Mollydxb

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EW GURU

Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 12:31

The chefs create the menus they don't cook the food. I'm quite dubious about school lunches as I feel the catering companies will not be using high quality ingredients as we all know profit comes before anything else. that was the problem with the previous company and the menu wasn't great for kids so lots of the food was being wasted. I'm personally happy to pay 4-5dhs more a day and my DD eat everything than hardly anything.

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Latest post on 09 December 2014 - 12:21

My DD really enjoys the school lunches and eats almost everything. I was a bit like you at first about the whole celebrity chef thing (bored bored bored, yawn yawn yawn) but the reason I chose to opt for school dinners with them were:- Daily charge worked out 2 dirhams more than I was spending making packed lunch (DD likes raspberries and strawberries) DD is getting a good variety of different foods (packed lunch was always the same) Baby 2 here so not having to do packed lunch helped in the morning They are really tasty (as you would expect) It's working well for us but if it's 70% more than you're paying now i'd have an issue with that for sure

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Latest post on 02 December 2014 - 17:33

I got my beautiful xmas tree from Satwa yesterday for 550. Really really pleased as it's big, beautiful, has a slight 2 toned effect and smells great! The shop was fresh flowers if that helps. :cool: edited by Mollydxb on 02/12/2014 Great.... Which shop was it? I feel satwa prices have increased too...veggies/fruits are expensive than Spinney's. :( I'm sure the shop is called Fresh Flowers LLC. It's opposite west zone on plant street.

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Latest post on 02 December 2014 - 15:10

I got my beautiful xmas tree from Satwa yesterday for 550. Really really pleased as it's big, beautiful, has a slight 2 toned effect and smells great! The shop was fresh flowers if that helps. :cool: <em>edited by Mollydxb on 02/12/2014</em>

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EW GURU

Latest post on 30 November 2014 - 12:48

There were a few there yesterday and more expected today. I'm having a walk up there later so will re-post. Just watch the prices there though. Last year they wanted to charge me 800 for a fairly small one so I went to ace hardware and got a larger tree for 600.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 20 October 2014 - 07:07

If my daughter told me this had happened at home then it would be instant dismissal for sure. There are certain things you can't give 2nd chances for and this is for sure one of them. Please don't take the risk of a 2nd chance

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EW GURU

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 16:22

I didn't disagree with you at all OOpsieDaisy and MOlly. In fact I didn't bat an eyelid when she first told me. But then in retrospect I wondered if this was another of those oft-used maid ruses that I was ignorant of! I'm a bit green in these maid matters and don't want to get taken for too much of a ride! A friend says she's heard this one before, that she possibly just fancies going home for a bit and to offer to get the document couriered over for signature. I will suggest that first. If she is adamant that wont work, and she has to have a week off, then I think it's fair that its Taken as part of her annual leave rather than an extra freebie. I suppose the only other thing I'm really concerned about is whether there is a chance she may not return. Can An excuse like this be used as a way of getting out of a contract early? I know her family really wants her to stay in SRi Lanka. Sounds like good idea to offer help with a courier. You never know, she may not even know that this can be done. Hope all works out

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EW GURU

Latest post on 16 October 2014 - 18:54

I know it is a nuisance for you but it sounds like she's being honest. Lets face it, if it was for something else (wedding, birth of family member etc.) she'd have used a story that may have pulled at your heart strings or made it pretty impossible for you to say no to. It wouldn't surprise me if she had to be present in Sri Lanka to do such a thing by the way. Hope all ends well for you

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Latest post on 05 October 2014 - 08:05

