VictoriaM | ExpatWoman.com
 

VictoriaM

VictoriaM
562
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 March 2018 - 17:08
He is back in Dubai briefly next week but has couriered the contracts and they may not arrive on time for him to collect with the cheques. After that he will only be here for a matter of hours with no time to collect. What do other overseas landlords do to get their cheques? There must be a way that is safe.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 February 2018 - 21:15
wow this sounds a little bit dodgy... be really careful! make sure you get a proper contract and ejari... just watch he hasn't sold it and is trying to get rent out of you too!
Ha ha, yes, and not the first iffy thing he's done with this renewal. Just been through a major debate after he asked us to make cheques out to him, not the landlady with a mention in the contract and an NOC but (initially) refused to supply a power of attorney, which we understand is the legal requirement. We've stuck to our guns as this can be super dodgy. Very strange as this is a landlord with a lot of experience in Dubai but seems to be doing things in 'unconventional' ways let's say! Likes to have his way, but that's not unusual in Dubai!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 February 2018 - 14:51
wow this sounds a little bit dodgy... be really careful! make sure you get a proper contract and ejari... just watch he hasn't sold it and is trying to get rent out of you too!
Ha ha, yes, and not the first iffy thing he's done with this renewal. Just been through a major debate after he asked us to make cheques out to him, not the landlady with a mention in the contract and an NOC but (initially) refused to supply a power of attorney, which we understand is the legal requirement. We've stuck to our guns as this can be super dodgy. Very strange as this is a landlord with a lot of experience in Dubai but seems to be doing things in 'unconventional' ways let's say! Likes to have his way, but that's not unusual in Dubai! I really don't think he's sold it though, but has told us he is going to and will be giving us the proper 12 months notice (again after we'd insisted on him getting it through the courts rather than writing it into our contract!).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 February 2018 - 11:50
Hi I'd recommend you go to the address he's given in person, and meet the person he has said will be the recipient there. Do NOT send cheques by courier! That's very irresponsible of him to even a...
The package will be in the landlady's name, even though she does not live in Dubai! I asked the landlady's husband (who we deal with) what this villa is and it is apparently where He stays when in Dubai (he is in and out of Dubai). So he will obviously be back in Dubai and picking up the package at some point soon. In which case, why can't he just come and get the cheques and contract in person?! Much safer. Don't also see why we should incur courier charges because he can't be bothered to pick them up! There is no major rush on this as the contract doesn't renew for a month anyway, but given the geographical issues, he is trying to get things done in advance. Is this normal too? We have previously renewed days before the expiry of the lease. In this case the landlord has been pushing for months to get things signed up.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 03 December 2016 - 17:11
Dr Heather has moved to Intelligent Health in Sunset Mall, Jumeirah. Still very hard to get an appointment. I'm still waiting and booked in September! Hope she's as worth it as everyone says she is.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2016 - 09:27
Cant the secondary child go on the bus Gorabattie? I thought they ran a decent bus service up to the Ranches, but then it depends where you are based. Otherwise, I know the parking at drop off is pretty bad - Saw it when I went for the tour.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2016 - 09:23
Cant the secondary child go on the bus Gorabattie? I thought they ran a decent bus service up to the Ranches, but then it depends where you are based. Otherwise, I know the parking at drop off is pretty bad - Saw it when I went for the tour.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 October 2016 - 12:34
Sorry Frazzled - I misred your post. You mean yours need a push and they get it at JESS. That's great news. Is there anything specific about JESS and the way the school works that helps with that do you think? Kids sitting on their laurels can easily be missed.... Also, Do they get enough regular homework to keep them on their toes (but Without going overboard!)?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 October 2016 - 19:22
Hi Frazzled, Hmm, constant prodding, is that by you or the school. If it is the school, then that is very positive as it means teachers are picking up on the need to prod! If by you, then not so good.. Our child is pretty much an all rounder apart from physics! Strong in humanities, languages and maths, slightly less so in sciences.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 October 2016 - 15:24
Anyone have any views as to which is most likely to suit a relatively bright child who does not push themselves without a prod!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2016 - 12:23
I heard they've been closed down by the municipality due to issues with the new fundraising laws. Very sad, but hopefully they will work something out with the authorities and be allowed to operate again.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 August 2016 - 17:34
I thought I heard Baker & Spice is just refurbishing....hope so, such lovely and healthy food (apart from the cakes!) and lovely spot.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 June 2016 - 11:10
Sorry, I meant the water tank cleaning is a job I must get done after the summer. We've been through the AC cleaning thing recently. Just had a service and general clean as the duct and coil cleaning/replacement was too expensive and LL doesn't pay. Might get it done if we renew our lease but not worth the expense when we're unsure.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2016 - 22:35
True, pink diamonds, and it's not even that expensive. A drop in the ocean compared with AC cleaning for example. Must sort this out after the summer.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2016 - 13:22
Just to add, I have checked with our landlord and was told they don't clean water tanks, ever! That's 15 years of no cleaning. I wouldnt dare look in the tank! Ours are on the roof somewhere and no idea which is ours even...
