SuzySun | ExpatWoman.com
 

SuzySun

SuzySun
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Latest post on 29 March 2015 - 02:53
I want to advertise in Dubai for a job that's based in Thailand, does anybody know any free sites that will let me post jobs outside of the ME region? (I want to advertise on a ME site as the company are hoping to get somebody with Arabic language skills as well as fluent English.) Any ideas? Thanks!
SuzySun
45
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 14:22
It's quite an involved process you want to do it yourself: dealing with the ministry, vet health check, airline, dnata etc. It can be done but it will take time. If you can afford to pay somebody to do it then it's a lot easier.
SuzySun
45
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2013 - 12:49
AlwaysCurious - I get your point about checking it's would not be offensive to Buddhists but it's not exactly a Buddhist phrase. It was something told me to a very long time ago that I thought was beautiful and I'll put a shorter version on the tattoo (if I get it done, I may talk to the tattooist tonight about the practicalities of looking after a freshly done foot tattoo). But I have a good friend who is a Buddhist monk and know many other Buddhists so I will ask them. Thanks. As to getting a Buddhist phrase in Arabic, would it seem strange if I got it in English, or Spanish or German or any other language? None of those are the original language of Buddhism. The reason for getting it in another language is, as mentioned below, it's aesthetically pleasing. I have a Chinese dragon symbol for my DH who is Welsh. Would I have had his name instead so I could read it? Not in a million years. I don't like small tattoos in general and I'd have nothing rather than a small string of flowers on my foot, that's just not to my taste (I do have a tattoo of flowers but covers my entire shoulder blade). Thanks again ladies, this is an great discussion with many interesting points of view.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2013 - 17:50
Thank you all very much for the interesting comments, it's given me food for thought. Re a Buddhist saying in Arabic. It's something from Buddhism but it's about wishing peace for all beings so I think it's universal. I think we all want that - though maybe not always on EW :)
SuzySun
45
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2013 - 15:20
Thank you for your comments, I appreciate it. If I can't get it in Arabic then I probably won't get it, I don't like the look of the other languages suggested. I could possibly get it in Chinese. Or on a different part of my body as I don't want to offend anybody at all.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2013 - 14:58
I see what you mean as Pali is the language of Buddhism but I'm getting the tattoo as decoration (and as a tribute to my time in the ME). I don't like the aesthestics of Pali but I think written Arabic is very beautiful.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 16:43
I've used Safeway twice and they are really good. Everything is packaged really well and protected. None of our stuff was scratched or damaged at all and they are good to deal with,. Their number is 050 962 6659 or 06 565 0851.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2013 - 15:46
It's unrealistic to think the maid (or anybody else in that situation) would not be having *** in the daytime!
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 06:57
Personally, I despair at anyone who takes what they read in the Daily Mail at face value and assumes it's completely accurate. I suspect that the truth behind this story will come out over the next week or so, and assuming the whole thing hasn't just been made up by the Mail, it will prove to be much more complex and nuanced than the newspaper is trying to make out. I also suspect that the Mail won't print any of that stuff when it emerges. edited by Madge_Gustard on 28/06/2013 Well said Madge, exactly what I was thinking.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2013 - 05:35
Wow, Iran must have changed enormously since I was last there in 2005! Abayas were common and I wore one all the time on both my visits (except when hiking in the mountains when I wore normal hiking stuff). I did have some locals ask me why I was 'dressed like an Iranian' but nobody stared at me. I wore it because it was less bother and cooler than adapting 'Western' clothes or wearing jeans/manteau. Of course going there on business will be different, I was there on holiday as a backpacker. I love Iran, the people are amazing, the most hospitable I've encountered anywhere. It's the only country I've been to where I was invited into people's homes for dinner, stayed overnight with a family, got lifts in the street from helpful people.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 17:04
I used to have one but couldn't get the hang of it and soon gave up. It was more messy than my usual behind a bush method. (I've also climbed Kili and didn't have one, you just have to look out for bushes, most of the route I did had plenty of scope for a discreet pee but the higher you get the less vegetation.) Have a great trip and good luck!
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2013 - 11:26
It's about more than just fitness. Is he an experienced high altitude trekker or climber? I did it a few years ago towards the end of a four month trip in East Africa. We were aerobically fit at the start of the trip and we had to make the decision on whether to do Kili at the start when our aerobic fitness was highest or later on when we had more experience. We definitely made the right decision by doing it later after we had some high altitude experience. If you're hubby is not experienced then I'd strongly suggest he does nearby Mt Meru just before Kili, it's a common thing to do. Not only will it help him acclimatise to the altitude it will help him prepare mentally. People who are not very fit can do Kili and other high mountains but the fitter you are the more enjoyable an experience it is. I'd certainly suggest doing more than just taking the stairs etc, bootcamp is a good idea as it anything to improve aerobics fitness such as running, cycling, swimming. Strengthening his legs as well by walking up, say, 50 floors a couple of times or more per week. There are trekkers' groups on Meetup.com and they organise trips to Kili and regular training sessions here. They would be able to tell him what they do and maybe he can join them. One thing to remember is that fitness is no protection again altitude sickness, people can and do die on Kilimanjaro. The longer the trek the more the body has time to acclimatise, rushing it is asking for a less enjoyable and more risky experience - also means taking time to enjoy the beauty of the mountain rather than just knocking off a list :)
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 16:32
I second that, CM is perfect for lots of activities and also has culture and markets to see too. Nice to wander around the old part of the city. Also agree that the Elephant Nature Park is the by far the best one to visit in terms of elephant welfare. I would never visit a tiger park and it makes me very sad indeed to see photos of ill-informed or uncaring tourists cuddling up with tigers. Plenty to do in and around CM without doing the animal stuff along the way.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 16:28
I don't think Istanbul is a family, all-inclusive week long destination so that shouldn't effect the OP.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 16:24
Given how unreliable a lot of people in Dubai are then I can't blame them. I've paid deposits for long hair appointments if I'm a first time client.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 15:53
Maldives (not sure of the weather then) or Turkey or Sri Lanka (ditto the weather).
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 15:42
Got it Buttercup. Happy to help, will email you later.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 14:39
Buttercup, I forgot to say, it's also possible with some airlines to have your pets as excess baggage as long as the total weight of pets and crates is not more than 32kg. Well that was the case for one pet, I don't know if it would be 32kg times the number of your pets but you can ask the airline. The advantage of this is that you don't have to deal with agents and you pick the crates up from the baggage area where you get your luggage and take them to the vet for inspection. It's less hassle around if you are on the same flight as them. The weight of the pet(s) is in addition to your normal baggage allowance. Also, if you are flying into Bangkok make sure you arrive Monday-Friday in normal working hours (Dynamic will advise about this) because otherwise the vet is not on duty. If you want I can send you the procedure that I've been told for this end, just post your email. Not started it yet though so can't guarantee it's 100% correct but I have it on good authority it is :)
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 13:34
You can do it yourself, it just involves a bit of running around and paperwork. DKC's fee for doing our dog was 3500aed on top of all the other costs so we will save quite a bit by doing it alone. Maybe ask Feline Friends if anybody there can advise you as I'm sure they know people who've export cats. I'm doing that with one of the dog charities and giving them a donation for their support. I'm going to Thailand with my dog and I had an agent recommended to me at that end. I meet up with them recently in Bangkok and one of the bosses spent over and hour with us answering all our questions and providing lots of reassurance. I now feel very comfortable that they'll be meeting our dog at that end. They are Dynamic Cargo: http://www.dynamicaircargo.com/ Good luck, I know what you're going through!
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 10:54
You don't say what passport they hold. If they get a free visa on arrival (use google to find out) then they will have time to get out and see a little bit of the city. No way would I spend 6 hours in an airport!
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 10:49
I'm confused as to why you think they are not 'decent' because they are not available. Surely if they are too busy it's more likely they are good? I've had several PTs here and some of them were rubbish - even the qualified ones. It's about personality as well as knowledge. When I was a member of the biggest chain of gyms here I regularly saw their PTs supervising people who were doing the exercises all wrong and saying nothing. I've had two good ones here, one was brilliant but she's left. The other was good but a bit annoying, still a good trainer though, lost contact with him though. So, good ones out there but they are in the minority in my experience.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 16:21
While I'm not recommending you do this as all the advice seems to be it shouldn't be done, I have twice been on anti depressants and both times just decided to stopped taking them suddenly and had no ill effects. I'm saying this just to illustrate that it is possible to come off them without the process taking years. Better to do it under medical supervision though (I did not but had not been on them very long, first time a few months, second time a few weeks). I can't remember about the first time as it was so long again but the second time I was getting no help such as counselling and I found myself an NLP (neuro linguistic programming) coach and after 2 or 3 sessions with her I felt immeasurable better and stopped the medications. That was 13 years ago and I've never had depression again so there is hope. Good luck and hope you find the help you need soon :) Can u pls tell us more about nlp and whether u had it in Dubai? I had NLP in the UK and the thing that amazed me was it was on the phone which I was a bit dubious about before I started. For me it worked wonders and I have since studied it and use it on myself now - I also used it last year with a professional coach again (along with hypnotherapy) and that was successful too. I really wish I could remember more about what my original coach actually said but it was so long ago that I can't I'm afraid.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 10:08
While I'm not recommending you do this as all the advice seems to be it shouldn't be done, I have twice been on anti depressants and both times just decided to stopped taking them suddenly and had no ill effects. I'm saying this just to illustrate that it is possible to come off them without the process taking years. Better to do it under medical supervision though (I did not but had not been on them very long, first time a few months, second time a few weeks). I can't remember about the first time as it was so long again but the second time I was getting no help such as counselling and I found myself an NLP (neuro linguistic programming) coach and after 2 or 3 sessions with her I felt immeasurable better and stopped the medications. That was 13 years ago and I've never had depression again so there is hope. Good luck and hope you find the help you need soon :)
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 09:58
I've been to southern Vietnam and really enjoyed it. Done it all independently and only used anything organised when spent three days cycling around in the Mekong Delta which was a great way of getting off the beaten track and seeing small villages and no other tourists. We just booked with a local tour company after we arrived in Saigon. We also went to Da Lat, up in the Highlands which was a nice town and did some hiking and kayaking there. Went to the island of Phu Quoc which we thought was quite boring and over-rated. Keen to visit again and see the north.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 09:45
Do you keep a food diary and if so are you honest with yourself about it? To be effective you need to write down everything you eat and do it consistently. I get the impression from what you've written that you may be treating yourself a bit more than you realise. Of course treats are OK but it will take you longer to lose the required amount if you're having a lot of treats. It sounds like you have a sound routine going and if you stick to it then I don't see why you wouldn't lose body fat if this is less than you used to eat and you're more active. If you don't like the exercise you are doing then it will be hard to stick to it in the long term so find things you do like such as the classes you mention. Or get a bike, even in the summer it's still possible to get exercise that way and there are now safe places to ride in Dubai. Try doing visualisations and positive affirmations to help you. No one can say how long it will take you to get to where you want to be but have patience because it won't happen overnight. Good luck!
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 18:50
He looks quite nice, I don't blame her!
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2013 - 17:57
This company do great safaris, much more upmarket than any of the other companies: http://www.platinum-heritage.com/ I've done a falcon experience and and evening safari with them. Both very good - no belly dancers in sight, they have a traditional dancer who is modestly dressed.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 10:40
Taking the train is all about the experience and it's great fun! I've done Sing/KL several times and overnight trains in Thailand. Just make sure you take a sweater or two as the air-con is often over the top.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 March 2013 - 06:53
I love cheesecake and the one I had here was gorgeous! Agree that food portions are huge and worth sharing (though I just had cheesecake, not lunch). I can't imagine waiting 1 hour and 45 minutes for a table in a restaurant! Any restaurant anywhere! We went to MoE on a weekday afternoon and got a table straight away otherwise I wouldn't have bothered.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 16:35
They always say find some form of exercise that you enjoy so that you're not forcing yourself to do it. I totally believe that now! When I was doing a weight loss programme with my hypnotherapist she loaned me a bike and came out cycling with me for support and I loved it. I hadn't cycled since I was a kid. Got a second hand bike on dubizzle and haven't looked back. I find it so relaxing so it benefits me mentally as well as physically. And now there are cycling tracks in Dubai it's safe to do. Can't recommend it enough!
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 16:06
I tried a bar a while ago and was pretty disappointed as I couldn't taste much difference at all from normal chocolate. Good novelty gift though.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 06:59
Well said lulubaker. It also makes my blood boil that these people get the attention they are desperately seeking. I wish they could find another way to fill the void in their lives. One that doesn't involve cruelty to a living creature.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 06:45
Yes a villa is just what a house is called in Dubai :)
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 06:44
If I remember correctly the license has to be a year old, or maybe six months. I hired a car with a new Dubai license a few weeks after I got it and they didn't check. I'm not sure if I would have been covered by insurance if I'd had an accident. I didn't realise all this till afterwards so it makes sense to check that bit.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 06:42
My friend in the UK had a car accident and was having similar problems to the ones mentioned below. She was really down about it. She got help help from a hypnotherapist who lives in Dubai and is now able to drive without any real problems. She recommended this woman to me, her name is Candice, and I saw her last year for weight loss/fitness and she was great! Explained everything to me beforehand and was very friendly. I'm still at my target weight now :) Her website is: www.dubai-hypnotherapy.com
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 06:34
Thanks dubai1990. The whole thing is quite daunting. What did you have the blood drawn for? we have about three moves or so till our move but will be away for a few weeks in the middle of that. I just googled your friends company but didn't find anything, can you please post contact details? Thank you.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 06:21
I'm disappointed to see somebody write that victims of sexual assault 'put up with this'. For me, personally, I wasn't going to let it stop me exploring a fascinating country though it did put a huge strain on me and on my relationship. (Btw, in my post below I'm not counting the constant rubbing past me to feel my boobs as sexual assault, I'm referring to other incidents). I did not 'put up with it' as the men I slapped or punched and publicly humiliated would testify. I identify with the current story in the news about the British woman in Agra who screamed for help in a hotel for an hour and was ignored. I went running through a hotel screaming at the top of my voice at 5am (in pursuit of the guy who'd just assaulted me) and nobody even opened their door to see if they could help. At the end of the day we all have to make our holiday choices depending on where we feel safe and comfortable. I've met Western women who've travelled alone in India but it's not something I'd ever do. I'm met many who've had harassment in Turkey and Egypt which I've never had. Each to their own.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 07:45
thanks angela, that makes much more sense! I couldn't get my head around why One and Only would have a boat to a Jumeirah hotel.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 06:42
I've backpacked in India a few times, spending a total of seven months there. Of course the crimes in the news now are not a new thing! I had a really hard time in India, despite dressing appropriately and being with a man. I had men rub up against me many times every day, they are obsessed with boobs, it seems. I was sexually assaulted on several occasions - including on a first class train so don't think that necessarily protects you. My big backpacking trip was 20 years ago, so sexual crime is not something new. Indian women have been putting up with it for much longer than it's been in the news. Only good thing to come of my constant harassment in India: it certainly toughened me up, I've never had problems anywhere else. And yes, India is an amazing country, it's just the worst treatment by far I've ever had and the hardest work to travel in, in my experience.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2013 - 06:33
K9 friends are not keen on giving dogs to people who are out all day as it's unfair on the dog. We have a dog (K9 dog) in an apartment and she's absolutely fine as she's never left alone for long periods, I work from home and DH is often around too. She's out walking twice a day for about 1.5 hours in total and at least 4/5 times per week she gets longer walks of over an hour as one of her daily walks. I don't think being in an apartment or villas is the most important issue, what's important is that your dog gets enough company and enough exercise. I'm sure there are plenty of lonely, unfit dogs living in villas.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2013 - 10:08
Thank you ILK.
SuzySun
45
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 13:39
I've seen a big rat wandering around the fruit and veg section of Hyperpanda. Told the staff there and at the customer service desk and of course they could not have been less interested. I've never given any thought to open bread or much thought to people sneezing over the fruit and veg as I always wash it (not the bread obviously) anyway. I'm not overly-concerned about germs, insects etc. I think if we make our environment too clean we don't build up resistance to potentially harmful stuff. I almost never get sick with colds, flu, tummy problems etc. I reckon I've toughened up my immune system over the years! More concerned about chemicals, drugs, pesticides etc in the food.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 March 2013 - 13:22
ange74, do you have contact details for 'Linda' please? what is her company/website? I'm about to start shopping around for relocation for me dog. Have no idea of the cost yet but I suspect it will be eye-watering!! Also, does anybody know if there is a guide somewhere to doing it myself? (as mentioned below by miffmac). Thanks in advance.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 16:47
Does anybody really care that much what other people think? Well obviously some do, going by this thread. I'll wear my hair how I like, wear clothes as tight or loose as I like, skirts as short or long as I like etc etc as long as I am happy with it all and feel comfortable. Yes *me*. If I feel comfortable, that's what matters to me. If other people have a problem with it then that's their worry, not mine, frankly I'll be the judge of how I look. As long as I'm respecting the culture of where I am then I don't care too much what other people think.
SuzySun
45
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 February 2013 - 16:32
Selfish, inconsiderate dog owners make my blood boil! They give responsible dog owners (the majority) a bad name. There's no excuse for not picking up after your dog. And no excuse for keeping your dog cooped up all day or letting it run around off the lead with other people about, no matter how well trained it is. If more people actually said something when they see dog owners doing stupid selfish things then I think it would make a difference. Not to all of them but it would shame some of them into action I'm sure.
 
 
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