SeaofLove | ExpatWoman.com
 

SeaofLove

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Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 18:58
Have you viewed anything in Trident Grand Residence? I love, love, love the views from my apartment, floor to ceiling views of the marina in the living room and ocean views from the bedrooms. It's the main reason why we are so keen on the place, we've seen many apartments and not one even comes close with views like this. Look for apartments ending with 01 or 03 for marina views.
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Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 14:48
If she's into reiki/new agey things, there are many classes she can join. There is a gong meditation class in Organic Glow that sounds really interesting, would she like that? At the very least she would meet others who enjoy the same things she does.
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 17:50
It is a dilemma, and like others have suggested the only thing you can do is to speak to your neighbours. No need to make it confrontational, if they are animal lovers they would understand your concern for your dog. That's one of the reasons why my cats aren't, and never will be true outdoor cats. Even back home, there is a fence stopping them from leaving our garden. I hate the idea of them trespassing into someone elses' property and leaving a mess, it's not fair to the neighbour and might stop them from proper enjoyment of their property, which I fear is the situation you're in.
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 17:38
Cranberry juice is my go-to for UTIs, it takes a few hours but there's always a marked improvement. Never heard of using barley water before but I'll keep that in mind next time, I love barley water!
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Latest post on 01 October 2012 - 17:13
So the truth is if you've come from somewhere better than Dubai... it never gets easier ... but you will learn to manage and make the best of your time. These two sentences contradict each other, it obviously gets easier when one learns to manage. If your attitude is that home/the West is better than Dubai, and set a goal to 'manage' as oppose to thrive, no wonder it never gets easier! OP - I was miserable when I arrived. I skipped the honeymoon stage completely and went straight into withdrawal, I was thrown off by the huge class divide and for a while, I couldn't stop myself from critisising everything. It is now almost 3 years later and we are so abundantly happy here. DH and I both have great jobs, found awesome mates and hobbies that keep us happy and busy. We have frequent holidays to beautiful locations, many of which were done on a moment's whim. Dubai isn't perfect, it has its ups and downs, same as any other place in the world. But if you really want to, you CAN thrive here. It doesn't have to be a place that you just 'settle for', or a place that is only a temporary stop, you can make this place a home.
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 18:08
Nice of him to take a stand, but if it were my dad handing me over for such a low sum, I'd be furious. Is he saying she isn't worth more? http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-bride-s-father-asks-for-a-sr2-dowry-1.1081127 Surely this is a wind up, otherwise OP would be a very sad person to use money as a measure of her self worth! If I followed my culture, my dowry would have been: 2 Chickens 2 Bottles of brandy Dragon & Phoenix candles 19 oranges 19 apples 2 pieces of red cloth to hang on the door A full plate of endives celery spring onion Dragon phoenix bangles 6 types of seeds A specified number of wedding cakes ...imagine if I based my self worth on that!!!
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 09:43
You could try contacting Migrante UAE, its an organisation promoting the rights of overseas Filipino workers. Website: migranteuae.org. HTH
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Latest post on 26 September 2012 - 09:40
and at the risk of getting run out of town !! I don't rinse - we have a dishwasher but if i wash anything up by hand i fill a bowl with water as hot as i can stand and washing up liquid..i wash the dishes - less mucky first - and let them drain. I sometimes run glasses under the tap to rinse, that's all..that's the way i've always done it and everyone else i've ever known... apologies to OP for going OT... :D I find this really hard to get my head around - what about the soap suds and detergent left on the plates?!?! I use organic eco-friendly dishwashing liquid but still feel the need to rinse after!!
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 15:11
I tried the free class offered by Club Stretch on their new opening in the Marina and was really put off. The instructor seemed nice enough initially, but halfway through the class I felt really faint (dizzy/couldn't barely make out the person in front of me) so I made my way to the door. The instructor yelled from the podium for me to stay in the class, at which point I promptly left and resolved never to return. I get the attraction, heavy sweating makes you feel like you're doing a lot of work. But if I had continued staying in the class I have no doubt that I would have passed out. Even after leaving, I spent 20 minutes trying to get back to normal, I know my body and bikram yoga was not the healthy thing for it.