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2016 - 13:20
I asked about responsibility for water tank cleaning on here recently but didn't get any replies. Are you sure it's the landlord's responsibility pink diamonds? I read somewhere that it is a legal requirement but Google couldn't back up that claim!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2016 - 22:07
At Omega in Mall of the Emirates (and probably other places). Very slow though, so doesn't really answer your question. Sure someone will have an idea of somewhere quicker but if wouldn't be an official Omega service centre.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 June 2016 - 15:36
Agree. We moved out of AR when it was a nightmare journey with that horrid huge roundabout at Al Khail. Now it's a quick 15 min hop up Umm Suqeim St and I'm even considering moving back! It's really not far at all vs developments now being built the other side of the old bypass road, really out on the desert. Mind you, I still think of the Villa as being slightly remote though!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2016 - 16:28
We used Skyland, and they knew which were good. They wont tell you anything negative unless you specifically ask though.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2016 - 10:05
Take care with landlords in Jumeirah/Umm Suqeim areas. They vary a lot. Ours is rubbish and doesn't like to spend a dirham if he can get away with it! The agents tend to know which are the compounds with good maintenance, so just make sure to ask the question.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 May 2016 - 12:19
We went to Anantara a couple of weeks ago and didn't have any particular problem with the traffic.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 April 2016 - 13:56
What do you need - part time agency maid or full-time live in?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 April 2016 - 20:56
Questions get moved to other boards with no activity (one of mine just has).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 March 2016 - 11:00
Hi Izzy, sorry only just seen this. My friend has found another solution for this (Easter) holiday, but will bear in mind for future. Re part time jobs, i am permanently in and out of the vets with rescues and have decided today that I would like to actually work with animals rather than continue with my freelance office based work. Do you have any slots? I am just getting ready for a holiday tomorrow so cannot do anything for a week, but happy to talk to you afterwards if you need more pet sitters or other.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 21:27
That's interesting comp99. At least gold jewellery isn't bulky and heavy. Our lady has just had a huge crate of stuff picked up by the cargo company tonight, including rugs, rolls of wallpaper, crates of Coca Cola!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2016 - 21:11
Public transport probably not (really not feasible with small kids, especially in summer). But there are loads of primary schools in residential areas, so walking is definitely an option outside of the hotter months at least. If you live in the Jumeriah, UMm Suqeim area then you could live close enough to walk to one of the schools (we were 5 minutes walk from ours) eg JPS, Kings, JEss Jumeriah, EIS. Or in the communities there is JEss in Arabian Ranches, Arabian Ranches Primary in Arabian Ranches 2, Victory Heights Primary, DBS in Springs/Meadows, a new school in Jumeirah Park (can't remember which), Jebel Ali's new site in Akoya from September. Plenty of options. You just have to be careful to make sure you have school places first before deciding on where to live. Secondary school and proximity can be far more of an issue, but then many secondary kids use the school buses. Of course, tHere is always the option of using school buses for primary too, but that is not necessarily something you may feel comfortable with when the kids are little...