I am the Op of this post and quite concerned at the last three replies where it has been suggested that my post is not genuine!! My choice of words "I have heard" are obviously being misinterpreted as if I am not sure of the events which my post relates to, you ladies must not use the phrase in the same context as I. The "I have heard" is based on the fact that I have heard" from my daughter who attends the school and also from my husband who was in the school corridor last Wednesday for twenty minutes waiting to pick up our daughter during lunchtime and witnessed the male cleaners with the phones and coming out of the girls bathroom. Our next time in the school was when I brought my daughter in on Thursday morning and I then came face to face with the male supervisor of the cleaners, he himself in the girls bathroom getting a sweeping brush! So my post is not anything other than a post of an extremely worried parent looking for advise on whether this is common practice in Dubai and trying to find out what I can go about it. Thank you to all the others who have answered with advise on what to do. I spoke to the parent relations executive at the school after seeing this thurs morning who said she wasn't aware if it, then got an email from the principal who also said he wasn't aware if it either. The school has been open for four weeks now so this is of even more concern that I had to raise this with the school. Now my dilemma is what to do from here and don't feel in anyway at ease bringing my daughter to school next week. I queried why there were male maintenance and cleaners wandering around the school on the second day of term as this was something that concerned me and met with the principal to discuss it at which time he told me this was Dubai culture!! I did not realize the extent of it regarding the toilets until last Wednesday and Thursday. Please let me know anyone is this the same in other schools Or do yer schools have female staff only (apart from teachers). Also the swimming teacher is male which I don't think is appropriate either for little girls, please let me know yer thoughts on this. edited by dubaisummer14 on 05/10/2014 Don't be surprised or concerned about doubts on your post. There has been loads of posts on here lately that seem to have been made up. It is NOT Dubai culture at all to let male cleaners in and out of kids toilets "willy nilly" and is unacceptable. There is plenty of time for cleaners to enter toilets when children are not there. Your school have a responsibility (not sure it is compulsory) to train all staff members on child protection and this includes the cleaners. Whether they do or not is up to them but if they are letting the cleaners do this then I would NOT be comfortable with my child going to that school. I would advise that you and your husband sit down with the head and discuss further. I also advise that this is brought up with other parents of the school to get the matter resolved. If you don't get any joy then, I would probably remove my child from the school. Don't be offended by this but I find it very hard to believe that in this day and age, even in Dubai, this is found as normal behaviour, by any school. So I'd be eager to get this sorted with the school asap and confirm with them that the number one priority in school is the childs safety. In DD school they only have female cleaners who are all trained on child protection. They are never allowed to go into the toilets whilst children are there. <em>edited by Mollydxb on 05/10/2014</em>

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Latest post on 04 October 2014 - 07:11

If this is a genuine post then I'm pretty sure you would have already discussed this with the school. I look forward to hearing about what the school had to say and what was resolved.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 20:12

Ladies, I was looking for a live-out maid and I think I found one. She is Philippina and is currently on a live-in contract, which is due to expire in a month time. She didn't want to continue as a live-in anymore and was looking for a live-out proposals. I interviewed her. She seems to be quite positive and trustworthy, with a good English and a few years of experience in Dubai. Currently she gets 2000+ (that's how she explained and I believe + stands for some minor and irregular add-ons). As a live-out, however, she wants to get 3500, which would include her accommodation, transportation and food allowance. So the question is - Is it a reasonable price she is asking? (I understand that they would ask more, I can offer less and we agree on something in between. But I was hoping that amount to be around 3000 + additional for extra hours when needed). 3500 is about right for accommodation & travel. Maybe agree that it includes some extra hours babysitting.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 20:00

Messaging on behalf of a friend. Maid decided not to go on leave so stayed here. They paid her 3k for flight ticket instead. They went away for 1 month so she didn't work but she's now asking for the 13 month salary. Is she entitled to this? Thanks Yes she is, It is stated on the contract that is signed by both parties when processing her visa.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 21 September 2014 - 10:09

I can't imagine how many lives Lesley has saved or how many kids she has prevented from being harmed in the car ( thankfully we'll never know) but I imagine numbers are quite large. A job well done!!!!

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EW GURU

Latest post on 18 September 2014 - 15:52

Thank You ladies ! I feel better n. Yes I am happy the way I am, only when friend & family call me stingy or old fashioned, I feel weird. I will definitely ignore these small things now. And good for you. Health and family..that is what money is for. Trivial branded items don't mean all that much in the end. I just thumbed this down by mistake by the way, sorry. I liked it :)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 14:59

My DD (now 5) went into nursery from 6 months and I've never regretted it. She always loved nursery and is now loving school. For me I needed her to be around other babies/children rather than with a nanny. I felt more relaxed at work knowing she was in the company of other kids and adults. Everyone is different though. Just figure out what is best for you. My 2nd will be going to the same nursery with the same staff in January when she is 6 months just the same as the DD. Good to hear good stories and no horror stories! Do you mind if I ask whats the name of the nursery your little ones go to? Little Wonders in Al Manara

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EW GURU

Latest post on 11 September 2014 - 13:44

My DD (now 5) went into nursery from 6 months and I've never regretted it. She always loved nursery and is now loving school. For me I needed her to be around other babies/children rather than with a nanny. I felt more relaxed at work knowing she was in the company of other kids and adults. Everyone is different though. Just figure out what is best for you. My 2nd will be going to the same nursery with the same staff in January when she is 6 months just the same as the DD.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 04 September 2014 - 07:31