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 12:41
Pan-fried Atlantic salmon and cauliflower cheese bake Beef rendang and wild rice (DH loves my grandmum's recipe for this and never gets tired of it) Sushi, miso soup and homemade kimchi on the side Ginseng chicken soup Pork chops with salsa verde made from basil, anchovies and garlic Steamed cod with steamed veg Roast chook with all the trimmings Meatballs with brown pasta PS Not a mum but my mum used to cook the same dishes for us kids =)
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 12:08
Your MIL is rude and from the sounds of it, unhygienic. I would try to keep the peace and compromise on the food, after all it's just for two weeks.But no way I'd be letting her touch my dishes, can't you just clean up before she gets the chance to? Do you have double sinks? If so, help her with the dishes and do the rinsing yourself! I really don't think that clean plates is too much to ask for!
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Latest post on 25 September 2012 - 10:52
I loved the Elche No.1 facial, the paprika mask was uncomfortable, but the results were amazing. Really enjoyed the atmosphere, very down to earth and the products are all organic.
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Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 15:58
It's the same guy, he's selling second-hand pianos from Japan and long story short, despite our agreement he decided to sell it to someone else instead. Great price, bad service =(
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Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 15:52
Lalalayla, yours sounds lovely but it's way out of my budget, I'm looking at 6k max!
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Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 15:51
I saw this: ZHViYWkuZHViaXp6bGUuY29tL2NsYXNzaWZpZWQvbXVzaWNhbC1pbnN0cnVtZW50cy9waWFub3Mta2V5Ym9hcmRzLW9yZ2Fucy8 Not me, but happened across the ad. Thanks AmyAus82, but that link doesn't work?
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Latest post on 14 September 2012 - 16:52
I was told it was pretty common for people to do that though? (Not that I do though, am destined to be single forever I think. Looking forward to being a mad cat lady one day) As no one has mentioned it yet - thought you should know - if you don't already - you are not supposed/allowed to live with a man who is not actually your husband. OP is coming here to join her partner, but he won't be able to sponsor her until she finds work. That would mean visa runs until she has her own work visa. Bit of a pain. I'm confused, OP said that she was moving here with her fiancé, so regardless of her job situation he won't be able to sponsor her anyway because they are not married, or have I missed something here? Regardless, OP, I know many couples here who live together unmarried but there is always a risk of being found out, all it takes is a stroke of bad luck. And here's another vote for the Marina/JBR as well, loads of cafes a stroll away, the beach, and it has a very social vibe as there are always people around. It's hard to meet people when you don't work but you could look at joining social groups (social circles Is a good place to start) or even just going for classes at the gym? <em>edited by SeaofLove on 14/09/2012</em>
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Latest post on 12 September 2012 - 14:28
Is he still in the UK? Has he signed a job contract and/or resigned from his current job? I know some people who have gone through the same thing and waited a few months before they heard back...
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Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 07:12
I would definitely play it safe and show up in a suit, unless you really know the company culture is very casual, but even so, you get one chance for a 1st impression and giving a professional image is always a huge plus.
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 21:56
Hi purplerain, I'm in a similar situation! We moved to Dubai early last year. The headoffice (overseas) offered my husband an on and off role to Dubai with a promise to fully relocate him after one year to their Dxb office. So here we are after one year husband still works literaly 4 weeks in Dubai and 4 weeks overseas (14 HOURS from dubai). We have 2 very young children. I'm all alone raising, entertaining and fully responsible for. Last year we bought a villa to settle and live like a normal family.Still no updtes from company the only excuse is that there isnt enough work demand for an executive manager to be fully based here. To add my husband is always busy spends more time in the skies than on earth travelling to all sort of places. He used to e-mail me his itenraries but not anymore so Im left guessing if he is on a plane etc calculating time diffrence which is driving me crazy. I feel like a single parent, left to make solo desicions for the family exp when it comes to the children. He is always tired when he arrives becuase of jet lag (14 hours non-stop to dubai). Although he tried applying for jobs in dubai but so far this hasnot been successful :( edited by AusJor on 09/09/2012 I just wanted to say that I have so much respect for mums like you AusJor, it sounds like a really tough position to be in and I hope your DH will find a more suitable job soon.
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 21:14
I think there is a clothing collection point at Marina Mall, in the parking lot. DH dropped his unwanted clothes there about 2 months ago so maybe try that?
