrading my ipad 1 and getting this instead. <em>edited by Genie on 20/11/2012</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 14:43
Try Laura Ashley Home at Mercato Mall. They have a buy one gt one free sale on everything in stock. Even though more expensive, the quality and style of their lighting is much better than Ikea and Home Center IMO, and the buy one get one free (if it is still on) definitely makes it worth while.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 12:15
really...i chked spinneys a couple of times....will chk again... thanks There was a whole pile of it in Spinneys Mercato yesterday - it is in the fresh herb section.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 20:29
OP - as others have said this is emotional abuse. You cannot change your DH's behavior - only your reaction to it- until you get to the stage where he has less control and the fallout is less disruptive. But be forewarned, those who emotionally abuse often up their game when thwarted and things can become worse in the short term. Google emotional abuse, go to reputable sites and look for strategies in how to deal with this behavoir; if you can afford and find it, personal counselling can be helpful and supportive. You need to educate yourself on this subject as knowledge truly is power. Once you have done you can make informed decisions on if you want to make the effort to deal with this - and if you do how to go about it. Emotional abusers thrive on making you feel "useless, stupid and / or crazy" and lowering your self esteem day by day. Please take some steps to help empower your self. I have been the victim of emotional abuse and I know the only cure is to take some steps to help yourself. The first one being to acknowledge what is truly going on. I wish you the strength to help yourself. x
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 00:21
I just had a policy of ignoring him and reporting him as necessary; I think he thought he was intimidating me but I am made of sterner stuff than that - though I did make sure I always had my chain on. I think he lost his job in the financial crisis - Karma ;) <em>edited by Genie on 16/10/2012</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 00:14
What would you do if you have a neighbor from ****? She moved in recently and on her first day here, when my housemaid spoke to her she said "I don't speak to maids", and that was just the begining. We own our home so we won't be moving anytime soon, and being friendly didn't work, even though her husband always looks embarassed as she talks to us (i.e. as if we are serfs and she is royalty).Very uncomfortable...:( Seriously does not sound like the neighbour from **** to me. I would find it very easy to just ignore a person like this. You should have had the neighbour I had - his door faced mine and we were the only 2 on a secluded corridor. I nicknamed him tighty - whiteys due to his prediliction for hanging around in the doorway, answering it to delivery guys etc wearing only the aforementioned item of clothing. Thats when he was not beating up his girlfriend/ wife or having rampant loud s e x .. once when I answered the door for a delivery that was all you could hear coming through the door - I don't know who was more embarrased - me or the delivery guy. I dropped all the money in my confusion and just prolonged the whole embarrasing episode... When I called the security guy re the beating up he said she was just upset because she was fasting! On top of all that there was frequent loud music etc. He really was the neighbour from ****. The apartment has been empty for a year now and I have the whole corridor to myself.. I dread someone else moving in... So yeah I could easily ignore someone just being a bit up themselves... edited by Genie on 15/10/2012 Oh my god! Genie , I feel so bad for you . I thought I had horrible neighbours , your story makes them look like angels edited by honeylover on 16/10/2012 Yes he was a loathsome, loathsome man. As well as this he used to leave a trail of rubbish from the lift, down "our" corridor - cigarette and cigar ash, used tissues, fast food wrappers etc. Thank god he is long gone now and I just have peace and quiet. If anyone ever moves in across the way I am sure they cannot be as bad as he was - who knows - we may even be friends :)
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 23:03
I think it's right at the end of Al Wasl, by the Flag, in Al Bada'a, isn't it? [url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=Iranian+Hospital+Dubai&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl'>link[/url'> That is right - it is on Al Wasl between the Life Pharmacy junction and Al Diyafah (now December 2cnd) street. It is on al Wasl roughly behind the Spinneys on Jumeriah beach rd if that is any help.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 22:32
What would you do if you have a neighbor from ****? She moved in recently and on her first day here, when my housemaid spoke to her she said "I don't speak to maids", and that was just the begining. We own our home so we won't be moving anytime soon, and being friendly didn't work, even though her husband always looks embarassed as she talks to us (i.e. as if we are serfs and she is royalty).Very uncomfortable...:( Seriously does not sound like the neighbour from **** to me. I would find it very easy to just ignore a person like this. You should have had the neighbour I had - his door faced mine and we were the only 2 on a secluded corridor. I nicknamed him tighty - whiteys due to his prediliction for hanging around in the doorway, answering it to delivery guys etc wearing only the aforementioned item of clothing. Thats when he was not beating up his girlfriend/ wife or having rampant loud s e x .. once when I answered the door for a delivery that was all you could hear coming through the door - I don't know who was more embarrased - me or the delivery guy. I dropped all the money in my confusion and just prolonged the whole embarrasing episode... When I called the security guy re the beating up he said she was just upset because she was fasting! On top of all that there was frequent loud music etc. He really was the neighbour from ****. The apartment has been empty for a year now and I have the whole corridor to myself.. I dread someone else moving in... So yeah I could easily ignore someone just being a bit up themselves... <em>edited by Genie on 15/10/2012</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 00:17
I have seen these in a lingerei (sp?) shop here, I remember thinking "Oh if only I needed them". I am not a mall rat and the only mall I go in frequently is the Wafi so I am sure it was there - in a small shop on the same level as M&S - around the corner towards the Body shop.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 06 October 2012 - 20:46
And winter round the corner too! Happy days... :) Yes it was fabulous! The light was amazing. I was driving back from a function with a friend when we saw how beautiful it was so we pulled into somewhere with a terrace and sat watching it, the weather was gorgeous too. I love sunsets in the winter here they are amazing. I vowed I would get out and appreciate as many of them as is possible this year.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 12:50
Difference being that drinking and drugs don't contribute to society, having a family that will grow up to become useful members of the community does contribute in a positive way. But that is a whole other discussion. It is - but there are many people who are contributing to society but have a ticking time bomb of health issues caused by their life style choices. It is not just drug addicts and alcoholics that end up with cardiovascular and liver disease - if it was the numbers being treated would be realtively few. It is "ordinary people" making what seem small but persistant poor choices, these are in the majority.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 12:35
It's true though, it majorly annoys me that I have to pay for other's crappy choices. e.g. smoking, drinking, drugs etc... yes I choose to eat junk food sometimes, but I also pay for my own health cover and don't rely on the public system... I couldn't care less if someone wants to eat themselves to the size of a house IF they don't then expect the public system to pay for that (think fire dept having to get cranes in to lift them out of the house etc) or, if someone wants to drink themselves stupid, up to them but don't expect me to be happy about paying for their rehab.... That is the start of a very slippery slope; where do you start and where do you stop with such thinking? Start charging for those who have more than 2 children? The health costs of child birth and child healthcare are high. Why should those who don't have any or choose to stop at 2 finance the health costs of those who choose bigger families? What about those woman who get pregnant knowing that the risk of premature birth is high - the costs of NICU care are the highest in healthcare (about £3000 a day and an average stay can run to months)- should we refuse to pay their healthcare costs when they chose to get pregnant knowing the risks of premature birth? What about those who choose to have children knowing that there is a high risk of hereditary disease with associated life long health care costs? What about those who have accidents that are their own fault? I could go on - the list is a long one but social medicine operates on equal rights for all and those you would exclude have been paying their dues too. <em>edited by Genie on 03/10/2012</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 October 2012 - 12:04
Sky Kitty, my sister has a metabolism like yours to this day and she's in her 40's with a family--she dealt with a lot of that, and no--it's not right. When I am really lean I also get comments from people telling me I am unhealthy, unsightly--the works. That's annoying but I take it in stride now. And you're right she is the public eye, though others (husband, co-worker) convinced her to make a statement. (or so she said) I am talking about the trend in America, e lazy, poor examples, or mainly--health risks. The theory, like Chocs said, is that due to the structure of[b'>in particular, where self righteous citizens think they have the right to comment to fat people that they ar[/b'> the health systems, other citizens who are not obese, and don't have the health issues associated with the obese, are responsible for paying for those who let themselves go. In the 80's, it was the smoking campaign, same thing. Now the obese seem to be the new smokers--targets of public ridicule. When citizens start taking action against each other, it resembles an angry mob, to me. The system needs reform. But when you try to reform the individual, I think it is more a violation of their personal right to be fat, if they want to be. I don't agree with certain people's life choices, but I don't go shaming/blaming, and I wouldn't want it done to me. I got pretty massive when I was in the public eye of the fitness industry, and people's comments were hurtful. I was also very ill, but no one considered that. Aah yes fat shaming - the last bastion of the bigoted. It's too un - PC now to single out other groups as was done in the past. So many "slim" people have major health issues caused by their life style, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, fatty livers from too much alcohol and other poor lifestyle choices but because it is not visible to the naked eye some think themselves superior and judge others. There are as many slim people treated for cardiovascular disease as there are obese ones. Interestingly recent medical studies have concluded that the detriments of being obese are not as deletrious as previously thought. They are researching the phenonomen of being being "fat but fit". It has also long been known that being underweight is more harmful to health than being overweight and those with a BMI that is classed as underweight have a shorter life span than those who are obese. But that does not fit with the received wisdom and gets ignored by the mainstream press; it would spoil the fun of those who judge as they would not be able to pass judgement and finger point based on outward appearance. <em>edited by Genie on 03/10/2012</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 October 2012 - 14:30
It is sad, its also sad that the ones that get this special treatment seem so unhappy, always complaining, or so would seem. I have met very happy, grateful expats too, but they've always always been from Oz or from NZ. In my experience the, I mean, THE most racist people i've ever met at work have been white south africans, and white south africans in HR.....if you're brown, and applying, forget about it. Remember this is my experience. Followed closely by Brits, then Americans. Weird, bonkers! And you really think there is nothing racist about what you have just written? Wow. Look up the definition of racism.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 22:45
Varicose and spider veins are caused by faulty valves (that control the direction of blood flow) in the veins themselves. This can be congenital but is more commonly caused by increased internal pressure in the vein - pregnancy, obesity and jobs that involve standing still for long periods cause this. Hormonal changes in puberty and menopause can also cause them. The waxing theory would falll into the old wives tales catergory I think.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2012 - 12:52
I know I commented on this before but I will say it again - nurses do not expect and are not allowed to receive tips or any personal gifts. I know that many Emirati families traditionally give tips to midwives who deliver their babies but all hospitals here, as in the rest of the world, strictly forbid the staff to accept them. If pressed by the family, in order not to offend they are supposed to accept but then give the money to hospital admin. In a government hospital I worked at here this happended on the labour ward; sadly the vast majority of the midwives were from a country, previously mentioned on this thread, where this practice is rife and they kept the money. To my mind and the vast majority of nurses they just demean themselves and the whole profession by this behavior. Low salary is no excuse - everyone knows before they enter the profession that it involves long hours and relatively low pay. In the mid 80's I worked in central London in a very demanding job but had no disposable income after paying rent and bills but there is no way I would use that as an excuse for expecting or accepting a tip. tiktok 34 - you may speak for your friend but please do not presume to speak for nurses as a whole. I would tell her that if she expects and appreciates a tip she is in the wrong profession - she should go and work as a waitress or something similar. Rant over! DubaiCat - my blood pressure - and no doubt that of all professional nurses - is even higher than yours on this subject! edited by Genie on 23/09/2012 <em>edited by Genie on 23/09/2012</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 08:54
I regularly buy Quorn mince at the Choitrams opposite Safa park on Al Wasl rd (unpunctured bags :) ). It sells quickly but they do seem to get regular supplies. Al Maya at Murooj Rotana sells Linda McCartney mince - as well as a good range of the other products.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 00:41
Hi all, I read recently on here someone mentioning there was a new authentic pizza place that opened this year in Dubai. They mentioned all the ingredients being flown in from Italy as well as the kitchen equipment. Can anyone help me with the name? TIA. Rossovivo, I am sadly addicted, especially to the funghi one. 04 3805833
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 23:23
A litre a day for a child is an awful lot! The recommendation is 3 average classes or cups and that's for adults! Plus whole milk is loaded with saturated fat, so be wary of all those calories. I don't know many people that could tolerate drinking that much, there is a limit to how much the body can tolerate. Try semi or skimmed instead. Milk can be an important part of a babies diet. The OP said her child was just 1. Whole milk is recommended up to 2 years. Agreed. It is recommended by the American peadiatric assocaiation, it's British and European equivalents, that children under 2 need whole fat milk as the fats are an essential part of ongoing brain development. After 2 years they can have semi skimmed and after 5 years skimmed milk.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 23:16
It's interesting that you mentioned this, as my son has an allergy to penicillan (sp?) and has a reaction to Al Marai's mozarella. He can eat other brands of mozarella, but Al Marai's makes him swell up and flush like penicillian. Interesting. Could be because of the mass medication with antibiotics commonly used in dairy herds to both prevent and treat mastitis (amongst other things) - one of the reasons I no longer drink milk. In the USA ( for example) milk is tested for 6 different antibiotics, although in reality over 20 different ones can be used so they are not testing for them all. Any milk which contains traces of those 6 antibiotics is indentified as "hot milk" and discarded. I am not sure that standards in this region are as *stringent* ( loosely used as the testing in the west is far from stringent). I did read that Marman products are the only ones produced in the region that meet international standards. <em>edited by Genie on 14/09/2012</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 15:01
Now that she has had to pay for it I have no doubt whatsoever that the problem is now solved and will never happen again.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 15:53
I wish I could link this thread to the "is it just me" thread where other forums are being discussed because of their general levels of unfriendly replies to any queries posted. I don't understand the need here to dissect, judge and dismiss the reasons why the person lost his licence and by default almost judge the OP as well for asking the question. OK the reasons why he lost his licence could be relevant to his application for a visa, but the need for the OP to have to explain in detail and then have the reasons dismissed as "excuses" seems totally unneccesary and not at all related to the original query. OP - I know someone in a very high position of power here who left his original country with a lot of questions to answer about fraudulent business dealings at a very high and public level. It did not stop him gettting a visa here or gaining higher and higher positions over the course of the last 10 years. I suppose it would depend of what type of work your friend will be applying for but I would say there is no hard and fast rule here. Only the last month the UK published a list of it's most wanted tax fraudsters, several of whom appear to be resident here. This was discussed in the papers here by the cheif of police amongst others. There has also been a case of someone accused of manslaughter in the UK being extradited from here back to the UK. My point is it seems that in a lot of cases they do not seem to do background police checks before issuing visas. Even when they do I am not convinced that they would see a driving ban as a reason to not issue a visa.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 21:59
The same thing has happened to me, but only with certain sets of underwear. I think it has to do with the composition of the trim. I had cream colour sets that it has happened to when I have washed them on a light rather than a white wash. I now put all cream colours in a whites only wash. ETA - nothing I tried restored the colour once the trim went grey. As they were good quality and not cheap I still wore them but only when I was sure the bra straps would not peek through clothes or be seen by anyone ;) <em>edited by Genie on 09/09/2012</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 21:42
Having had the misfortune to come across a scene where an 8 year old was found at the bottom of a hotel pool - despite apparantley being able to swim - and seeing that and the aftermath of his distraught parents, the answer is absolutely no way never.
