muurtje | ExpatWoman.com
 

muurtje

muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 April 2011 - 10:11
One tip I would like to give, is when you go out looking for a mobile phone provider go with Etisalat and not with Du. I've had many problems with my reception with them and will be switching over to Etisalat.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 17:03
Sometimes they are! I think it would definitely make more sense to learn Tagalog then Arabic. Doesn't seem like a very simple language though... O and Hindi/Urdu to make sure the workmen and taxi drivers behave!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 12:04
An Education Miss Potter Chcolat Anything in the style of Brigid Jones diary. Enjoy your movie and I hope you'll feel better soon!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 07 April 2011 - 11:25
recently heard while in a H and M: Can .... please come in the back entrance Me: giggling in the changing room. A dirty mind is a joy forever ;)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 12:51
It really depends on the visitors. For me I don't like it when the people that come over expect to be entertained all the time, so they basically wait around the house until we suggest where to go or what to do. Also some of our guests have treated our house like it is a free hotel... It's not! Please help around the house and take over part of things like paying for the shopping or doing the cooking. Otherwise it is great having friends and family over and being able to show them our life here. I think it is important to be clear about your expectations before hand. Tell people you can't be their personal guide if this is the case, and tell them beforehand how you would like to share the costs etc. For me 14 days is the absolute maximum I could have guests stay, but that's just me.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 23:36
There is one thing to say for wearing a bikini even when overweight. No matter how you look at it; tanned flab looks better then white flab ;) I only wear my bikini in the garden and wear a bathing suit anywhere else. It can be difficult finding good swim wear if you are a bigger size. I find that either I fit in it, or my b00bs do. Both seems to be impossible to find! Am contemplating buying a tankini top (without any b00b support) to wear over my bikini.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 12:28
I live in AR and wouldn't mind joining a book club. Not looking for something that is overly literary if you know what I mean. I don enjoy reading a good romp once in a while!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 11:15
I have the cube by magimix, great machine, great coffee! I also have the foaming machine which I adore! It's just great and now I can make coffee's just the way I like them. Did find the coffee cups quite expensive here in the UAE and get people to bring them with from home.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:57
I have quite a few spare boxes (good quality ones) that are taking up space in my garage. I even have one of those fancy wardrobe boxes. You are welcome to pick up a few, give me your contact details and I'll send you an e-mail.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 15:29
Surely you would be able to get a babysitting service to come in and take care of your baby? Or mabye there are some friends that could after the LO?
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 15:26
Talking about being non Pc. In the Netherlands they call 'Crazy Golf' 'Midget Golf'...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 13:52
I agree Mushroom, but often telling them is not enough. I have also found that sometimes they work so slow (on purpose?!?!) that they don't have enough time to do the extra things I would like them to do. I don't think I am very demanding and I am always nice to them, but how many time do I need to keep telling them to not use pledge while cleaning the cooker, to use hot water, to not pull the plug on the alarm clock and internet but use the other free plugs, to use a stepladder if they can't reach etc etc etc. Maybe someone on EW should start an agency and train them. I'd be happy to let them use my house for training purposes ; )
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 13:43
I have the same problem... it's taken me weeks to get her to use HOT water. Do these agencies not train their maids? Or maybe it's a problem with different people wanting different things? I'm not really happy with the ladies (there's 2) that come to my house at the moment, but don't think that ladies from the other agencies will be much better. It is such a shame that maids aren't allowed to work part time as my friends has got a brilliant maid and I would love to use her a couple hours a week.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 13:34
I'm sorry to hear that... would also be frustrated if DH didn't want to contact me and seemed to be having lots of fun. I'm not really sure what to suggest. Generally internet can be expensive in Hotels, but many companies don't mind that being charged to the account. All hotel rooms have a phone, and I know it's more expensive, but I'd hope that he thinks your worth spending the extra money on! Also I agree with DubaiCat there should be some way of contacting him in case of an emergency. I know what you mean about missing him, yet still doing your own thing.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 12:44
It depends on where he is. Sometimes time-difference can make it difficult call each other. Usually we speak for a couple of minutes each evening, usually when he's taking a smoke break. I try to avoid calling him during working hours as he'll be too focused on what he is doing and it will impossible to have a normal conversation with him. It's better now, but when we were first together and I would call him at work, he'd be extremely business like and quite formal. I'd say at the end of the call: I love you and he'd reply Yes, ok, bye. He used to feel embarrassed saying I love you too in front of collegues. Now he doesn't mind any more. OP I get the feeling that you miss him a lot when he goes away and would like him to contact you more often then he does. There are no guidelines on how often he should or shouldn't. Reading this post some people actually seem to like not being contacted ; ) I think it is a good idea to do what Nimonemo does, and ask to be called/e-mailed/sms'ed a certain amount of times. However if your DH wouldn't respond kindly to this, there is nothing stopping you from calling him is there?
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 12:15
When I'd just gotten here I was speaking to my gardener and he asked if he could bring fertiliser for the garden. I said yes, but please don't use chemical fertiliser. I prefer cow manure, you know cow poo. He looked quite shocked but said he would bring it. The next time I see him he has a bag with him that says cow manure on the outside, but the pellets were blue, so I walk over to him and ask what's that? He says Cow poo Mam. I say but it's blue! Yes he says here cow poo is blue... Am still wondering what those poor cows were being fed.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 15:23
Am definitely going to wait until I can keep my number, but then switching over as DH has Etisalat and he seems to have no problems. It's funny how some things are so advanced here and with other things they seem to be years behind. Don't even get me started on paying bills here... the fact that you still need to stand in line baffles me and can be so frustrating.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 19:20
WaxMuch, which tailor did you use? I've heard some good things about Dream Girls, but am unsure which tailor to use. I'm guessing that if you're not getting a copy made it can be a bit of a hit and miss thing. I'd love to get some trousers made and will remember the tip of having them lined. Does that not get a bit hot and sweaty? Sorry to be a bit graphic ;)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 19:16
I'm not sure it depends on where you live. I think that overall in Dubai Etisalat has better reception, but maybe I'm mistaken. Is there anyone who has good experiences with Du mobile reception? I don't really want to change my number again...
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 15:40
Shouldn't have been drinking in the first place! I don't know why people who get violent from drinking still do it, especially in a 'dry' country... Execution is harsh and not saying that he deserves that at all, but don't take huge risks in a country with rules so much harsher then in the UK.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 15:34
I think the selection here for 'big girls'is dire, but I found the same when I lived in the UK. I miss the plus sized boutiques from back home a lot. Want to have some things made, but am unsure what tailor to use and also which shop to buy the fabrics from.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 13:49
Does anyone know if you can buy fleece fabric here? I friend of mine makes blankets out of them for children, but she hasn't been able to find any fleece.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 11:47
Thanks Sticky Wicket. I will keep an eye out for her books.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 15:50
When is it a good time to prune trees and shrubs? Most of the trees and shrubs in my garden are quite overgrown as they haven't been properly looked after by previous tenant. I am now trying to teach my gardener how to prune, but am unsure of when to do it as the seasons here are different to Europe. I don't want to cause any damage but cutting off too much at the wrong time. I am also unsure whether to get rid of the conocarpus trees or to just have them trimmed. They are getting very tall and something needs to be done but they create quite a bit of shade and privacy from my neighbours.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 15:35
I've bought the big casino tubs of creme fraiche at Lemarche and C4 (or was it geant?) and they've been perfectly fine.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 15:30
I made these recently and they were sooo good! Especially the pastry. Maybe not quite right for your party, but who knows for another time! http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/goats_cheese_and_onion_51943 I didn't use lard, but just butter and it was divine.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 15:25
I have a feeling that some agency's definitely push up the prices. It is still however possible to find a villa for a good price, but you will have to negotiate. I also think the competition between agents is fierce! Don't let them bully you and don't fall for the 'you need to decide today or you will lose the house'. The Villa, Victory Heights and Falcon City seem good value, but personally I prefer more established (GREEN!!) area's. I agree with bornconfused. There seems to be quite a lot of movement in the ranches, but somehow these properties aren't coming up for rent. Most seem to be fore sale at the moment. At least that's what I see when cycling through the ranches.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 18:03
@ Fairytale I know what you mean!! Don't even get me started on the things I have been asked about the Netherlands/ Amsterdam. 'No we don't all smoke w33d, work at the red light district, wear cloggs or get wet feet because we live below sea level' ;)
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 17:56
You need to be carefull with both imported stuff and local stuff. The other day I noticed that the organic (imported) eggs were on sale and wanted to buy them. Good thing I checked the dates; they were nearly 3 months old!!! I'm not really sure how long eggs can be kept, but prefer them as fresh as possible! One more question. Does anyone know where I might be able to get a shoulder of pork? I love doing one of those for a special roast dinner, but I haven't been able to find this particular cut of meat.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 16:39
It's a Baker and Spice in Souk Bahar (behind Dubai Mall). Haven't been there yet, so hoping that I won't be disappointed!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 16:27
I do think that food does seem to go off quicker here. Not very strange considering a lot of it is imported, but sometimes when I look at the vegetables at C4 I just want to cry as they seem to be rotting away and the experience is not helped by the overpowering smell of fish... having worked at a fishmongers as a teenager I don't mind a bit of a fishy smell, but this is just horrible and makes me very weary of buying fish there. Fresh fish shouldn't actually smell at all. Have resorted to going to other supermarkets for fresh things even though they are often much more expensive. Hoping to try out the farmers market soon and have a look at their veggies! Also am trying to grow some of my own.. will see if they'll survive. One thing that annoys me even more then the lack of freshness is that so very often things are 'out of stock' and remain like that for weeks if not months!!
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:09
I don't understand why it is illegal for a maid to work for someone else too. A few of my friends have full-time live in maids who would easily have time to work for me too and earn some extra money. It would benefit them financially and me personally as I find dealing with the cleaning agencies tedious and am also worried about how much of the money that I pay the agency actually goes to the maid. However after all the horror stories I am hearing I don't want to put a sponsor family or my own at risk like that.
muurtje
833
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 12:37
I am trying to find Amaretti biscuits as I have two recipes in which these are used that I would like to try out but so far I haven't been able to find any.
 
 
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