It really depends on the reason for the late opening. If it is the builders surely there are penalties they have to pay for late completion. This could be passed on to people like yourself. However, if it's to do with government signatures on paperwork I would just be patient and look forward to seeing your LO start school. Our school was a week late opening last year but it had nothing to do with the school and they did make up the days lost at the end of the year so everyone was happy. Good Luck

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EW GURU

Latest post on 01 September 2014 - 07:20

Well yes, Izzy and Molly, the same thought also ran through my head ie if she can manage it in her working hours, why cant it just become part of her duties without extra pay. However, I wasnt sure if it was reasonable to add to her duties suddenly (there was no mention of gardening when we employed her)? It is a bit cheeky when she only just had a pay rise last month when we renewed her visa! Which gives me an idea.... that pay rise coincided with her starting the gardening, so perhaps we could somehow link the two. And the gardener's pay is funding her pay rise! I guess the difficulty and issue of extra cash comes from having had paid gardeners until now. So she knows we are saving money by getting rid of the gardener and has her eyes on that cash!! if we had never paid for a gardener the scenario would be somewhat different. So it seems it is fairly normal to get the maid doing the watering if the garden is small and she can manage it witihin normal hours? I thought most people had gardeners, but perhaps not. It is absolutely normal, where I live anyway. You're not asking her to landscape your garden. It's like my boss asking me to do a few extra photocopies of a document! Just to add, the money that you save on a gardener has nothing at all to do with your maid. If she continues to ask about the money you're saving on the gardener then tell her you're cost cutting.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 17:32

We bought both our Tags from Siddique & Sons in MOE for far less than the UK. Mine was bought 4 years ago and DH's 7. Mine was 8,000Dhs here but in the UK they wanted 2850GBP!!! It was around the same price difference with DH's watch. You must haggle though in the shops here. I spent around an hour haggling in the store for DH's watch.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 31 August 2014 - 17:16

I suppose if you don't ask you don't get. I don't think there is any need to pay her more for this at all. She was probably just trying her luck. My maid absolutely loves gardening. I would laugh my ass off if she asked for more money for watering and tidying my garden

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EW GURU

Latest post on 27 August 2014 - 12:35

It's not acceptable for many reasons but mainly in case of emergencies! I had someone park in my allocated bay at work once (clearly labelled MY NAME) You really can't miss it! So I parked behind it so he/she couldn't get out. They had to go to security, find out where I worked, wait for the lift and then wait for me to finish my meeting. When I greeted them on reception they were very embarrassed to see I was 7months pregnant. I wasn't annoyed and actually had a giggle with him inyhe lift about it but I don't think he'll do it again

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Latest post on 16 July 2014 - 17:53

We've just used lastminute.com and got 2 nights for 200 in a four star (the secret hotel option) Really pleased with what we got as its usually a large chain hotel but this one isn't at all <em>edited by Mollydxb on 16/07/2014</em>

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EW GURU

Latest post on 15 July 2014 - 08:21

I think Dr Jozsa also has a vacation in August. I've just delivered with him and asked this question weeks ago. I'm pretty sure he said he was holidaying in August

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EW GURU

Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 09:28

Unless you need her over the summer to read to you (as that's all she seems to be doing) I would terminate her contract straight away. I wouldn't tolerate my daughter sitting on her **** all day in my house never mind someone I was paying to clean it! Or if you need her over the summer to feed pets, water plants etc.. Just use her for that and then terminate. Might sound harsh but she's been using you (quite clearly) so I wouldn't feel bad. Just sat here thinking what my boss would do if I sat around the office reading my book all day!!!! I'd expect the next big read to be my termination of contract and quite rightly so.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 17:44

Mollydxb, why would you have a problem getting the baby back into the UAE once you have the passport in the UK, she would just come in on a tourist visa as normal and it will be converted to residence once here no? Hubby did the immigration part today and said the place was a nightmare (we are in AD), no one could tell him what to do or where to go (possibly made worse by the fact it is ramadan) but thankfully our company's PRO was there as well and we managed to get the right paper, so we are now ready to leave tonight :) One would think so but when the question was put to the lady from the embassy she couldn't answer the question and told me I'd need to contact immigration. I don't know how their computer systems work. When they scan the baby passport will they see she was born here and question where the exit stamp is? I don't know but I will find out before I leave.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 01 July 2014 - 05:02

