Sanddy_Dogg | ExpatWoman.com
 

Sanddy_Dogg

Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 08:23
That's a relief. I would hate to be kept waiting 30 mins (I wouldn't wait that long, though - not without being warned) :)
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 08:17
I have lived by the Central Arab Timings (30 min late) for a long time now. When I am to meet someone at 1PM, I am there1.30PM and the other person probably at 1.45PM. I have to say, when it comes to "official" appointments, work, etc. I do like to be on time. *trying to be tactful* Is this certain nationalities or cultures, or for everyone you arrange to meet :)
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 08:13
I don't know if she's received an answer yet (The developer doesn't "do" emails) No-one mentioned refundable. I think the contractor had to pay AED 1000 (which of course they don't want to pay themselves) to become an approved contractor.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 16:15
Not all UK citizens pay tax but I believe they can retire back to the UK (as long they haven't [i'>avoided[/i'> paying tax of course.). I don't know whether they could collect a pension if they haven't paid National Insurance contributions and I also don't think property possession would automatically entitled a person to a visa. I'm no expert though :)
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 16:25
At least it's not ice cream.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 16:03
...to listen to one's Ipod all day at work? I sit with a colleague on my team whose earphones are in all day long and I can hear nothing but heavy techno beats drifting across the desk. As we work together, I frequently need to ask him questions and discuss things with him, and I have to yell, then he takes his earphones out, answers me and puts them back in again. Same with other people around my office and everyone who works in a support role. I understand not everyone wants to chat, but surely it is distracting and I also find it kinda rude to have to hover by someone's desk when I need something. Is it just me??? Should I just join them and put my Ipod in too? [b'>I don't trust myself not to sing tho...[/b'> Chew gum - it'll stop your mouth from singing ;) ETA I don't have anything against people listening to headphones (although I don't want to hear what they're listening to) but I wouldn't worry about hovering to talk to them; they're there do do their job primarily, not listen to music. <em>edited by Sanddy_Dogg on 18/09/2012</em>
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 14:49
O r a new Facebook account in the name of "Nosey Norah" with just a photo or two only....
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 14:32
Do you have something like a Photobucket (photo hosting website) account where you can create an account anonymously? You could then take a photo/s of what you have and, you know, maybe post the link...? ;)
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 09:29
I can't say for sure but I would imagine taking your kids to her is not such a problem (but your first post could be misconstrued as your employing her at your house). I'm unfamiliar with Hatta now so can't help you with that either - sorry! I hope you get the answers you need soon :)
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 08:54
Personally I like the Super White Sandwich loaf from Spinneys. I freeze it on the day of purchase and it's not bad once defrosted. I steer clear of Modern Bakery and Golden Loaf breads.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 18 September 2012 - 08:50
I'm confused by what you mean. It's been a long time since I've been through Hatta but I thought the first checkpoint is where you are stamped out of the UAE. Questions [i'>might[/i'> be asked as to why you are travelling with a housemaid who is not sponsored by you (probably not the smartest thing to advertise on an open forum that you occasionally employ a housemaid not sponsored by yourselves).
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 17 September 2012 - 22:23
"or changing a shirt while driving." Erm.....wtf?
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 21:11
What does that have to do with your 5 year old asking for a brother or sister? :D It's just tittle to not move the post to the maids part. ;) Here there are a lots of women that they can reply edited by Anouja on 16/09/2012 Oh LOL!! :D
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 19:39
What does that have to do with your 5 year old asking for a brother or sister? :D
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 12:27
Victoria English School is in sharjah, but right close to the Ajman border. If by GMC you mean the hospital, then the VES and GMC Ajman are very close to each other.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 09:12
Assuming they're looking for an International school, there's fee info here http://www.ajmanacademy.com/tuition-fee-structure.html
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 16 September 2012 - 06:15
I can't help with the legalities but I would say don't feel rushed into making a decision just because her contract is due to expire very shortly. She is not your responsibility and although it sounds harsh, if you do take her on and sponsor her (which, as Maroosh says, you have to have a residence visa to do) and she doesn't work out it can lead to a lot of stress as well as time and money wasted several months down the line.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 21:04
Most of my S&S parcels have been opened then resealed with Aramex tape. Generally I don't mind but I was a little miffed when I ordered a camera and it came minus the invoice (nothing was 'stolen' but I would have like proof of purchase). I have to do battle with them tomorrow as they say I owe aed 137 on an item which can't weigh what they say it does. The courier's shipping weight is a fraction of what S&S says it is but the S&S airway bill shows a photo of two parcels so it looks like I'm being charged to ship someone else's parcel.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 14:20
[b'>ONLY[/b'> 8000 lol!
