RuthM | ExpatWoman.com
 

RuthM

RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2014 - 10:42
Likewise I think religious jewellery (the case a few years ago of staff wearing a cross at work) should be worn under clothes at work, companies with uniforms should basically have a uniform coloured or plain black hijab, kippah, dastar (any additional as required). Same can go for schools as well. RuthM: Is that not a contradiction? On one hand you say that religious symbols should not be visible at work, then on the other hand you say that workplaces should provide religious headwear. I wear a silver cross pendant and have never had any objections to it. In some religions certain headwear is a requirement, it is also not really possible to hide religious headwear. However by workplaces providing religious headwear or guidance on it they can stop certain people from trying to make a point by wearing something bright or fashion type. Likewise religious jewellery should be inconspicuous as some people will make a point of wearing something enormous as a fashion statement then turn it into a religion issue. As far as I am aware no religious text has a requirement for religious jewellery in any case (unlike the requirement for women to cover their hair in both Islam and Judaism (married women) and Sikh men to wear the turban). However if there are religious texts that state jewellery as a requirement I am quite sure they do not say it needs to be made of gold and six inches long (for example). I did not say religious jewellery should be banned only that it should be hidden (where possible), perhaps inconspicuous would be a better way to put it. In my opinion in diverse Britain all religious clothing and jewellery in the workplace and schools should be inconspicuous, where possible it should not be visible and it certainly should not be of 'fashion' type. <em>edited by RuthM on 08/03/2014</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 18:21
We have a new lady starting full time on Sunday as well. I am really worried too. I'm heading to the UK for birth of our first baby in May and will be gone for a few months. DH travels a lot so she will be alone for a period, we specifically however sought someone religious, mature and experienced with family in the region. I have made short task list such as 'clean bathroom, clean bedroom' etc. then a more elaborate version with what each task entails. I have marked the tasks as daily, twice a week, once a week, once a fortnight, monthly etc. I am considering putting days to tasks to make it more specific but she is quite experienced and I suspect things will change when the baby arrives in any case. I have laminated cards for each drawer in the kitchen showing what goes where, done a short list of items not to go in the dishwasher, detailed washing instructions for different clothes/sheets/towels etc., detailed the dogs daily routine, a list of poisons dangerous for dogs and signs and symptoms of illness to look out for. I've also laminated some emergency numbers to go next to the telephone. Finally I am now working on some simple things like how to slice or dice vegetables, pictures included for example cubed peppers for stir fry vs sliced peppers for salad or cubed carrot for stew vs carrot batons for steaming and including an image of which knife to use so that for the few times DH is here she can assist him cooking (ha DH cooking!!!) and when I get back with baby she will be able to do some of the prep work for me when I'm cooking. In all honesty DH will need half this guidance as much as the new housekeeper I just witnessed him putting black underpants in the wash with white undershirts but at least he remembered the laundry bleach for the white shirts (he's just going to have grey pants now!). <em>edited by RuthM on 07/03/2014</em>
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 18:08
Just to let you all know we've taken this lady on ourselves, her previous Employer has now returned to the US.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 18:07
Thanks Ruth, have just emailed Helping Hands to see what they can offer. I do really want the same maid every day as our smaller dog can be really funny with strangers-he would go crackers with someone different coming into the house each day. I need an am slot really as someone is back at home by 3pm each day so hopefully they will be able to provide someone who can come mid morning, do a clean and let the dogs out in the garden for a wee so fingers crossed. I know an agency maid coming in for a few hours a day will cost as much as a live in so going to give it a go and try and convince hubby sponsoring someone would be the way forward in the future but I know it'll take time to talk him round. Would you mind sharing what Helping Hands charge and can they do the ironing while they are in as it seems that ironing is on a separate list from cleaning? Yes they do ironing and we don't pay any extra. They are 30AED an hour but are one of the few agencies that do 2hr slots. Our current lady comes at 1230, but the previous one came at 11am so you should be able to get a 11am-1pm slot I would think or perhaps a little earlier. With the new lady we leave a list for her and she will normally iron, wash up (anything that needs washing up), hoover, mop and clean bathrooms, change sheets etc. Aneeta the previous lady would brush the dogs and play with them for a bit, in fact every time we asked her to brush the dogs her face lit up I think she preferred that to cleaning! Just beware, the three people they sent us between Aneeta and this new one were hopeless. The most frustrating thing they did was insisted on turning the dishwasher off at the mains and emptying it then putting the half dirty dishes away, to this day I cannot fathom why! It was only when I stuck a big note on the dishwasher saying DO NOT TOUCH that I realised the latest one couldn't read a thing and I really gave the agency a mouthful, finally they sent the current lady who is brilliant. The other thing to look out for is if you leave them any washing up they have a habit of running the cold tap, squirting each and every dish with soap and simply rinsing it under the tap, leaving you with more dirty dishes, an entire bottle of dishsoap gone in a week and a lot of wasted water. Just be fussy with who you get, if she is no good best to go straight back to the agency and complain asap be firm don't let them fob you off. We have had two brilliant people from there now so they do exist the key thing to me as she is in the house when you are not there is that she can read any notes you leave and that she likes the dogs.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 17:51
Actually I was trying to say I don't have an issue with certain checkouts being unable to serve alcohol or pork. As stated some checkouts cannot serve alcohol when the server is under 18 in any case. Supermarkets can clearly mark these checkout as such or alternatively put religiously observant people on other checkouts where no food is served. When I was in Scotland the Catholic doctor I saw was unable to prescribe the contraceptive pill, even though it was for menstrual pain, instead I was referred to another GP, I do not see how this is any different. However there is no need for abuse, in the case I referred to the person at the checkout very politely apologised that they were unable to serve alcohol I believe this is quite strict in Islam and any observant person is unable to serve/sell alcohol or other haram products. Of course where this leaves selling of non halal meat (such as non ritually slaughter beef) I am not sure. I for one would never consider taking a bottle of wine to a Muslim friend's home and expect them to serve it to me. Likewise I think religious jewellery (the case a few years ago of staff wearing a cross at work) should be worn under clothes at work, companies with uniforms should basically have a uniform coloured or plain black hijab, kippah, dastar (any additional as required). Same can go for schools as well. As for cancelling Christmas activities etc. I do agree this is absolute nonsense, and makes no sense whatsoever especially as it is my understanding that Jesus is recognised as an important figure in Islam in any case. This is clearly a situation of certain individuals just trying to make a point for the sake of causing trouble and getting headlines. I spent my last Christmas with a mixture of Christians, a Muslim family of five (who are very observant), two Jews (who are the most likely to find Christmas offensive) and a Hindu. However in, for example, a predominantly Hindu area in the UK I would also expect to see lights for Diwali and no protest from other religious groups. The UK is a multicultural country especially in major cities and people should expect to see such things. In fact I think it good to embrace such diversity, cultural understanding only makes children better equipped for life. Any parent who objects to their child being exposed to cultural festivities has no place in UK society, be it a Jew complaining about Easter, a Muslim about Christmas or a Christian about Diwali.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 11:48
