mannikat | ExpatWoman.com
 

mannikat

mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 November 2013 - 13:05
Like the others have said it really depends on you you. I would recommend bringing clothes and 'basics'. You can get most things here but compared to home its quiet expensive, if you are planning to ship furniture this wont add to your costs. You need to way up the shipping cost against what you will pay for things. If you want to be set up straight away it will be expensive, but if you can wait there will be sales in jan and again in june. good luck with the move!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 17:00
I will miss Dr Deamer, first doctor i trusted here after a lot of mishaps. Dr Gordon is lovely but Dr Nicola was Obs & Gyne trained. Where will Dr Smylie be? what is she like?
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 15:28
Have to disagree regarding Marina quality. unfortunately i own some pieces from there and for mass produced stuff its far too expensive. I can recommend pinky's behind MOE similiar to luckys but closer :) , lovely stuff, varying qualities and prices and a lovely manager. The one has a shop int the outlet mall and they usually have good deals. Happy shopping!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 13:49
Bump! Anyone?!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 10:58
true but i would rather order a smaller turkey that should feed 4-6 people than waste all that food ! Why would you waste it? Use it foe meals for follwoing days: Turkey curry Turkey sandwiches Turkey sir fry Turkey cassorole I really want a turkey sandwich now! On my mums homemade bread... YUM!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2013 - 10:47
We used Marriott last year and it was really good, although we made our own trimmings. My boss used jumeirah and said it was great. I know we both went for the bigger packages. I can't find the details sorry but if you email them I'm sure they will be able to give you info. For Jumeirah its JBH. Can't beat a turkey at Christmas :)
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2013 - 11:52
Yep! :(
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 08:27
Thanks Ladies. Emma, we will look into the buying option and Sam definitely wont be leaving without a fight we love it there. Its just the thought of the fight that drains me and the limited reward. I just wish landlords would value good long term tenants!!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 16:30
Email swiftly followed by notice to vacate..... we would have considered buying if we had known :(
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 13:42
Just been notified the apartment we are renting has been sold, we didn't know it was for sale and no came to look at it? I know there isn't much we could have done, but I would have thought that we should have been told it was for sale?
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 11:25
What a about an experience? a balloon ride or flight, swim with dolphins? Or lessons for something you'd like to try,flying, golfing, photography? A lovely engraved piece of jewelry?
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 09:55
I would be more inclined to believe that she has seen an inappropriate film than the more sinister suggestions, however considering what could be going on. I think you do need to take some action. I honestly can tell you what.
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 08:25
Waitrose on Al Thanya street had it a few weeks ago. Took me ages to find it!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2013 - 15:11
I think dubizzle or buying cheap stuff in ikea, wish i had the space to do this!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 10:09
Hoots i think your friend is taking advantage possibly unknowingly but that is a crazy amount of money to spend on a guest! ^^^WSS^^^ I don't know what that means?? "What she said" Ah ok!! I googled and all i could find was 'why so serious?!' had no idea what i had said!! lol!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 10:06
Hoots i think your friend is taking advantage possibly unknowingly but that is a crazy amount of money to spend on a guest! ^^^WSS^^^ I don't know what that means??
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 October 2013 - 09:52
I have one friend who did this.... I don't let her anymore. I just divide up the bill and that's it! I think people seem to be of the impression that we must be loaded because we live here. I always check if people are ok with the prices of where we are going so i think that gives them the heads up and we try to use vouchers to keep costs down for them and us. I really hate being made to feel like I am tight, I'm happy for people to stay and get in food etc.... but paying for meals out is a step too far! Hoots i think your friend is taking advantage possibly unknowingly but that is a crazy amount of money to spend on a guest! You could have a nice holiday for yourself on that! When i have stayed with friends I pay for dinner at least once or cook dinner and leave a thank you gift.
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 17:01
Congrats! Such a lovely idea! (love pinterest!) How about a hot air balloon ride? little bit pricey but its supposed to be amazing at sunrise. Sky dive over the palm or a flight over the city? If you have the time a slide show of photos of the years you've been together and a home cooked fav meal. Tickets to a music gig of band you both like... might be a bit hard here. Evening at the races in Meydan when they get going. Enjoy!! He's a lucky guy!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 09:34
Its pretty unfair to call the cashiers and sa's incompetent for doing as they have been trained. I'm sorry to say but as an ex-HR person there are plenty of people who have been trained who are still incompetent. I wouldn't expect them to speak fluent Arabic, but they should understand and communicate in a way that is relevant to their job. To give an example: they should be able to understand if someone asks them in Arabic "How much is that...", or "Do you have these in a size x,y,z" etc And all training is perfect....?! How likely is it that this person was given basic Arabic training? I fully agree that some people do not learn or understand, some through laziness and some through lack of ability and also through poor and inadequate training, nodding, smiling, agreeing and signing a piece of paper isn't really training but its all staff get here. How is that their fault? if they are known to be incompetent the managers putting them on the floor are at fault not the staff, they don't know any better....
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 October 2013 - 09:15
Its pretty unfair to call the cashiers and sa's incompetent for doing as they have been trained. I highly doubt that shop assistants are required to have basic Arabic to get employed. (Rightly or wrongly). Its even more unlikely that they are trained to deal with people that don't speak English, incompetence maybe but on the part of all shop owners not their floor staff. If I am not trained how am i to know? Shops cater to the majority no matter where they are and while this is an arabic country the majority speak english.... as well as the majority of tourists which Dubai is attempting to attract from all over not just the gcc. It makes sense for them to ensure all staff speak english. if the cashier didnt speak arabic she should have called someone else that could..common sense... but its not that common....!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 October 2013 - 13:48
I am slighty amazed by this thread... whatever happened to a turkey in the oven with the trimmings and veg on the stove!! or am I just old school?? I don't have an oven that could cater for a turkey and trimmings for 13 people even pre preparing stuff! Used Marriott turkey last year, did the trimmings and H*m at home. the trimmings that came with the turkey but were pretty bland the turkey was good.
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2013 - 10:50
The vouchers aren't valid during Eid :(
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 October 2013 - 10:46
IMO they really should have discussed this before they got married and then made an informed decision. Now they are married and they are both to blame. To me you can't just walk away from a marriage just because you can't get what you want and yes children are a massive thing, but is she didn't bother to find out how he felt before hand how can she really complain? If he changed his mind that is different, that is marriage under false pretenses and voids the whole thing in my book. I think they should try marriage counselling, there may be deeper reasons for him not wanting children, counselling might help and might help her understand. Marriage is a commitment for better or worse.....
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 September 2013 - 14:21
Re three months, I think that is an emirates requirement, not an emirates for Dubai requirement. they can and do make exceptions but i would not rely on it. You are more likely to get stopped by the airline than emigration. <em>edited by mannikat on 30/09/2013</em>
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 September 2013 - 08:55
I don't know about the camera model but i had a point and shoot canon that got a lot of sand in it,i vacuumed it and this was enough to open it, there was a terrible crunchy sound though, when it opened i blew more sand out and vacuumed again. The camera works fine now, but there is still sand in the lens that only professional cleaning will get out. In general its fine the photos especially close ups arent as clear as they used to be. i use more for places i wouldn't bring my good camera. if its digital can't you just take the memory card out and get the photos that way?
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 15:31
If he is even there for that long... he will probably get out early for some blo*dly human rights rubbish. They should go back to calling them outlaws- outside the law and outside of its protection.... this 'kid' is a monster and deserves be punished not reprimanded...
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 14:57
Working in retail I am aware of the margins and your hair would stand on end if you knew the markups. It really is outrageous. The problem is distributors. The free zones and ports make it ridiculous to import items and set up distribution channels. One of my clients was explaining it to me and the fees imposed are crazy. Hence the actual shipping and logistics is easy, it's the handling and dismantling from the containers and signing all the paperwork at the ports which is the tricky part. FYI... I know and understand that but its only a factor, the cost of a bringing in, clearing and distributing a container can be high, very high even but divided over a container of items like clothes its not enough to justify the cost. No one forces anyone to buy this stuff, people buy because of the 'brand' they think they are paying for quality and the shops here(and everywhere else) cash in on it. They are in the business of making money so of course they will.... supermarkets back home are no better but at least there is competition to keep prices down, although i disagree wholeheartedly with their bully boy tactics against producers.
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 14:32
Shops charge what they think people are willing to pay, not what products are worth, (obviously i mean over the value of the items) if they think they can get an 80% margin they will try. Shops make more than suppliers on practically every food item. Too true, I buy food here as I have to but clothes no, I order online now, as even with the cost of shipping they are sooo much cheaper Yep, the clothes thing is crazy! most of them are manufactured in the far east so how can they be cheaper in the UK than in the middle east? they travel at lot less to come here :)
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 14:29
Agree with desert doggie about the salaries. I'm happy with mine and happy where i work, but spiraling costs are making it a worry. I cannot get a job in my field back home.... <em>edited by mannikat on 26/09/2013</em>
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 11:22
Shops charge what they think people are willing to pay, not what products are worth, (obviously i mean over the value of the items) if they think they can get an 80% margin they will try. Shops make more than suppliers on practically every food item.
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 09:09
Marine, when i came here few years ago it was a really tight market and even with years of experience it was though to get past the door. Now I am getting head hunted for other jobs here and in the uk & singapore. (Would have been nice when i got made redundant at 25 & lost all self confidence.)
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 15:36
Depends on your industry, we seem to be hiring every week despite a conservative manpower plan at the beginning of the year.
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 15:24
Sounds like you have a good doctor( I didn't and found out too late!). Best of luck with the surgery. I would give yourself at least a week and be careful lifting afterwards, i pulled my stitches messing about with washing.
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 09:25
Do you really need this 6 weeks after you've had a baby? Through personal experience I've found doctors here all too ready to perform surgery. Unless its causing you pain or at risk of bursting I would get a second opinion before you do anything. You will feel better a few days after surgery but you are still healing internally so you would need to be careful. If you go ahead i would do as TDB said and see how you feel. Best of luck and congrats on the baby.
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 08:57
Are you getting it delivered to work? I leave a copy of my id with our receptionist and she signs for anything that comes for me. (I always pay the charges online). If you can send a copy of your id to where it will be delivered it should be fine.
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 17:10
Felt a little something, thankfully not as bad as last time.
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 14:14
You still have to provide a certificate of no impediment to marriage even in Cyprus - so for some people, posting banns still applies. There are formalities everywhere. It was really easy for us. All you do is go to the town hall and swear an affidavit signed in front of someone that you've never been married before. We flew in Thurs morning and were back in Dubai Saturday evening. Honestly, could not have been quicker and a company did all the paperwork for us. I can post details if the OP is interested. That is definitely a lot quicker than a Catholic wedding!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 08:55
Hi Guzzie, got your mail and replied hope the info is useful!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 September 2013 - 09:10
To my knowledge the song is about a guy trying to get a girl to cheat on her bf.... not very classy but not exactly the end of the world.... its an annoying song that doesn't deserve the attention its getting and i doubt the guy is clever enough for subversive lyrics! Wish him and that viley cyrus*(hoots) would cover up and b*gger off!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 10:41
Hi Polly, stayed there in chalet last year. the reason we chose it was we could have a bbq at the chalet and as some of group had kids it was really handy. The accom its self is pretty dated at least in the chalets but its all functional. We brought our own food for dinner and brekkie. the staff were helpful with additional tables, chairs etc... as we congregated between two chalets the group were staying in. The bar was quiet except for some Filipino singers, there was supposed to be karaoke but they weren't inclined to hand over the mic!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 09:10
a good sandwich shop.... and primark!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 09:05
Thanks mrsb! What a lovely site! :)
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 11:39
Thanks kitten, fingers crossed!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 10:57
Have you joined your home countries Business Councils? Its a great way to network. There is an inter council networking event event hosted by the American Business Council Dubai and the Netherlands Business Council on Sunday 22nd September,18.30 - 21.00 at JW Marriott Marquis
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 08:53
Thanks ladies. Hubby found some in Waitrose Al Thanyah St. The box looks like something from the 70's! Will be giving lime chiffon pie a go this evening!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 17:22
Thanks ladies. I think i will do some driving at the weekend and check out Ibn & Deira. Polly I tried craftland and the wool wasn't as chunky as what i am looking for thanks though!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 11:59
Heading to Istanbul for mine :) its been on my list for ages and its only a fews hours away. I love history and wandering through Bazaars and Souks so it seems to be a good choice for me. I'm not into my birthday at all so i like the idea of a mini break with some nice dinners and vino!!
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 11:47
Just read on another thread the shop in Festival centre is closed. This seems to have been the one with all the wool. Does anyone know of anywhere else to buy wool? I've tried craftland but i didn't think they had a great selection...I'm looking for chunky wool. Maybe some of you buy online? I'm looking at fabulous yarn.com has anyone used this? TIA
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 09:42
Will do if it works!! ;)
mannikat
681
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 09:37
My hubby has noticed when he goes to networking events, his spam levels increase drastically afterwards, he treats his biz cards like gold dust now. People were just taking them from everyone and selling them. The worst experience I had of this when a doctor took my file with them to her new practice, this doctor had mistreated me and cause me severe emotion harm. Needless to say i was livid when i got a call from her new clinic asking if i wanted an appointment. After a lot of arguments she eventually agreed that she had my file not just my number (which is what she said in her defense) its still personal information and i got her to hand it over, but she probably has another copy. There is no data protection here to protect people, they can do what they like with your information.
 
 
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