Tru Blu | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tru Blu

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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 19:23
Not many "Thursday" threads have been started today so heres some ideas to get it going ;) 2. Is the death penalty effective? When I lived in Aus I always thought the answer to this question was most definitely NO (and for the record, I am against the death penalty). But after living here for a few years, I have to come to think that maybe it does hold some weight. I am constantly reading about the most horendous crimes back home. There seem to be much less of them here.... although I know they still happen here. We don't get the granny rapes and nightime home invasions etc.... here. I definitely feel safer in the UAE than I do in Australia.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 29 March 2011 - 19:22
Splendido at the Ritz Carlton is excellent. No champagne but there is a very nice bubbles. Only one choice of red, white and bubbles but they are all excellent. Food is divine.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 19:30
I know a family that has had several maids through them. One didn't work out so well and the maid actually asked to leave. She was then placed with another family in Dubai and is very happy there (I keep in touch with her... Although the family I know does most certainly not!) The next maid they got from explorer has been with thrum since then with no issues. From what I understand, you pay 2200 aed to the agency, they pay the maid 750 aed and the agency pays fir the visa, medical, flights etc. Gosh. What a shame that the maid only gets 750. :(
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 19:27
Hi, I am a first timer at this, and i heard that i can switch a visit visa into a work permit. I was wondering if anyone knows a recommended nanny/maid. I have a one-year-old ,and i am thinking of going back to work so i need someone trustworthy. Preferably from the Philipines since i want her to speak good English. So if someones knows a good helper that is leaving their house or is in Dubai on a visit visa and wants to stay and work, can you please contact me. Thanks. edited by happyjoy on 27/03/2011 Hi happyjoy, Just wanted to chime in, - if you want someone who speaks very good English perhaps you should consider an Ethiopian. Some Shrilankan maids also have excellent English. I would definitely prefer Good luck with your search. ;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 13:57
We have opted for our Will done in our home country but it covers our assets here, we will have it translated into Arabic and attested and in that Will we have stated our temporary guardians here in Dubai should the unthinkable happen. What is this talk of a Temporary Guardianship letter? Ours are stated in our Will. Should we also have a letter drawn up? Hi Shelly, Wher do you get the will translated into arabic? Thanks Sorry, only read this now. We haven't had it translated yet as they have only just been delivered to our postal address in Oz. So once we have them here then we'll get them translated. Not sure where as that is DH's little task to look after:D but I will post back when we sort it out. Thanks Shellly.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 March 2011 - 08:21
I too had issues with Mednet; they saw deviated nasal septum as a partial diagnosis and refused to cover the rest of my op, even, which the doctor wrote back to confirm was completed unrelated to the DNS - nasal lining inflamed due to allergies. Nope, not covered at all. Still, I'm finding Daman just as bad - they have spent over a week so far deliberating whether to cover the removal of a lump from my leg, they will only do two months of prescription medicines as standard and don't cover half the doctors as standard that Mednet did. Is there a good healthcare cover here?! Hmmmmm, am beginning to think NOT!:\:
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 19:19
Tru Blu - I cannot begin to describe the range of bad experiences I have had with Mednet. Most recently my husband got diagnosed with a deviated septum which causes him extreme breathing difficulties as he also suffers from asthma and allergies. Mednet have this procedure listed as an exclusion - even though it can be life threatening. Ridiculous! We now have to pay for the surgery. Shocking! It doesn't surprise me though. DS2 (who has been covered with Mednet since he was born) has mild asthma. When we went to renew the policy this year they told us that he would no longer be covered for anything related to asthma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it but we stuck with them as we didn't want to serve waiting periods for things again.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 14:38
Are you sure they got it the right way round? Insurers will often not pay for preventative tests but will pay for the treatment ( doh! I know ) - worth checking yourself I would suggest. That would be my logic. I don't know why they wouldn't cover cancer anyway. It is not as if it would be pre-exisiting. I will double check myself though.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 14:09
If your insurance package doesnt cover cancer then it is normal. Ahhh, okay. Well, lets hope it is negative! I have had a lot of trouble with the particular insurer over the last few years. They never want to cover anything. It is pretty expensive really and we hardly ever use it. I just thought they were being difficult.:\:
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 13:25
Not sure if hassle free exists! :) From initial fees to tax when you finally sell the property if you are able to and all else inbetween.. Maybe you should look for these companies who sell and manage specifically for investors - they often tend to be new builds ( apartments) in cities in the UK. Not always easy to get mortgages for non residents in the UK and other countries. My FIL suggested this too. I will look into it. Thanks for your advice
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 March 2011 - 13:21
Thanks Ladies. That gives me some starting ground for research.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 13:16
We stayed at Le Meriddien in Limmasol (Lemesos) Cyprus last year. A brilliant resort with fantastic kids facilities. My LO's were only 5 months and 2 at the time and there was lots for the 2 year old to do. Heaps of stuff for older kids too.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 07:29
Wouldn't it be great if one of the Dubai cinemas had an Elizabeth Taylor Movie Marathon Night? I'm thinking National Velvet followed by Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and finished off with Cleopatra :) That would be fab. Great line up by the way! ;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 19:59
Best brunch in Dubai is at Splendido (Ritz Carlton). Perfect if you want "fancy". Food is superb. I think it is 375 with drinks but there are not many options (ie one red, one white, one sparkling - however the ones on offer are all good quality).