We have just recruited a new maid. She said she has been paid cash in the past but we would rather a bank account especially as we are due to be away for an extended period over the summer. Can anyone advise if they have experience paying a maid in cash? Is it legal? A bank account is preferred are there any banks anyone can recommend? Especially nearer to Arabian Ranches? TIA
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 10:08
You can get the same agency maid every day part time. We have the same lady three times a week. She is good with the dogs and if we leave her written instructions she will mostly be able to follow them. The only problem we have had is she didn't understand the difference between 'boy dog, male, bigger, fatter, stronger, older, more grey fur/hair' and 'girl dog, female, slimmer, thinner, younger, less grey fur/hair'. Our female needs to be crated when going out and she put the male dog in the crate despite our detailed descriptions. If you use an agency don't let them mess you around sending rubbish people. Our regular maid up until last December was wonderful. She would brush the dogs, play with them in the garden and feed them. We didn't need to leave her any written instructions if we were out she was happy to take some carrots out the fridge (their favourite treat) and give them each one, and would always let them in the garden before she left. Sadly she returned home last December after three years. When she left she took tons of pictures of the dogs as she really loved them. Unfortunately the agency sent us terrible replacements. Eventually I went ballistic and advised I want someone that can read English, follow instructions in English and who likes dogs and we have finally got the lady we use now. Helping Hand is the agency we use. As said you need to be firm to ensure you get someone good. I recommend testing her reading skills the moment she arrives and if she can't read send her packing.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 00:28
Thanks Skykitty all very interesting. Especially as a question very similar to this was recently raised in the UK over a religiously observant Employee requesting not to serve pork/wine in a supermarket. I didn't see why this should be an issue especially being that many supermarkets have persons as young as 16 working checkout tills who are unable to serve alcohol due to their age in any case. However much public outcry ensued, the Daily Mail had a field day and eventually the supermarket in question revised their policy to say people with religious restrictions will be put on bakery or clothes checkouts wherever possible to avoid such issues.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2014 - 00:16
Spoke to a friend who recently brought a maid in he said the only way without an agency was if she has a direct family member here in UAE who can sponsor her for a tourist visa. Then once she is here you can do Employment visa and a run to Kish to change visa status. There is some info as this question was asked previously. http://www.expatwoman.com/singapore/forum/topic188108-hiring-a-maid-from-philippines--without-agency.aspx Hope you manage to get it sorted.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 23:33
I'm no expert but from reading NHS website it seems the baby's head may in some cases not engage until labour starts, Netdoctor also states the same information, I think it is however dependent on how many pregnancies you've had, medical history etc. therefore a good doctor should be able to advise if it's a risk. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/caesarean-section.aspx http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/pregnancyandchildbirth/204022.html As for the calcifying placenta as far as I'm aware it's quite common towards the end of pregnancy. If it happens early in pregnancy it can be an issue but otherwise I think it is normal. Did Dr Elsa indicate how far calcified it is? Here is some information on calcified placentas: http://womenworld.org/secrets_advice/what-is-placenta-calcification.aspx It's your pregnancy and you need to be happy with what is going on so I suggest you look for a second opinion so that whatever your decision you can be sure you made the right one. Perhaps someone here can suggest a good doctor for a second opinion? Unfortunately I'm under Chelsea and Westminster in London so cannot come up with any suggestions for Dubai, I only saw Dr Elsa once. Currently concerned myself as I am 17+1 have have just had a rotten cold and now acute sinusitis and barely eaten for four days :-(
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 22:45
Hi RuthM Thanks for the reply. The reason you need the agency is for them to be allowed out by immigration in Manila. The visa procedure is straight forward and we can do that. I'm just concerned that they won't let her through immigration in Manila with only the employment entry. Ah sorry our housekeeper is in Kish at present so we don't have that problem, and our friends employed someone who is already here. Perhaps someone else can advise.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 22:43
Sorry can't give any advice on c-secs. Can say that from my understanding Dubai has a bit of a reputation for being pro c-sec/planned births especially in big private expat hospitals like City and American. Do you know if your oby-gyn has a reputation for being pro c-sec? It might be worth looking for an oby-gyn who is known for natural for a second opinion if only to put your mind at ease. Perhaps others can suggest someone, from my understanding Dr Elsa at City is quite good.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 22:27
I recently did my visa, I just took four copies of everything plus originals. I was sent from pillar to post and it took ages but got there in the end. DH passport DH visa DH Emirates ID Villa lease/Ejari Salary certificate attested in Arabic Employment contract attested in Arabic Wedding certificate attested in Arabic DEWA bill (they didn't ask for that) My passport My old visa My old Emirates ID My health insurance card My medical results Tons of photos.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 22:18
We are in the process of employing a maid. In all honesty we don't have a clue what we are doing. But we took all the documents to the municipality visa and immigration (DH is Fujairah based) and just followed the process. It seemed to take some time to get the form typed then given to the right person but they were fairly helpful sending us from desk to desk for a day. Now we have an employment entry visa (pink form) for her to come in and she can then do her medical etc. to complete the process. The documents we needed were: DH documents: Passport copy Visa copy Salary certificate (certified in Arabic) Emirates ID card Villa lease document/Ejari My documents (bachelor not permitted to employ maid): Passport copy Visa Copy Maid documents: Passport copy Photographs (lots) Previous visa copy (if applicable) Maid CV (they asked for it then didn't seem to need it - yet) Maid salary/contract (again asked but then didn't seem to need - yet) We also took just to be safe: DEWA bill Marriage certificate (certified and translated) I believe in Dubai there is a fee for the visa plus a deposit to be paid. Others may be able to confirm the total but from a friend who has recently done it I think he said it was 5k for visa plus 2k deposit. There's a full expat woman post here: http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_home_garden_Getting_A_Maid_Visa_and_Medical_Dubai_8824.aspx
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 21:40
Difficult for them as they must serve and work with alcohol and food 365 days of the year. I thought Muslims were not permitted to serve alcohol, surely Emirates will make allowance for this i.e. Muslim staff can serve food only whilst a non Muslim staff member can serve drinks? Fortunately pork is not served on Emirates airlines therefore not an issue.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 21:20
