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skyfall

skyfall
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Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 07:01
Hello everyone, I've been looking for a sofa for months and I keep coming back to the crtae barrel L shape sofa. All together it costs 24500 add. Does anyone have one? Any problems? Easy to keep clean and stain free? The cushions keep their shape? I'm trying to justify the money to myself ;) Sickening how much cheaper they are in the USA and the shop assistant says they never go in the sale as so popular. Any I for greatly appreciated Thanks very much JTG We were in the same boat, looking for an L-shaped sofa, found ours at Bo Concept. Have you looked into them? They gave us a discount as well, they might have some offers now its Ramadan. They are expensive too, but we make super good use of it. Their cushions need fluffing occasionally, and the cover is not removable (which is a bummer) so can only be cleaned profesionally, except for the cushion covers, those need to be dry cleaned too though.
skyfall
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Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 06:57
Thanks but unfortunately I am on a limited contract of 2 years so it looks like I might have to pay them compensation ! Sadly you get nothing in this case. But you shouldnt have to pay them compensation, only perhaps your initial visa charges (a friend of mine had to do this).
skyfall
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Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 06:55
Hi there, Does anybody know of a nice place to have coffee with friends during the day ? thanks Go to More in Gold and Diamond Park....perfect for a chat and close to Metro station too (if you don't drive) or pop into DIFC, almost everything is open.
skyfall
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Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 06:54
Yes, I find ASOS a small make. Go the 12 I say. I agree, 12 should do the trick. M&S is always a tad too big. I recently ordered from ASOS and must say that every brand of clothing has a bit of a different size, so it really depends on the brand itself you are buying I think. As with one T-shirt I was the recommended one, but shorts I ordered 2 sizes big, the recommendation was just too off the charts...
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Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 06:50
My friends had it istalled after a disastrous nanny and they have it in the hallway/entrance, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, child's bedroom, child's bathroom and their study/office. Nanny knows about it too. <em>edited by skyfall on 06/07/2014</em>
skyfall
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Latest post on 06 July 2014 - 06:48
When we rented in Marina, our landlord happily paid for all maintenance related issues, including new water heaters, painting, etc...this should be standard, we just used to give him the invoice/receipt after works. We discussed it with him prior to work being done, he gave go ahead, we paid, he paid it back. Very straightforward. The contract should clearly say that all maintenance issues that relate to the the flat that don't occure due to tenant's fault should be covered by the landlord. We got deposit back too, our landlord was awesome! Unless you damage something, and get charged for that, you should get all your deposit back without an issue. If by maintenance charges you mean service charges that is the responsibility of the owner and the contract should state that.
skyfall
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Latest post on 05 July 2014 - 11:21
I used to put pants on like that when I was younger...LOLOL this made me laugh sooo much...thanks for sharing! <em>edited by skyfall on 05/07/2014</em>
skyfall
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Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 15:49
It's quite small but has most items, dates, chocolate, alcohol, pashminas....though I must say the shop selling scarves, etc is very low on stock and badly organised.
skyfall
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Latest post on 24 June 2014 - 15:46
I have a front loader. Is it safe to use? I'm scared to take the risk in case my washing machine packs up after all I've just purchased a new fridge freezer which cost a bomb! Thanks. I once made a mistake of thinking its fine to use top loader washing powder in front loader machine, only to end up with endless grey 'gunk' all over the rubber by the door and the clothes. Machine has been to service twice now as a result of this, I'm getting a new washing machine as the grey gunk just keeps appearing from nowhere, making me wash a set twice.... Engineers say it's because it got stuck in certain parts that they cannot remove, blah blah blah...they also told me never to use the wrong washing powder as it's formulated a bit different....but I'm not sure about the last part, it might be sg. they came up with :-)
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 15:05
Good idea hun but thing is I hate ordering online, especially with tight dresses like this. Just checked out the facebook of that store they seem to have loads of styles..will try head after work. Outlet mall is just too far aswel.. keep u gals posted x we dont care about your stealth advertising, hun So this was just a hidden ad? Oh my, how behind I am with today's marketing techniques....am so naive doh!
