nels | ExpatWoman.com
 

nels

nels
134
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 14:16
Izzy... that's exactly what the book also teaches. If the OP's friend can't earn any more, then she should look at spending less. (but ideally both). One method the book taught me was to work out my hourly pay. Then compare purchases to how many hours you have to work to pay for it. A friend of mine did this, and realised she had to work for two weeks solid to pay for a handbag she wanted. She managed to resist temptation knowing that. <em>edited by nels on 28/05/2011</em>
nels
134
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 14:02
I have an NOC from my sponsor supporting my teaching. I also know of other people that do aswell. I wouldn't say its a huge drain on my time. I enjoy it, and it gives me another skill / career path should I ever need it. <em>edited by nels on 28/05/2011</em>
nels
134
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 13:54
I'd highly recommend buying this book for your friend as a present: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sheconomics-Professor-Karen-J-Pine/dp/0755318277/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306576218&sr=8-1 It is available in Dubai. I have read the book, before doing so I often wasn't saving and was living month by month, (but had no debt), but since reading the book, I've set up a saving plan, run a budget, still live well, but feel in control of my finances. I do also though... have a 2nd income. I teach part time at a college, training 18-25 year olds on how to become event managers. It is possible to do. And my existing company are supportive of it as they see me giving back to help the future generation of my profession. Leaving Dubai may solve her problems here, but unless she learns how to move on and manage her money, she is likely not to learn in the long term. Also... like others have said, the debt could follow her, especially if she is with one of the 'Western' banks, HSBC etc. edited by nels on 28/05/2011 <em>edited by nels on 28/05/2011</em>
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 13:14
What type of company are you joining / what line of work are you in? You may find that you have many expats in your existing company that would have all been through the same thing when they moved here.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 13:00
I was single when I moved here. (although not with children). Dubai is an easy place to meet people, and to make friends. I even met my husband here. Dubai sometimes has a big drinking culture, but I found the best way to meet people was to throw myself into activities: i learnt to play tennis, learnt to scuba dive, and joined a sports team. Some of the people i met on my first tennis lesson are still my close friends today 6 years later.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 10:44
Hello. I don't know of one in Mirdiff. But the Arabic Language Centre at the Trade Centre is very good. And would not take you long to get there. I take classes there, and I find the style of teaching fantastic. The teaches are also very qualified and have been teaching for anywhere between 8-18 years each!
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 07:15
There are a number of specialist Event Supply Companies that rent furniture. The best are: - Desert River - Catertainment - Harlequin Just google them and you'll find them online. I believe it's between 170-350aed per cocktail table depending on the design you choose (they have more than one type). For a low order, they may charge for delivery & installation. For the big corporate orders I do they don't, but i'm spending quiet a bit.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 18:09
Mine's in for renewal at the moment. The form is strange, as it's also for people applying for their 'first' British passport. If you read the accomanying notes online, you don't need to do any of that if you are an existing British passport holder. You only need to send the old passport, form, credit card form, and the two photos (one counter signed). Read the credit card form carefully though, as if the credit card is for a different person, you need to send a copy of their signed passport. The consulate took the money out of my UK account within 3 days of receiving the form, but 4 weeks later I still don't have it. I emailed them this week and got the following message. "Your passport should be issued and sent in the next few days providing their are no unexpected interuptions" The FCOs definition of 'unexpected interuptions' is unclear but I'm hoping it arrives next week. It certainily seems the days of 8-10 day turnarounds are gone :(
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 22:05
Yes I think they haven't keep there membership up to date. My old doctor also used to pay alot to keep her's and she's now moved back to UK
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 21:05
Sorry I don't have much access to EW during the day. My original doctor called today and they definatley can't help. They will no longer write any UK prescriptions. Medi Centre also were difficult. The Doctor won't write a UK prescription for my drugs as she would prefer to prescribe a UAE alternative which could lead to side affects. I've been on the UK drug for 5 years and have no side affects. My sister (a UK nurse), is going to speak to my NHS doc in the UK to see if she will issue a 3rd repeat without seeing me. (UK doc only usually does 2 prescriptions/6 months supply before she requires a face-to-face catch up and BP check). It only works out to be one month supply I need before I'm back in the UK for the summer and will be able to see UK doc.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 12:08
Bump! For the daytime crowd. I've just been told by a second doctor that the UK have put a ban on overseas UK doctors writing prescriptions. This may cause me big problems in the future in getting drugs. Is anyone else experiecing similar?
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 19:02
I've just called them, the receptionist is getting the doctor to call me in the morning. I'm so annoyed with my surgery, its taken them two days to tell me they can't write it. I don't know if they are telling the truth, or just trying to hide that they haven't got a British doctor, as they are very popular among British residents.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 18:54
The PA is Western (from Ireland) & usually the surgery is great. They have a UK doctor, but believe no UK preson outside of the UAE can write prescriptions. I'll call Medi Centre to see if they say the same thing. Thanks
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 May 2011 - 18:47
I'm sorry if this has been discussed recently, but I was struggling with the search function. I take a drug that is not licensed here, it's not illegal, you just can't get it here. For 5 years my UAE surgery has wrote prescriptions for me, and i've drawn them in the UK and paid private prescription prices for them. My usual doctor has left the surgery, and so i've asked to see another doctor that is UK registered as my husband is flying this week and can bring the drugs back. The surgery have told me that they have one UK doctor, but the laws have changed recently and no UK doctor in the UAE is able to write UK prescriptions anymore. The doctor hasn't told me this, only her PA. I'm struggling to understand that this is true, has anyone else experienced this. I've taken the drug a long time for a pre-existing condition, and am likely to need to take it for the foreseeable future. If I can't get the drug it may cause some problems.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 21:29
Following my last message... i've just found something else that may help you. Darrin is a member of a number of Global Professional Photography associations. I would contact each of this associations and provide them with copies of your order, and his email confirming he's gone bankrupt and can't deliver your photos, and ask them for their assistence. For one, they will cancel his membership stopped him from doing this again. But also, they may help! Here's his bio listing the associations. Make sure you mention he's listing his membership on his website (give the address), as if he's fee's aren't up to date with them and he's saying he's a member they'll take action against him via their Australian branch offices. "Darrin is a member of the Wedding Photo Journalists Association (WPJA), Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) and the Master Photographers Association (MPA) All associations have strict code of conducts and he'll be in breach of many of them. Good Luck xx
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2011 - 21:22
This is such a sad story. I love my wedding photos and can't imagine what you might be going through. I may have one explaination for the South Africa company though, which may be worth you investigating further. Hiring staff in Dubai is expensive (we all know), so some companys in the media & arts field have been following an Outsourced Model. For example a website company has a 'sales office' here, but the back end programming is done in the Phillapines. Photography isn't just about the 8 hours he was with you on your wedding day. Hours and hours of editing goes into the 3000+ photos he may of shot on the day. It would have been days and days of work for him. With Darrin doing both studio & wedding photography I think he was probably outsourcing this part of his business. The South African company may have been doing all the tweating, cropping, editing and watermarking and uploading them onto his portal for him for sometime. It could be that he hasn't paid this companies invoices, and he's sent your photos to them. However, I fail to believe he wouldn't have kept a backup. You could probably contact the South Africa company (if he releases the details), and understand if this is the case, and negotiate direct with them on the next steps. Or put pressure on Darrin to release the backup. It would be thousands of RAW photos though. RAW / NEF files are the ones you want, these are the large files so you can blow them up onto canvases, big prints etc. They would need work on them though, but you could find a freelancer locally to do that for you, or may have a friend who is an amateur that can help you. Good luck, I hope it all works out well for you.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2011 - 21:08
It's the Air Ambulence. There has been an accident on the main road. Looked to be quiet a few cars involved. The new road is so fast & dangerous at times.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 April 2011 - 16:25
Check out http://www.explore.co.uk/ There is another site that is also very good but I can't remember the name this afternoon. Also check out Mountain High, they are a local group that run adventure type holidays for girls and are based out of the UAE. I don't have their website to hand either, but i'm sure you can google them or find them on facebook.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:51
I've had part time staff before, and usually their annual leave is pro-rota'ed based on the number of days they work a week. But it would still equal 5 weeks holiday. For example if you was working 3 days a week, you would be given 15 days leave. I'm not sure if its changed, but part time working was never recongnised under the labour law, so it's a bit of a grey area.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:38
Anne - 050 5982070 Although I believe she only does alterations on the wedding dresses she sells in her shop. But still give her a ring to find out. There is also another lady... can never remember her name... it's something like 'gnaw' 050 4409739. She did my alterations and was very good. Anne was cautious about doing mine as the dress wasn't from her shop. Although Anne made my bridesmaid dresses and they were lovely.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 07:06
You should speak to the Arabic Language Centre, at Dubai World Trade Centre. They cater for all levels either in small groups or individual classes. I'm on one of their programmes. Their teaching style is brilliant, and i'm learning lots.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 10:43
I placed mine is small pots, its growing well, but I really don't think its lavender i'm growing. Leaf is wrong shape, and I have one large central stem which isn't like lavender at all. Think they had their seeds labelled wrong. I just hope its nothing illegal i'm growing ;)
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2011 - 15:08
I brought lavender seeds from the Garden Centre to grow a plant two weeks ago. I got really excited when the shots started growing, and two weeks later its still alive. The downside is... it realy isn't looking like a lavender plant.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 00:41
I think she needs to go back to rehab baby!!! I work in events... the first song being bad could be blammed on a bad sound check and a sh*t front of house engineer. But the whole gig no!!! She needs to go back to rehab... Checking out nails... nearly failing over... fighting with backing dancers... and forgetting words... I want a refund baby!!!
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 19:06
I did the commute for 6 months, but choose to resign at the end of my probation as the commute wasn't for me. I was working at the Exhibition Centre near the Carrefour, and it used to take me 1hr 30. I know people do manage to do the journey quicker, but I'm not brave enough to drive in the fast lane, and the speed of the cars going passed used to terrify me. In the short time I worked there I saw some horrific accidents. Salem St is alot further in the city that I was working. The parking is a nightmare. Which block is your office in? You should see if the company can offer basement allocated parking as part of the contract. Other things you should consider: - I was spending 2000 aed a month on fuel. I was having to fill up everyday, as in my car a daily trip was just over half a tank. Bare that in mind when you negotiate your contract. - Three hours driving a day is not healthy. The journey home was a killer for me. A dead straight road, in the dark. (and if it was light, guy's perving in my car trying to take photos)!!!! - I was constantly tired and had no time for my husband. From Sunday - Thursday I worked, drove, slept, drove, work. On Thursday night I was so shattered I couldn't bare to socialize. I would sleep in for a bit on Friday to try and get some energy. Then by Saturday I was a witch again as I was depressed it was all starting again the next day - And I don't have Children. I thought I'd give you my honest experience. I do hope I haven't terrified you, but thought you might like some feedback from a lady whose been then. On a positive note - some of my colleagues did the commute, and they seemed to cope. I do think its a personal thing. And definatley not for me.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 19:03
I brought my dress from the Bridal Shop, and Gaew did a couple of alterations for me (it was too big in the boob area!). She was very professional, and lovely. Anne Rashid made my bridesmaid dresses. And again is great. She is Welsh, but lived in Dubai for many many years and runs a brilliant team of tailors. She makes dresses from scratch, she doesn't tend to do alterations on dresses which she doesn't sell or make. (she has a bridal shop as well as the tailor). I would suggest, meeting them both and discussing your ideas, and then deciding which one you feel comfortable working with. I'd also recommend going along to the Bridal Shop on beach road. It's in the small shopping mall next to Magrudys. (sorry I always forget the name of the mall). It's upstairs. The stock a fantastic range of dresses, and you can try as many as your like on. You'll need to go in first and short list the dresses by looking on the hangers and/or catelogues. Then make an appointment to go back for trying on. I'd really recommend it, as you'll get more of an idea on what suits your shape, figure etc. Good luck & have fun xx
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 11:06
Your husband can go to the Tecom offices in Block 14. The have a labour advise service there, and will talk him through the details. I had a probelm on a tecom contract with my employer withholding grat's and they provided mediation and supported me with my claim. I was on an openended contract through, not sure their policy on limited contracts so best to speak to them. He will probably need to go their in person with his contract. Tecom often aren't very good at discussing things over the phone.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2011 - 17:24
The fact that you have to be invited is what makes it exclusive. The site has been around for years, long before Facebook. If whoever told you about the site is a member, then ask them if they are able to invite you. edited by nels on 06/01/2011 <em>edited by nels on 06/01/2011</em>
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2011 - 09:47
There is an aquairum shop in Dragon Mart that sells all the accessories. The staff also seem quiet knowledgable and speak good English.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 January 2011 - 09:10
It came over the Springs too... was very low and very loud! But didn't see what plane it was.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 19:17
No not at all.. the title might give that impression, but trust me, I own no designer clothes, and don't live lavishily, but this book taught me a simple approach to my finances. It's about breaking down your monthly expenses, and looking at it from a different angle. If as you say you really are living on the breadline, then like other say, you should head back home where you have more security as here debt can lead to jail. But if you want to try a different approach, then this book has a good approach. It also includes simple things like the other poster said, saying your coins, looking for secondary income (which i have found in Dubai.. I now teach one or twice a month of an evening at a local college), and lots of other tips. I thought i'd throw it out there to you as another option to look at. Even if you move back home, initally it would be tough, as i'm assuming you'd have to look for work, set up a home, etc etc all that costs and the budget tips in the book can help. thanks for the link. i read a bit available on amazon and it looks interesting. can you buy it here? I brought it here, i'm sure if you took the title into the big book shop in Dubai Mall they would have it or order it in for you.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 16:35
No not at all.. the title might give that impression, but trust me, I own no designer clothes, and don't live lavishily, but this book taught me a simple approach to my finances. It's about breaking down your monthly expenses, and looking at it from a different angle. If as you say you really are living on the breadline, then like other say, you should head back home where you have more security as here debt can lead to jail. But if you want to try a different approach, then this book has a good approach. It also includes simple things like the other poster said, saying your coins, looking for secondary income (which i have found in Dubai.. I now teach one or twice a month of an evening at a local college), and lots of other tips. I thought i'd throw it out there to you as another option to look at. Even if you move back home, initally it would be tough, as i'm assuming you'd have to look for work, set up a home, etc etc all that costs and the budget tips in the book can help.
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 16:10
Just to put another spin on it, why not take a fresh approach to your money. Whether you are here, home, or anywhere else, the money situation may be the same, or you could sit back and relook at your outgoings and the way you manage things. I could recommend a great book, it completly changed my approach to managing my finances, and i'm now saving lots... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sheconomics-Professor-Karen-J-Pine/dp/0755318277/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294229281&sr=8-1
nels
134
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 11:20
I use adult EpiPens. I haven't got one here for a while, but American Hospital does stock them, but they make you pay to see one of their doctors as they only accept American Hospital prescriptions. It's a complete joke, even the Doctor was laughing, as there was no way he could 'test' my allergy. I just had to hand over 400aed for the appointment and then 350aed for the pen, and he wrote the prescription. When I got the pen, it was only valid for 3 months, where as the UK is usually 12 months. I was livid. My health insurance also doesn't like American Hospital, so only got 60% back. The Life Pharamcy were looking at stocking them a while back, it might be worth giving them a call. Also check with GMC (General Medical Centre) near Magrudys on Beach Road, they were also looking at getting some in. They dispose of my out of date ones for me. If you do find them, please can you post an update... as it would be great to know. I have two in the country at the moment, but they expire in March. <em>edited by nels on 04/01/2011</em>
 
 
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