I would move to the US in an instant, in fact DH has taken a job with a US company with this in mind. Forgetting about nice places to live you said you want to start a business. Many businesses seem to be started up in Texas, I assume there is some kind of tax benefit or perhaps it is more straightforward for foreign investors. It wouldn't be my choice of state, I'm a keen skier and going from one desert to the next would totally suck for me, oh and they have guns, lots of guns. I like guns just nice English ones hand engraved with walnut stocks not handguns openly carried around. Anyhoo I would recommend going through a list of all the states and working out the tax benefits/implications from them all then making a short list based on that to look at individual states from there. Bear in mind the US seems to have a lengthly list of hidden taxes. Sales tax, income tax, employment tax, property tax, corporate income tax, gross receipts tax the list is endless. Obviously federal taxes are on top of this it seems America likes to keep the tax accountant busy with the most complex tax laws in the world. My choice of states? Based on being a bit too English and liking cold weather, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, Illinois and possibly Colorado if only for the skiing (and only if they decide to make drugs illegal again). However I am informed most of these states suck for taxes. &lt;sigh&gt; Where to being with all the inaccuracies?! I have no idea why you think Texas is where most businesses start. Pure fact is that most businesses incorporate in Delaware ([url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/01/business/how-delaware-thrives-as-a-corporate-tax-haven.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0'>link[/url'>). Texas is a very large state with inexpensive labor (close to Mexico) and zero state income tax. It is NOT a desert. Not at all, it is actually very green in the larger cities such as Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Guns are not carried out in the open - I lived there for 10 years and never saw one except at a shooting range. There are no hidden taxes in the US. Actually I think there are more "hidden taxes" in the UAE than in the US (e.g. why do I pay 40% more here for the same clothes vs. the US even though I am closer to the manufacturing point?). Just because you don't know about them, doesn't make them hidden. There are good and bad places everywhere - that goes for the US as well. I wouldn't cross off an ENTIRE state based on a few stereotypes. edited by HotRice on 06/03/2014 Blimey. I cross off Texas because I want SOME FROST!!! I said this was personally for me. I was actually suggesting for someone who is NOT ME that they might WANT to consider setting up a business in Texas as many many people I know who have gone to the US have found it a good place to set up a business. I also said of the states I prefer (the FROSTY states) many of them happen to have really bad tax laws for new businesses (apparently). As for guns, Texas has more guns that most of the northern states and is about medium on the gun crime. It's neighbours, Louisiana, New Mexico have some of the highest gun crime rates, Oklahoma is also high whilst Illinois and much of New England has low gun ownership and gun crime rates. The only high gun ownership state I would consider is Colorado and as said purely for the skiing, it having some of the best in the world. Of course they legalised drugs there so now you can have gun toting stoners. In any case I am quite sure fine English guns are not a popular buy in many US states where guns are popular. Of course the bulk of my post was to advise the OP to look at the taxes of each state and decide from there. Taxes in the US are complex, every state has different tax laws. For a foreigner looking to move there who is used to national income tax, corporate tax, National Insurance and council tax to suddenly add in all these state taxes, city taxes and property taxes makes things more complex. Choosing a state to live in the US is not at all like choosing a county to live in the UK. Council tax from county to county can change marginally in the UK but all the other taxes stay the same. As for expensive clothes in Dubai, erm because shops are greedy?!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 20:59
Texas is only .08% desert. It's a common misconception that TX is all desert. There's no state income tax there, which is beneficial. Houston in particular is where the job market has remained strong despite the downfall elsewhere. I apologise for my exaggeration this was a personal preference as indicated I would suggest looking at tax benefits of each and every state when making a decision on moving to the US. I personally am looking for a city where the summer temperatures rarely reach above 30 and the winter temperatures always assure a good frost for a three to four months of the year plus some snow (so minus figures for a good few months). Seeing as the annual average low for the coldest month in Houston is 7 degrees and Dallas is 3 degrees Texas is most certainly not the state for me regardless of how much sand there is or is not.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 20:30
I would move to the US in an instant, in fact DH has taken a job with a US company with this in mind. Forgetting about nice places to live you said you want to start a business. Many businesses seem to be started up in Texas, I assume there is some kind of tax benefit or perhaps it is more straightforward for foreign investors. It wouldn't be my choice of state, I'm a keen skier and going from one desert to the next would totally suck for me, oh and they have guns, lots of guns. I like guns just nice English ones hand engraved with walnut stocks not handguns openly carried around. Anyhoo I would recommend going through a list of all the states and working out the tax benefits/implications from them all then making a short list based on that to look at individual states from there. Bear in mind the US seems to have a lengthly list of hidden taxes. Sales tax, income tax, employment tax, property tax, corporate income tax, gross receipts tax the list is endless. Obviously federal taxes are on top of this it seems America likes to keep the tax accountant busy with the most complex tax laws in the world. Oh North Carolina was voted one of the worst places for business taxes recently due I think to high sales taxes and income tax. However corporate taxes I think are reasonable so it is really dependent on the kind of business you want to set up. http://taxfoundation.org/blog/map-2014-state-business-tax-climate-index My choice of states? Based on being a bit too English and liking cold weather, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, Illinois and possibly Colorado if only for the skiing (and only if they decide to make drugs illegal again). However I am informed most of these states suck for taxes. <em>edited by RuthM on 06/03/2014</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 20:00
Accompanied means the dog goes in the hold as part of your checked allowance. I believe it is cheaper as dogs sent as cargo are calculated as volumetric weight, whereas accompanied baggage is calculated by actual weight. Hence a 25kg Labrador in a travel crate of 102x69x76cm would be 107kg volumetric on cargo or simply 25kg + crate weight say 5kg = 30kg actual on accompanied. I could be incorrect of course someone else may be able to elaborate further.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 19:52
At the moment I would use one, although I'd like someone that does threading as well. I am pregnant and haven't had a manicure or any threading done for nearly five months as I am concerned about the fumes etc. in nail bars. If you can use natural / organic products and 'five free' polishes then even better. It will be something to differentiate from the run of the mill places. However I do question the expense of setting up such a venture. Autoclaves for sterilisation don't come cheap and presumably you'll need a clean set of tools for each and every client per day as you won't be able to sterilise until you get home. Disposable files and cuticle sticks can be given to the client but for clippers etc. (the expensive stuff) you'll need a large number. For reference a mobile service I have been looking at but haven't yet tried can be found here: http://www.nailemporium.me Would be interested if anyone has tried this service?
