sarahlou123 | ExpatWoman.com
 

sarahlou123

sarahlou123
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Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 13:30
I can only comment on the commute, most of the people I know, friends & family, commute to work, for an hour / or one and half, all on trains, so I think that is the norm nowadays, especially as most people don't want to live in London. My BIL drives 2 hours each way to work
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 13:29
That's the question - but what will the answer be? If he wins Scot, if he loses Brit lol
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 11:49
Does it need to be the powder? Could you see if any of the pharmacies have Nair Hair removal cream? I have never seen the powder here ever
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 11:36
I will be moving to dubai next month, thinking to stay in al furjan villas but don't know much about the place ,community, pros&cons , traffic in and out????? Any help! Use the search post bar above Write Al Furjan and there are lots of posts about this area
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 11:32
also try Victoria's Secret, I believe they have them Wonderful thank you I was in there yesterday and forgot VS does not have them as they said they are not allowed to stop them due to the nature of the product :-(
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 11:31
I bought mine from Omega in the MOE, I haggled and got it cheaper than advertised Saying that my friend bought his from the UK and it was slightly cheaper than Dubai
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 10:39
or from: Saying Mamsir talking to colleagues while serving customers, especially in Tagalog Singing Following customers around the store Talking on their cell phones I actually had this in a bank once. I asked her to put the phone down when she was serving me and the look I got! That must be the same bank as I use!! She held out her hand to take my papers, and I held onto them, and said it is ok, she can finish her call. She ended it quickly and got on and served me. It is so rude and in a bank to boot... I complained to the Manager and she got a roasting from him
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 10:38
I agree with what all the other posters say, plus the current company you work for is employing you illegally without the visa. Doesn't really say much about their ethics Don't you think? that's the thing, the job is good on some fronts but on others I'm a little worried at some of these little red flags I would never work for a company that did not get visa approval before starting work Good luck if you go to the other interview :-)
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 10:36
Thanks GE! They are coming tomorrow morning, 200aed only, bargain! Can you let us know how they are :-)
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 10:35
What is the contact for DrAndrea please? Google Dr Andrea Al Wasl Road
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 10:34
I agree with what all the other posters say, plus the current company you work for is employing you illegally without the visa. Doesn't really say much about their ethics
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 09:39
Would go to Dr Michael's if i were you. Take out a bank loan first ;-)
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 09:38
Hello everyone, This is my first experience of Ramadan and I am travelling on Saturday with my 3 children back to the UK. I suppose we will be in the airport around 2 and a half hours before we board. What are the rules with regards eating and drinking in the airport and also on the aircraft? Thank you in advance X Airside is exempt from Ramadan so business as usual
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 09:14
Good morning, I am looking for advice, preferably based on personal experience, on a good dentist. I need to have a crown replaced, it is one of my front teeth so I would like to go to a really good cosmetic dentist. I am also terrified of the dentist so would like to see one who is patient and understanding. Thank you for any suggestions! Dr Madhu gets favorable reviews on here I do not know where he works out of though sorry
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 09:11
I would insist they come to work with their make-up already on. Boots in MCC made me shudder when three members of staff were putting their make-up on using testers in store at the same time. And yes, yes, yes to the shadowing you round the store. My staff will be trained to be friendly and polite and not to sit on a customer's shoulder. They will also be trained not to suggest the customer needs age-retarding products. I would like them to ring another outlet if they do not have my size in stock The UK stores do this all the time whereas here they say sorry we only have what is there and when you ask if they can check another store they look at me blankly!
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 09:11
Apart from Ikea anywhere else I can get a decent topper for mattress? Home Centre
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 09:08
or from: Saying Mamsir talking to colleagues while serving customers, especially in Tagalog Singing Following customers around the store Talking on their cell phones I actually had this in a bank once. I asked her to put the phone down when she was serving me and the look I got!