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 11:09
I've been told that although iPhone 5's from North America won't work here, those bought in europe will.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 September 2012 - 08:27
The are online but I don't know how the prices would compare http://www.essentialmall.ae/categorypro.aspx?id=18&brand=Ella%20Bache The website shows Saudi as the only place in the ME.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 12:24
An Apple-geek friend of mine said that iPhone 5's bought in the US/Canada won't work here but those bought in Europe will. I have no idea whether or not he's right but it would be worth verifying before buying one.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 11:44
if he doesn't have his driving licence he may find it difficult to get a UAE one and i imagine his employer will need to know why he doesn't have it ?? Unless he needs it for his job why should it matter to his employers if he has one or not? We both have UAE licences but have never driven in Dubai-the taxi works out cheaper for us OP said he has a criminal record as a result of the traffic offense. I think getting a visa is of more concern than getting a driving licence with a criminal record.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 09:49
We can assume so.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 09:42
That's my point, reynee. Not everyone on here (or on this thread I believe) employs under the same contract so it's the OP's contract that's important.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 09:22
But not everyone employs their maids under the same contracts, do they? I would expect to see some differences.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 06:18
Shelders, please delete your email address. If that's your real name it's giving rather a lot of information out.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 September 2012 - 06:17
Our Maid has worked for us for 4 years . The first two she worked straight up as she was on an agency visa after which we allowed her to go back home to the Philippines and paid for the ticket. [b'>However after that it's every 1.5 years for Xmas[/b'>, If she chose to stay I would pay her the flight money as she has been with us for a long time and is so loyal she's part of the family. every case is different but don't rush and give her flight money unless at least a year has gone by. That's my personal advice . We also never ever go by emirates it's far too expensive . I used Dnata once to book her ticket in JBR , China southern airlines has good deals even though sometimes the flight times can be long , Royal Brunei as well. How does that work?
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 17:45
I have a washing machine and a fridge by F&P and I don't think I'll ever buy that brand again. I've had problems with both so that's enough to put me off.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 12:45
If he likes dogs maybe he could give K9 Friends a call and see if he can volunteer.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 06:18
I had my bag pickpocketed in C4 Oman during Ramadam, everything in my wallet including 6000Dhms in cash went, along with all cards and official ID's etc. To add insult to injury when I was in the security managers office, giving it laldy, a fly flew into my mouth. Well not just into my mouth, it then proceeded to partly fly down my gullet. I did the only thing I could do and swallowed. :D OP, I think flies are par for the course out here and if you'd been sold the water with the fly in it then you could have complained but to be honest the water was yours when the fly took a dunk in it and to have expected the water to be replaced was a bit much. Two people ended up with their knickers in twist and its just so ridiculous really. At least you didn't expect C4 to replace the AED 6000 ;)
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 17:24
HSBC used to write to us to say our visa was expired and to send a copy of the latest visa to them. This hasn't happened for a good few years though and we still get our cards.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 13:25
See, that is exactly what I said to my DH :)&gt;- those green areas between villas seem perfect, as one doesn't have to worry about cars or traffic on them.Where we live now, there are paths..but right next to the Rd.and ppl drive really fast at times it scares living daylight out of me... Do maintenance guys know what they are doing or is it usual palaver of few trips back and forth till it's fixed? Will they come out to for small works like putting curtain rod and such?Or should I just make honey do list :D [b'>Thank you SD. I owe you at least coffee and cake![/b'> I like you already :D You're right about the communal areas. Where I am it is actually possible to get from any villa to any villa without crossing a single raod. A bit long-winded, but possible. In cool weather there are loads of kids playing out in the evening. DD who's 13 has a friend in the other part and I don't have a problem with her cycling to see her friend. I'm also fine with 8 yo DS going to the park as long as he's not alone. I can see the park from my balcony, and when the kids are in the common areas the fences make it possible to see what they're up to from inside the villa. The maintenance guys are "ok".... They might do that stuff but we did it ourselves. I always recommend people join the RAK Expats Google group which is a mailing list. Many local companies will post events and promotions and ou can also send an email to the group yourself. You can find out what's going on but also ask for advice etc. People also advertise stuff for sale on there too.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 12:24
The last figure I heard for a middle row villa was around the 115-120k mark but that was a while ago. Yes, the kids all go to the same school :) There are quite a few kids around too. It's great in winter because there are a lot of pedestrianised areas between the rows where kids can play safely without having to have an adult right on them. We don't use a maintenance company as such, just the guys who do the maint. for RAK Properties and we pay them ourselves.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 10:38
Sorry to say this but after seeing the cars yesterday it would be a miracle if anyone survived that accident. Officially, only a few people died in the massive crash in the fog of the Dubai-AD road a few years ago yet witnesses recall seeing quite a few fatalities so it's difficult to know what's true and what's not.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 10:35
Shop and Ship won't carry liquids but normal mail will. Royal Mail will carry liquids, here is more detail [url=http://www.royalmail.com/despatch-inward-mail-services/hints-and-tips/prohibited-goods'>link[/url'> <em>edited by Sanddy_Dogg on 11/09/2012</em>
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 10:02
You're more than welcome. If you email me I can also give you my mobile number if you like.
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 09:50
There are just more units than tenants up here right now, nothing sinister :) Take a walk or drive through both parts of the development and see how you feel. Once you're in one with an agent there's a road linking the two parts that runs along the apartment buildings. No, it's not regulated like Dubai so go through everything with a fine-toothed comb. We're in a 4-bed villa and our highest bill has been about AED 3,300. We don't have grass so the majority of our bill is electricity not water. I use the closest beach ;) <em>edited by Sanddy_Dogg on 11/09/2012</em>
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 11 September 2012 - 09:05
Electricity is - apparently - supplied by Abu Dhabi. Charges are 45 fils per unit for electricity and 9.5 fils per unit for water. I have no idea when the development will be connected to FEWA. RAK Properties, the developer, rent directly but they seem to ask quite a bit more than private LL's (95k for townhouse, 150k for beachfront 4 bed villa. Don't know about middle row 4 bed villas). The two people I know who've rented direct have been subjected to rent raises. One I know does not have maintenance included (yep, when renting from the developer). I don't know what rentals cost now. The part of MAA closest to IceLand (P4/Granada) has a higher occupancy percentage than P5/Malibu (closest to the Emirates Road roundabout/1st gate). This is because P4 has been completed for over 2 years. P5 was only handed over last year. P4 has less than 100 units, P5 has over 200 units so therefore much larger, but still only one pool and tennis court. As yet there are no shops so it's a drive to Aswaq or Spinneys at Al Hamra mall but there will be a Choithrams in one of the apartment buildings next year. Hunt & Harris have a shop in Al Hamra mall. I don't think much of them but they are pretty well known. Better Homes have (hopefully still do) an agent in RAK. Otherwise I think you'll just have to google. Make sure maintenance is covered as the a/c is a constant pain in the rear. Let me know if you have other questions :)
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 18:41
I'd rather have a dog wee on my path than someone hawk up an 'oyster'.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 11:23
I did sneak an admiring glance at that one :)
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 10:13
Is that the big multi-function one? I bought mine Saturday, used it twice already :)
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 07:12
purplerain and AusJor, I can relate to you both. My DH was rarely home and when he was, he was holed up in his office trying to catch up on work that had accumulated while he was away on his last trip and getting prepared for his next trip. There have been times when he's only been in the UAE for one night between overseas trips.It got to the point where the kids didn't seem to know or care whether he was home or not. If anything will go wrong or need sorting out, it will always happen when the DH is away. I don't buy it that you should put up with it because he has a good job - it's not such a great deal if you don't have a family life and marriage. As long as DH was prepared to give his pound of flesh, his company was prepared to take it. For us it got to the point where the situation was unworkable as a family and luckily his company listened to him. Only now, after years, are things starting to change. I wish you luck, but want you to know you're not the only one and there are some of us who completely understand your frustrations :(
Sanddy_Dogg
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 19:34
Huda lighting on Um Seqeim road - near the junction for the Mall Of the Emirates junction. It's a black building.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 18:40
Not a chance. My 13 year old is only allowed in the pool without me as long as she is with somebody else of a similar age.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 18:06
It was very nice :) I hve no idea what time DH will get home so when I served mine and the kid's meals I just turned it down to "Warm" and it will keep at serving temperature without cooking any more until he gets home. There are some meals that can be cooked with frozen ingredients. I want to try and find a few and prep all the ingredients in advance and freeze them. Then, when we're out for the day I won't have to worry about cooking when I get home; I can just throw the frozen ingredients in the cooker before we get out and have dinner done when we get home :)
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 17:03
I haven't heard of anything yet, maybe once everyone has their kids settled back in school things will get moving again. I would recommend joining the Facebook page and asking on there. It might spur someone on to posting about an event that hasn't been well publicised, or you may find a like-minded person/people who reads your message and wants to meet up.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 15:06
It depends what it is. I have very sensitive eyes so good sunglasses are a must, and good sunglasses are not usually cheap. I don't have lots of shoes, I mainly wear only 3 pairs on a day-to-day basis and while they're not expensive, they're not cheap either, but decent quality. I don't wear cheap perfume, but I don't have that many. I like some of the slightly more expensive cosmetics, but don't have cupboards full of it. My watch was expensive but I've had it over 8 years. Bags, I'm not so bothered about, same with clothes. I tend to trash mine so ordinary "stuff" from M&S is good enough for me.
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 14:23
Here are a few places that might be worth trying. http://www.nanniesdubai.com/ http://www.majesticnannies.com/ I've never used either of them so can't offer an opinion but hopefully someone else will have some feedback. Good luck!
Sanddy_Dogg
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 13:31
There are 10 flights scheduled to land at T3 between midnight and 1am so it could be busy.....
 
 
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