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 13:18
So if she goes to Kish, presumambly with her passport how do we process her visa here and get the pink slip to her? Will DH have to fly to Kish with pink slip so she can come back? Can anyone suggest travel companies that look after people there and arrange transport/hotel accommodation? We offered to let her return tithe Philipinnes but she would prefer Kish.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 00:55
Thanks all for your great suggestions. We ended up at Asado's as our visitor had yet to see the fountains so we decided to do both on his last day. We will be sure to check out some of the others suggested, although I have promised myself not to ruin another steak well done during my pregnancy so it will have to wait until after the baby is born! :-)
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 February 2014 - 20:39
I am planning to buy a brand spanking new lappy as my current one is turning 6 this year. Don't expect her to live much longer though. I want to get the proper legal one year license for Microsoft Office. Has anyone bought a single device license for personal use? I saw it only on Souq but don't want to buy online.. TIA :) I wouldn't buy from Souq but why not buy directly from Microsoft online? They offer annual and monthly rates on the MS Office 365 Package. http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msmea/ar_EG/pdp/Office-365-Home-Premium/productID.295933200 <em>edited by RuthM on 25/02/2014</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 25 February 2014 - 05:28
I just wanted to clarify the result from this incident. - DH and I arrived at Hilton Fujairah at approximately 10:15 yesterday morning. - As we pulled into the car park we saw a hotel employee with a cat in a trap. He then placed the trap into a black plastic bin bag and walked off. - Concerned I posted to expat woman. - After deliberating and worried the cat may overheat and/or suffocate I asked DH to take the cat out of the bag and put it in the shade, which he did at approximately 10:35 - We then went into the hotel and asked thhe hotel reception/concierge what they were doing as it is not considered humane putting cats in plastic bags in the sun at around 10:40 - Sam7 suggested posting to 'Bin Kitty' FaceBook page. I had to wait for membership to do so and DH Blackberry went 'out of service' for a short period but did post ASAP - Subscribers to Bin Kitty's page were outraged and contacted the hotel via social media - The hotel manager responded on FaceBook to say: [i'>Dear All, Thank you for corresponding with us and for raising your concern on the treatment of the cat found on our property today. Please let me reassure you that the cat is alive and well and is currently in the hotel in a protected and shaded environment. We have, of course, ensured it has been given water and food. We immediately contacted the Sharjah Animal Shelter upon finding the cat on our property, but they were unable to confirm a collection today. We have therefore contacted a second animal welfare shelter at Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre (http://rakawc.com/) and we have arranged to hand over the cat to their team this afternoon. We wish to thank you again for your engagement and assure you that we have streamlined all our efforts into providing the best care for the cat. Sincerely, Oliver Kesseler General Manager[/i'> - A very helpful lady from Bin Kitty was in direct contact with Mr Kesseler and also checked with RAK that the cat arrived safely the shelter staff confirmed [i'>"she has arrived in understandably in a distressed state following the journey and the ordeal she has been through, but is a friendly cat and RAK will be looking for an adoptive home for her."[/i'> Which is good news all round. Sadly however this may not prevent the same ordeal happening to the next cat. In addition the General Manager adamantly denies the cat was ever placed in a bag in direct correspondence he stated [i'>"Please let me reassure you that the cat is alive and well and is currently in the hotel in a protected and shaded environment. We have, of course, ensured it has been given water and food. At no time was the cat placed in a bag and I know personally, the cat’s life was not at risk."[/i'> Therefore my understandably infuriated husband will be following up with two things. 1) An email to Mr Kesseler to advise the cat was placed in a bag, we saw it with our very own eyes, we removed the bag and placed the animal safely in the shade before contacting hotel staff. We also did not see any other employees around who could confirm whether or not the cat was placed in a bag. 2) Provided Mr Kesseler does not continue implying we are liars a letter to Hilton head office to say we were shocked by seeing a cat placed in a bin bag by a hotel employee at the Hilton Fujairah but would like to commend the GM's quick response to ensure the animal was treated fairly and provided food, water and shade before being collected by an animal shelter. Then finish by saying we trust Hilton Hotel group can continue to keep up this good work perhaps enforcing a hotel policy to ensure any stray animals on their properties are looked after in a humane manner in the future. Hence putting a little pressure on from Hilton head office. Luckily DH stays in a Hilton Hotel for one week per month (minimum) and is one of their top tier members, he switched from Marriott a few years ago so he will point out his hotel loyalty in his letter as well. So this is what happened with the cat in case anyone was wondering. <em>edited by RuthM on 25/02/2014</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 15:27
Some people add vinegar to their wash for the same reason, but I've never tried myself. Worried that everything would end up smelling like pickles. I used to use vinegar for cleaning my machine. Never had a problem however a friend directed me to a forum where apparently a Miele engineer advised against vinegar usage as it degrades and shortens the lifespan of rubber seals and hoses.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 15:23
I posted to Bin Kitty and also to the Hilton Fujairah page. Another bin kitty member contacted the hotel directly and the hotel manager replied very quickly to advise the cat had now been taken to a local shelter unharmed (well until they destroy it) sadly there was little explanation for the use of bin bags in the process.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 10:38
DH removed the bag we will ask in hotel what they are doing bin bagging cats.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 10:35
A bin bag? Seems a little bizarre. The guy bagged it then walked off to do something else. Will probably overheat and suffocate soon?