skyfall
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 12:49
Any tips what type/size grill to get? I have a gas one on my balcony ( My balcony is enormous) my colleague also has one on his No smoke at all and the lid is closed Security are fine with it Security might be fine with it, how about the Building Management and Facilities Management companies? I would be rather surprised if they allowed this.... Head of our building has seen it and not said anything. Although I am on the ground floor ( My balcony is a terrace one if that makes sense) edited by sarahlou123 on 23/06/2014 Ok, well, there is a difference here then, that is: if your flat has an adjacent garden that functions as your terrace, balcony then it's fine...I have friends whose flat is like that and they regularly host safe and allowed grill parties as they are on the ground so to say.
skyfall
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 12:30
Any tips what type/size grill to get? I have a gas one on my balcony ( My balcony is enormous) my colleague also has one on his No smoke at all and the lid is closed Security are fine with it Security might be fine with it, how about the Building Management and Facilities Management companies? I would be rather surprised if they allowed this....
skyfall
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 12:27
It is illegal to light any form of fire on your balcony gas grill, charcoal, whatever....Why people think this is safe astounds me.... Although if you are in your own villa I'm sure you can go for it :-) why would you grill on a balcony if you own your own villa? Because I've been to a party at a villa in Dubai where the balcony was the size of my living room with insane views and they did BBQ there instead of the garden :-)
skyfall
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 12:22
It is illegal to light any form of fire on your balcony gas grill, charcoal, whatever....Why people think this is safe astounds me.... Although if you are in your own villa I'm sure you can go for it :-)
skyfall
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 12:04
Does anyone know how easy it would be to move back to the uk if you haven't lived there for 10+ years. How would it work for schooling, medical, tax etc Several friends left last year and more will go this year They all lived here for over 10 years They all registered with local surgeries once they were home, applied to the local schools for their kids and were fine. Not sure about the tax side though sorry We had several friends move back too with same processes, some with kids, some without....they never looked back. Tax they started paying once they started working though he was taxed on his bonus only which was awarded to him here, so there might be certain exceptions...best is to consult the tax office and tell them of your own situation.
skyfall
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 11:47
What I would do is walk into Herve Leger in Dubai Mall, try different dresses on, note down style and size number. Then walk out, order it at discounted prices from outnet dot com or the likes....
skyfall
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Latest post on 23 June 2014 - 11:37
to walk to the shops 5 minutes away? Nope, it's completely doable, I walked for 15mins at noon...that was okay, sweaty and all but fine...get them to deliver if you feel too muggy outside....
skyfall
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Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 10:28
Clarins hand and nail treatment cream is lovely and not greasy. Unfortunately there's no SPF in it otherwise it would be perfect! Maybe they do an anti aging one? This is my favourite too though a bit pricey....I also love Kamill, much cheaper and lovely smell too.
skyfall
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Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 10:25
I always order from amazon, get it delivered to UK then hubby or myself would pick it up...soooo much cheaper it's astonishing!
skyfall
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Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 10:22
We have just bought a villa and were told that we have to pay housing fee which is 5% of the purchase value. Can someone confirm it it is true? edited by darsy on 22/06/2014 Housing fee??? Never heard of this...is it something to do with villas only or is it only figurative and hides another charge? We only had to pay the 4% so called land registry transfer fee....otherwise known as stamp duty... I second the fact that it is worth only buying from trusted developers with good building management and facilities management teams who ensure the tower or villa compound and community areas are kept in good condition and are continually maintained...
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Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 10:15
Definition of a bedroom: ......where all the magic happens.... (Sorry, I know it's not helpful...lol)
skyfall
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Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 10:10
I wish our lifeguards would pay more attention. Down at the pool the other day he was sat on a lounger smoking while reading his ipad! There were several kids in the pool! Complain to Facilities Management as in most compounds it is forbidden to smoke next to a pool. This is outrageous actually. He should take a toilet break and have a cigarette in the designated area. Question is, who comes on duty when the guard takes a loo break?