Hi Gingerdee, I am going through this process currently. Baby was born last week and want to travel back to UK on the 18th July. Embassy confirmed that I will NOT get a passport back in time for newborn so I can apply for the ETD for her. Rules have been relaxed regarding ETD's whilst there is a problem in the UK with the backlog of passports so I can get one on this occasion. They have been very clear though that this will only be the case whilst they have a backlog in the UK and that once everything is back to normal ETD will only be issued again for genuine emergencies. The lady I spoke to at the Embassy was very helpful but even she couldn't answer some of my questions of concern so there will be a lot of running around before we leave for the UK. I have been told I can get the baby passport in the UK but nobody at present can assure me that I won't have any difficulties getting her back into the UAE. I will keep you posted on the process I go through but I think by the time your baby is here things will probably be back to normal. I'm hearing more positive stories now regarding passports than negative so fingers crossed it will get better from now on. HTH

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EW GURU

Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 10:02

Just to update. DD's passport renewal has just been delivered by DHL. That makes it 8 weeks from when it was received in Liverpool with a 1 week delay for me to send them a letter back confirming my address. I have followed up with them on the phone every Friday and yesterday they told me it was printed on the 17th June so pretty accurate. Their website only changed this morning to "dispatched" from the usual "declaration form received, being processed" for the other 8 weeks of the application. Good Luck All

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EW GURU

Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 08:32

I'm so thrilled that I have finally had some news about my passport! Having said that they want me to sign a letter clarifying why I want my passport returned to an address that is different from my residence address. I don't recall them asking on the application why I was requesting a different return address but maybe I missed it. Anyways, did anybody put a different return address, and if so, we're you asked to sign a letter clarifying why? My reasons are that I want my passport returned to my work address as 1. That's where I am during the day, and 2. I'm used to my postal address being work as there is a PO box number and I don't have a personal one. JShepard I'm hoping you hear some news soon as well! Yes, they put my dd renewal on hold until I sent the letter through. I will send you a copy of the letter I had to send to them if you can pop your details on. It includes a declaration that has to be written exactly as they need it, word for word. The postal address to send to is also different to the norm and goes to priority handling

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EW GURU

Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 15:54

yes - but what is new? I didn't think you could get emergency travel docs from the embassy here before unless there was a death in the family or terminal illness, in which they would ask to see the death cert or letter from doctor. I am led to believe you will be able to get one now for normal travel (summer vacation)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 08:54

Hi, ladies, I am a newbie here and joined EW Forum because of this passport issues. I've sent off mine and DH on 21 April 2014, DHL confirmed the delivery was done on 24 April, but the Passport office confirmed it was only in their system on 27 April 2014. After several emails and phone calls, they kept telling me it was under examination. Eventually received DH's passport on 11 June 2014 and his old passport on 14 June. Made another phone call to their helpline to check my application progress on 12 June only to be told my photos were not acceptable and had to resend, the officer said they sent this request with a letter by post on 6 June 2014. I asked the officer to send me the letter by email or advise me on the phone how can I send the photos together with what information I need to be included so that it won't get lost in the system, as I've explained to him there's no postal service here in UAE and the letter will not reach me for sure. He said he will put my request in the system and someone will call me back within 48 hours. 48 hours lapsed yesterday 3.00pm, nothing happened called the helpline again 1 hour ago, and then was told it is 72 hours time frame for them to reply not 48 hours. I am at my wit now, emailed Mr. Paul Pugh, HM passport office's online tracking and [email protected]. edited by mumof3msee on 15/06/2014 edited by mumof3msee on 15/06/2014 edited by mumof3msee on 15/06/2014 Hi, stop e-mailing and keep ringing. I had the same issue with them telling me they had sent a letter out in the post. I told 1 chap 6 days ago I would never receive the letter as we don't have a postal service in the UAE unless you courier or send to a PO BOX address which I don't have. He said he would get the letter e-mailed, 2 days later still nothing so I called again. I got to speak to 2 very helpful ladies who understood my problem and the reason for the delay and they both read out over the phone what was in the letter (when I say both, reason was I got cut off after talking to the 1st one so called back) and then told me what to do to solve it. She read out word for word what I needed to put in the letter, including a declaration at the bottom, where to sign and date etc... She also told me where to post it (different address to where I sent app) and what to put on the envelope to speed it up. Don't be fobbed off on the phone by someone who isn't sure what the procedure is, request to speak to someone else. As long as you have all of the information to hand to prove you are who you say you are, Application number, Full name, address on application, date of birth etc... there is no reason why they can't share the information over the phone. Don't give up, you'll get there. Thx Mollydxb, i'll keep trying, do you happen to still remember the address they ask you to send? My residence visa expired on 18/05/2014 and with a grace period of 30 days, the extended date 18/06/2014 is just a few days away, I am at my wit end Not to mention my 3 children are on my sponsorship together with my homehelper!!!! Let me try and dig out the DHL slip