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 10:20
We are at the Hilton in Fujairah. We have just seen someone put a cat in a trap in a bin bag. Is this legal? I am not sure if we should do anything. We cannot take the cat I am pregnant and we have two dogs at home. Have tried Feline Friends for advice no reply.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 February 2014 - 00:04
It's not advised to use fabric conditioner with towels or anything you want to have absorbency and breathability in (i.e. merino wool, sweat wicking sportswear etc.) These materials work by having gaps in them to absorb water/store cool/warm air. If you use fabric conditioner you lose these gaps and also the fibres become more slippy. The only way to get soft towels sadly seems to be to tumble them. I have found a part tumble then left to finish drying seems to also work. I also use dryer balls which seem to help. As for having fabric conditioner not distributing well in the machine, try using slightly less, cleaning the drawer in your machine and running a 90 degree wash with some sort of washing machine cleaner in the machine.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 February 2014 - 13:19
Thank you so much, her previous employer just recommended the same company will have a look now!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 February 2014 - 12:48
I use a personal trainer for several reasons. Firstly to ensure I am doing exercises correctly. When you are doing exercises your body will naturally try to 'cheat' by using your stronger muscles wherever possible and ignoring your weaker ones. This can make the exercise either not very useful or worse cause you an injury. A good personal trainer will spend your entire training session correcting you. Do not be surprised if the first few sessions he/she spends a great deal of time ensuring you are setup correctly before beginning a movement or even stops you half way through a set to correct you. Secondly to give me good sets of exercises that flow well together during a session and to ensure I warm up, cool down and stretch correctly. Obviously you should be able to also get this in a group exercise class. However if there is any weakness in particular you want to work on then a good trainer will tailor the session just for you. Lastly as others have said motivation, some people are happy to cancel sessions with their personal trainers or cut them short but I would feel terribly guilty doing that and have never cancelled a session. I know if I arranged with 'myself' to go to the gym something would come up or I would put it off etc. Finding a good personal trainer in Dubai is however very hard. A few are lazy and do not tailor sessions just for you and will do almost the same session with every client all day, this is not acceptable you do not pay upwards of 200 AED for someone to run through the same bootcamp session over and over. More importantly others do not correct their clients, I have seen trainers with people in FF allowing them to jerk their hips/pelvis whilst doing overhead dumbbell press and dumbbell curls this is wholly ineffective and dangerous for your lower back, so ensure your trainer corrects you all the way through your session. Training for a few months is a great idea, by the end of that you should have a strong idea of how to set up for most exercises and even how your trainer puts your sessions together, even if you still want some extra motivation at this stage you should feel confident going into a class such as bodypump and get the maximum benefit from it with the minimal risk of injury. I would say when you start training on your own however it is useful if you can find a training partner as I for one certainly find that although my trainer rarely corrects me when I first set up when I start to become tired at the end of a set my posture gets a bit shaky. Looking in a mirror is useful but sometimes not possible as turning your head to check your alignment can in turn mess up your alignment. So having a training partner who can correct you (and you him/her) is massively beneficial. I am now working on DH to get him training properly so we can train together.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2014 - 03:39
Sorry can't recommend any hotels in Zurich we have always stayed with friends. For getting around however I can recommend train, it's a very relaxing way to travel and to take in the Swiss landscape. The Swiss rail systems are pretty efficient (Zurich also has a very good tram system). As another poster said look at the Swiss Pass and see if that will work out cheaper once your journey is planned. http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html One other tip if you like dark chocolate be sure get some Sprüngli before you leave, according to DH they do the best dark chocolate truffles and very good plain bars. Sprüngli also do macarons which we haven't tried but are reportedly also very good. They are mainly in the German part of Switzerland (upsetting as most of my friends have now moved to Geneva). http://www.spruengli.ch/?lang=en
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 23:27
We are looking for live in and really want someone who will be happy with two loving Labradors and baby on the way (there may be a cat later too), Arabian Ranches area. Maids room will be fully fitted with TV, internet etc. DH works from home I will be SAHM. We will be away much of the summer for the baby birth in UK and would like someone who would be happy staying with the dogs on her own during this time. Flexible with hire date but preferably by May (only so we can get her settled in before I go to the UK). If she thinks this is a good fit for her please email contact details to buttmonki at me dot com edited by RuthM on 16/02/2014 <em>edited by RuthM on 16/02/2014</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 February 2014 - 23:20
Is it a plasma or LED/LCD? Plasmas generally more fragile than LED/LCD for handling due to the heavy glass screen which consists of two sheets of glass (they are more resilient to people touching the screen however). Ideally plasma's should be stored and moved whilst kept upright, storing and moving a plasma on it's side can crack the screen as it flexes when being transported over bumps etc. and the weight of glass on itself can cause it to crack. LEDs are generally lighter, they too are best moved in an upright position but it is not quite so vital they are perhaps more susceptible to minor direct knocks (unless you have one of the gorilla glass Sony TVs). This said when we first moved to Dubai and went to buy a new TV and found the Pioneer Kuro series were nearly three times the price of those in the UK (the best TV at the time) we contacted our local Sevenoaks Sound & Vision and bought one from there and had it shipped. Obviously it was packed in the original box but I can say it arrived safely and in perfect condition.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 15:05
Please can you give some reference to this, all the information on the decree has no reference? The only information I can find states: [i'>Decree No. 2 of 2011 (old), [b'>Decree, No. 43 of 2013 (new)[/b'> on rentals in the Emirate of Dubai, the landlords can increase the rent as below, RERA Calculator does this for you. A landlord must give a 90 day notice to his tenant if he plans to increase the rent, which has to be based on Real Estate Regulatory Agency’s (Rera) rent index. 5 per cent if the earlier rental is 11 to 20 per cent lower than the average rent for a similar property; 10 per cent if the rental is 21 to 30 per cent lower than the current going rates for properties of a similar scale; 15 per cent if the rent is as low as 31 to 40 per cent than comparable ones; and 20 per cent if a property’s rental is more than 40 per cent less than the average. Law (26) of 2007 – Article (9) Landlord should not increase such rent value or amend any of tenancy contract conditions until the elapse of two years from date of tenancy contract. Even after two years, if Rent Calculator shows no need of increase, then no need of increase. Only pay the within the market (RERA Calculator) price. [/i'> I was under the impression the decree applied to the % increases and was not a change to Law regarding tenancy contract conditions. Was there another decree issued changing this? What other changes have they made to being able to change tenancy contract conditions?