skyfall
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Latest post on 22 June 2014 - 10:01
My experience with EDI has been quite different with both DS and DD EDI are a nightmare to deal with. They are disorganised and hopeless at providing information. Driving instructors for both DS and DD left suddenly go on leave and no cover was arranged. We were only told this when the lessons were missed and I complained. It then took a week or 2 to arrange for someone to cover. The issue could have been that there are fewer instructors to teach manual cars. Female instructors and examiners also seem to be short supply and there was a waiting list of a month, earlier this year for lessons. The instructors are unprofessional in their approach and my DD's instructor used to play Candy Crush during her lessons and complain about her working hours and working conditions to my DD. For my DD, EDI were unable to pick up and drop off and the trek to drop and collect her in Al Quoz was a right pain. At my DS's test, he was failed twice for things that he did not even do wrong, before he was passed on the third attempt. The test appears to be a lottery. I don't know if any of the other schools are better, but I doubt it. Good luck with your driving. Oh my, I must have been super lucky...I took a regular package with high number of lessons that I could take whenever I wanted to, got two female instructors plus a female examiner. The examiner was very harsh but I passed the first time and trust me, I was a nervous wreck, I was shaking :-D
skyfall
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Latest post on 21 June 2014 - 10:02
I did my license here, had zero experience before. I went to Emirates Driving Institute where I attended a few theory classes, did the theory test, which was insanely easy. Then took more than 40 lessons, did my license in 2-3 months as they can be very accommodating with times I found. You can request a female teacher as well. It all depends on how often you can go for your lessons, if you want to, you can go every day including weekends. Good luck.
skyfall
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 18:54
As someone who takes the taxis everyday in Dubai, I have never had an "awful" trip. Yes.many lack communication skills and fail to understand basic sentences but it has never been an unpleasant/rude ride for me. On the contrary, I have found them to be very honest and positive in life. IMHO, taxi drivers in Dubai are far better than in other places. Sometimes they do speed but the minute you ask them to slow down, they do it immediately. OP seems to have had a very bad experience which would freak me out as well. edited by aa5207 on 19/06/2014 I think you are one of the very few lucky female passengers :-) I guess it depends on what nationality you are, what your religion is, how you dress, etc...they feel they can do or say anything to a white woman, especially if she is a non-Muslim and young...just an absolute lack of education and ignorance. I met drivers who didn't even know what Al Wasl Road was, or what service road means...RTA needs to up their training so that both sides can benefit. Always use Careem or Uber, changed my everyday life for the better...hope they change yours too, OP :-) This argument that only muslim covered women don't get into trouble with taxi drivers here really gets to me and is simply not true. I have taken taxis here as a non Muslim when I first arrived, then as non covered Muslim and as covered Muslim. There was NO difference in the way taxi drivers behaved towards me. And no women who don't have trouble with taxi drivers are not a minority. To say that most of the taxi drivers are ignorant and uneducated is an ignorant thing to say. You don't know anything about these guys. Rude is rude, and must be dealt with, but lets not start to generalize a good few thousand men. I'm not obliged to know 'these guys', they are not my family or my friends. I don't expect them to want to know me either. And frankly, I'm happy if it stays that way. OP: hope you have gone to the station, let us know how it goes.... You don't have to know them but the way you speak about them makes you no better. In their eyes you might be an uneducated and ignorant person in they way you conduct yourself. I like a good debate. Sorry to most for slightly hijacking the thread .... Marroosh thanks for your insights, food for thought.
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 18:44
Ehm... Life guards get paid to look at you. It's their job. Fiddling or reading books is probably not in his job description. I really don't know what is wrong with women here, thinking that men here (mainly Asian men) are all just here to check out white western non Muslim women.. Same in the taxi driver thread. Really ladies, just get on with life. I take it as you are not a white, non-Muslim woman then? I am simply trying to understand your point of view a bit better. I honestly have never experienced the stares I get here, the utterly uncomfortable and intimidating incidents, the lack of manners yes, mostly from Asian men. It saddens me to write this, but this is the truth. OP: complain to FM, there is a difference between dutifully watching or undressing you with his eyes.... Hahaha see there you go. Prejudice. I am white, female, and moved to the region as a non Muslim 8 years ago (I became Muslim here 4 years ago) and if you have read my comments in another post, I have never, before my abaya and hijab days, NEVER had the problems some women describe. So it is NOT about nationality, hair colour, or religion, it's about the fact that among many, many, many different men in this country, there is the good, the bad, and the ugly. As there are among women, good, bad, and ugly. It looks like you're not really aware of the way other people of other cultures think. In many Asian countries, people stare at each other, they just look, no differentiation between any of the above mentioned descriptions (in my country people like to look inside other people's houses). Lots of women complain Asian men ogle at certain women. Have you ever though that these men are not looking in admiration or lust, but wondering WHY these women would dress that way? That your habits and ways are completely foreign and abnormal to them? I understand the cultural differences, but there is a difference between sexually suggestive looks and a genuine stare and then following up on those looks with intimidating behaviour in some cases. Wearing a bikini in a swimming environment does not give a reason or an excuse for these men to behave the way they do. Like I said, you were lucky enough not to experience bad situations, unfortunately not all of us are in that boat and some of us feel the discomforts of these stares such as OP demonstrated. Maybe you are very good at blocking it out, others might be more sensitive to it...