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Latest post on 09 September 2012 - 21:09
What role is she looking for? I know of a few great firms who would take on a fresh grad but it depends on the capacity, if you want more info email me at [email protected]
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 12:58
Golden brown, I am flying back tonight and will have a look for you. Any idea what shop Idfind it in. The town I'm going to isn't very big or fancy, but has boots and some health food shops? Sorry OP no empty suitcase, mine will be bursting at the seams. Hi flyfiver1! Thank you but please dont go out of your way it seems you cant readily buy it in stores so it will end up being too much of a challenge locating it. Hopefully seaoflove will let me order it online and have it sent it to her dh who is flying back in 5 or 6 days. No worries GB, email me and i'll send you DH's hotel address =)
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 11:27
That reminds me....anyone know how JBRMummy got on with her gripe water ?? puzzles me a bit when posters sound so ultra desperate for something and then don't bother replying when people offer help...sorry to go OT I was just thinking of JBRMummy as well, I remember her posts asking for items and then no reply!
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 10:43
Some EW posters think nothing of asking complete strangers for massive favours / bringing things back from the UK / vouchers / searching for items across all of Dubai and expect a full delivery service without so much as a thank you! I am sure we are all here to share advice and tips not be unpaid slaves, what galls me most of all is when people come on frantically begging for advice and you write a long response, sometimes an email, without so much as a thank you! Some of the requests on here absolutely appall me - I wouldn't even ask my closest friends let alone strangers! I'm currently desperate for some colic calm for my ds and would jump at the opportunity if somebody were able to help me out coming back from uk. Its only a small bottle and wouldnt take up too much luggage space. Same way if I were travelling back and somebody needed something I would also try to help. There are alot of things we cant get here in Dubai that can be a necessity at times i.e medication and I think its amazing how much people help each other out here. I dont think its appalling. When you have a sickly baby you will try anything! GB, my DH is currently in the UK and coming back to Dubai on the 10th, if it's easy enough to find I'm sure he can bring some bottles back - let me know. Hi! That would be very kind of you BUT I'm not sure if its easily available in UK so if you can tell me what area your in I can call some shops around you to find out if they stock it? For now, I just know its not available in UAE but it is in UK. He'll be in central London and Cardiff. If you manage to find suppliers, email me at
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Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 10:37
Some EW posters think nothing of asking complete strangers for massive favours / bringing things back from the UK / vouchers / searching for items across all of Dubai and expect a full delivery service without so much as a thank you! I am sure we are all here to share advice and tips not be unpaid slaves, what galls me most of all is when people come on frantically begging for advice and you write a long response, sometimes an email, without so much as a thank you! Some of the requests on here absolutely appall me - I wouldn't even ask my closest friends let alone strangers! I'm currently desperate for some colic calm for my ds and would jump at the opportunity if somebody were able to help me out coming back from uk. Its only a small bottle and wouldnt take up too much luggage space. Same way if I were travelling back and somebody needed something I would also try to help. There are alot of things we cant get here in Dubai that can be a necessity at times i.e medication and I think its amazing how much people help each other out here. I dont think its appalling. When you have a sickly baby you will try anything! GB, my DH is currently in the UK and coming back to Dubai on the 10th, if it's easy enough to find I'm sure he can bring some bottles back - let me know.
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Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 15:31
Thanks again for the replies and well wishes everyone =) I'm slowly warming up to the idea of having a maid come in during the day now, TDB, yes I'm a real clean freak! [b'>I do a deep clean every other day and I'm one of those nuts who get distressed over clutter. [/b'> So I'm thinking, 3 hours twice a week would be reasonable? I'd probably be doing alot of freezing/slow cooker recipes for meals as well, so if anyone has good go-to recipes for the week, let me know! OMG I wonder what you would make of my place! Defo hate clutter and untidiness but clean-wise I am in the "could do better" category. Thing is - I find on a weekend the house gets dirtier when me and DH are around. When you both work, you leave in the morning and the house is exactly as you touched it when you return so it doesn't get dirty or untidy. When DH and I cook, we make double so there's always something in the freezer if we really can't be bothered. But generally it's no biggie putting some dinner on when we both get home. What time do you expect to return? Standard issue meals in our house are things like Spanish omelette, soup, chilli, bolognese, risotto, curry during the week and the labour intensive / long cooking lasagnes / roasts / stews etc are for the weekend. I went from one extreme to the other, before I met DH I had never made a bed in my life, now I have a system for everything! Good point about the weekend being dirtier, but I've got 2 cats who leave hair EVERYWHERE. The couch has to be vacumned every other day otherwise it starts turning a shade of gray and black =( I'm expecting to work till 8 most nights, so I was thinking of just turning on the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to yummy dinners. DH will probably be home before me on some nights and he'll whip up a steak dinner, but I really like the sound of stews/curries. I guess I'll just have to see how I go and improvise from there.
