Geordie expat | ExpatWoman.com
 

Geordie expat

Geordie expat
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Latest post on 29 March 2016 - 17:16
Intresting answers, thar many don't feel at home where they live; that must be quite depressing. Not depressing, just realistic when so many of us could have to be out of here in 30 days if things go pear shaped. I would only feel at home in a place where I know I could stay permanently if I wished.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 March 2016 - 09:43
Go to The Cure at Green Community next to Park n Shop. The gelish I have done there always lasts 2 weeks + and I only have it removed when you can really see the growth at the base of my nails.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 14 March 2016 - 11:21
Pills may not be rockets science, but looking after your own health should be of priority importance. There is no way I would ever buy a contraceptive pill over the counter. You have no idea of the effect it could have on your body, even if majority of ingredients are the same as your current one. Please go and at least see a GP first.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 March 2016 - 10:02
Try here http://dentist-direct.ae/ I can highly recommend him and my neighbour took her 5 year old and she was very impressed.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 March 2016 - 12:43
Yes, once you're on the 611 all you need to do is a U-turn at the Layan exit.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 March 2016 - 15:23
Everyone will say it's best to go the natural way, but perhaps you're like me... Eating healthy and exercising regular takes time to show results, and I'm just not a very patient person. If I don't feel or look different quickly, I give up :thinking: silly yes I'm not too clued up on pills, but I've tried the skinny me tea detox and just ordered my first C9 so I'll let you know! You will lose a lot of water weight on C9 I have several friends who did it and lost around 9lbs but once they resumed normal eating they put it all back on again. Good Luck with it though :-) Slimming pills can give you awful side effects and completely mess your metabolism up. They were very popular in the bank I used to work in and sent some of the girls a little loopy. Lost over 3kg on C9 and kept that and a bit more off since. It always kick starts my regime and makes me realise that although I eat healthily I need to check my portion size.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 21:13
Apparently there's a fire near Towers Metro station
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 February 2016 - 10:59
I would definitely see the picture. Have you ever thought your number plate may have been copied and it might not even be your car!
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 February 2016 - 10:27
Yes it's happened to me a few times. All I do is keep the texts and then check my bank statement online to make sure I haven't been charged twice. So far it's been fine.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 February 2016 - 11:33
Mega Gel from Lulu, works a treat :)
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 23 February 2016 - 15:38
The Mediclinics do direct billing for physio. My insurance has paid them enough ;)
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 22 February 2016 - 10:38
Depending on your budget, have a look at Falcon City, but make sure it's Phase 1. Plenty of greenery, kids play areas etc.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 February 2016 - 09:51
Sorry I have no idea about Canada, but why not try Air BnB for accommodation, once you have the areas sorted. That way you would hopefully get to meet some locals while you're there.
Geordie expat
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Latest post on 18 February 2016 - 13:55
One question. Do you use wet wipes and flush them down the loo? They cause problems in Europe too. We had some minor problems in the last apartment but the flush was quite weak so I thought that was part of the issue. The toilets in the current apartment have a strong flush and so far we've had no problems. I'm not going to get into why I would never flush any type of wet wipe down the toilet, that's a total other issue. If you must do it though be aware that if there is anything inside the pipe that it can get stuck on, it will and then the whole pipe will back up!!! Here's a good article about it: http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/may/26/disposable-wipes-sewer-toilet-cities-flushable Personally I couldn't care less what damage people want to do to their sewage pipes, it's the damage to the environment that really ****** me off !!!
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 February 2016 - 12:42
One question. Do you use wet wipes and flush them down the loo? They cause problems in Europe too. We had some minor problems in the last apartment but the flush was quite weak so I thought that was part of the issue. The toilets in the current apartment have a strong flush and so far we've had no problems. I'm not going to get into why I would never flush any type of wet wipe down the toilet, that's a total other issue. If you must do it though be aware that if there is anything inside the pipe that it can get stuck on, it will and then the whole pipe will back up!!!
Geordie expat
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Latest post on 11 February 2016 - 15:20
We used it last year and it is as the OP said, walk through the aquarium, then upstairs to see the other tanks etc. It's only available at the door though, no pre-booking
Geordie expat
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Latest post on 10 February 2016 - 10:16
Thank you all for your opinions. However none of you have answered my question. Thank you notnewintown for well wishes. I will be in epidural and the situation will be calm. And how will she see blood if she will be on the head side? I take it neither of you know anyone that's done it. But I would rather not focus on the negatives. Sorry Sheikhandbake your husband was useless to you, but mine was my strength and very much needed in my 1st delivery. And I did mention in my post we don't have anybody here. Quote - "I will be in epidural and the situation will be calm" I certainly hope it stays that way. Sorry but as a mother and grandmother there is no way I would allow a child in the delivery room. There is always that "what if" situation and in this scenario I can think of quite a few and some that I don't even want to think about. Personally I will be very surprised if any doctor or midwife would ever allow this.
