simpleasabc | ExpatWoman.com
 

simpleasabc

simpleasabc
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Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 12:16
My apologies, I have just found this link which says different and seems to be from the HR department of HCT - I don't know how up to date it is, though: http://dwc.hct.ac.ae/expatinfo/notariseddocuments.htm Documents which Require Notarization The following documents must be notarized: Marriage Certificate ( Living together is not allowed legally, even for "engaged" couples) Dependent Children's Birth Certificates Notarization carried out in the U.A.E. If an employee is unable to carry out notarization of documents in his/her home country, then notarization can be carried out in the United Arab Emirates following the procedures outlined below: Documents must be notarized by a Notary Public in his/her home country. Documents notarized by either the employee's embassy or Consulate in the U.A.E. Documents notarized by the U.A.E. Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the U.A.E.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 12:10
I don't think so, IIRC, it needs attestation by the UAE consulate in the country where it was issued.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 10:41
I think a marriage can only be registered once, in the place where it happened, so if you did not get married in the UK, it will not be registered in the UK. I'm sure you've read this: https://www.gov.uk/marriage-in-italy
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 08:52
I second Traiteur. The food is fantastic and the service was fabulous when we went 2 weeks ago. Make at least one of you orders the scallops for starters :) Best foie gras I've ever tasted (and I've "tasted" a lot as my (lack of) figure demonstrates).
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 08:50
Breteuil, I'm already interested in your BBQ - which brand and type do you have, please?!
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Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 08:39
That is seriously scary to read.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 08:21
Alismum posted a link to the UAE cloud seeding project in another thread: http://new.ncms.ae/cld/cloud.htm (Sorry, can't get the link to work, my bad :( ) It looks as if that dates back to 2008, too, though. Is it a different project which is causing the current storms in Oman and the UAE, then? edited by simpleasabc on 02/05/2013 <em>edited by simpleasabc on 02/05/2013</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 21:20
Lolacat, I'm fairly sure that even if Nanny/Ayah didn't sleep in the same bedroom as their charges, they would sleep in an adjoining room, with a connecting open door - certainly much nearer to the children than their parents.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 21:07
My son felt safe and liked his"aunty" very much, so he was happy, the maid had her room for her stuff, so during the day they each had their own space. Our maid was not a stranger but part of the family. I understand that it's not the way in Europe but many children are brought up this way all over Asia and Africa and it is really OK. I feel that my kids are safe with the maid sleeping with them, the maid is happy, the child goes to bed easily, has no nightmare, I immediately know when he is sick and we, as parents, have our privacy. Yes many families co sleep you are correct. The word here being families not an employee. As for privacy, what's the point of having children if someone else is mum? Of course, historically, it used to be the norm to have a nanny who kept the children away from the parents most of the time in Victorian/Edwardian days (cf Mary Poppins) and an ayah would serve the same purpose in British Colonial India. Things only changed in the UK as a result of WWII.
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 16:36
I started going there recently and I second Niamh, (pronounced Neeve, btw) and also Melanie (pronounced Melanie). Cannot agree about the head massage, though, both times I've been, I've had to ask them to stop as they couldn't seem to manage any less pressure than "so hard it is painful and leaves me with a headache" level.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 16:03
Apart from families where the sponsor works for the government, the situation is not clear and seems to be working on a case by case basis. Oh, just seen your post, CP, it would be great if you could give feedback tomorrow. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 01/05/2013</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 15:40
It's also very pertinent for many ExpatWomen on these boards - politics and everyday life are often inextricably intertwined..
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 12:44
49M&Ms - how did you find your maid extraordinaire? Could you clone her, please? She sounds wonderful!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 11:38
What's your budget? for 2bedroom max. 130.000AED, for 4 to 5 bedroom max. 170.000AED What areas are you considering? quite flexible, not keen on Mirdif (planes), Springs, Furjan and Al Reem (in AR). Dream would be Jumeirah, Umm Suqueim, Al Sufouh etc. but also open for anything else such as Victory Heights, JVT etc. Do you have pets? yes a cat, but he could be taken over by a friend Would you consider a flat instead of a villa? villa, I need a place for all my loved plants and flowers :-) How many bedrooms do you need? min. 2 edited by Meagle on 01/05/2013 edited by Meagle on 01/05/2013 see above THANKS!!! Honestly, pull the other one, it's got bells on! You're not telling me you need a "small" 5 bed villa just for you and your beloved plants and flowers! It's your problem if you want to carry on doing what you have repeatedly been told here is illegal in Dubai, but don't advertise it! <em>edited by simpleasabc on 01/05/2013</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 10:25
I stopped flying AF about 30 years ago - it seems they haven't improved in the interim:)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 10:12
Can't help thinkin that this is more about others checkin flights for you. We are flying [b'>dubai to London direct for 2700dhs[/b'> last week booked. Yes Emirates and Etihad are expensive so check others. Air France KLM Royal Brunei Swiss Air Which airline is that, please? ETA: As you were, Royal Brunei, of course. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 01/05/2013</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 01 May 2013 - 09:58
Personal space really is a western concept. So in all those huge houses in mainly non-expat areas everyone is sharing one room? I don't know anyone western or not that would be happy sharing a room with someone else's children or a drumset. Rather than a western concept I'd be more inclined to think that personal space really is a higher socio-economic concept. If you can afford some personal space, you choose to have it. Emmess, hope your maid finds a decent employer soon. I can't understand why you would have your maid and children sharing a room either. Or why you would let your children encroach on her space. I remember reading how what used to be called "cot deaths" were said to have increased in Japan when Japanese people decided more space was a sign of status and wealth and started putting their babies in separate bedrooms, rather than having them sleep in the same bed/room as they had done before.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 22:42
If she can manage to get to Spinneys Town Centre, she could get taxis from there? Anyhow, have FB msgd you.