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Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 15:26
We use Dial-a-maid and I have found them quite good. We have the same cleaner in the same slot every week. It's a male cleaner which, hoping not to sound sexist, I actually prefer. There is no drama, he just gets on with it and does a good job. We did have a problem with one guy we had in December, while our regular guy was on leave, as hubbie got home early to find him feet up, christmas tree lights on, reading a magazine, but that was an isolated incident. I told them never to send him again and they haven't. I also find the office staff very good and responsive. FFx Thanks for the rec FF, will give them a ring.
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Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 14:57
Thanks again for the replies and well wishes everyone =) I'm slowly warming up to the idea of having a maid come in during the day now, TDB, yes I'm a real clean freak! I do a deep clean every other day and I'm one of those nuts who get distressed over clutter. So I'm thinking, 3 hours twice a week would be reasonable? I'd probably be doing alot of freezing/slow cooker recipes for meals as well, so if anyone has good go-to recipes for the week, let me know!
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Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 14:29
Thanks for the replies! Fairfield, I love the idea of having a cleaner in and coming home to a clean apartment, but obviously wary about not being there. Which agency do you use?
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Latest post on 05 September 2012 - 07:58
My parents took me out for ice-cream, and because I was a 'grown up', they helped me pick out some make-up for the first time. I think it helped because they put such a positive spin on it.
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Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 08:46
Non-labelling of GM products is one thing that really angers me, I think that consumers have the right to know what is actually in the products that they use. It's hard to avoid GM food completely because they are in so many things, but I watch out for soy/corn in particular, if it doesn't say non-GM, I don't touch it. Honestly, I think that this is one of the biggest problems affecting our health and we don't even get to make informed choices and in the meantime, big corporations like Monsanto are profitting off the decline of society's health.
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Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 08:41
One thing you could try is to cook the same meals, but substitute some products for better ones. For example, if you like pasta, swap white pasta for whole grain pasta, make it vegetarian or bulk it up with carrots/capsicums etc. Or if you like rice, swap for quinoa. HTH
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Latest post on 01 September 2012 - 10:46
Personally I only buy organic chicken, I know the price is outrageous but at least I know it is free of additives and hormones. I used to buy Spinney's chicken many years ago but I found out it was pumped with phosphate to ensure it stayed juicy and plump. They did list it on the label but not sure they do anymore. Buy a piece of organic chicken and some spinney chicken and compare. Scary how different they are. On previous threads people have said the organic chicken is dry, but that's in their cooking not the chicken. Never had a dry chicken yet. The organic store frozen chickens from Austria and very nice too. Ultimately it's a personal choice. Where can one buy organic meat here? TIA There is an organic shop in Dubai Mall, near PF Chang's. If you go on the 3rd saturday of every month, it's 20% off on everything =). They have organic beef/lamb/pork/chicken and although it's more expensive compared to non-organic meat, you can definitely taste the difference.
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Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 11:45
It's all really subjective and this is a long shot, but all services in the UAE should be carried out with due care and skill. Although you said that he's ok on the technical front, arguably 'cheap and horrible' is not exactly a good application of skill. You'd have to check with DED about this (just give them a ring). That being said, there could be exemptions that apply for this line of service. I don't know about the UAE but in Australia, architects are excluded from this law (probably because again, it's all so subjective). In other countries service guarantees also have to be fit for a particular purpose, I can't find this in the UAE code but to be honest, the Code is so general compared to overseas legislation, so you'd really have to ask DED for a definite answer. Sorry I can't help much, but if I were in your position, I would not pay him until he delivers a satisfactory product. And of course, the next time you hire a web designer, draw up a contract!
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Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 08:25
For high street, start at MidValley Megamall and Sunway Pyramid, they have heaps of high street brands. It is abit out of the way but you could spend an entire day there. ETA: It's Kuala LumpUr, not Lumpar. <em>edited by SeaofLove on 30/08/2012</em>
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 15:22
Sometimes Belacan Kiosk (FB) get stock from Malaysia. Unfortunately they are away at the moment until mid Sept. Do check them out as sometimes they have some good stuff for Malaysian/Singaporean who miss stuff from home ;-) Thanks Blimey, I usually get my Malay/Indo fix from Betawi Cafe in Karama but they were closed the last time I went and it's quite a trek from New Dubai..