Geordie expat
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Latest post on 09 February 2016 - 14:17
Done Zuma for lunch a few times and as the other OP said book in advance it's always busy. Atmosphere is lovely, the food is fab, but I would only go there for a special occasion, it's pricy!!!
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 February 2016 - 11:24
Can you actually get cars etc to the villas at all ?
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 02 February 2016 - 14:38
None of us wear pyjamas !! lol Makes for a different Christmas morning picture then ;)
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 31 January 2016 - 14:21
Yes I got it. Only permanent for talk, surf and watch packages though. Everyone else gets 3 months. Suspect it's an 'incentive' to get people to upgrade. Also who knows how long it will take to roll out. I will wait for the SMS ;-) If you're old and grey, what does that make me!!! ;)
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 January 2016 - 16:10
If you're employed while under your husband's sponsorship, he is allowed to write a letter stating that he allows you to work, then all you will need is a labour card and no visa from your employer.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 January 2016 - 11:59
Yes we did and it went very smoothly. There is no way you can buy a car with finance on it or anything like that, but all I would be aware of is the check they do there is not as thorough as some garages. Luckily DH is into cars and he had almost pulled it apart when we took it for a test drive :) I am sure there will be someone on here who can recommend a mechanic who will look at the car for you in advance.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 14:31
What would help with some drivers, although not all, is average speed cameras same as they have in the UK in places. This may then stop certain drivers going over the 20kph "buffer" and then slamming on their brakes as soon as they see a speed camera. Also a great number of them need to learn lane discipline. I must admit I take great pleasure in driving past people who I have seen lane hopping to try and end up in the fastest moving lane and then getting stuck ;) It happens most mornings on SZR. Drivers in the fast lane are going slower than ones in the slower lanes What is it here with drivers desperate to get into the fast lane when other lanes are clear and my pet hate is the drivers who sit in the second to fast lane and won't budge. No wonder people undertake as they cannot get into the fast lane to overtake! They need to be fined too!!! True 'cause most people seem to have just one idea and that's to get across all lanes to the fast lane as soon as they enter the road. Dangerous in itself!! I'm more than happy to stay in the 3rd or 4th lane out and sail past all the rest :biggrin:
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 14:08
What would help with some drivers, although not all, is average speed cameras same as they have in the UK in places. This may then stop certain drivers going over the 20kph "buffer" and then slamming on their brakes as soon as they see a speed camera. Also a great number of them need to learn lane discipline. I must admit I take great pleasure in driving past people who I have seen lane hopping to try and end up in the fastest moving lane and then getting stuck ;)
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 26 January 2016 - 09:43
Or why don't they just do like most other countries and make people stick to the speed limit!!! I used to wonder the same thing. I've only ever heard of this here...in the US there's none of this buffer business (at least not publicly known). A government/police official explained that they do it because cars are calibrated slightly different depending on how old the car is and how much the car has been driven. So, the speedometer in the car might be slightly off from one car to the next. They allow for a buffer so they aren't overburdened by unfairly "catching" people who aren't really speeding. That was his explanation. I think it makes sense...but people definitely abuse it. Yes but to me a buffer is a few k over. NOT 20!!!
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 January 2016 - 17:20
Or why don't they just do like most other countries and make people stick to the speed limit!!!
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 January 2016 - 16:37
We just asked our gardener to move ours for us and he turned up with a few friends and a pick up :)
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 January 2016 - 14:46
Don't always assume new is better, it all depends on the developer and in my opinion Emaar are one if not the best with regards to quality Victory Heights is gorgeous and some, not all villas have pools. ,I think it is semi family friendly but not as busy at the Ranches. You are close to Motor City which has coffee shops/supermarkets/easy access on Hessa Street to new Dubai etc http://www.justrentals.com/search/dubai/property/victory-heights/victory-heights(all)/ct/1/lc/32/sl/8030/fr/4 This may give you some idea Personally if I had 300k I would chose the Ranches :biggrin: I can definitely second that, new is not always better, and if you are just settling in you don't really want to be having to deal with contractors and snagging lists!!!!!
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Latest post on 21 January 2016 - 14:33
Thank you Sarah. Our school will be Nord Anglia and housing budget is around 300k. Looking for 4 beds with private pool. Would Victory Heights be appropriate? We are definitely looking for newer houses. Meadows are too old! AR is the backup option :) There is a small new shopping mall on the Al Khail / SMBZR just opened recently. Has a Carrefour and various other shops. Mea'sim I think it's called. Close to both Golf Estates and Vic Heights.