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2016 - 22:51
Looks that way Silvstet! Is it usual for maids to buy up stuff from Dubai to take back home? I wouldn't know as she's our first long-term maid (we packed the first one off very rapidly so no chance for her to shop!). It seems odd to me as we found SL so cheap when we went. Oh well, it's her money at the end of the day, and not really our business.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 19 March 2016 - 15:41
Ha! Nice of you to say so, but not always lovely:I was recently flamed on here over the same lady's medical expenses. I have still not paid for further medical investigations as the lady concerned won't do what she's told and keep away from anything that will aggravate her back/shoulder condition either in or outside work. I have hired a Part time lady to spare her the heavy duty cleaning, but she then complains she has hurt her back again dragging heavy items she has bought home (3 times). I'm afraid my sympathy waned a bit. Will see what anyone else has to say about advances. I suspect the next request will be an advance on her end of service bonus! I think the reality of going back home and having no income may be hitting. It stuns me that maids don't seem to plan ahead to this day. Apologies for the rant - I'm very bored of all this!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 March 2016 - 14:09
Izzy, how are you with administering medicines to cats?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 March 2016 - 17:43
Definitely not the same I'm afraid - this one is red/orange and yellow.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 February 2016 - 22:46
Thats useful to know Izzy. I'll make a note of your service. Ive only ever used Homelypetz (??) a few years back, but in far more straightforward circumstances. We now have lots of cats that cant be left int he same room without supervision and have different dietary requirements! a bit complicated for a poor cat sitter!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 February 2016 - 15:01
Update: turns out its actually ligament damage in the shoulder (with pain radiating to back) rather than a back injury. Good news for her - no one wants a back problem. We are trying different medication and a week off housework to see if that resolves it or not. failing which we will ahve to visit the orthopedic surgeon for further treatment (injection of some sort, MRI ..). One step at a time - not too expensive so far, though for speed sake I had to take her to our clinic. Guess the outlook depends on how badly she has sprained the ligaments. Fingers crossed for her sake its not too bad. Re going home, she said she just wants to go home because at the moment shes no use to us and feels bad about it, not because she particularly wanted to go. I think travelling and dealing with luggage would be challenging in her currency condition.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 February 2016 - 09:50
I've realised you ae right ladies and have booked a doctor's appointment for our maid this morning. My conscience kept me awake all night! My own work will just have to fit around it. Poor lady really cannot work, and trying is quite possibly making it worse. We will get her an X-ray and an initial indication and take things from there. But I agree with you Sheikhandbake, that we should probably try and get her home. It would be pretty miserable to be sick and stuck in a maid's room away from any family. She has no one here. Not sure boarding the pets/getting a pet sitter would be any cheaper Sheikhandbake - we have quite a few plus fostered rescue cats, and they can't all be left together. Our maid also has her own cat living with her, which I will have to try and rehome. It's not straightforward... I'll try the service you mentioned and see what they can do.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 29 February 2016 - 09:50
I've realised you ae right ladies and have booked a doctor's appointment for our maid this morning. My conscience kept me awake all night! My own work will just have to fit around it. Poor lady really cannot work, and trying is quite possibly making it worse. We will get her an X-ray and an initial indication and take things from there. But I agree with you Sheikhandbake, that we should probably try and get her home. It would be pretty miserable to be sick and stuck in a maid's room away from any family. She has no one here. Not sure boarding the pets/getting a pet sitter would be any cheaper Sheikhandbake - we have quite a few plus fostered rescue cats, and they can't all be left together. Our maid also has her own cat living with her, which I will have to try and rehome. It's not straightforward... I'll try the service you mentioned and see what they can do.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 21:19
No, the initial back episode was just a few weeks ago when she was doing her shopping in Lulu. So it hasnt been going on that long. And no we do not have health insurance for her. It is not yet complulsory and we just havent got round to it to be honest. She has generally been in very good health, and I have simply taken her to our clinic on the one occasion necessary (an animal bite, and yes I did rush her there immediately in that case). We are aware that health insurance becomes compulsory in June - a good thing that will prevent situations like this one. I appreciate and accept what many of you are saying. I have urgent work deadlines and unless it really is a life or death situation then I cannot take the time out until after tomorrow. This may sound selfish and inconsiderate, but that is the reality of my work, and whilst potentially serious, I dont believe this is a life or death scenario. Our maid is fine one day and not the next, and also plays it down when i suggest taking action, so it is hard to gauge and manage the severity. We both agree (maid and I) that it is probably not something as serious as a slipped disc as if it were she would be flat out on her bed in excruciating pain unable to move. We have back issues in our family and that is my experience at least. She has said the same. I am not sure about the healthcare in Sri Lanka. She seemed to think she could have decent care and the investigations she needs. At the same time I dont want it to get worse, so will take her on Tuesday and manage her workload in the interim. She only has one day to get through, and she can spend the day resting if needs be.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 16:48