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 13:22
Sorry, I would get her stuff out and be rid of her from your lives. You do not want her even entering your property unless she is sponsored or it is under processing. It is illegal anyway you look at it. Right now it is your DH and a female who is not related to him, nor sponsored by him. Agree. This one is a no-brainer
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 13:21
if you tip the gas station workers, the owners take it at the end of the day. Seriously?
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 12:29
We have opted for our Will done in our home country but it covers our assets here, we will have it translated into Arabic and attested and in that Will we have stated our temporary guardians here in Dubai should the unthinkable happen. What is this talk of a Temporary Guardianship letter? Ours are stated in our Will. Should we also have a letter drawn up? Hi Shelly, Wher do you get the will translated into arabic? Thanks
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 13:48
lost
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 13:29
Not possible. Definitely. :(
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 08:09
Wild Wadi
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 19:20
So would once a day every day be considered Rabbit-ish? Yes. Maybe because I am a mother of two toddlers who are both running off in opposite directions....! Once a day is definitely not an option;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 18:01
Thinks it depend how long they are married. One couple it stated apparently have xxx 6- 7 times a day if I recall correctly . Where do they have the time if they work or one of the couple works, maybe they don't and wonder how long it will last and do they take anything to help that level of activity . They were lying! Who does that day in day out? Agree. That is just not possible!!!!! Surely??????:\:
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2011 - 17:50
Do you think that couples that are at it like rabbits are in fact happy though? I'd have thought they were abnormal and sore. hee hee
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 March 2011 - 12:55
Thanks AnonDubai
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2011 - 06:48
Remeber: THIRTY FLIRTY and THRIVING Enjoy it!!!!!!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 18:01
Absolutely loved "Sons of Anarchy" just watched season 3 and awaiting season 4........
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 18:00
I have my FIL, MIL and my own parents. Obviously I am pretty careful what I post on there, it can be annoying at times but for the most part, it is a nice way to stay in touch. (I tag them in photos of the LO's etc)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 14:05
a bounty bar Me too!!!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 10:04
I loved being thirty (am 34 now). [b'>THIRTY FLIRTY AND THRIVING[/b'>. We are all in this together (ageing) so just flow with it. If you go up against it, you will come off second best. Great things happen in your 30's. Enjoy!!!!! :cool:
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 March 2011 - 09:47
I'd say she is lying. If she has not been paid for months, how is she living and also where is she living? I called her current employer in JBR where she is living and working (illegally obviously). Her employer was a very nice American lady but she seemed oblivious to the fact that what she was doing was illegal.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 13:12
I don't think this maid has given you the full story. Are you sure she hasn't absconded? Hmmmmmm I don't think so but it does sound feasible I guess. I am generally pretty skeptical and consdiering my last experience with a maid I am on full alert. I do not think she was lying, but then again, I am not a human lie detector
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 09:30
Has trouble written all over it! You do realise that you will have to pay him for her don't you? Well I initally thought this. I asked her if this would be the case and she assured me no. She actually worked for over 12 months for him and his family as a maid, before he suddenly left on business and told her he would not be coming back for some time. He is not paying her salary anymore and she does NOT pay him off like I know some of the girls have to do with local sponsors.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 09:27
It looks like English, yet i have no idea what you are talking about :) Me to! Honestly, you have not lived until you have watched Kath and Kim! :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 08:06
Congrats Stovetop!!!!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 07:58
Does anyone know where I can get the measles, mumps & rubella separately in dubai? Am curious - Are these single vaccines available in Dubai? I was always told they are not available individually. Ditto. I enquired about it about 18 months ago.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 March 2011 - 07:23
Very alarming. Interesting how the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano stated "We do not believe it is harmful to human health," Hmmmmmmm, I doubt that very much. Whether the adverse effects are immediate or delayed, I am very sure that there will be repercussions.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 March 2011 - 09:11