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 15:17
That's not our experience as landlords in Geneva, Lenochka, the way our contracts work is that three months' notice must be given by either party before the end of the annually renewable contract - if no notice is given by either party, then the rental contract is tacitly understood to have automatically been renewed for another year.
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 15:13
They probably also have procedures in place to deal effectively and efficiently with non-payment of rent and abuse of a property by a tenant. Simples, what happens if a tenant wants to break a lease mid-term? Are there penalties for that? Renting in France and Germany seem similar to Switzerland. My sil has been renting the same apartment in Germany for over 30 years! edited by A Rancher on 30/04/2013 Yes, the only reason a tenant can be kicked out almost immediately by the landlord is if they don't pay the rent. I don't know about if they cause major damage - it all should be covered by someone's insurance, anyway! To the best of my knowledge, if a tenant wants to break a lease mid-term, it can be amiably resolved, either by the tenant subletting or by the landlord asking the departing tenant to find a new one and a new contract being entered into - as long as the landlord doesn't lose out on rent he would have been paid (rent is always paid one month in advance, three months' deposit in bank security account, untouchable by landlord unless tenant does a runner or damages the flat so much that when they leave the deposit has to be used for repairs). Theoretically, 3 months' notice on either side is required, but unless you have people who are determined to be unreasonable, this can usually be sorted. Unlike here, landlords don't like leaving their property empty for months and years at a time!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 12:40
A Rancher, you should try being a tenant in Geneva :) Fixed rent for years, as it's pegged to inflation and if inflation rates decrease, the rent [b'>must decrease[/b'> proportionally; all the rights, none of the responsibilities :) [b'>And[/b'> you don't pay the agent's commission, the landlord does :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 12:04
http://www.nwedible.com/2013/02/grassfed-vs-organic-butter-and-which-one-will-kill-you-faster.html <em>edited by simpleasabc on 30/04/2013</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 10:38
All due to greedy landlords and agents. If someone else is willing to pay a higher rent than you, then that is the market rate. would you choose to accept a lower return on your investment out of the goodness of your heart? and[b'> LL do pay agent's fees here, same as tenants[/b'>, which is more incentive for them to renegotiate with existing tenant if the tenant is willing. they save on the costs of having the property empty while finding new tenant and then having to pay big % in agency fees again, vs just AED1000 to renew an existing contract at higher rent with existing tenant. of course some LL are daft and would rather have a property empty for a year or more because they have unrealistic expectations of 'market' price. totally irrational and inexplicable, and yes, greedy. Really? Commission fees to the agent every time their property is rented out? Are you sure?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 10:27
Trying to get the emoticons to work for a BIG GRIN to Andrea's Mullet!!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 10:20
One of the main problems is that if you are given notice in the UK for example, the majority of the time you can just go rent another property at the same spec for the same price... But here you are looking at having to pay significantly more than your current rent, and not just 10k. All due to greedy landlords and agents. And each time you have to pay the agency fee again which is really unfair. In more developed markets, the Landlord pays the fee. [b'>dont rent through an agent then.[/b'> Much easier said than done. Just [b'>how[/b'> long have you lived here, MrsBW?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 18:33
Happy Tin Anniversary! I would suggest our new family favourite, "Traiteur" at the Park Hyatt on the Creek. The food is fantastic. If it's not too hot to go outside, it's wonderful. Inside, the decor is peculiar, but it's fun to watch the chefs cheffing. Did I mention, the food is fantastic? :) ETA: For romantic, nothing beats "Pierchic" at the Madinat, what with the view of the Burj al Arab and all, but the French food is better at "Traiteur". Entertainer vouchers for "Traiteur", but not "Pierchic" this year, I believe. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 29/04/2013</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 28 April 2013 - 18:45
Wednesday Genius's link looks excellent, OP - there are even paralegals who would probably serve your purpose even better than a PRO. Problem solved :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 19:41
Yes, she died four months ago now, Claire. Orphaned at 56! Unfortunately, am on waiting list as no appointments available till the third week in May. Should have got onto it before but like you, thought I was coping, more or less. Nobby, how are you doing now?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 19:39
Are you sure it was Admin? More likely a paranoid Sarahlou! 5th letter of the alphabet 26th letter of the alphabet 20th letter of the alphabet 22nd letter of the alphabet dot it It's torrents, though, and there are other far easier sites to use, without need of a vee pee enn. Just google "watch (insert name of programme) free" and you'll find quite a few sites that way. Amazon is even offering some programmes, though not full series, I think, as free downloads for Prime users. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 24/04/2013</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 13:41
Sorry I can't give you any advice, as we moved with a 15-year-old who didn't want to come and who, three years later, is now counting the days till her final school exams finish and she can leave Dubai :( If you think your son intends to sabotage himself for the entrance exams, I'm afraid you're probably going to have to make it clear to him that the alternative will NOT be his staying at his school in Ireland :(