Geordie expat
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Latest post on 17 January 2016 - 11:21
I wasn't aware that there were two framing shops there. Which one did you use? I always use Picasso next to the chemist.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 January 2016 - 22:57
January is generally a bit quieter with tourists, after Christmas and New Year, but it might be less than normal not sure. I have family coming over for Easter and a few hotels were already fully booked Shouldn't the lower oil prices benefit tourists, as it's cheaper to fly? No as airlines buy fuels a couple of years in advance but you never know, we may see a decrease in price two years or so away ;)
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 January 2016 - 22:56
We skyped with a friend in Saudi last night, but the video was c**p. Once we stopped that the voice call was good.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 January 2016 - 09:25
how do you find and contact relevant recruitment agencies? and how do they work? Last year I went to a recruitment agency and paid them a basic fee. They claimed that their record is almost 100% placement. Few weeks in, I got multiple interview calls. But when I went in for an interview, not one of them was a professional or a well established company. Many of the calls I received were completely irrelevant to my profile. And others irrelevant to my level of experience and the salary I was receiving at that time. Finally I figured out the way this company worked. Basically, they created an email account of my name (to which I never had the password) and bombarded my CV to any and every company they had on their list, probably over a hundred. I discussed several times with my agent that they were not putting out my profile to the right kind or even category of companies. Ultimately, since I turned down the offers that came my way either due to profile or pay, the agent stopped responding completely. It makes less sense to be an engineer and get offers from insurance companies. Or to be a lawyer and get offers from a clinic for the position of a clerk. This was the kind of response I got when I say the response was "irrelevant". It is ofcourse possible that I went to the the wrong kind of recruitment agency. I would appreciate if someone can advise how one should find the right kind of recruitment agency and how do they function in putting your profile out there to the right companies. Firstly any genuine recruitment agency would not ask for a fee of any sort. I found that as well as contacting recruitment agencies, LinkedIn was a very good way to get noticed, especially out here. The other thing to do, which can only be done when you arrive is Network!! A lot of jobs out here go to people because of who they know. Geordie expat... do you happen to have any specific recommendations on how to get noticed on LinkedIn? All I can suggest is make sure your profile is up to date and contains all the correct information and specific words which would help any future employer pick you out regarding experience. Also I was never afraid to change my main job title to say that I was looking for work eg "experienced ??? looking for a new challenge" or something like that. I quite often see people I know are out of work and it still looks as if they are working. Also sign up for job alerts on LinkedIn, don't be afraid to contact recruiters through there if you can and follow any companies you think may be beneficial to you.
Geordie expat
4393
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 14:49
how do you find and contact relevant recruitment agencies? and how do they work? Last year I went to a recruitment agency and paid them a basic fee. They claimed that their record is almost 100% placement. Few weeks in, I got multiple interview calls. But when I went in for an interview, not one of them was a professional or a well established company. Many of the calls I received were completely irrelevant to my profile. And others irrelevant to my level of experience and the salary I was receiving at that time. Finally I figured out the way this company worked. Basically, they created an email account of my name (to which I never had the password) and bombarded my CV to any and every company they had on their list, probably over a hundred. I discussed several times with my agent that they were not putting out my profile to the right kind or even category of companies. Ultimately, since I turned down the offers that came my way either due to profile or pay, the agent stopped responding completely. It makes less sense to be an engineer and get offers from insurance companies. Or to be a lawyer and get offers from a clinic for the position of a clerk. This was the kind of response I got when I say the response was "irrelevant". It is ofcourse possible that I went to the the wrong kind of recruitment agency. I would appreciate if someone can advise how one should find the right kind of recruitment agency and how do they function in putting your profile out there to the right companies. Firstly any genuine recruitment agency would not ask for a fee of any sort. I found that as well as contacting recruitment agencies, LinkedIn was a very good way to get noticed, especially out here. The other thing to do, which can only be done when you arrive is Network!! A lot of jobs out here go to people because of who they know.
Geordie expat
4393
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 14:16
I know it's dragging up old threads, but they are actually quite good and the cards arrive when they say they will :)
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 January 2016 - 15:00
The Cure, Green Community, next to Park and Shop
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 08 January 2016 - 10:01
Just heard that she was spotted on Al Manara Street Al Quoz side late last night near Zonda cars. She was with a white dog
Geordie expat
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Latest post on 08 January 2016 - 09:34
Yes it went up to 4000 earlier this year. Not sure about the 115. Does it not say what it's for? Although knowing Dubai it could be an admin charge!!