skyfall
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 18:26
Ehm... Life guards get paid to look at you. It's their job. Fiddling or reading books is probably not in his job description. I really don't know what is wrong with women here, thinking that men here (mainly Asian men) are all just here to check out white western non Muslim women.. Same in the taxi driver thread. Really ladies, just get on with life. I take it as you are not a white, non-Muslim woman then? I am simply trying to understand your point of view a bit better. I honestly have never experienced the stares I get here, the utterly uncomfortable and intimidating incidents, the lack of manners yes, mostly from Asian men. It saddens me to write this, but this is the truth. OP: complain to FM, there is a difference between dutifully watching or undressing you with his eyes....
skyfall
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 18:15
As someone who takes the taxis everyday in Dubai, I have never had an "awful" trip. Yes.many lack communication skills and fail to understand basic sentences but it has never been an unpleasant/rude ride for me. On the contrary, I have found them to be very honest and positive in life. IMHO, taxi drivers in Dubai are far better than in other places. Sometimes they do speed but the minute you ask them to slow down, they do it immediately. OP seems to have had a very bad experience which would freak me out as well. edited by aa5207 on 19/06/2014 I think you are one of the very few lucky female passengers :-) I guess it depends on what nationality you are, what your religion is, how you dress, etc...they feel they can do or say anything to a white woman, especially if she is a non-Muslim and young...just an absolute lack of education and ignorance. I met drivers who didn't even know what Al Wasl Road was, or what service road means...RTA needs to up their training so that both sides can benefit. Always use Careem or Uber, changed my everyday life for the better...hope they change yours too, OP :-) This argument that only muslim covered women don't get into trouble with taxi drivers here really gets to me and is simply not true. I have taken taxis here as a non Muslim when I first arrived, then as non covered Muslim and as covered Muslim. There was NO difference in the way taxi drivers behaved towards me. And no women who don't have trouble with taxi drivers are not a minority. To say that most of the taxi drivers are ignorant and uneducated is an ignorant thing to say. You don't know anything about these guys. Rude is rude, and must be dealt with, but lets not start to generalize a good few thousand men. I'm not obliged to know 'these guys', they are not my family or my friends. I don't expect them to want to know me either. And frankly, I'm happy if it stays that way. OP: hope you have gone to the station, let us know how it goes....
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 12:16
We bought our flat last year as landlord wanted an absurd increase and we simply asked him if he wanted to sell, he did. We got lucky. The only payment we had to make was for title deed registration which was 4% of price of flat, that would be stamp duty in UK, and obtaining several documents, which always cost sg in Dubai. Contract was given by seller at no extra cost, those are pretty standard. In terms of the flat, the only thing added is the service charge on top of your regular bills. But as an owner you get a say in where the building spends that service charge (this is if you decide to actively partake in owners association meetings,etc).... You can easily rent it out with no additional costs involved. I say go for it, we haven't looked back and there has already been a staggering 20% increase on the property. Location is key. Where are you thinking of buying? What do you mean by time time payment?
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 11:12
I'd stay away from microgynon. The hormone doses are quite high and it's pretty well known for bad side effects, especially mood swings, depression, loss of s*x drive etc I've got several GP friends and relatives in the UK and microgynon is the 'go to' for new users to the pill - because it's cheap. But a lot of women really don't get on with it at all. Don't really have much constructive to suggest except to consider maybe Mirena, as the hormone dose is lower Or, a combination of cycle tracking and plus an additional method in the fertile times - such as cap, or that spermicidal gel film stuff I agree, Microgynon did things to my body I thought were never possible. Jasmine was very good for my skin and also didn't have issues with body or mental health, took it for years. I do wonder what made your doctor say Yasmine is bad? What actual evidence did he or she base it on? I had very bad skin, etc before but it helped enormously...I am sure as we are all different we all react to it differently but why the scaremongering if you were happy with it?
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 10:57
Speak to building or facilities management and ask them to let you put posters up in your building or community centre notice board...Dubizzle will always sell fast but only if you advertise your stuff very cheap... If you have kids, ask the nursery or school to let you put posters up with photos on their notice board... Good luck!
skyfall
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 10:54
Taking driving lessons here won't help, the driving schools are the places that actually *create* the bad drivers. If you've passed the UK driving test, you're already a much better driver than anyone who passed their test here. Yup, taking lessons is likely to undo all the good driving you currently have, not worth bothering with. I disagree. It did help me get used to the speed, the changing lanes without indicating, the tailgating, the constant beeping if I'm slow..etc...it helps with getting used to the driving mentality of others here. You loose nothing by getting lessons....
skyfall
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 10:50
As someone who takes the taxis everyday in Dubai, I have never had an "awful" trip. Yes.many lack communication skills and fail to understand basic sentences but it has never been an unpleasant/rude ride for me. On the contrary, I have found them to be very honest and positive in life. IMHO, taxi drivers in Dubai are far better than in other places. Sometimes they do speed but the minute you ask them to slow down, they do it immediately. OP seems to have had a very bad experience which would freak me out as well. edited by aa5207 on 19/06/2014 I think you are one of the very few lucky female passengers :-) I guess it depends on what nationality you are, what your religion is, how you dress, etc...they feel they can do or say anything to a white woman, especially if she is a non-Muslim and young...just an absolute lack of education and ignorance. I met drivers who didn't even know what Al Wasl Road was, or what service road means...RTA needs to up their training so that both sides can benefit. Always use Careem or Uber, changed my everyday life for the better...hope they change yours too, OP :-)
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 10:28
Has anyone applied for this? We are getting a few new appliances and our flat can't take the load, need to get a zillion plans and papers to DEWA.... Does the procedure take long? Do they approve easily? Thanks. edited by skyfall on 06/07/2014 <em>edited by skyfall on 06/07/2014</em>
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 10:20
Took driving lessons, still think it's madness on the roads :-) try Emirates Driving Institute and ask for Mae, she is lovely...
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 10:18
File a complaint to the facilities management, they will have a word with him. Sadly on the other hand, if he reads and something happens to you or another woman he goes to jail....be careful what you wish for. But I do understand what you mean by the awful glares, it's just another Dubai thing...
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 15:19
Chocolate and beetroot cake - lots of recopes online to google. It's delicious and moist and noone ever guesses there is beetroot in it! Store in the fridge. I second this...I even used leftover shredded carrot for this! Its so yummy...
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 15:17
is that enough? a warning? I don't think so! I told them I will go to the police because he assaulted me. I have decided to go to the police this evening because he now knows where I live and where I work! When you do go, make sure you have a man with you....helps.
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 15:12
Grilled or roast meat and different salads with roast veg, such as pumpkin, sweet potato, goats cheese sprinkled on top, looks good and is delicious, also makes a lot! For dessert just buy vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit and serve that. Cupcakes are also good.. Starter or nibbles: olives, crisps, any type of nuts, lovely sliced salamis, carrot with hummous, etc... You can buy most of these ready, roast or grilled meat and veg is easy, so is salad...you can mix rocket salad, California peppers to add colour, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, done. Or if you are really trapped for time get a caterer in who will cook in your kitchen ;-) How many are you hosting? 10-15 people. Forgot to mention I don't cook meat, or fish. Huh, thats quite a large number...and a vegetarian menu required....so, get some vegetable samosas, everyone loves them (hopefully), olives, nuts, crisps, dips as nibbles and starters, you can also chop celery, carrots, etc to use as sticks for dipping :-) bruschetta is also lovely to have before a meal, very easy too...just onions, tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice... For the main you could make Thai green or red vegetable curry plus rice...all you need is a huge dish or two, you can prepare all veg the night before, coconut milk, curry paste, etc....if you have a rice cooker its even easier... Last time I cooked vegetable curry for 10 people, it was a raving success!
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 14:17
Hi Jen see, you have reached out and how many great responses you got. Your situation is indeed very common for someone moving to a new country where there is a level of culture shock. I feel the same way as you do, having been a very busy professional plus having many family and community commitments to coming here and having nothing to do. So, firstly, be reassured your response to the situation is normal. there are quite a few books on hand about cultural schlock; and also many about living in the middle East (fields of gold is about the economy here) and Thank God it's Friday. These might help you understand a little why Dubai is the way it is. I also did lots of research to understand the size and mix of the population (I assumed there were heaps of expats out there and it was just me not meeting them, but in fact we are not that many). Ps I am happy to initiate friendships with non expats but it doesn't seem to happen. A lot of research points to a decline in mental health being about lack of utility and the sense that we are not making a contribution. So, might be worth doing some research into how you can make your own contribution (whether through paid work or even paid work you do for pleasure not so much for the money..) In the meantime please feel my encouragement and support. edited by cckl on 18/06/2014 Sorry, what do you mean by 'lack of utility'?
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 14:15
Give yourself a daily challenge...... something that is not expensive but gets you out the house. taking pictures, wondering around histroical places, going some where new.... spending 5 minutes in Karama without being offered a handbag.... (mission impossible) LOL These are brilliant suggestions albeit very difficult in this heat, outdoor only exists early morning and late evening. I challenged myself with a walk yesterday at 12.30 and almost suffocated. Are there other coffee mornings beside expatwoman that you know of? OP: JVT is quite far from everything so I can understand how you dont feel like going anywhere as it can be quite tedious just to get out...do you drive? Can you take taxis easily? Is there a bus that goes to your place? I used to get on buses just to see where they go :-)))))
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Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 14:00
Grilled or roast meat and different salads with roast veg, such as pumpkin, sweet potato, goats cheese sprinkled on top, looks good and is delicious, also makes a lot! For dessert just buy vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit and serve that. Cupcakes are also good.. Starter or nibbles: olives, crisps, any type of nuts, lovely sliced salamis, carrot with hummous, etc... You can buy most of these ready, roast or grilled meat and veg is easy, so is salad...you can mix rocket salad, California peppers to add colour, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, done. Or if you are really trapped for time get a caterer in who will cook in your kitchen ;-) How many are you hosting?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 13:47
Hi all, I'm not at all looking for a sympathy vote, but maybe some of you have been in similar situations. I've been in Dubai a little while now, but I'm just so so low, I'm so down, I'm here for my husband, which is working well financially which is great, but my mood and general mental health has taken such a dive! I'm so irritable, we are arguing almost every day, I've gotten ibs out the blue, my muscles ache, I'm tired etc. We don't argue about anything in particular! It's me, I'm so irritable! we used to work full time and were happy, normal life, I miss my family hugely (I've always been an extremely home sick person!!) but I thought I was managing ok! I don't work at this moment in time, juggling moving houses etc between countries kept me busy so far. My husband tells me not to worry about working, but I feel instead of seeing someone about how I'm feeling, maybe changing my lifestyle and working will improve my mood? Get a structure back to my life and an income for myself?(if I can get a job!) I've always worked and been so independent. Everything I had back home has just gone! Luckily I've just started driving again, just nowhere to go lol there's only so much gym you can do!..But I will see my family much much less I worry this will make it ten times worse if I work. I don't know if I can cope if I get any worse! Any wise words from some similar ladies/experiences? Maybe someone has a success story where it worked out..I don't know what I'm asking really, just writing it has made me feel a tiny bit better. I just feel like I'm slightly losing who I am and what my purpose is. And I'm terrified of hardly seeing my family, we have always been so close! Counting the time to go home again is the only thing keeping me going!! (And I know I'm really lucky to be able to do so). Maybe I can only try..and just hope and pray we both get the same time off to visit home together still! Other than that I've no idea how to help myself.. Hi Jen, I was in the same boat for many years, had physical symptoms of my mental downfall as a result of being so bored (and I work), lonely (I am married), missed nature, friends, cultural richness, the outdoor activities, etc...but then I started to consciously make more friends and make more of an effort to get organised and fill my days. Once that was done I started to feel better. It is key to socialize and organise things to do with other people just to stay sane. Do you have children? Where do you live?
skyfall
390
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 18 June 2014 - 13:35
I've had a dozen horrifying incidents with taxi drivers in my many years in the UAE so I can truly relate to your incident. I take private cars now...I suggest you do the same to avoid harassment, frustration, tension, intimidation and most of all genuine fear. If you are a woman, taking taxis in Dubai is an overall awful experience; having said that I have met some wonderful drivers too but they are extremely rare. Education is key. Hope time will help you heal and that driver gets what he deserves.
skyfall
390
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 14:12
When I went to look for a flat there my only issue was the lack of light in some rooms and if being on lower floor, the jet skis (although banned from speeding) and GUGU boat and the likes can be very noisy...
skyfall
390
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 17 June 2014 - 14:07
I share your pain...utterly irritating as I always think its my lovely husband who texts me from work, who thinks of me although he is crazy busy....only to be disappointed by Etisalat....lol
skyfall
390
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 07:33
I would like to, but she's made it clear that she's chosen him and is no longer allowed to be friends with me. Just go - voice your concerns and take it from there. If you think she is being hit, you have to make a big deal of this..... This is not always the best option. I tried this with a friend who was severely beaten, kicked and stabbed with a pen! Only to be called a home-wrecker by her(!), accused of wanting to break them up, told by police to keep my nose out of it - as it is their own issue, it is their personal life, not mine. She chose not to press charges, they are still together, he still abuses her. I was gobsmacked and felt awful on top of loosing my friend, plus amongst our circle of friends the story that went around was that I exaggarated everything and things didn't even happen that way actually, etc...I had to change my whole social circle because of trying to save someone's life literally... I'm not saying this might be the outcome with your friend, but think before you act on it as if he finds out you tried to intervene things could become MUCH worse for her. You do not have hard evidence of the violence so you don't have anything to show her family either...plus you don't know their reaction, as if it was my grandfather, he would say: stop overreacting, a bit of a slap is fine! (Could not stand the man!) I wish there was a very simple solution to this and she woke up :-( and if the worst happens, you will know you did everythign you could to help..... if you had done nothing, how would you feel?? OP said she tried many options to no avail. It is not about her abandoning her friend at all. Yes, go to her house, talk to her, yes, go to her family talk to them BUT these carry risks for all personnel involved and those risks need to be considered before taking action. To answer your question IzzyOnTheSeat: if the worst happened to my friend, which can at any moment as we speak, am I going to blame myself that I didn't jump on a plane to try to get her out of this horrible situation, that I didn't try day after day with phone calls, emails, etc? Of course not! She is an adult, she makes her own life choices and as awfully hars as it sounds, she is responsible for her own choices and therefore needs to deal with the consequences. If you allow a man to treat you as a doormat, he will. Period. You can not help a person who does not want to be helped. And as sorry as I feel for OP's friend, she belongs to this category right now, this might change with time to come, and in that case she will know where her friend is.
skyfall
390
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 07:23
Try underoneroof....they seem to have a team that deal with all sorts of works...or call Hacker up and ask them for their recommended contractor.
skyfall
390
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 07:19
Hi ladies, I have gone through many rounds of IUI, IVF and ICSI, unfortunately with no success, so our next step is adoption. I literally have no idea where to begin though. I have heard so many conflicting stories about how difficult/easy the process is so I would love to hear from ladies in the know. We have no preference which nationality the child or children are, we just want to be a family. Any advice would be so gratefully received! As far as I know only emirati, Muslim families are allowed to adopt in the uae. Not sure how correct this is. Thank you ? This is not true, our friends are both born and bred Australian,live and work here AND adopted here, the whole process was incredibly easy they said... OP: It is such a noble pursuit, I take my hat off to you! :-)
skyfall
390
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 07:16
We did some time long-distance and the first year was okay but the rest just wasn't so we had to make a decision. It can be rather difficult for both the children and yourself to have a husband who is away constantly with work. My husband said the same btw:two more years is all I need, just two more years....well, zillion years down the line, the same words echo....I do wonder when is enough money really enough?! I think the key is that you stay focus on what you want and need, and maintain that position throughout the year. He can't see you steer even the slightest. :-) <em>edited by skyfall on 07/05/2014</em>
 
 
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