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 13:26
I can understand your frustration OP but even if the other driver is driving like an inconsiderate idiot, that doesn't mean you can pull in front of him and hope he will stop. I don't think that's the point, Daza, the same thing has happened to me three times in the past couple of days, I've been indicating to join a road from a slip road which is coming to an end, and instead of allowing me into the space that should be ample for my car, the driver coming up from behind (more often than not, a taxi-driver, for some unknown reason), [b'>deliberately speeds up[/b'> to stop me from joining the road. I nearly had an accident myself the other day, for that very reason.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 10:47
I wonder what the result was for the sponsor who sued the family who employed "his" maid on her day off?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 09:08
This is an interesting topic, and only shows how complicated the issue is. [b'>I wonder if you sign a notarized contract with your maid not allowing her to work outside of the house, if that would be valid in court and free you - as a sponsor- from fines and jail time??[/b'> I was wondering the same myself, this morning. I doubt it, or sponsors would be doing this regularly to protect themselves, wouldn't you think?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 09:06
Ooh I hope its at C4 MOE! its the only one I know to drive to. :( The Lulu's is very near the MoE, you just have to drive round several times getting lost in the one-way system there in order to get into the Lulu's :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 08:24
Thanks, Claire. Do your remember how long after your Dad's death you went to her? If you don't mind my asking?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 08:03
What percentage would be 1/3rd or over? 33.33 recurring %
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 08:02
1. I think I've seen abayas in the Lulu's near the MoE. Also in the Barsha Union Coop and at Carrefour at the MoE. (I might be imagining things, though, so wait for someone else to confirm if you don't want a wasted journey!) Sorry, can't help with 2 or 3.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 08:00
Can you get all the right raw ingredients here, MrsBW? I'd have trouble with the pastry crust, I think, looks v complicated to me..
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 22:56
We currently have 3 biz class returns per year for all the family at lowest price on the market (i.e. travelling via Timbuktu if it's cheaper than going direct), but that was after much negotiation. The new contract will not be as cushy, I fear. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 23/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 21:38
Thank you, Hersay - funny you should say that, as I remembered having spoken to Sabina Christensen once and thought she might be able to help - she used to be at Dubai London Clinic but now I see she is at Lifeworks, what a coincidence!
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 21:34
Thanks, Flowerhead - they used to be my mother's favourite, too, we used to have them with Champagne at celebrations. I found an Italian brand in Spinneys and am all set to try to make a Chocolate Charlotte Russe for dorter's 18th birthday!
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 21:32
Now I'm salivating for a Melton Mowbray pork pie..
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 17:38
It depends on each individual's contract. It's a perk, isn't it.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 16:27
Thank you very much, ladies.
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 10:48
Tara.k, I think you have to take a hard line - explain to the maid that you wouldn't mind, but it is illegal, and the consequences are dire for both the maid and you. Tell your maid that if you find out that she is working elsewhere part-time, illegally, you will immediately deport and put a ban on her without question. Hark at me, I've clearly learned at Servants' Quarters' knees :) Never sponsored a maid in my life :) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 23/04/2013</em>
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 10:38
They've announced they are producing a second series next year, but no clues as to who will stay or who will go..
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 21:17
One of my hates on the road here. You indicate to let people know you want to move and they speed up so to move across becomes dangerous. Worst is when your lane is about to end and no one wants to let you in.. It happens so many times a day here, it's as if it were in the Highway Code here! I've just had a ridiculous experience on the Al Satwa Road, where I stopped to let a Filipino man and a gardener on a bicycle cross on a Zebra crossing. The Filipino thanked me as if this had never happened to him before.. Judging by the taxi which pulled up and had to stop beside me also and shook his head exaggeratedly at me as if I were mad to have stopped for anyone to cross, it is an unusual occurrence here. Why? Earlier in the afternoon, I stopped at traffic lights on the Al Wasl Road, indicating I was going to turn right, and an idiotic woman in a Pajero decided to come up beside me using the bus stop layby to my right to overtake me and go in front of me when the lights changed. WTF? ETA: Sorry, OP, no idea what a white slip means in Sharjah, just keen to add my surreal experiences on Dubai roads today. <em>edited by simpleasabc on 22/04/2013</em>
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Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 19:54
That's a good point, Salamander - I use "Prime" delivery which is free fast shipment within the UK, and then get S&S to my door, but it may be that the OP could get the stroller delivered direct to an office PO box in Dubai?
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 16:24
Didn't I first see it on April 1st? :)
simpleasabc
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Latest post on 21 April 2013 - 16:23
Sure hope your forecast is as wrong for next Sunday as it was today, Little One - I'd prefer to celebrate my only child's eighteenth birthday in the sun :)
 
 
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