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 January 2016 - 10:44
I'm sure SarahLou can give a more definitive answer regarding this, but when we were in your situation we told them the times we would be available and made sure that they stuck to them. We were always in the villa when viewings took place and there's no way I would have let anyone look around when I wasn't there!!
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Latest post on 06 January 2016 - 13:05
Thanks so much for the responses. Gained a lot of info and will definitely look into FirstRateFX. Also thanks, Goku, for link to the other thread. But I might as well ask again in case any experts are lurking - At what rate would you consider is the best time to transfer? That is a question no one would dare answer as the rates can change so quickly. Hence the advice I was given to transfer in two tranches if you are sending a large amount of money back. We sent some back at the end of last year with what was q reasonable rate, compared to previous ones. I'm pleased we didn't send it all as the rate has improved in just a month or so.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 January 2016 - 09:29
You could always try and do some temp work as long as you are sponsored.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 January 2016 - 17:30
We use a UK based company called Currency Index. Very easy to deal with and always give you the option of changing your mind if you decide the rate isn't good enough. It means no carrying huge sums of money around with you to various exchanges, it is all done via bank transfer from your UAE bank. They also offer more than the bank rates. One thing I have been advised of recently though, is if you have a large amount to transfer, it's worth doing it in two tranches as the rate is quite volatile at the moment.
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Latest post on 04 January 2016 - 20:53
Perhaps it's just the age I am or the fact that it's done differently in the UK, but even out here I still always go and see a GP first, before I even start to think about seeing a specialist. Some issues can be caused by so many different things I would hate to see the wrong person. I agree. I wish I could find a good GP here covered by my insurance and not too far away, or too difficult to get an appointment with. I know. Lots to ask! I've been going to Mirdif for the last 4 years, before Carol Smylie came there. There was a lovely lady doctor there before her whose name escapes me and the others are good too. I'm happy to travel especially when I can trust a GP.
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Latest post on 04 January 2016 - 12:48
Perhaps it's just the age I am or the fact that it's done differently in the UK, but even out here I still always go and see a GP first, before I even start to think about seeing a specialist. Some issues can be caused by so many different things I would hate to see the wrong person.
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Latest post on 04 January 2016 - 12:07
Do as some of the others have suggested. Take her to see a sympathetic GP first. Definitely suggest Dr Carol Smylie at Mirdif Clinic.
Geordie expat
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Latest post on 03 January 2016 - 21:40
Dear Tessa, I have a few words of advice for you. Whether you intend to portray yourself up as an expert on life in UAE (before you have even arrived) or are just setting yourself up as the resident wise woman on all topics, or whether you are a merely a troll attempting a wind up...............please up your game. You are beginning to sound like a cut and paste merchant. Happy New Year LT Well said :) What's the weather like in your part of Cyprus? We've been sent pictures of snow in Girne and Bellapais :(
Geordie expat
4393
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 January 2016 - 19:01
Try Picasso at Green Community next to Park and Shop. We get all our stuff framed there and it's very good and not too expensive
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 30 December 2015 - 10:21
If writing just say "thinking of you at this time and best wishes for the new year" If greeting them there's probably no need to say anything specific, just take their lead. It also depends on how well you know the person.
Geordie expat
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 December 2015 - 21:09
ok ladies, the thing is....not everything is going to work for everyone :)...we are all different. So, the original poster asked for the quickest way to loose 5kg. :)....a few people actually answered her question and then lots waded in with advice about why she should not do it or what she should do lo....so... It all works...it all depends on how you approach it. So, I say to the original question. Do what makes sense to you and ignore the preaching. Now, if you want different answers, post "what is the best way to lose weight" you will get lots of opinions., and lots of the opinions excellent......but your question "the fast way to lose 5kg" got lost in everyones opinion about why not to do a fast weight loss..... Gals on here tend to pontificate and totally drift from the actual question and if they disagree well heck.. you are in for lots of wrist slapping and advice,that you actually did not ask for lol... So, another thread gone....and personally, I could not care less if anyone agrees with me or not....but that is just me :).. that would be why I would never come here to ask serious questions...I would go to the professionals,were the OP might want to consider :) Boy, Now I am in for it lol Totally agree. What works for one may be entirely different for the next person. Personally I hate having to think about what I eat and how much most of the time. I know I eat healthily as I only very occasionally have what I would call "fast food". I have found my solution if I need to get back on the straight and narrow and it works for me. As you say she asked for the quickest way, not what she should do long term. That's a whole different ball game and again not everything works for everyone and not everyone has the time or money to do what some people suggest. January 3rd - Aloe Vera here I come :)
 
 
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