EEk, she has just told me she actually heard her back go a few weeks ago when she lifted loads of packs of water in a hurry (whilst doing her own shopping). I hadnt realised she had actually heard something. Does that sound like a slipped disc or something? I would imagine she would be in excruciating pain if so.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 16:35
Horizon mum, the reason we need her to stay for a little while (it's not actually the end of her contract, which is End June, we are us being as flexible as we can be) is that we are away twice in the next month and we have pets to look after. Otherwise I would let her go ASAP. But I'd don't know if I can find someone else in time for next week's business trips!! I am trying however, and have just called an agency. If we do need her to stay for a few weeks then maybe we do need to do something on the medical front. Her condition seems complicated,s so I wasn't sure we could really achieve much in a few weeks, plus obviously the cost issues. But maybe we could at least get them to X-ray her spine in Dubai at a reasonably priced establishment as a start. I know you have given me some good pointers as to where to take her, and I will have to do so later this week I think.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2016 - 22:11
Thanks for your suggestions ladies. I will see how she is over the next few days and take her early next week if no improvement.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 February 2016 - 15:02
No, Im not going to take out insurance for her now. Where are these cheaper clinics eg Aster?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2016 - 15:16
PS the Gap Bermuda shorts were either blue denim or white if I recall rightly. I was looking for larger girls sizes though, so may be different.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 February 2016 - 15:15
Yes, Gap do have Bermuda shorts in stock - just in I think. I checked in store yesterday (MOE).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2016 - 18:42
Ah, I wish I'd seen your post earlier Sarahlou. We've just out similar granules to Draino down our problem loo. Draino was actually recommended to me by someone else in our compound - a few people have been using it here regularly! yikes! Nanny girl, isn't that the same sort of chemical you're referring to? I couldn't see anything specifically for toilets in the supermarket.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 February 2016 - 21:34
The very sweet checkout lady in Waitrose told me to "take care madam - it's raining out there"! As if I was going to be swept away in the deluge! Mind you it was all pretty dramatic with the rain hammering on the roof of the car and Waitrose itself and bright forks of lightening.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 February 2016 - 19:13
Thanks for replying on this delightful topic! A couple of flushes doesn't work - it needs the plunger (which does works). I was just really wondering if there was anything else that could be done to stop it happening in the first place eg unblock a potential blockage. Shadowmist has addressed this. Sounds like a mucky job - wouldn't it be one for a plumber or maintenance guy? Don't fancy this at all...and sounds like our maintenance chap doesn't either! Sarahlou, does the hot water trick actually clear things for the future or just until the next time?!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 February 2016 - 16:31
There is a list of new schools due to open in September on Which school advisor. There are quite a few, different curricula (English/US/Indian).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 17 February 2016 - 16:24
Any plumbing experts out there?! Looking for a solution to Dubai toilets that don't flush and get blocked constantly. Common problem I know, so maybe someone has found a product that works or is there something a maintenance company should be able to do? Our maintenance guys just tell us we're using too much paper and can't (won't?) do anything about it. Is that right or should we get a second opinion?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 16 February 2016 - 11:16
I come from Bristol. It's a great city, just the right size, lots going on, quite arty and creative, some beautiful housing/architecture. And it's in a nice part of the country with lovely countryside just outside. Not the cheapest city, but better than being in the south east. know nothing about Wolverhampton...
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 February 2016 - 22:35
Bit of a mixed bag then, as expected (from my huge sample of about 3!). I asked a couple of real estate agents the same question today and was told there are quite a lot of heated compound pools around (chiller fairly unusual). It seems like such a shame to have these sparkling inviting pools sitting there unused (complete with lifeguard Comp99!).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 February 2016 - 12:35
Thanks Sarahlou. Never seen a thermometer in ours (not suprisingly - could be a shock!). Both the management and I have asked the owners about heating but they have not bothered responding to either of us. I find it a bit odd when even the managers can't get a reply from the owners. Anyone have any experience of heated compound pools? A friend of mine's is, but I think it is quite rare?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 February 2016 - 10:32
I don't think you can have a part time sponsored maid. It's either part time via an agency, as Sarahlou says, or full time sponsored. Of course, if you have a sponsored maid it's up to you how many hours a week she works, so you could I suppose have someone working short hours, but you'd probably still have to pay them as though they were working full time. If they worked part time for you, they would probably want to work part time outside your home, which is illegal and could result in a big fine for you.
 
 
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