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 21:29
I know that at the Manchester clinic on Beach Rd the male doctor used to perform the laser hair removal. Not sure if that is still the case but perhaps you can contact the clinic and ask; even if he is not doing it now maybe he would consider doing it for your husband. Having had a few problems with waxing here - developing abscesses- probably because of double dipping or poor techinque, I would definitely not recommend for someone who has had a pilonidal sinus. I think the risk of an ingrowing hair would be too high. Disclaimer - I am not recommeding the clinic based on personal experience - just that I know the male doc did the laser stuff in the past. May be a bit more comfortable for your husband. <em>edited by Genie on 09/09/2012</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 00:02
I think it is a matter of perception and the poor quality of acoustic design in most public spaces here. On Saturday I met a friend for lunch in a restaurant in Souk Al Bahar; the sheer noise emmiting from the place before I entered made me inwardley groan. It was full and there were at least 6 family groups with young children, the noise from whom was deafening. The children were loud and the parents were shouting above them in order to be heard. At one point the owner of the place came to our table and commented on how surprising the noise level was when heard from outside. At the table behind me were 2 couples with a toddler and a baby - the noise from whom was intrusive and irritating. HOWEVER it was not because they were noisy per se; they were just making normal noise levels for this age - it was because the poor acoustic design of the place magnifies every sound and makes private conversation impossible. It seems that very few places keep the ABC's of acoustic design in mind here - (absorb, block and cushion). Instead everthing is designed to magnify sound, concrete walls and ceilings, large glass windows, ceramic / marble floors, glass topped tables, large open plan spaces with no dividers etc etc. This magnifies all noise, especially the typically high pitched sounds of children. I think this is why children seem more irritating in public spaces here and also people less tolerant of it. I don't think people become suddenly less tolerant here - they have just lost the normal cushioning effect of carpets curtains, asborbing ceiling tiles, room dividers etc. I think when lost in the bubble of enjoying the children in your own company ( as I do when with friends children) you are less aware of the transmitted noise of "normal" sounds. As for me I vowed never to go back to that place during the day on the weekend again - my ears were ringing when I left! ETA to add to the noise levels most places play fairly loud music, plus the AC adds its own noise and then open kitchens and espressos machines add their own noise which has to be competed with in order to be heard! edited by Genie on 05/09/2012 <em>edited by Genie on 05/09/2012</em>
Genie
927
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2012 - 11:21
I used to live in another Emirate but stayed in hotels in Dubai by myself, on average, twice a month over the course of 16 years. They are very safe and I have never felt nervous or threatened in any way - the caveat being of course is to make sure your own behavoir is safe (not drinking on your own in public areas etc). There are one or two precautions I always take; always lock the door and put the chain on even during the day. Put the do not disturb sign on and always check before opening the door to anyone- if you' re not sure just don't open it. You will find in hotels in this region you get a lot of "service", staff wanting to check the room, stock the minibar, turn down the bed etc. If you are nervous this frequent knocking at the door could make you more so( as well as being irritating), just avoid it by having the do not disturb sign on. If I leave the room in the evenign to eat etc I still leave the do not disturb sign and the TV or radio on so the room seems to be occupied. I always travel alone and have stayed in hotels throughout the middle east and the rest of the world. I am not a nervous traveller but I feel MOST safe when staying in hotels in Dubai. ETA if you do let someone in your room to service it or deliver room service etc then push the door open to it furthest extent, most doors "lock", and stay open in this position. If not then stand by the door and hold it open until they have finished. Having said that I do that in other countries but have never felt the need to do it here. <em>edited by Genie on 01/09/2012</em>
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing