Oopsiedaisy | ExpatWoman.com
 

Oopsiedaisy

Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 08:30
I only paid the agency their commission the first time, and signed the renewals directly with the landlord. But I have read on here that some agency's keep asking for their commission year after year. Unless it says somewhere that you have to, I would tell the agency to get lost. After all, their involvement is only in the first transaction.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 26 October 2013 - 12:41
There's Bice Mare, excellent Italian Seafood, Mango Tree (Thai), Rivington Grill, Baker & Spice. Check Souk al Bahar, that's where they're all are. But make sure to make a reservation ASAP, if you're not too late already.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 21:00
If you don't fancy the regular TexMex, Royal Meridien has an excellent Mexican Restaurant.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 19:59
There are several great fireworks on NYE. The Burj Khalifa (any restaurant facing the fountains will provide excellent views), but it can be seen from lots of places in Dubai. Atlantis and Jumeirah Beach Hotel also have great fireworks (both can be viewed from the Um Suqeim beaches as well). Traffic will be very busy, so you might want to choose depending on where you're located.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 19:52
I'm a big fan of Thipthara (Palace Hotel Downtown) and Terrace (Park Hyatt). Both have vouchers in Fine Dining.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 25 October 2013 - 08:11
Hi Susan's Sister, I have PKD. I used to go to dr. Mustafa Ahmad is City Hospital. Good and knowledgeable. But then he changed hospitals, he went to both Dr. Suleiman al Habib and Medcare Hospitals and frankly, it's been a pain getting tests done since. So I'm searching for another one, although the dr. himself is really good. But in case something goes wrong (which it will), you need a good hospital to support the doc, that's what worries me.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 24 October 2013 - 15:47
Spinneys Mercato, that's where I bought mine.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 17:25
I think you were right to confront them and tell them it's inappropriate. The threat about the police is a bit over the top if you ask me.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 17:16
So I've been told it does need inspection but I don't know where to get it inspected and where to do the renewal process. The investigation goes on... Buster, I was given contact details of someone who can do it all for me but at a huge extra cost. I might try your guy and see what he'd charge, so thanks for that. You can always throw a M&S Christmaspudding into the deal ?. Sorry, can't help you with either.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 17:00
Thanks Busybee (I notice we are communicating both here and in Dubai), we're hoping to get her a month extension in school as the mums residency (AD with Sharjah tenancy contract) has just been approved. It seems only logical to assume the girls' visa takes time, so hopefully they won't kick her out of school just yet. At least it's good to know that she might be able to get her tuition back (partly).
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 16:54
@ Birchie, Thanks this is what I was looking/hoping for, as hers is a humanitarian case. I will go with her and her girl, and shall ask to speak to this Major. @ Busybee, if the salary would not be sufficient, I would have understood, but she was specifically told that not her salary, but her profession was the problem. Anyway, thanks all for your suggestions, I will go with them. Since I'm less emotionally involved I might be able to keep the discussion on track.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 07:44
Thanks Busybee2. The problem is that it's all so confusing. The AD government website does mention these professions, but somewhere it mentions that for single mothers it doesn't matter what profession they have, as long as minimum salary is 4000 AED. Then on other websites the required minimum is 10.000AED. She was told the salary was not a problem, but her profession was, and that these rules had recently been changed. Which is why I'm trying to find if someone knows a good PRO to give some advice.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 07:35
That's why it's all so confusing. She was literally told that if she was a nurse, teacher, doctor or engineer it would be oke. If I do a search on the Abu Dhabi government website I find 4000 AED to be the minimum salary for sponsoring a child. However a UK website mentions 10.000 AED. It seems a bit of a hit and miss which officer you encounter, which is why I'm asking for advice or a good PRO. I intend to go with her next week to help her sort it out, but as you can imagine, she's desperate and needs any help she can get.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 22:00
I have an urgent question for a friend in trouble: She is a divorced women with full custody of her child. They recently arrived, her residency permit (Abu Dhabi) has been approved. They live in Sharjah, the child goes to school there. My friend has a job working as a translator, earning 5k/month Now the Abu Dhabi officials tell her she cannot sponsor her child, as she is not a doctor, engineer, nurse or teacher. I've been doing an online search, but I don't seem to be able to find any conclusive information on the subject. She's getting disparate, as the school is now threatening to release the kid, even though the school fees have been paid for the whole year. Does anyone have an advice as to where to start, or does anyone know a good PRO in Abu Dhabi?
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 16:26
Hi, copied, you can remove. Will send info later today or tomorrow morning.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 13:42
They won't. We will be out of control and organising fun things like an over 40, no kids thing. Now, we surely don't want that to happen now, do we? ?
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 13:07
Thanks Asti, agree, other airlines take soo much longer. Wouldn't choose it for myself, so not for our maid either. So I guess it'll be Cebu or Emirates (the latter one currently being cheaper then PAL)!
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 11:37
Hi veganprincess, I'm looking for a tenant for our house in The Hague. If you leave your contact details I'll send you the info.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 09:45
Booking a flight to the provinces. I've done a search on here and found that many book the domestic flight with Cebu. Has anyone ever booked DXB-MNL on Cebu? I realise you have to buy separately for meals and baggage, but it still comes out. Any other suggestions to find cheap flights?
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 07:05
Didn't seem to be a limit this Saturday. Children as young as 3/4 years old seemed to be able to get a card. Mind you I think they should be old enough to follow the E-Gate instructions while inside "the boot" as it only allows one at a time.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 07:03
Bubbly, yes I have and sorry, by no means was I trying to offend you. Just feel sorry, because I really think you've been had. I've travelled extensively in the area and are familiar with the scenes the drivers are up to. Mind you, most are lovely, kind and helpful, but still the view us as loaded expats with too much money on our hands.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 20 October 2013 - 23:06
I would withdraw my recommendation if I were you. The employees of the company your promoting have actually ripped you off. Maybe even taken a bit of the excessive tips in return! <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 20/10/2013</em>
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 20 October 2013 - 23:01
Or do as lots of expat families seem to do: choose one of the busiest days of the year (Saturday after Eid), while the E-gates are not functioning properly, and just block the whole E-gate "emergency" line for hours to have your whole families pictures taken and cards prepared. Sorry, not helpful, but incredibly annoying how families think it's oke to enter the E-Gate with 3 or 4 kids whilst only DH is in possession of the E-Gate card. Just go to DNATA at SZR, you'll have it in 5 minutes.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 12 October 2013 - 10:34
If you do a search on this forum you will find the answer to all of your questions. But to get you started: First of all, decide wether you need a nanny or a maid. They are not the same. A nanny will not do cleaning jobs around the house. 1/2 For a nanny you're best of finding one via an agency. A maid you can find either via an agency, or check out the classifieds of EW. It is difficult to find a good nanny or maid, you may be lucky, but think in terms of 3-4 weeks. 3. No, in order for someone to work in your house they have to be under your sponsorships. As far as I know there are no cooks. There are however catering companies that can arrange pre-cooked meals to be delivered to your house. And there is dinnertime.me who will deliver your weekly groceries for 4 easy to make meals including recipes. A maid can easily cook them for you. 4. Sorry, no idea 5. Extremely though. No part-time jobs, long hours and zero flexibility. Good luck in Dubai.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 12:38
Wow, what a wonderful hubby you have. Who cares about the details ?
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 11:31
Give her the password and revoke it if she becomes addicted and neglecting her work... show some good faith. Second that
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 10:28
Well, there's the root of the problem FD. You have a subordinate who can get away with anything because your boss likes him!! First get your boss on your side, only then you can get rid of the driver
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 10:10
First of all, I thought you asked if you were pretty. ? Secondly, fire him and hire a new company driver. Seems you've done enough to explain the requirements of the job. He will have to learn the hard way.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 10:03
Seeing as that you're on EW now, it seems yours has already started. It's called multi tasking ;) Ah, is that what it's called. In that case I'm multi-tasking on the sofa with a cup of tea and my IPad. ?
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 09:59
Miaow! ;) Well, the title was a big invite ?
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 09:56
Seeing as that you're on EW now, it seems yours has already started.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 10 October 2013 - 09:47
I would say it would all depend on the total amount of hours you let her work. If I read correctly, you are significantly going to increase her hours ( 3 evenings a week?) I think that is a bit much, especially if it is every week. But you do intend to pay her extra, so you sound like a caring employer. You are also going to take away a big chunk of her weekend. IMO that is not fair, again, especially if you intend to do it every weekend. Of course, as others say, you probably have every right to do so, but your question was how often is too often. I think 3 nights a week, one of which every Friday is too often. But I suggest you sit down with her and talk about it. She may be happy with the extra cash. If she prefers her free time, she can transfer to another family and you should find a maid a is willing to work your hours.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 08:07
Just to give you an update: I ended up taking my IPad to Celmetro, they fixed it within 2 hours. Cost me 450AED. Not cheap, but 2 years warranty and they did an excellent job. Didn't want to take any risks with my IPad. Thanks Tweeters, for the tip.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 07:50
Never seen the seeds or plants (only the ready kale at Spinneys). However the taste of kale is at its best when the ground it's in has had a little freeze. Needles to say that won't happen here,
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 06 October 2013 - 07:35
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'm with you, but in a city where people get exited over McDonalds home delivery they're sure as ##%# too lazy to prepare and trim their own turkey.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 10:10
I've done both At.mosphere and Burj al Arab. Much prefer the latter, it has superior quality. Why not take them to At.mosphere for a cocktail around sunset. Much better option if you ask me.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 08:17
Thanks Tweeters, I requested an online quote. Did you have a screen fixed with these guys? Website looks professional, don 't want to talk too many risks with my beloved IPad. ? <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 28/09/2013</em>
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 28 September 2013 - 07:59
Broke my screen yesterday. Juzzrach, dit you ever make it to Hani, was he able to fix it properly and how much did he charge? Have any if you ladies other suggestions as to where to go?
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 09:04
Thanks for your replies ladies, sorry I didn't get back sooner. I think I will start with Chez Charles. Dish's website says min. 20 and Yes Chef have no references after 2011. Lime and Tonic seems some social network, but I will try contact the chef directly. Any other suggestions?
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 11:02
We spent a weekend at the Waldorf RAK in August. It's brand new and a great hotel! The soft opening prices are amazing, so try it while it lasts. The Lexington Grill is excellent, so is their Arabic Restaurant. It's about an hours drive from Dubai, and you book directly via the Hilton website.
Oopsiedaisy
2287
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Latest post on 17 September 2013 - 09:54
Yes, somebody at RERA has been eager beaver to update the rental increase calculator! Our contract was up for renewal 01/09 and we luckily could renew with the same terms. The rental calculator did not show any increase then. Now if I check with 01/10 or 01/11 as the date on the calculator I get this: [b'>rent is 26% to 35% less than the average similar rent in the area. So you are entitled to a maximum increase of 5% ( 6500 AED per year)[/b'> If it continues like this- who will actually pay these crazy rents?? I don't think we will. We have sacrificed a lot to live here and to have to pay even more for the "privilege" would be ridiculous. I totally agree with your statement that someone in Rera is going crazy. Last month I checked and our rent was apparently oke and the rental calculator didn't show any increase. As a result of your post I checked again and here's what I found: [u'>Your rent is 26% to 35% less than the average similar rent in the area. So you are entitled to a maximum increase of 5% ( 10000 AED per year) [/u'> Am in total shock!! And in anticipation of what the landlord will do.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 09:22
Could be my post, so I'll be watching any replies with great interest. Good luck Cheeky!
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 09:18
There's no way to get your sponsorship back. She however cannot just pack up and leave before the end of contract. Did you talk to her and explain that is is illegal for you to have her husband living in your house? If she persist and does leave, you will have to report her absconding to immigration.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 10:06
Does anyone know if the e gate card is linked to the passport or to your visa? I've recently changed visas and want to know if I have to change my e gate card as well? No, it's a "stand-alone" card. No need to change.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 10:02
Dragon Mart has lots and lots of them.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 10:01
I think I saw that at Ikea.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 00:04
Her ID card also expires on the same day so I assume that once her visa has been renewed, then her ID card can be processed? And would I incur any fines? Thanks! Strangely enough our maid had to start renewal of her Emirates ID first. Immigration would only start processing her new visa with a copy of the application form of her ID. And yes, grace period is still 30 days.
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 15:16
Hmmm, thanks Q. Any other feedback or advise as to which one to choose? Tia
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 08:15
Which of these hotels do you prefer and why?
Oopsiedaisy
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Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 08:54
How sad! We in the UK knew about the Queen abdicating but had no idea about the prince, unless I just missed a news bulletin about it. What a shame for an elderly lady to bury her son. x The skiing accident happened in February last year, it has been in the news all over the world (even here). I'm pretty sure the accident had nothing to do with the Queens abdication. It is not unusual ito abdicate The Netherlands. and she turned 75 this year. But all that said, I wish the Royals strength to cope with this definite loss. It is hard enough to go through this for any family, let alone when there are camera's on you all the time and a country is watching.
 
 
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