VictoriaM | ExpatWoman.com
 

VictoriaM

VictoriaM
562
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 July 2015 - 08:32
The stylist totally calmed down after passing all her stress on to me! So it felt safe for her to go ahead. She really did focus whilst I sat there seething! The salon was also very quiet, despite what the stylist was saying, so i didn't get the feeling she was going to rush through. The salon owner is usually very present and I would say it is well managed, from what I've seen and heard. But I didn't see her yesterday so maybe she is absent and hence the problem. The only other time I've made a tiny comment on their comment form I got an immediate and very concerned call from the owner. Not yesterday! I think she'd be mortified if she knew. Anyway, let's see if they get in contact today. If not I'll be calling them later. Do hope they get their act together - I've got a lot of loyalty points to spend there and don't really want to lose them (but will if I have to - without some proper action to remedy I am still not inclined to go back).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 21:16
It's a shame as she is a good stylist. New to Dubai and perhaps finding it a little challenging. Much like my last stylist who went home suddenly after only a short while here. It's a salon that has a reputation for treating it's staff well though, so I am surprised at the moaning. It is indeed totally unprofessional.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 19:14
Sarah Lou I was! I don't think she'd brought her stress into work - her stress was work related. She said she needed a holiday blah, blah, stress, hours...not something to discuss with your clients or take out on them. So far I've heard nothing back from the salon. Will send another asking them to at least confirm receipt.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 16:30
And yes I agree that a free haircut would be a great gesture.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 30 June 2015 - 16:29
Thanks Daza, and apologies for the rant!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 14:20
Can you Shop and ship toiletries Sarahlou? I thought I'd read it could be a problem..
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 13:10
I don't think you can buy them here unfortunately. Always get mine when back in the UK.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 11:00
Try posting it on the Bin Kitty Collective facebook page. They're very knowledgeable and helpful and may have other suggestions too.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 June 2015 - 08:43
Great idea Mrsmoo! She has brought us presents from Sri Lanka, so I would feel even more guilty! I woke up this morning ready to drop it again, but this way she won't lose out but at the same time I've made my point, as you say. I really don't think she is taking the micky. Another maid in our compound told me she had told them how kind and generous we had been to her recently. So I think (hope) she appreciates it.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 June 2015 - 21:24
The news is she is back! I haven't actually seen her as we've been away, but I have spoken to her and either she is back or we have a mysterious ghost that does the washing (I like!). Came back quite happy to forget the whole thing - water under the bridge, it is the month for acts of kindness etc, but You are probably right that it is worth deducting the extra flight cost purely to make a point and take a stand. She is not going to starve as a result, and she does need to stop causing stress and additional cost to her employer. I've no idea either if she's taking us for a ride or not. She always seems genuine and very grateful. I think she is a warm hearted woman who just doesn't think things through properly or think of the consequences, nor does she know what she wants all the time. Her plans are always changing, ehoch makes life quite tricky sometimes. But compared to some of the stories I hear regularly of maids stealing and lying we probably have it easy!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2015 - 13:32
I think it's genuine - she sounded very laid back on the phone, like she's in Sri Lanka mode! We wouldn't normally pass on the cost. As you say, it's little to us. But I think we need to make a stand as we've paid out such a lot for her recently (we shipped her cat out to Sri Lanka with her at great expense) and need to make her see it's not a bottomless pit! Oh well, we'll see, maybe we'll back down if you really think it's mean!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2015 - 10:31
We have and they have rescheduled for tomorrow morning at a small charge, that we will be passing on to maid! Just one drama after another. She clearly didn't check the ticket, just THOUGHT it was x day at x o'clock. Oh dear!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 26 June 2015 - 09:54
Lol, see what you mean!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2015 - 16:42
Same here GE. My doc's told me that women of 'a certain age' like me need 8 hours a night. Have never had 8 hours a night until now.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 25 June 2015 - 16:23
Thanks Crissy. No, mine's not locked either Sarahlou.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 19:20
Update: so I've managed to get my Blackberry SIM cut down to nano size to use in my Dubai iphone. GreAt. So now I can swap the SIM cards over when I get to the UK and continue to use my old UK number and contract. Thanks Cowboy for suggesting that - very quick and easy solution! And the phone clearly wasn't locked. I may still call Orange (or EE as it is now) to ask about SIM only packages if it will be cheaper. They can still send me a new SIM card after all. One thing I don't quite understand if you are using 2 SIM cards in one phone is what happens about Whatsapp? Can j set it up again for the UK number as the current one will be linked to the Dubai number?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 13:47
No - couldn't rely on anything much!! Will check with Du - didn't know that was an option, but is a good idea.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 13:12
Isn't it good in Ramadan because it's a free zone and all the restaurants Nd cafes are open? DH keeps saying we should go over and meet him.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 11:13
Cowboy, how do I know if it's locked with Du? And if it is, then presumably I won't be able to use any Uk SIM card in it...
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 11:01
Chrissy, that sounds like an even better option for me as I already have an Orange contract and number. I will give them a call and see if they can send me a new SIM card to the friends we are staying with first. We will also be elsewhere in Europe, so that would be great if it makes that part cheaper too. 3 also sounds like a good option SEY. I'll check that one out if the Orange idea doesn't work out.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 June 2015 - 09:21
Yes Clare, and with a maid to look after poor Sir! Cheeky Monkey, 23 beds, that's quite some achievement!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 22:19
I'm rubbish with that sort of thing too Buddha, so will also need someone to set up for me. We land at Heathrow though, but I'm sure we'll find similar options. Thanks again.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 22:17
Apart from very squashed, we'd probably all be bored stiff on a sun lounger for weeks at a time...or maybe not! Good thing we have all these beautiful idyllic places on our doorstep the rest of the year for short little hops to make up for the summer grand tours! Looks like I'm far from alone in our extensive tour. Stay sane all you ladies in the same boat, and let's all enjoy catching up with distant friends and family.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 17:37
Lucky you SIlvstet. If they are elderly and/or in poor health it's not quite that simple unfortunately. We have 2 key family members (stepmom and brother) with serious back conditions who can'tt go on flights over 2 hours, so can't wait until they come here.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 17:33
Sounds like just what I need ladies. Thanks very much. Buddha, is there a particular phone shop at the airport you got yours from and any particular carrier?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 16:16
Thanks chezmoi. Where did you get your SIM and is it a pay as you go? That does seem like a straight forward and cheap option. I think the iPhone 6 takes a nano SIM, but I'm sure they can advise if I take it I to a phone shop in the UK.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 16:10
I sympathise Clare! We are in a similar boat and I too say never again but then find I have no realistic option. Family that is spread out geographically and can't, in many cases, travel for valid reasons such as advanced age or bad backs. We are in 5 different UK cities in the first week! no wonder I'm feeling daunted. To be honest it does get better after that first particularly difficult week though. Your trip sounds particularly arduous. Some family members can, and are, coming to us, but most can't. It's also not necessarily easy to put people up, especially when you're staying with someone else or in small rented accomodation. So unfortunately MaryCatherine, planting ourselves centrally would not work. Day trips would not be possible as the family is too spead out - a central point would still be 2 hours plus drive from both sides of the family. Never mind, at least we are fortunate enough to be able to see our family. It is always lovely to see everyone, even though it is exhausting , as you say Claire.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 15:28
SaraLou, I was thinking further about it and realised I don't actually want to stay here either because of the heat, so agree with you on that one. Perhaps living out of a suitcase is the lesser of two evils! I am sure that like you I will enjoy it once I get there, just that at this instant the thought of all the to-ing and fro-ing, driving, organising, coordinating, rushing around with kids and luggage doesn't sound very appealing! Hope the weather is indeed on the turn. Saw a Friend's Facebook page yesterday and they were still dressed in jeans and boots holding their umbrellas!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 15:12
UK ladies, just wondering what you do phone-wise when you go back home For holidays? I have a Uk phone/SIM card and contract which I have always just switched over to when in the UK. However,the phone seems to have suddenly died a death! The SIm won't fit in my Dubai phone as one is an old Blackberry and the other an iPhone 6. I'm thinking about options and wondered what everyone else does. Can I get a new UK SIM to fit my iPhone and if so will it work in my Dubai iphone? Or will I need to buy another phone over there (don't want to have to do this on cost grounds if it can be avoided). Also, pay-as-you-go versus existing contract? I've not had to think about this before as I've just let the contract run, but will need to do something now! In the past my Dubai phone has not worked in the UK so I've had to rely on the UK one. It should work (set up for roaming) but doesn't.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 June 2015 - 14:39
Am I the only one feeling overwhelmed by the thought of a nomadic summer spent living out of a suitcase travelling around the UK (or whatever your home country is)? All booked but don't want to go, at all. Totally stressed thinking about it all. We've done it before, that's how I know what it's like! I have to travel to family for various reasons (health/age) so have to do the obligatory tour. Hard isn't it, especially when we have to do this on our own, leaving husbands behind. Anyone else feel the same way?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2015 - 10:36
Or the Villa (the Villa Project), which is very close to DSO and very good value large villas, 4 beds and up.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2015 - 10:34
You could also look at Mudon - good value there.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2015 - 09:35
No, other way round - Arabian Ranches is more expensive than DSO (and most places for that matter!).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 21 June 2015 - 09:33
Notepad, yes and no. There is always friction between her and our daughter. neither of them mince their words! But she is honest, responsible and hard working, which I do value. I know these traits can be hard to come by. She is not perfect, not the world's best cleaner, and has caused stress with changes of plan (staying/going) and adopting stray cats. Husband and I have decided to give her another year (her visa is due for renewal in July) and change next year if necessary. I think the pluses and minuses are starting to balance out so it might be worth considering alternatives next year. We have tended to think better the devil you know, but I have felt less stressed in some ways without her around. That must be telling. Pink Lily, yes we did know, but it is easier to turn a blind eye when she is here and can always find tho bs for us. We have more occasion to dig around in cupboards when she is awAy. She always gets things for us because we can never find anything (for obvious reasons). gryfindorner, thanks for confirming what I was suspecting ie that yes you do have to give specific instructions about tidiness and then monitor. I have been a bit 'laissez faire' as she is an experienced maid. But I think what some of us tend to forget, as you say, is that we all have different standards and requirements.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 June 2015 - 13:09
I bought some decent red and white grape vinegar in Jones. It's a Spanish brand I think, called Med. No idea if they are still selling it, but worth buying if so.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2015 - 10:04
What is Lift and laminate Marsbar? I'm in the same position age wise and nearly run out of what I was using so looking for recommendations to. It's so hard to just browse amongst the different brands here as you are instantly approached and get the hard sell. I was waiting till summer in the Uk for a little bit of unencombered browsing the beauty section in Debenhams at home! Funny how there you can never find a sales assistant when you need one, here you get an army following you. Last time I ventured tentatively into one of this beauty products shops here I spent a fortune on Chanel creams - it was so expensive I had to lie to Hubbie for weeks! Can't afford to fall into that trap again. The creams are nice just v expensive and probably not worth the money.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 June 2015 - 10:40
Our landlord in AR had a maintenance contract in place. It's not always as good as it sounds though, as it depends totally on the quality of the maintenance company concerned! If he does take out a contract just make sure it's not Farnek. As an aside, glad to see you've gone for accomodation closer to school and how lucky to have found somewhere furnished!
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2015 - 18:30
There are very, very few furnished places around. It will really limit you if you restrict yourselves to furnished places. I've only ever seen the odd one.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 04 June 2015 - 15:14
You know you're right - we do spend absolutely crazy amounts on food, it's true. And I wouldn't be surprised it they comment on it amongst themselves. But we have the money to do that. I don't want our maid frittering her relatively little money away, but at the end of the day it's her money to do what she wants with. And yes it does seem to be a cultural thing and a totally expected thing to do. Apparently everyone expects a present from the country you're working in. Brie, she doesn't have a cat now, hurray! Her family will be looking after it. It's a stray she just started feeding and it became her cat. She adopts anything that miaows - 3 so far. Hope she is clear no more as it's taken so much money and effort to rehome them.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 20:15
Yep! She called on arrival to say everything ok, and has since texted me her Sri Lankan mobile number.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 19:38
In total, her excess baggage cost more than her plane ticket (some of it being for her cat).
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 19:33
About AED1,100
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 18:35
Visnakova, turns out she had 2 cases, so neither was over the individual weight limit. When we went to check in, Emirates didn't give her even a kilo extra for free - they charged her for Every single gram! So we would actually have been better off buying the excess on line, but never mind. She seemed quite resigned to paying it all, even though I told her she was crazy. I mean honestly, she took dog and cat food with her. I said "so they don't have pet food in Sri Lanka" and got some story about it being a present from Dubai for the dog!! As if the dog knows the difference. Absolutely insane, but its her money and her decision. She is 42, not a child, so should be able to make her own choices.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 02 June 2015 - 13:59
Hi Wind777, You are still going for Oceana then despite feedback on your other thread regarding the location versus school?
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2015 - 11:04
Are you sure it's that fast? I know a child who does that route every day and I thought the parents said it was about an hour on the school bus. They stopped using it in the morning as it was so long and such an early start. That is for secondary though - not so bad for an older child. Our daughter is going to school in Academic City too in September and will have a journey of 50 minutes on the bus from Jumeirah. We will see how she fares and move closer if necessary. Again it's secondary and that is a bit different to primary. The kids enjoy the bit of independence and time with their friends on the bus (so I'm told anyway). If we were arriving in Dubai now with a school place in Academic City I definitely wouldn't choose to live as far away from school as we do now, and certainly not on the Palm. But if you are adamant that is really where you want to live then you could always try it and move once your 1year lease is up if it doesn't work out. Personally I think it's too far for a young child to have to do that journey every day. However I do understand what you are saying about living near the sea. I felt the same.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 May 2015 - 11:04
Are you sure it's that fast? I know a child who does that route every day and I thought the parents said it was about an hour on the school bus. They stopped using it in the morning as it was so long and such an early start. That is for secondary though - not so bad for an older child. Our daughter is going to school in Academic City too in September and will have a journey of 50 minutes on the bus from Jumeirah. We will see how she fares and move closer if necessary. Again it's secondary and that is a bit different to primary. The kids enjoy the bit of independence and time with their friends on the bus (so I'm told anyway). If we were arriving in Dubai now with a school place in Academic City I definitely wouldn't choose to live as far away from school as we do now, and certainly not on the Palm. But if you are adamant that is really where you want to live then you could always try it and move once your 1year lease is up if it doesn't work out. Personally I think it's too far for a young child to have to do that journey every day. However I do understand what you are saying about living near the sea. I felt the same.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2015 - 21:27
Yes I agree it does sound rather suspicious if you don't know the details! It's a long story - basically she WAS leaving for good, hence taking her cat and worldly belongings. A month or so ago she changed her mind and decided she wanted to work for another year or two. She didn't mind if the cat went to her family now or stayed with her. It was actually me that decided we might just as well go ahead and move the cat now we'd started the process (with related costs). I want shot of it for various reasons tbh. Yes I'd be suspicious too if she was insisting on taking the cat! The huge amount of luggage is pretty much all presents apparently. I'm not hugely bothered about her coming back or not, apart from the timing (just befire we leave for summer so very inconvenient as I need a pet sitter), especially as it's nearly the end of her contract. She has big pluses but also some negatives like being unbelievably changeable which causes a lot of stress!! I think she probably will come back as she has a conscience, but as she changes her mind from one day to the next ther is certainly a decent chance she won't. We will see...
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2015 - 14:14
Yes hopefully they may turn a blind eye Gladys, thats encouraging to hear. That's why I'd don't want to buy it online, even though it's cheaper, as it is possible they will waive some or all of it. Wicked angel her visa expires early July so she is coming back to Dubai (if she comes!) about a week before expiry. That doesn't sound like too much of a problem If she doesn't show then, visa wise at least.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2015 - 12:55
Can they do saliva tests for other hormones too? I'd heard from a friend that you can't do that here and have had mine done by blood tests, which isn't always the best way for hormones.
VictoriaM
562
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 23 May 2015 - 12:53
That seems to be right Frazzled. I didn't realise though because the allowances on the websites of Sri Lankan air and Emirates are the same, 30kg. Our maid says she is always allowed 40 kg regardless. I presumed she was just lucky but maybe it is actually an unwritten rule. I tried to book her on Sr LAnkan air, as normal, but was unable to this time as we have the added complication of her taking her cat back to Sti Lanka and SL air wouldn't let her take it excess baggage, only cargo, which is much more expensive. That's why she had to fly Emirates this time, and is therefore unprepared for the difference in baggage limits. But normally she does fly SL airlines and does not have this problem, so shouldn't have it in the future either. We don't mind helping her out either - she is a trustworthy hardworking maid. But we have already shelled out quite a lot to get her adopted cat ready to go to SL (about aed2,500 before we've paid the excess baggage for him to go on the plane) which I think is really enough to be honest.
 
 
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