Thank you AnonDubai and Clairehdp. I think you both have valid points. It is just a shame as she seems so lovely and I feel she would fit right in with the family. I thought the same thing about the passport, it is strange to have a 3 year. I think I will just tell her to contact me again when she has her passport and we can try and transfer or cancel her visa. I can wait a couple more months for the right person. ;)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 March 2011 - 07:49
Good evening , Disney , can I ask you what was your concern , I have been called for an interview with them next week Thanks a lot I think her brief statement says enough gabo. If you come away from an interview with more questions than answers, well, that is just strange.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 19:09
Le Meridien Al Aqah (Fujairah). The best! <em>edited by Tru Blu on 09/03/2011</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 18:29
My Favourite Brunches are: Grand Grill (maybe not so great with a LO though) Splendido - The Ritz Carlton (child friendly if you are outside - but go while it is still coolish) Dubai Marina Mall The Address Hotel - Medzo I think it is called. (They are particularly child friendly) The Westin (Bubbilicious) very child friendly
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 March 2011 - 09:56
How long would the commute be to Dubai Marina? Any ideas? Much traffic? DH hates traffic. He has it very good at the moment as we are in JBR, I just can't stand the apartment anymore.... hello, what's wrong with your JBR apartment? I've had this theory for a while that JBR is great for visitors, but not so good for people who live there SK Nothing wrong with the JBR apartment, I actually love living here and we have been here for 3 years. My boys just need a garden and I have to admit, I would love to be able to open up a window once in a while!!!!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 19:35
The best money you will spend in Dubai. Do it!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 March 2011 - 09:50
Our 3 bedroom 2e on a corner lot, with big back yard is going around 125k right now. It is listed with Smith & Ken, Better Homes and Engle Volkers. We are moving out by the end of next week. Sorry we are in the Ranches. And the maids room doesn't connect to the house itself. edited by bornconfused on 07/03/2011 How long would the commute be to Dubai Marina? Any ideas? Much traffic? DH hates traffic. He has it very good at the moment as we are in JBR, I just can't stand the apartment anymore....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 March 2011 - 14:23
I am not going to comment on the advert but I would like to say that I took my maid to a buffet at Atlantis and paid full price for her to eat and drink (soft drinks). She went up to the buffet once and all she ate was fruit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I kept telling her to go up and eat some seafood or something, but she just wasn't interested. It was such a waste of money....:\:
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 March 2011 - 15:20
10
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2011 - 10:53
This is no wind up, I promise. We had quite a 'conversation' yesterday. She has this notion in her head that the British let their housemaids do whatever they want. For instance, I have no issue with her going out in the afternoons, as long as her work is done, just let me know when she is leaving. She claims that her friends that work for British families just come and go as they please without having to say anything. In my opinion, I am responsible for you, therefore, I need to know when you are going out. Well you obviously realise she is lying and trying to pull a fast one on you. There is no way she should be doing her work and then going off when she feels, you set her hours and give her a list to be done everyday. Agree with Sticky. In addition, I believe you need to pull her into line ASAP... she is playing games with you....
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2011 - 10:52
How much responsibilty do you give your maid for your kids? My housmaid is very upset I do not give her full responsibilty of my kids. I am a SAHM so I do most things for my kids. Yesterday, she told me I am not really British, as I look after my kids myself, I took huge offence by this statement. What a ridiculous thing for her to say to you. You shouldn't really be having such silly conversations with her. She is your employee and she should not feel so comfortable to say such absurd things.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 February 2011 - 10:49
i think maids are permitted to sleep outside, but i would really think twice before allowing her to do it. she might be staying with a boyfriend, not a relative. i know people who allow their maids to sleep out one night, but personally i wouldn't considering that the employer is responsible for pretty much everything. i explained to our maid before we hired her that she can spend the whole day out, but needs to be home by 7pm, and she was ok with that. but it all depends on what you're comfortable with. i interviewed a maid who wanted her husband to stay the night once in a while and for me it was a big no-no. but somebody else hired her, so obviously they were ok with it. do it, but at your own risk. Fair enough, each to their own. When I had a live in maid she was actually older than me (she was 40 I think) and I would personally have a serious problem giving someone older than me a curfew. It's just wrong! lol <em>edited by Tru Blu on 19/02/2011</em>
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 19:49
Of course! Trust until/if she breaks your trust
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 19:27
Emirates Hills Me too!