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EW GURU

Latest post on 16 June 2014 - 07:11

Hi, ladies, I am a newbie here and joined EW Forum because of this passport issues. I've sent off mine and DH on 21 April 2014, DHL confirmed the delivery was done on 24 April, but the Passport office confirmed it was only in their system on 27 April 2014. After several emails and phone calls, they kept telling me it was under examination. Eventually received DH's passport on 11 June 2014 and his old passport on 14 June. Made another phone call to their helpline to check my application progress on 12 June only to be told my photos were not acceptable and had to resend, the officer said they sent this request with a letter by post on 6 June 2014. I asked the officer to send me the letter by email or advise me on the phone how can I send the photos together with what information I need to be included so that it won't get lost in the system, as I've explained to him there's no postal service here in UAE and the letter will not reach me for sure. He said he will put my request in the system and someone will call me back within 48 hours. 48 hours lapsed yesterday 3.00pm, nothing happened called the helpline again 1 hour ago, and then was told it is 72 hours time frame for them to reply not 48 hours. I am at my wit now, emailed Mr. Paul Pugh, HM passport office's online tracking and [email protected]. edited by mumof3msee on 15/06/2014 edited by mumof3msee on 15/06/2014 edited by mumof3msee on 15/06/2014 Hi, stop e-mailing and keep ringing. I had the same issue with them telling me they had sent a letter out in the post. I told 1 chap 6 days ago I would never receive the letter as we don't have a postal service in the UAE unless you courier or send to a PO BOX address which I don't have. He said he would get the letter e-mailed, 2 days later still nothing so I called again. I got to speak to 2 very helpful ladies who understood my problem and the reason for the delay and they both read out over the phone what was in the letter (when I say both, reason was I got cut off after talking to the 1st one so called back) and then told me what to do to solve it. She read out word for word what I needed to put in the letter, including a declaration at the bottom, where to sign and date etc... She also told me where to post it (different address to where I sent app) and what to put on the envelope to speed it up. Don't be fobbed off on the phone by someone who isn't sure what the procedure is, request to speak to someone else. As long as you have all of the information to hand to prove you are who you say you are, Application number, Full name, address on application, date of birth etc... there is no reason why they can't share the information over the phone. Don't give up, you'll get there.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 17:50

no luck for us so far...documents rcvd on 1st May, emailed Paul Pugh twice- no respone, its DS first passport and we have flighs booked for 6th July :-( Have you tried calling? If not I suggest you do. As I wrote in a previous post. I called yesterday and the 2 ladies I spoke to were fantastic! Were able to give me more information on the progress than they could 4 days ago so it's definitely worth it.

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Latest post on 14 June 2014 - 08:23

Just to update. I called the passport office yesterday to chase up a letter they were supposed to be e-mailing to me (this letter was slowing the process as they couldn't continues until I replied to it) They couldn't tell me 4 days ago what was in the letter as they couldn't open it on their system. However!!! Yesterday they read out the letter, told me word for word what to write back in response, where to sign and how many times to sign it, where to post, what information to write on the envelope. The lady couldn't have been more helpful, I was thrilled to bits. Apparently once they receive this letter they can continue with the printing and get it sent out by courier. I should receive the passport no later than 2 weeks time providing I get this letter sent back to them recorded delivery today. It really does help if you have all of the information handy before you call. Application number, details of what was on your application form (address, phone numbers) Will post again once both passports are in my hand.

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Latest post on 12 June 2014 - 06:43

Coffee granules in the sugar bowl New toilet roll placed on top of the holder Waiters who clear your plate whilst DH is still eating his (yes, it's usually that way around with us)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 20:23

Parsley, What was the letter about? Apparently, it said I had printed the declaration form off too small and my signature couldn't be scanned. They need to send you a new declaration form in order for you to resign it then you send it back. I was lucky in that they emailed me the new form. I printed off the declaration form twice in two different sizes signed both and couriered it back to them at my cost. I have sent numerous complaints, emailed Paul Pugh and moaned at anyone willing to listen [blush'>. Thanks Parsley, I'm just going to call them every day until I get the e-mail. I only printed off from their website so one would assume that would be correct. I'll keep calling until they send it to me and if I don't receive anything before Friday I'll contact Paul Pugh. We don't actually need it until 2nd week in July but if this delays it by 1 week, then another week to send it back by courier, then another week for them to process then another for them to courier new passport back, then another week for the old one to come back............

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EW GURU

Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 16:57

My passport was printed yesterday so is on its way!!! Hoorah! and breathe ...well maybe when it actually arrives! Molly - They said they sent me a letter and an email (it didn't arrive). I spoke to a guy called Mark and begged him to send me it via email, he said he couldn't guarantee it but I received an email with a new form that afternoon. This is the email it came from maybe it's worth a try emailing them your details and asking what's in the letter? It's [email protected]. Also, the contact there was this lady Julie Rudge Customer Contact Officer Operations Swyddog Cyswllt Cwsmeriaid Gweithrediadau Her Majesty's Passport Office Nexus House l Mission Court l Newport l NP20 2DW Swyddfa Basbort Ei Mawrhydi Tŷ Nexus l Mission Court l Casnewydd l NP20 2DW T:+44 (0)845 601 5403 Text Relay Prefix 18001 Rhagddodiad Text Relay 18001 Good Luck. edited by Parsley on 11/06/2014 This is fantastic Parsley! Thank you so much for posting. Will e-mail now :) Parsley, What was the letter about?

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EW GURU

Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 13:25

My passport was printed yesterday so is on its way!!! Hoorah! and breathe ...well maybe when it actually arrives! Molly - They said they sent me a letter and an email (it didn't arrive). I spoke to a guy called Mark and begged him to send me it via email, he said he couldn't guarantee it but I received an email with a new form that afternoon. This is the email it came from maybe it's worth a try emailing them your details and asking what's in the letter? It's [email protected]. Also, the contact there was this lady Julie Rudge Customer Contact Officer Operations Swyddog Cyswllt Cwsmeriaid Gweithrediadau Her Majesty's Passport Office Nexus House l Mission Court l Newport l NP20 2DW Swyddfa Basbort Ei Mawrhydi Tŷ Nexus l Mission Court l Casnewydd l NP20 2DW T:+44 (0)845 601 5403 Text Relay Prefix 18001 Rhagddodiad Text Relay 18001 Good Luck. edited by Parsley on 11/06/2014 This is fantastic Parsley! Thank you so much for posting. Will e-mail now :)

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EW GURU

Latest post on 11 June 2014 - 12:09

I've just called to chase DD's renewal and they've told me its in inspection process and they have sent me a letter 3 days ago. I tried to explain that a letter won't reach here unless DHL sent it so they have requested it be sent by e-mail. He couldn't tell me what was in the letter but said once I'd replied to it the process would continue and the passport would be issued. Has anyone else experienced this? What is the letter? Etc... TIA

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EW GURU

Latest post on 08 June 2014 - 13:54

DD's is 8.30am (latest 8.40am) until 2.30pm. <em>edited by Mollydxb on 08/06/2014</em>

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EW GURU

Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 18:39

Defo crowne plaza side

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EW GURU

Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 15:12

Have the ladies visited their Twitter page ( If they have one) or written to the UK papers about this? It may force them to do something Will look now. I've complained through their website but I'm assuming this inbox is now full.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 14:55