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 09:07
This is our first year of being in Dubai and I was just looking for the do's and don'ts during Ramadan. All advice welcomed. Is it also dry (alcohol wise) for the month? It is not dry after sunset A&E MMI in Dubai open after sunset
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 17:01
Is she a friend? if not then no. I do not understand people who add people they barely know. I wouldn't want someone who isn't a friend or someone I barely know looking at my info
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 14:44
Thanks for all this. DH and I will be using KLM and transferring at Schipol for our flight back to the UK in Sept. Going doesn't seem too bad time wise, but coming back we only have 1 hour between landing and taking off again !! Plenty of time I did this at Xmas no issue They know you are connecting so sometimes hold the plane for you
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 14:43
Sorry to post yet another one of these. We've had a long & difficult relationship with our current LL! He's a deeply suspicious man & essentially believes (despite his contractual commitment otherwise) that tenants should be resonsible for all repairs. Every time we approach him with a maintenance issue it's a huge headache to source the best quote & wrangle over whether we are responsible or not. The original agent assured us that he had a maintenance contract in place but it wasn't the case. We've asked him to arrange this (it would be in both our interests as he spends more per annum than the cost of a contract) but he's very reluctant. We've also tried to set out some basic criteria to determine what he will & will not pay for but he insists that each repair issue is determined on a case by case basis. He's digging his heels in about the latest problem. There was a serious leak coming from the bathroom ceiling. It turned out to be faulty flexible connector pipes to the water storage tank in the cavity ceiling. The cost for replacement was 350. Now I know in the grand scheme of things that's not a great deal of money but it's the principle! Of course we pay for any replacement consumables & bear the cost of any AC servicing or cleaning but I think that replacement of a fitting that's part of the fabric of the villa should be his responsibility. He says it's wear & tear.... Is this a minor repair & should we be responsible? 350 is not minor and the leak was not your fault I have an agreement that if there is a problem and I have had a few in my place that I pay and claim it back from the LL I have had a bathroom leak Oven broke Fly screen broke Dishwasher broke I paid for them all to be repaired and the LL gave me the cash back If you caused the leak then yes you should pay I am a landlady for a property in the UK and pay for all repairs unless the tenant caused the problem
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 14:12
The reviewer in the telegraph said she had to switch it off! Can I ask how you watched it? We have Apple TV but I haven't seen it on there. I'd really like to see Game of Thrones 3 too, but that isn't on Apple TV either and the DVD version isn't out until April 2014! I download everything as my VPN is interrupted constantly I can let you know how I do it :-)
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 14:10
also try Victoria's Secret, I believe they have them Wonderful thank you I was in there yesterday and forgot
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 14:09
hehehe... i saw these in DAISO out of all places!! Thank you
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 12:17
Firstly at al rostamani where they were having a couple of problems and took the trouble to call me when all was sorted their end. Secondly at khiels in Harvey nics, lovely helpful sales assistant who did everything she could to get me what I needed . edited by sarassister on 04/07/2013 That is good to hear We were in Bloomies yesterday and the staff were terrible and so unhelpful when we finally found one lady to assist us. Grrr
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 12:14
We travel through Amsterdam all the time. My first time through was not as harrowing and stressful as I thought it would. While it may be a big building, it's quite easy to navigate. In the plane, I watched a short video about the airport and that really helped me to understand how to transfer, etc. Do you not find your connecting flight is always at the furthest end from where you got off the plane :-)
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 12:03
Ready meals - that is what I miss most about home, and is about enough to make me want to pack my bags! As Alan Sugar said it is a multi million pound industry in England - makes life SO much easier! We've made a decision too to make this year our last. But not sure if "home" is where we will go next! M&S ready meals.. My mouth is watering at the though :-)
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 12:03
I can highly recommend Dupper at Spectrum on One at Fairmont on a Thursday. Really good food, but not crazy like Sarah Lou said but I guess it depends on the clientele - this weekend Brunches every night/day are going to be busy - last of the season - so I expect it will be buzzing everywhere. Tomorrow town will be rammed 26 of us will be going out eeek x
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 11:46
Hi all Want to do an evening buffet tomorrow, saw Yalumba in time out, but the only report on here dated October I think was that it was very quiet, anyone been recently? Is it any good? If not where do you suggest? I've been to Flavours on Two (bit chaotic) or is Channels any good - it's going a group of ladies .... thanks in advance Yalumba on a Thursday is very sedate compared to Friday Channels is okay but I have not been for a while Spectrum at the Fairmont has lovely food but again soooo quiet
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 11:46
Hi all Want to do an evening buffet tomorrow, saw Yalumba in time out, but the only report on here dated October I think was that it was very quiet, anyone been recently? Is it any good? If not where do you suggest? I've been to Flavours on Two (bit chaotic) or is Channels any good - it's going a group of ladies .... thanks in advance Yalumba on a Thursday is very sedate compared to Friday Channels is okay but I have not been for a while Spectrum at the Fairmont has lovely food but again soooo quiet
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 10:58
I have been here for 4 years and dh has been here for 15+. I really hated it when I first got here but it started growing on me. But we are leaving after Eid. We don't get any extra allowances and my husband has had zero growth at the job that he's been at for 6 years regardless of earning two higher degrees of education while there. He's stayed in that position though because he hadn't found anything else better! But after having kids, I realized that all I long for is my public library, grass, and sidewalks, and seasons! Oh and good schools that don't cost your whole salary! Shopping in the high street Tescos Don't get me started on the seasons :-)
sarahlou123
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 10:36
I often do it myself here, often the pumps are busy and lots of drivers are honking their horns for attention so I just get out and start. I am not 100% sure, but I do believe that this breaks the insurance for the gas station. Perhaps MrsPineapples can enlighten us, since she can get inside info....wink wink I do this also never had a problem
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 09:51
:-)
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 09:44
I am looking for a 1 - bedroom apartment with a budget of 70K in jlt, marina, tecom or the greens. Yesterday I looked around some in jlt with some estate agents but I found them to be flaky unreliable and only interested in telling me about the more expensive apartments. I thought a good solution would be to visit some buildings and speak to the security guards. I've been advised this is the best way to avoid the chasing the estate agents around the community. Does anyone here know of anyone moving out of a 1 bed in the next month or 2 that I could get in touch with about seeing their apartment (before the agents get their hands on it!) Any help would be great. Thanks ladies! The Greens has gone up significantly in the last few months. The newer buildings Views, Mosela, Fairways, Turia etc are around AED75-90 for a 1 bed I live in one of the newer buildings and got mine direct through the LL via Dubizzle You may get one in the older buildings but not pool facing. JLT should be easy to find but 70 in the Marina most probably would be one of the not so nice buildings Good Luck!
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 09:17
I do t know how big you are talking but I'm a DDD and I like Victoria's Secret. VS has a good sale on just bought bras for AED65 however they only go up to DD I promise they have DDD :) they also do bra fittings as well. And yes I just went to the sale the other day, great prices but it seemed picked over and a little chaotic. ( they don't have bras higher then a DD in their stores in the states only online so I was surprised to find out they actually have them in the stores here) I learn something new every day. I never knew there was a DDD :-)
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 08:47
I bet a huge amount of people will not have problems pumping their own petrol it will be how to get the petrol cap off ;-)
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 16:16
What is the one near Abu Dhabi on a private island where all the wildlife are?
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 16:10
I will save you the hassle of doing the rounds on this one, as I searched for the same. The answer is: ZERO, NADA, ZILCH :-) Driving instructor jobs are very badly paid here and those jobs are filled by another ethnicities. Sad state of affairs. I however will say that I did my driving license here, for the first time in my life, never drove before. You CAN request certain nationalities to teach you (another sad state of affairs) but it wont be anywhere near as precise, detailed, thorough teaching as one would expect in other parts of the world. Overall I was okay with Emirates Driving Institute, they taught me how to drive, except you are not allowed to go on SZR while learning, so it is pretty useless in terms of lane changing, crazy speeds, etc...as you are likely to spend at least 50% of your time on that very same road. I passed my test the first time, everyone else failed....beats me why..... Theory is ridiculously easy, mindboggling why so when there are zillions of drivers who have no idea of theory in reality. Im like you, petrified of driving here and havent done so eversince I got my license which was a year ago. The key is to get the license and get or rent a car immediately which is what I will do after our holidays. You simply CANNOT live a life here without a car. Good luck! They say certain nationals are passed first time whilst others no.. I do not know if this is the truth though
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 16:09
How do you get about doing activities at the spur of the moment? Or you really do need a little bit of advance notice and planning? Taxi Metro Husband Friends
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 16:08
Taxis are NEVER reliable :-) RTA works on a basis of receiving a booking, putting it out there and IF a driver responds the driver will go and pick you up, if noone responds you are left waiting forever which has happened to me a zillion times in Dubai - near villas or not. Obviously it is difficult to catch a taxi lets say from certain areas of Al Barsha where they just dont go randomly at all plus the heat. So if you cant wait on the street for one then: You can entrust the services of a private driver who will pick you up whenever, etc...there are plenty of these guys around and they barely charge more than a normal Dubai taxi, but way more reliable as you build up a relationship with them over time. But beware! Always get someone who has been highly recommended to you and also to say this is not what I would call legal in Dubai unless the drivers work for a company. Some Dubai taxi drivers are the same, if you need pickup at regular guaranteed slots then you can find one that will be there every day to pick you up, etc... Best to get/rent a car. Saves you soooooooo much hassle. This comes from someone who doesnt have one and is desperate to get one as soon as holiday is over. :-) Oh and we are moving to a villa too.... It depends where you live. If you live in new Dubai never an issue I have been in the Greens for 3 years and taxis have never not picked me up even on a Thursday night
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 16:07
I do t know how big you are talking but I'm a DDD and I like Victoria's Secret. VS has a good sale on just bought bras for AED65 however they only go up to DD
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 16:06
Have you tried La Senza or Triumph? They tend to stock bras for more bootylicious Ladies :-) edited by mcsk on 03/07/2013 La Senza only go to a D and they are more like a C cup :-(
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 16:05
From what I have heard it is 50 - 50 you get half of his and he gets half of yours. I guess he is implementing that now :( edited by pollydxb1 on 03/07/2013 Once you return to the UK, if he stays here it gets more difficult with a divorce My friends ex BH lives here and he doesn't pay a penny to her back home and the UK courts could not do anything, even if he sets foot back in the UK she cannot claim anything from him as the court orders could not be enforced as he is no longer a UK resident :-(
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 14:41
Does anyone live in a Villa, but doenst have a car What are good areas, where taxis are reliable , by calling one? In the street Ringing Dubai taxi Lived in 2 villas never an issue
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 14:24
hi, I have heard that during Ramadan the RTA offer 50% discount on fines. Does anyone know if this is true?? It does happen on occasion however they usually announce it in the newspaper
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 14:20
Really thinking about getting my license after being so scared to drive here. Wouldnt mind getting it sorted during ramadan, does anyone know any British driving instructors out here, I highly doubt there will be any here
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 11:25
Heya there!!, I am arriving some time in the end of July.. Taking up full time Job and a lot of reading about abu dhabi is helping me a bit. ExpatWoman is very very informative.. I am married and my husband will join me at a later time. I need to know a few thing all the suggestions will come handy.. 1) for walks can I use the cornice or will there be too much staring as I will be alone.. 2) Is there a good aerobics centre and If yes what would be the cost? 3) I have packed some Jeans and formal clothing. but I am really curious to know what ppl where to work. 4) If I want some daily wear inexpensive clothing..where can I get them.. Never been badly stared at for being alone and walking in the day Cant answer the other questions sorry
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 10:56
I missed about a month of episodes......anyone know why Jay and Nhikil fell out? Did it come out that Jay is the father of Rachel's baby? Try TV catchup or TV.com :-)
sarahlou123
8965
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 10:55
Thank you to everyone for all your advice and comments. It's all a bit overwhelming to have strangers helping out strangers! I didn't know his visa had to be sorted before we could rent and not sure if it will be. Does it matter that the company will be the one actually renting the place (ie their name on the lease) and the rent will be paid from a company check? This is the policy of hubby's company. I'm hoping that means we can get our housing settled while we are there in July. Wait, it's July already! We'll be in Dubai roaming the streets in no time! :D If you spot a car rolling down the street very slooooowly, don't panic it's just us looking for an empty villa! LOL Some companies own properties, if there name is on the lease then it should not be a problem I cannot see that every single person in Dubai had a visa before arrival/start of job even if it is law. Your DH company should be able to advise on this Most people I know came here then got their visa I don't imagine they all stayed in serviced apartments as there were not that many back then I am sure his company will sort it all. Finding a place is much easier when you are here and the process can be very quick :-)
sarahlou123
8965
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 10:51
I just always assume that the deposit will never be returned. That way if you get something back its a bonus, if you get nothing it's what you were expecting. I have lived in 5 properties all owned by different nationals and have never not received my deposit back.
 
 
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