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 15:21
When you said tempeh.... it's the one made from beancurd right? Yes! It's fermented soy beancurd!
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 14:43
I have tried applying to various jobs, but they dont hire fresher lawyers n cs from India. i am not yet admitted as a Lawyer in India. He is insensitive as to, he is not very emotional, n takes things very lightly & is not much bothered ab8 things. What jobs have you applied for OP? And which types of firms? Even if you're not yet admitted, as I said before, you can still find a paralegal role. Do you have a good CV and Cover Letter? Have you checked for spelling and grammar errors? I only ask because the posts that you've posted so far have a few mistakes in them, I'm really sorry if I offended you but that could be a reason why. Men in general are never very emotional, you might need to have an honest talk with your DH and just tell him what you need from him. Sorry I can't help more but best of luck!
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 14:27
Have you started looking for jobs here in ernest? It is possible to get a paralegal position with a law degree. Are you admitted in India? If so you could practice as a lawyer here. What position are you looking for? I've been in your shoes and of course you want to gain satisfaction out of having a career, but like the others, I think you also owe it to your marriage to at least look hard for a job here. When you say your DH is insensitive, what do you mean? Could it be that he is just really busy at work and doesn't have time to call? Also, while you're looking for a job, try to join in some social activities and make some friends, or at least some exercise classes? It's always nice to have company and at least you'll be able to keep busy
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 14:17
I know the Indonesian embassy in Abu Dhabi used to sell it (not sure if they still do though)....maybe try the embassy in Dubai? Thanks for the tip, I'll give them a call! Been craving indo food for ages..
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 14:15
Thank you SeaofLove. You have mail. Happy to do any other swaps too with anyone else. S You have mail =)
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 11:53
I have a small dyson hand held "animal" vacuum - gets rid of cat's hair from the sofa / cushions Second this. I have the large dyson Animal and it does a great job with my cats' hair, can't imagine living without it now!
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Latest post on 29 August 2012 - 11:51
Hey I'd be happy to, email me at [email protected].
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Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 12:01
We were hours away from signing a lease for a 2 bed at Fairmont when we pulled out. I really wanted to love the apartment, it was huge and was finished beautifully, but having heard about the issues with the building and the Palm in general, we decided against it. Someone we know who lived there had her roof in the walk-in cave in, flooded the place and caused a huge amount of damage, the property agent made sure that she was never left to speak to prospective tenants during viewings and never mentioned it to them either. That being said, buildings here are never perfect and you'll always hear different views. If you would consider the Marina, some of the townhouses in the Original 6 look beautiful, I've never viewed one but it's a great location for kids, near ammenities and Emaar buildings have a good reputation.
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Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 09:06
I don't tip manicurists/hairdressers, it also feels weird to me. We don't have a tipping culture in my home country, but I would tip waiters and maids for good service, same with taxi drivers. Just give (or not) what you feel comfortable with.
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Latest post on 21 August 2012 - 09:02
Talise, Amara Spa and One & Only Royal Mirage are always good bets, but if I had to choose Amara would be my top choice, I just love the atmosphere there, very peaceful and lots of privacy.
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Latest post on 19 August 2012 - 13:42
Like Dilys, I was only asked where I would be staying, so I don't think a one way flight would be an issue. Finding a job here will take a lot of time and effort, it's the same everywhere else in the world but in Dubai, you would be risking alot by coming here without a signed contract. Where would you stay? How will you support yourself in the meantime? Will there be issues with renewing your tourist visa? Have a look at job vacancies on EW, a lot of school/nursery jobs can be found there, but I really urge you to think twice about your decision, you stand to lose alot if it doesn't pan out. Good luck!
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Latest post on 18 August 2012 - 18:11
You'd always have some underdressed people at any venue, and while there are some who dress down for Pier Chic, when I was there the majority of patrons were dressed up. So don't worry, you won't be drawing the wrong kind of attention!
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Latest post on 15 August 2012 - 11:05
Do the Kodak shops do this ? If so, there is one over the road from Shams near the Jewels building. Oh yes, Ive been in there and they have an old A4 b&w printer which should do the job. Perfect! Thanks!!
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Latest post on 15 August 2012 - 10:38
Thanks for the reply ladies =)