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 14:41
I wish I could just get on a plane back to England right now. Does anybody else find it so stressful living here? Yes, hence why I am in the UK right now registering at the private wing of an NHS hospital for our baby birth. Everything in Dubai is ten times harder, more disorganised and complicated than anywhere else and frankly I could no longer be bothered with the hassle, not to mention, eating out here, SO much easier! From trying to find out if cheese is pasteurised in Dubai restaurants, to a certain large hospital moving my appointment to an hour later, giving me 30 mins notice, then not informing the doctor who then tells me off for being late, to DHs four visits to free zone visa company to get my spousal visa (they change the paperwork requirements every time) now they no longer do spousal visas at all and expect us to go to Fujairah (where they will probably change the paperwork requirements four times as well), to immigration failing to put through my tourist visa extension in my passport last month, despite us paying them for it and filling in all the paperwork and then having to spend over two hours running all over Dubai airport when trying to leave, finally running to the gate with 20 mins to spare, which turned out to be in the other terminal, with no offer of assistance from any airport staff despite repeatedly asking them to call the gate to tell them I was on my way and them knowing where the gate was located and that I was pregnant (and now thanks to that unexpected airport dash also suffering with sever sciatica). Lets just say I was really happy when I finally got on that plane, arrived to a smiling (not on his mobile phone) passport control officer in London and had my first meal out in lowly Pizza Express, where the non native English speaking server was not only able to tell me the cheese on my pizza was pasteurised but without any prompting also advise that the cheese on DHs was not therefore he should not share it with me. So yes I can wholeheartedly understand your stress in Dubai, as someone who had a fairly high standard of living in the UK (we solely moved to Dubai for DH to gain international experience in his field) I find many systems in Dubai poorly organised and a never ending stream of frustration. As for your current issue I can only suggest go with the advice on here, newspaper, rent committee, I would be going insane if I was in your current situation for a very small plus point, at least it is not summer. <em>edited by RuthM on 10/02/2014</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 February 2014 - 01:49
Not sure about in Dubai but Argos and Homebase have in UK, google carpet sweeper.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 11:44
Can anyone recommend an IT support professional or company here in Dubai which can help me troubleshoot MAJOR issues with outlook for MAC? All help gratefully received! No idea of who can help but just a quick pointer in case this is your problem. If you are using an Exchange server MS Outlook for Mac is only compatible with Exchange 2007 and later. If you're using Exchange 2003 or earlier you will need to install a third party add on. DavMail seems to work but there will be no calendar support. Probably not your issue but if it is hope this info helps.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 February 2014 - 11:34
Couple A mid 50's, children no longer dependent, mortgage paid off, house rented out. Looking to retire in the next 5-10 years and earn as much as possible before retiring. Will most likely be worth the same bill out fees in 5 years as now. Couple B mid 30’s, 2 young children at school, outstanding mortgage at home still to be paid, unable to rent out property as needed for use during school holidays. Looking to learn and develop career in the next 5-10 years, should be more skilled in 5 years than presently, bill out fees will increase in time. What does an employer do? Ever wondered why when people in their mid fifties get made redundant it is so hard for them to find another job? Unfortunately for mid level professional and management roles the way employers actually think is 55 year olds do not have a future in the company therefore a 35 year old is a much better investment. In any case most of the 55 year olds I know are either running their own business, are board level directors in larger companies or consultants working at the same level they did ten years ago but on a high day rate rather than a lower paid secure salary position. 55 year olds who have their mortgage paid off and kids have left home don't need so much job security so will often take a role on a consultant day rate. I do know a few who were sadly made redundant in their 50s and have unfortunately been unable to find new jobs in their field and work in B&Q, WHSmith etc. But very few professionals in their mid fifties are doing the same job as they did in their mid thirties at the same level for the same salary and why should they, who wants to earn less in their mid fifties than in their mid thirties?! <em>edited by RuthM on 05/02/2014</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 17:49
Lolacat - basic economics applies here - if no one is willing to pay the rents then they will drop. I don't think dubai is populated by a large percentage of high earning expats. I think there are plenty of people here who do very well, but for the most part the population is made up of mid income earners and bottom end earners. Only the truly well off will be the ones living in the gated communities in large independent villas or the nationalities who buy up tonnes of property and leave it sitting empty. Even if people are on good salaries, a lot of them don't want to waste it paying rent. I know lots of people who could afford bigger or fancier places but would rather save or invest in their children's futures. Totally agree - Housing allowances that are only allowed to be used for housing, and those which are paid direct by companies drive the cost of homes up. My neighbour for example, he is married with one boy and they dont want more kids. He lives in a 5 bed villa house with a pool which is fully paid for by his company. If he was given cash in addition to his salary, you can bet your ass he is not paying all the rent on a property when he can have a 2 bed apartment or 3 bed villa, he would do that and save the money. This means a lot of family size villas becoming available and driving prices back down in certain areas Alternatively landlords will sit on empty villas waiting to get the high rents for them. Basic economics also dictates the majority of expats will go where the money and lifestyle is, there may be a dedicated few so devoted to Dubai that they will stay here and live in a cardboard box but in reality this is a minority. Arab expats I know in Dubai have been looking at alternative places such as Doha or Muscat to move to with the recent rent rises. DH has considered Doha and is looking at other options himself in the event Dubai becomes more unaffordable (and because Doha are currently offering some very good packages). When the UK pound dropped against the Australian dollar a few years ago Australians moved back to Australia in droves. My office in London which was once packed with Australian Engineers now has only one Australian left (who is in administration and married to a Brit). My father had a dental practice with 6-8 dentists and almost every single young (under 45) dentist he employed was Australian, (usually 2-3 Australians). Currently there are 0 Australians working there. Furthermore raising taxes is consistently linked to a brain drain in the respective countries. The basic facts are that the majority of people will go where they can live in relative comfort and earn the best money. Therefore reducing packages, which removing a housing allowance is doing, will most likely cause the same issue as currency dropping in value or increases in tax. At the end of the day it is what you take home in your pocket. As for those who are mid income level workers, those I know simply would not be able to afford to stay in their 2-3 bedroom apartment with 2-4 kids and pay for schooling for them all if their allowances were removed tomorrow.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 10:56
I think it is the right way to go too. Companies should be paying a salary for the job and then the applicant can decide if what they offer is enough to cover their outgoings - rent, utilities, school fees etc. Families on full expat packages with numerous children (school fees fully paid) and expecting huge villas to house them in are being phased out, even by some of the bigger companies, maybe oil and gas are exempt as they make big enough profits to cover them, however there is often someone younger with less responsibilities or older with grown kids willing to do the same job and firms are making this choice instead. edited by Cornish Pixie on 03/02/2014 Yes then the expat community can consist of 20 something singles and 50 somethings. Doesn't exactly sound like a recipe for a balanced society to me. The people DH most often employs happen to normally be in their early 30s to mid 40s. This is the normal age that people attain the professional and educational experience to be able to do the role required. In this particular field people need to be dual qualified have two or even three degrees/masters (some are working on PhDs) and 10 years professional experience. So 10 years experience plus 5 years minimum education makes someone in their early/mid 30s (many do their second degree or masters whilst working however). That leaves not much scope for finding people without families, in fact his only option would be to recruit from the over 50s pool which is somewhat limited as many of the elite level consultants will be managing their own teams or running their own companies. Limiting the employment pool to these two age groups will be hugely detrimental to the UAE. Many people decide to get some international experience in their 30s and 40s once they are established in their career. In the UK for example 69% of expats leaving to find work are aged 30-49. Possibly some of those in their late 40s may have grown kids, but realistically many professionals are working long hours and studying in their 20s and tend to have kids in their late 20s and early 30s, in fact the average age across Europe is 28-30 to start a family. Very few people will have their mortgage paid off before age 50, being that the standard mortgage in the UK is 25 years, bringing the need for a housing allowance to attract them abroad. In many countries a standard mortgage is 30 years. Any companies phasing out these allowances are only going to find it harder to recruit staff. Especially with other regions (Singapore, Qatar, HK) paying competitive packages. A friend of mine who took an expat job in France was even provided a house and a car, Dubai simply won't be able to compete in the global market. So what you are saying is that everyone that has the education and experience and it in their 30/40s wont work here without housing allowance and people will have to employ monkeys? Only someone forgot to tell my DH and I who have been in the region for 13 years and neither one of us has ever been fortunate enough to have a housing llowance, or schooling, or anything else. Infact, we pay for our childrens medical, education, housing, utility bills, food etc ourselves. Shocking Dubai does not allow immigration by naturalisation therefore there is little reason for loyalty here. If you would like to remain in a Muslim country then there are always other options such as Qatar, Saudi and Oman. If you are a western expat you will primarily be here for international experience, lifestyle and to save some money. Therefore Singapore, Bermuda, Grand Cayman and Qatar are other options. Should housing and school allowances be removed in the UAE and these other places are still offering them then yes I do believe many highly qualified in demand professionals will leave. The standard of lifestyle will drop, there will be little chance to save money and there are other places to gain professional international experience. It's all about supply and demand if your role is in demand and there is a skills shortage you will have your pick of where you want to live. But if it is not then perhaps you'll be stuck in Dubai with no additional allowances. There are very few people that would stay here if allowances dropped significantly and other regions are still offering them.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 08:38
I think it is the right way to go too. Companies should be paying a salary for the job and then the applicant can decide if what they offer is enough to cover their outgoings - rent, utilities, school fees etc. Families on full expat packages with numerous children (school fees fully paid) and expecting huge villas to house them in are being phased out, even by some of the bigger companies, maybe oil and gas are exempt as they make big enough profits to cover them, however there is often someone younger with less responsibilities or older with grown kids willing to do the same job and firms are making this choice instead. edited by Cornish Pixie on 03/02/2014 Yes then the expat community can consist of 20 something singles and 50 somethings. Doesn't exactly sound like a recipe for a balanced society to me. The people DH most often employs happen to normally be in their early 30s to mid 40s. This is the normal age that people attain the professional and educational experience to be able to do the role required. In this particular field people need to be dual qualified have two or even three degrees/masters (some are working on PhDs) and 10 years professional experience. So 10 years experience plus 5 years minimum education makes someone in their early/mid 30s (many do their second degree or masters whilst working however). That leaves not much scope for finding people without families, in fact his only option would be to recruit from the over 50s pool which is somewhat limited as many of the elite level consultants will be managing their own teams or running their own companies. Limiting the employment pool to these two age groups will be hugely detrimental to the UAE. Many people decide to get some international experience in their 30s and 40s once they are established in their career. In the UK for example 69% of expats leaving to find work are aged 30-49. Possibly some of those in their late 40s may have grown kids, but realistically many professionals are working long hours and studying in their 20s and tend to have kids in their late 20s and early 30s, in fact the average age across Europe is 28-30 to start a family. Very few people will have their mortgage paid off before age 50, being that the standard mortgage in the UK is 25 years, bringing the need for a housing allowance to attract them abroad. In many countries a standard mortgage is 30 years. Any companies phasing out these allowances are only going to find it harder to recruit staff. Especially with other regions (Singapore, Qatar, HK) paying competitive packages. A friend of mine who took an expat job in France was even provided a house and a car, Dubai simply won't be able to compete in the global market.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 13:11
The government is not going to enforce this rule. They are just reiterating that it is a child's right to be breastfed. It was part of the legislation against child abuse. All you women who "don't produce enough milk", don't get your knickers in a twist. You will not be arrested. So women who can breastfeed but choose not to after a year will be arrested?! Is this new law right up there with don't beat your children? Is there another law saying that once your child gets to 2 if you start feeding them MacDonalds every day you will also be arrested? Perhaps there should be? I think they should bring in some more laws for children's rights, all of the following should be made law as well, they should ban: Pregnant women who are obese. Pregnant women who are underweight. Pregnant women who are too old. Pregnant women who eat too much fish high in mercury. Pregnant women who don't wash salads. Pregnant women who eat undercooked meat. Pregnant women who don't wash their hands frequently. Pregnant women who do not eat their five fruit and vegetables a day. Pregnant women who don't eat enough calcium products. Pregnant women who don't sit in the sun long enough each day for their vitamin D. Pregnant women who don't eat enough iron. We could bring them all in once a week and run blood tests to ensure all the nutrients are right and weigh them and make sure they're gaining the correct weight. Then we could send them all to a battery farm force feed them and breed them... oh sorry I'm getting carried away with my legislation enthusiasm. <em>edited by RuthM on 01/02/2014</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 12:56
About pregnancy food guidelines, I have been told that much of the stuff they tell pregnant women in some Western countries not to eat is eaten by pregnant women in other countries. For example, pregnant French women eat Camembert and pregnant Japanese women eat sushi.... Actually this isn't entirely correct. The common myth is that in France French women are encouraged to have a glass of wine and some camembert but in reality this is not the advice given by health providers. What women do with that advice is another thing entirely. As for sushi, in the UK sushi is considered fine as long as it is appropriated prepared by a qualified sushi chef and pre frozen to destroy any parasites. I suspect sushi guidelines are based upon the quality of sushi chefs in the country in question.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 11:21
Just out of interest will they be banning starting IVF until your first child gets to 2 years of age? It's my understanding you cannot breastfeeding whilst having IVF treatment. This will be extra fun for those older women wanting two children. Yay we can breastfeed our first born until 2, and significantly increase the risk of age related genetic problems in our second born. Also are they going to start educating women about proper diet during pregnancy? In a recent visit to a restaurant in Dubai I specifically asked if the food had cheddar cheese and I was advised by three people it was cheddar. Upon receipt it clearly wasn't cheddar. When complaining to the manager I was informed that I was the first person to ask and tons of pregnant women eat it. He claimed pregnant women here don't get the same advice as in Europe. I do not know the truth in this but if it is true does this mean the government cares about breastfeeding but not listeria and toxoplasmosis?
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 01 February 2014 - 03:45
The best place to obtain a dog from is a reputable breeder. Dogs have to born in the house, trained, and be socialized. Not to mention the health. You are getting a dog for 12-15 years. There are no reputable breeders in the UAE! I wonder if those who advice to buy a dog have ever been to a dog pound..... I've been to Battersea. When our twelve year old, deaf and half blind springer spaniel decided to start hunting on a walk (once he starts he won't stop until he hears the whistle, a problem if he can't hear anything) and we lost him, he was picked up by the police and taken to Battersea. He was vaccinated and put out on the waiting to be adopted block (they missed his microchip) with a sign saying 'English Springer Spaniel, Approximate Age 7 years" then some blurb about how great he would be with kids blah blah. He was a working springer, age 12, pooped on the move, completely game driven, had no idea how to play and on the rare occasion he was exposed to kids he would sit and look confused, if the kids had rabbits or hamsters they could consider them lunch. As for age 7 years, I pity anyone who adopted him thinking he was 7! He sadly died about six months after that. People are perfectly entitled to have the choice to buy a purebred dog, providing they buy from a reputable breeder who breeds for the purpose of improving bloodlines, not for profit and that the new owner does not abandon the dog compounding the problem of homeless strays. In my lifetime my family have owned no less than ten purebred dogs and one crossbreed, they have all lived happy lives from the day we got them to the day they passed away. We have had two dogs with behavioural issues one we didn't get until she was eleven months, the other was abused and we got him aged four. If you feel you have the time to commit to a rescue then that is a great thing to do however please do so without criticising those who choose to get a dog from a reputable breeder. As for people wanting puppies bear in mind that just getting a puppy does not a behavioural problem solve. A pups first learning is not from humans but from their mothers therefore puppies can have antisocial issues learned from their mothers behaviour. This not only applies to some dogs from rescue centres but also dogs from irresponsible breeders who breed for profit with little thought for the welfare of the animal. This is why seeing how the mother behaves is SO important when getting a dog in order to avoid pups from fearful dams. Therefore for those who are concerned about taking a dog from a rescue centre if you can see the mother you can actually have a [u'>better[/u'> idea of the pups social skills than if you buy a pup from a pet store. For those that want a purebred pup I can only advise as before go to the EU, or your home country and get a pup from a KC registered reputable breeder. Be sure to ask the breeder many questions (i.e. health test results, age of dam and sire, number of litters etc.) and expect to be asked many questions yourself by the breeder. All our dogs bar one (the 11 month old) have come from reputable breeders. My father had three springers over nearly three decades, the first two springers were working rescues, the breeder had sold them then in one instance he found the owner was abusing the dog and he insisted on refunding the owner and demanded the dog back then rehomed him to my father whom he trusted, the second one the owner died, the third one my dad got as a pup, in every instance Walter has been in contact throughout the dogs life to check on his/her welfare. Other dogs my parents had breeders stayed in contact. This is what reputable breeders do. My dads' old gamekeeper breeds labs (keeps the best for himself) and he could tell you every home one of his labs is in, their name, age and when he last saw them. As long as you are giving a home to a dog for life, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health and you are not contributing to over breeding in bad conditions then good luck to anyone who is looking for a dog to join their family.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 January 2014 - 16:22
A friend of mine was at a playgroup last week when one of the fathers there said to her "These women who wait until they're in their 30s to have kids are so selfish". On the one hand she was flattered he obviously thought she looked younger than 30, on the other hand she was one of those 'selfish' women waiting until she was 33 for her first child. Some people just don't think before they speak, others just have this unfortunate belief they are the setting the correct benchmark of perfection for the rest of the world. The best people realise that different people do things differently and thats why we live in a world of choices and have such great opportunities and variety in life.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 January 2014 - 16:06
We have a house in Ticehurst, East Sussex which we are looking to rent this summer. I am going back in May to get the place together and have new heating and electrics put in plus redecorate etc. May might be too late for you. I can possibly try and get things done before but then will have to rely on tenant feedback that the quality of work is acceptable (I wanted to check the work was done correctly before renting it). Ticehurst is a small village about 20mins from Tunbridge Wells, slightly further to Tonbridge. It is on the Charing Cross to Hastings line the closest stations are Stonegate or Wadhurst although some people drive to Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge for more train options. The village has a number of nice country pubs and is a few minutes drive or a decent walk to Bewl Water. Wadhurst the next village up has a larger variety of shops etc. Flimwell in the other direction has the Weald Smokery and there is a farm shop a little down the A21 towards Battle. There's a Sainsbury's in Tunbridge Wells and a Waitrose in Tonbridge as well as another Waitrose in Crowborough. Tunbridge Wells is a lovely town with a very nice shopping area including the main centre and the Pantiles. The house is a three bed semi, two double beds and one small single, one bathroom, dining room and lounge. It's brick built 1930s with a 130' garden. The house backs onto the road leading to the village primary school which was newly built about ten years ago there are also a number of private schools around as well as another primary in Wadhurst. The property is walking distance to the village, there are cubs, beavers and brownie clubs approximately half a mile away. Not sure about playgrounds except at the school. There's also local cricket as you would expect in Sussex! Trains from East Sussex to Gatwick at not ideal however. East Sussex is on South Eastern and Gatwick is on Southern, Southern trains cover parts of West Sussex and Surrey. Tonbridge has a link to Redhill and Gatwick is about 10mins from there. Alternatively a train to London Bridge and back out would be another option. DH would normally drive to the airport or rely on a pick up to be honest, otherwise he'd go from his office at London Bridge. When not travelling he did commute to London every day from Wadhurst. Here is the village website: http://www.ticehurst-on-line.co.uk If you're interested let me know and I'll post some contact details.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 January 2014 - 11:53
I've found it to be massively overpriced here. Depending on the size and weight of the pieces you want it may be cheaper to order from Amazon UK and have it shipped over (Amazon will give full quote on checkout), despite the size and weight with some pieces it can still work out cheaper. I imagine Amazon FR may do the same and could possibly be cheaper still, but not sure of FR prices.
 
 
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10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose