Teabag28558 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Teabag28558

Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 14:23
This is what I am beginning to understand. It seems to be a question of perception. One neighbour can do a good deed for another but a maid can't. Sadly it comes down to a question of status. My friends maid is here and will be bored as sin in the holidays when her family are away. Our animals play well together and she would be happy to water my garden and feed all the animals but the perception is such that it would be considered illegal. She would do it without payment but I would feel awful not to be able to thank her in any way. Sad isn't it?
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:55
I have three hours twice a week. Most agencies have minimum number of hours per visit - our is a three hour minimum. I'd prefer an hour five days a week but not available.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:52
It was just a question. I prefer to pack my own and thus don't tip baggers - but I have seen people do it. I also always ask for 100aed for the car at the gas station, I don't tip there either but I have seen people do it. I am trying to find out exactly what the definition of illegal is - where jobs merge into good deeds, payment into favours. It's a grey area.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:40
A licensed agency for house sitting I assume? So I need a license to watch my neighbours house. Seems daft but OK I guess they're on their own from now on. Is there a licensed grocery packing agency? Does this mean voluntary work is also illegal? If, say, you were given lunch as a thank you for example - is that payment and thus makes the work illegal? I am still not clear where the line is. You can work for free but not take payment but are thank you gifts not payment of a sort? And if not, why can a maid not mind the house of a neighbour? edited by Teabag on 22/03/2011 <em>edited by Teabag on 22/03/2011</em>
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:18
I am still confused. If you watch someone's house/pets/plants as a favour - that's ok If you watch someone's house/pets/plants but are paid - that's illegal. Ok If you watch someone's house/pets/plants and get a gift as a thank you - that's what? I have never considered keeping an eye on my neighbour's house to be a job. I suppose I shall have to reconsider. And the grocery guys? Anyone? Am I illegally paying someone not in my employ? And the petrol guys? If I pay for the petrol but then tip - have I illegally paid someone? Where is the line??
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:11
Fairycakes - I am not planning anything illegal - I am trying to find out where the line is!!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:10
So if I just brought her back something really nice from my holiday am I still acting illegally? And what about the grocery guys - is tipping illegal - it's the same thing?
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:04
We originally had a full time maid. Now the kids are grown and I was delighted not to have to have the extra hands. For a few years we have had friends who have been here for the summer come over and look after the dogs and the house. This is the first year that everyone is away simultaneously - after 12 years with animals. It is still possible someone will be in town, it's just such a drag to get someone to come over when there is a maid we know and trust next door who is here anyway - what a palaver!!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 12:53
Great - strangers in my house. Fantastic! That sounds harsh - sorry - I appreciate the suggestion, thanks anyway! <em>edited by Teabag on 22/03/2011</em>
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 12:50
They usually bring me a small gift as a thank you so I suppose this counts!!?? It hasn't come up yet vis-a-vis our holiday but we are away this year for a month and I am at a bit of a loss about what to do with the dog, houseplants and garden. We don't have a gardener (are they legal?) and access to the garden is through the house anyway so we do it ourselves. An agancy maid would have to come in a couple of times a day for the dog which would be really tricky - what to do? I suppose I coupld still ask my friend's maid to do it - when she's here anyway looking after their dog but I would feel awful not to be able to thank her for her help. Does it mean that tipping the guys who load your shopping is also illegal? - You don't sponsor them and you are not actually paying their employers for their company. Another legal minefield. And I thought wills were complicated!! <em>edited by Teabag on 22/03/2011</em>
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 12:42
I have a question. We have a regular agency maid a couple of times a week. If we went on holiday and left our houseplants/garden watering/pets to be daily minded by a friend's maid - is this still illegal? And if so... If I water my neighbour's garden when they are away - am I also acting illegally?
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 14:59
Does anyone know what Sharia actually says regarding distribution of assets? We have property but we also have sons aged 18+, so if anything happens to DH (forget me I don't count here anyway) does Sharia say everything goes to our sons? If so - do we actually need wills here as well as the ones we have in our home country? <em>edited by Teabag on 21/03/2011</em>
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 20:52
We have leather sofas from the One. Ours are also falling apart but are 9 years old and have heavy use. They are definitely leather - can tell from the bits falling off!!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 20:47
I am not and never have been on this site. You show me your cabbage and I'll show you mine!!;)
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 19:38
We have ceiling fans back home - where the temperatures are close to here - and keep our a/c's a couple of degrees higher. I don't like the fan option in the a/c - it seems to almost HEAT the room. Can you get nice ceiling fans here?
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 17:52
What are they going to protest?
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 21:36
I've done this. I put the icing in small portions in sandwich bags and then wrapped sellotape around to make cone shaped piping bags, just cut off a very small bit on the tip to let if flow - each child had a work station with three colours of icing and small bowls filled with gummy bears, m&m's, sprinkles, etc. I've also done it with cookies, letting the kids cut out the cookies and baking them there and then - a lot more work. But helps if you prepare the dough in advance. Marshmallows dipped in warm choc with a smartie on top - also popular for making with the kids!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 20:24
Be good for Ireland to put up a good show - to prove to those ICC people that little teams make the tournament - Ireland with it's population of just over 4m and only (at best) a couple of thousand cricketers in the whole population is putting on a great performance - GO Ireland!!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 19:53
HSBC have branches in Ireland as well as here. There are no 'Irish Banks" per se.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2011 - 10:40
Saw a load of these on Souq dot com - clearly someone doing business
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 14:03
We are still looking for a puppy, as company for our small dog who recently lost his friend. I feel the same as others though and have never and would never buy from a pet shop. That said, if the pup needs somewhere I am happy to take him on. I won't pay for him but would always pay for vet treatment. We are long term residents in a villa (currently moving house so not actively looking at present but there is no accounting for timing!!). I can be contacted on teabagdubai at hotmail dot co dot uk if you want.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 14:26
You don't actually have to have anything new in the house to get an allergic reaction - they can develop against something you have used many times - it evoles and suddenly blows up into a new reaction. I would definitely suggest seeing the doc - what if it's a contagious skin infection? Very common here with the humidity and all those gyms and pools. Better to get it seen to than to suffer it.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2011 - 11:05
Contact Lucky Vets in Barsha 1 - they are having open adoption day on Saturday. Ask if you can bring along your brood to meet potential new families.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 23:55
Definitely get that checked. Lower back pain could well be related to kidneys and bloating and fluid retention as well. Don't leave it with a 'wait and see' - you are uncomfortable - get it sorted. Noone should have to live with that.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 23:52
Our rental contract is just about up too. What to do. Thing is, we've lived in the Middle East a long time and every villa has issues, new or old. The villa before last actually had an explosion in the electrical box at two in the morning in July one year. I was alone with three kids, including a 1 month old, with no A/c's or electrics and a house full of blue smoke. The 'Engineer' and I use the term lightly, insisted I had done something - until it emerged there had been a surge at the junction box down the street - a good 100m from the house.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 23:42
Thanks Wuffles - my teens are here helping me out and DH just came in from the company 'thingy' he went to. Guys just left - say that they can patch it - I don't think so!! - with a new motor - apparently it was still burning on the roof of the villa 1/2 an hour after I pulled my boy out. They have taken the motor with them and assure me there is no fire there now - guess who won't be sleeping well tonight...
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 10:00
Thanks Charley and Scrappysue. I am going to see one this morning and hopefully it will be what I am looking for. I think you are both talking about the IKEA Robin bed which is close, but has 'plank' corners as opposed to 'posts' if you see what I mean! Thanks for that though.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 09:28
Satwa! Haven't looked there, thanks!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 08:26
IKEA still do the metal ones, although I understand they are discontinuing them. He really needs a wooden one - the metal ones shift when you move on them if you are too big. Fine for a little kid. Thanks for the help ladies! <em>edited by Teabag on 28/01/2011</em>
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 19:27
I am looking for a high bed - up in the air like a bunk bed but without the bunk underneath. My son's room has very little space and I need to put his TV/Playstation underneath with beanbags on the floor. It has to be wooden, not metal though.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 17:41
...A wooden loft bed. I am desperate to find a loft bed for my teenager. The only thing I have seen is metal and ricketty or aimed at smaller kids. I am happy to buy second hand or new, something like the one IKEA used to sell (and still do in Europe!!) but not FLEXA - my teenage son would not think me for pinkish pine!! HAs anyone seen one of these on their shopping excursions?
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 January 2011 - 18:29
Ahh! The gift that says "you are so full of S**t!"
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 20:58
Thanks. Have tried that but not getting a response. Am hoping someone here has one sitting around and not being used that they hadn't considered getting rid of!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 20:05
Bump
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2011 - 14:42
Great I hope they contact me! - As long as it's not WaterLily!!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 19:52
Dubai Center for Special Needs, by Safa Park, behind the Gulf News building. You can drop items right into reception. Proceeds go to pay for therapy for disabled children of all nationalities.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2011 - 16:34
Only you can decide. I have two Summer boys, one I held back and the other I didn't. It very much depends on the child and how developed they are. Listen to your child's teacher and then decide for yourself. I didn't do it here initially though - I don't know what the rules are at KHDA for this but my eldest will be graduating at almost nineteen and his youngest brother at amost 18.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 21:57
Thanks BA. The place we are looking at (so far haven't seen it in reality) has a 'central pool' and I have seen pictures of the pool. Have you seen any kids around? Mine are 10-18 but the younger ones, up to 15, like to hang out with other kids and play football/basketball.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 21:53
You have to pay pool maintenence in Casablanca - isn't it a central pool? What are the average A/c costs if you know? Any idea how flexible they are - they are saying 180 for a 4 bed - can you negotiate? Any info appreciated. Thanks Nixxie
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 20:54
We are looking at a bigger one - just want to know if there are any people up there!!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 20:53
Anyone moved into Casablanca recently and if so - what is the negotiable rent for a 4 bed? Glad to find the info on 46 villas - we were looking at those!!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 January 2011 - 20:37
What happened to these guys?
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 18:39
Fantastic BB thanks - you were really fast on the keyboard there!!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 18:38
Thanks to all. KNabs you have mail.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 11:13
I hadn't thought about standards!! Thanks. Good point.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 January 2011 - 11:09
Thanks JJ - I will start with the closest ones and then branch out. I was really wondering if anyone else has already done this with a Vet. I am curious to know how many companies are willing to do this here. Most of the kids I know are going to work with their dads which seems like a cop out for the school for the week to me.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 19:41
We used to have this - it was the grown ups playing snooker and knocking the balls off the table - usually after a loud party and through till 6am!!
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 11:11
I would be interested to see them as we are looking. Please email me teabagdubai at hotmail dot co dot uk Thanks
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 January 2011 - 10:52
Cover the kid in green or black balloons - bunch of grapes.
Teabag28558
211
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 January 2011 - 10:55
Thanks for your input. Our rent is high but not excessively so, but we can get more and in better condition for the same money in the same area at today's market. The only reason we would stay is if they drop the rent, to save us the hassle of moving. Another year of cold water won't kill me!!
 
 
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