Hello ladies, I've signed up to Expat Woman specifically to reply to this thread. I'm having a nightmare with my passport as my residency visa has run out. I sent it off 30th March and there is no sign of it. When I call or email they tell me that no one has even looked at it yet, I have no idea what to do! My mum called them y'day pretending to be me as it's much cheaper from UK and has escalated it but I don't know if that will do any good. Out of interest how have some of you managed to get a call back from the passport office? I've been trying like mad and still no luck. Visa ran out last week, only got until end of the month before the 30 day grace period runs out. Before anyone mentions it, this is the longest period I had in between travels and visa needing renewing. I renewed in 2012 and it was back in 2weeks from Germany. I only sent it off due to name change from my marriage last year. I had no idea it would take this long, assumed owuld be a quick 2 wks again like before. Sent about 20 complaint emails this morning and my mum has emailed her MP to see if he can help! Doubt it but we thought it was worth a try. but when did you send it of course the last few months before the summer hols will always be bad for timings etc. as i said i think the uk peeps need to get their mp's involved as this really isnt working now is it. Sent it on 30th March. Website then said 4 weeks, had no way of knowing it would take this long and the service would be as bad as it's been. The service when processed in Germany was so efficient, naturally assumed (stupidly!) it would be the same again. This was the longest time I had this year between all the travel I'm doing. If I had known I would never have bothered to change my name, was nothing wrong with my passport, has 9 years left on it, wish I'd just left it! I wish I'd never applied for dd renewal now. Docs received 14th April in UK and still nothing. For anyone applying now I'd say yes, you are a little silly applying now to travel next month but to apply march/April for the summer hols the delay is inexcusable and a total farce. How can they get the online registration process SO right yet the final part of the application SO wrong. I suspect they will have no choice soon but to give us an alternative method of applying as apparently the chances of them clearing the backlog this year alone are very very low. So disappointing and very embarrassing for the UK government.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 03 June 2014 - 14:47

My friend is a teacher and she posted a Facebook link about teachers gifts, saying not to gt them trinkets such as frames, mugs, etc. as imagine if every child in the class did that, where would they keep them? The best ideas, according to this teacher blog, are a gift voucher, or a letter saying how much you've appreciated them over the year. A lot of my teacher friends say this too. All gifts are of course very much appreciated but if you want to get something they will use get them gift vouchers. The personal letters are fantastic too and are always kept as a nice reminder of that child.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 01 June 2014 - 17:57

Met 2001, married 2008 (when we moved here), if we were still in the uk we would never have married. It might sound unromantic but it's just something neither of us felt was needed in our relationship

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EW GURU

Latest post on 31 May 2014 - 18:59

DS's new passport arrived out of the blue this morning. Last time I checked the status on the website, a few days ago, it was the standard "being processed". It was sent at the beginning of April, so the renewal took 2 months exactly. We'd allowed 3 months just in case. Thanks for the update. This gives me hope on DD's.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 28 May 2014 - 16:58

Hi, does anyone have an email address for Dr Braithwaite at the American Hospital? [email protected]

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EW GURU

Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 18:34

I think its the rossterie chickens.... They make me wanna puke. The satwa C4 in al ghazal is just vile. I can't even go in there anymore because of the smell. The produce, especially fruit & veg is pretty grim too. They really need to close it down, clean it and start again.

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EW GURU

Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 13:31

My DD's arrived in Liverpool on the 14th April and it's still at the "Declaration form received - Being processed" stage. I'll update on here with progress. Fingers crossed we're all worrying about nothing and should be ok for our summer hols

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EW GURU

Latest post on 26 May 2014 - 13:17

UK Gov website currently stating 'at least 8 weeks' and I'm hearing horror stories that the passports are taking even longer than that. My baby will be born on Jun 1st and when I booked our travel arrangements at the beginning of the year I figured leaving 9 & a bit weeks from birth to flight dates would be ample as at the time the UK Gov website was quoting just 6 weeks. The level of delays is causing me no end of stress and my baby is not even born yet :-( I just do not know what the answer is. From, FedupwiththeUKincompetence.com Hi Loopy, I feel your frustrations. I'm due 21st June and want to get back ASAP but will just have to wait. I don't want to build your hopes up or anything but I called the passport office last week and the gentleman I spoke to advised that an overseas newborn passport would take 4-6 weeks. However, I think you should be prepared for it to take more like 8 weeks. As I mentioned in another thread on this, the frustration is that when we sent to Dussledorf it took between 14-30 days, sometimes less. Also, the online application is now really quick and easy which is great for us all so they have made fantastic progress on that part but the actual completion of issuing passports is taking the longest I think it has done in years. Keep us updated and good luck

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EW GURU

Latest post on 21 May 2014 - 16:38

Does anyone have knowledge or experience of setting up a small freelance business, like photography or a fitness bootcamp where locations would always change. Can't seem to find much info on how to do this. I know some people don't even register their businesses as earnings are pretty small, I assume this is illegal and I don't want to do this. I've just posted on another thread regarding this. I'd certainly get in touch with Veronica mentioned in previous post. She's just one my friends small business and I know it wasn't much more than doing it himself. It won't cost you anything to research anyway

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